Discovering Start-Ups finalists pitch to 20 leading wireless industry investors

Twenty ambitious wireless entrepreneurs and start-ups will get the chance to pitch their new technologies and business plans to senior executives from companies including RIM, Vodafone Ventures, Qualcomm, Google, Orange, London Technology Fund and Silicon Valley Bank, at the finals of Discovering Start-Ups 2012 next month.

Friday, 19 October is the last date to submit a free entry to the national competition and win the unique opportunity to present to 20 of the world’s leading venture capitalists, angel investors and wireless industry leaders.

This year’s UK-wide Discovering Start-Ups competition is organised by Cambridge Wireless and Silicon South West. The finals will take place on 21 November in London.

Judges for the competition include: Gordon Beveridge, Principal, Scottish Equity Partners LLP; Ivan Boyd, Head of Business Engagement and Operations, BTID; Carson Bradbury, Founder and Chief Executive, EMAnetworks; Clennell Collingwood, Investment Director, TTP Ventures; Denise De Bilio, RO Seeds Manager, R&D UK, Orange Labs; Gerry Kelliher, Senior Director, UK Sales Operations, RIM; Libby Kinsey, Investment Manager, Nesta Investments; Miles Kirby, Qualcomm; David Leftley, Principal, Vodafone Ventures; Joe Smart, Relationship Director, Silicon Valley Bank, UK Branch; David McMeekin, Chairman, London Technology Fund; Leo Poll, Business Development Officer, Philips Innovation Services; Kumi Thiruchelvam, Director, Strategic Business Development, Broadcom; Anthony Tomlinson, Software Engineer, Google; Colin Watts, Investment Director, Oxford Capital Partners; Peter Cowley, Board Member, Cambridge Angels; and Jason Ball, Director, Qualcomm Ventures.

“Once again, we are delighted that the investment community and wireless industry is giving Discovering Start-Ups 2011 such great support that reflects the quality of entrants in previous years and the competition’s reputation for showcasing innovative technology as well as British talent and entrepreneurship,” said Soraya Jones, Cambridge Wireless CEO.

“Where else would a start-up business get the opportunity to get in front of such an impressive line-up of investors and wireless experts?” says Simon Bond, founder of the Silicon South West industry network. “We would encourage as many companies or individuals to get their free entry in before the deadline.”

As well prestigious Discovering Start-Ups trophies, the five winning start-up companies will receive a £500 cash prize sponsored by Qualcomm Ventures and a free delegate ticket to Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona provided by UKTI, along with the opportunity to present at the Future of Wireless International Conference next July and a year’s free membership to SETsquared – to the total value of around £5,500.

For a full list of judges and entry forms, please visit: www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/dsu.

Photo credit: Cambridge Science Park by Howard Chalkley via Flickr