4 | Aycliffe Today Business
NEW VENTURE LAUNCHED
TO BUILD BUSINESSES
Launched by Newton Aycliffe-based
entrepreneurs, Craig and Norman Peterson
(pictured), GrowthFunders has a wealth of
experience behind it.
Both Craig and Norman have supported
entrepreneurs who are looking to raise
capital, acting as mentors and providing
strategic advice to a range of high growth
businesses.
Growthfunders, the North of England’s first
online equity crowdfunding platform based
on Aycliffe Business Park, has been launched
to match ambitious entrepreneurs with great
business ideas to a range of investors to
create and grow exciting businesses.
The site allows businesses and ideas with
high growth potential to garner support from
a wide range of investors, including angel
networks and early stage venture capitalists
(VCs).
Growthfunders also opens up access to
this exciting asset class to a wider audience
of suitably-qualified online angels, or the
eponymous “crowd” who can experience
,
investing alongside more experienced
investors.
“Entrepreneurs can get their businesses in
front of potential investors who in turn are
excited to play their part in supporting a new
wave of Great British businesses.
“Depending on personal and company
circumstances, investors can receive up
to 78% tax relief on SEIS-compliant deals.
Investing in this way was previously available
only to wealthy individuals – think Dragons’
Den - but GrowthFunders’ unique structure
means that suitably-qualified individuals can
become online angels and invest from as
little as £100.
”
The co-founders have recently completed
exams with the Chartered Institute of
Securities and Investments as part of their
continuous professional development.
GrowthFunders is the first platform designed,
built, and unveiled by the Petersons’ firm
GrowthCapitalVentures.
A technology-led financial services business,
GrowthCapitalVentures develops and
operates online investment and capital
introduction platforms.
The company has formed a strategic
partnership with a leading London-based
Investment Management Firm, Linear
Investments, who are authorised and
regulated by the FCA.
Co-founder Norman said: “The aim of
GrowthFunders is to streamline the
fundraising and investing process.
BE PART OF
THE HUB
You can be part of The HUB
business community from just
£25 a week, with offices to cater
from one up to 20-man teams.
Co-director Craig added: “The interest up to
this point has been fantastic. We’re working
with some very talented entrepreneurs and
are excited about the next 50 deals we have
in the pipeline that will be listing on the
platform over the course of 2014.
”
For more information, or to register, visit
www.growthfunders.com
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE
FROM JUST £25/WEEK
_ OFFICE SPACE
_ VIRTUAL OFFICES
_ CO-WORKER HUB
_ MEETING ROOMS
T 0845 805 7422 W hubworkspace.com
HUB Workspace – part of the CARLTON & CO GROUP
The platform lists business from all stages
of growth and all sectors. Anything from a
start up in the technology sector with highgrowth potential, to an established business
which has been successfully operational for
six years and has the potential to list on the
stock market in the near future.
_ EVENTS
_ NETWORKING
_ ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
_ BUSINESS SUPPORT