Business

Ormeau Baths announced as Belfast’s 'angel hub'

Ormeau Baths on Ormeau Avenue in Belfast is the location for a new 'angel hub'
Ormeau Baths on Ormeau Avenue in Belfast is the location for a new 'angel hub' Ormeau Baths on Ormeau Avenue in Belfast is the location for a new 'angel hub'

The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) has announced it has established a new 'angel hub' at the Ormeau Baths in Belfast.

Business angels provide capital for a business start-up and in the UK collectively invest an estimated £1.6 billion per annum.

An angel hub offers opportunities for both existing and would-be angels to drop in and learn from fellow investors, attend training workshops, develop new syndicates and to meet and potentially invest in local entrepreneurs.

Members of Ormeau Baths and the wider Belfast ecosystem will benefit from a rich programme of content that is designed to help grow their business, including mentoring and guidance, pitching events, coffee mornings and fireside chats.

The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) is the national trade association for angel and early-stage investment, representing over 200 member organisations and around 18,000 investors.

Steve Pette, co-founder of Ormeau Baths said: “There is growing belief in the flourishing tech and digital business community that already exists in Northern Ireland and the addition of UKBAA’s angel hub will help to further expand the reach of local startups and bring new companies to the attention of business angels, all of which will deepen the opportunities for Northern Ireland business growth.”

Jenny Tooth, CEO of the UK Business Angels Association added: “Angel investors bring so much value to startup and scaleup businesses and by partnering with Ormeau Baths we are creating a dynamic environment for these crucial relationships to flourish. This new angel hub should also attract new investors to engage with the entrepreneurial community here in Northern Ireland.”