Midven man highlights technology successes to Thai investors

A BIRMINGHAM businessman turned UK trade ambassador to highlight to Thai venture capitalists the highly innovative work being carried out by technology businesses in the West Midlands.

Andrew Muir, investment director of Midven’s Rainbow Seed Fund, shared his experiences in financing the growth of such companies as part of a UK Trade & Investment mission to Thailand.

The mission, Innovation, Industry and Investment: The Thailand-UK Experience, involved representatives from the UK and Thai universities, government advisors and high technology businesses.

The event, held in Bangkok, was also attended by the British Ambassador to Thailand, Asif Ahmad, UKTI’s former director for Asia.

Mr Muir said: “Midven has an excellent track record of helping its portfolio companies to raise additional growth capital. My presentation focused on Midven’s experience of financing and building early stage companies, as well looking at the specific role of venture capital in the innovation process.

“An important part of this trip was representing the UK industry in the global market and forging links with our colleagues internationally.

The Rainbow Seed Fund provides investment to support business start-ups in the public sector science base and has been responsible for investing more than £1m in West Midlands companies since its launch in 2010.