FinTech Wales Investment Conference

Agenda

9:30 AM – Tea & Coffee on arrival

9:45 AM – Welcome from FinTech Wales

10:00 AM – Navigating the Landscape of Funding in Wales

Panellists:

• Jessica Phillips-Harris, British Business Bank
• Duncan Gray, Development Bank of Wales
• Phil Sampson, PwC

Hosted by Sarah Kocianski, FinTech Wales

10:45 AM – Break

11:15 AM – What are VCs and Angel Investors Looking For and How to Get Investor Ready

Panellists:

• Sophie Winwood, Foxe Capital
• Claire Mongeau, Founders Factory
• Simon Bell, Angel Investor
• Johnnie Martin, Investor

Hosted by Sarah, Kocianski, FinTech Wales

12:00 PM – Lunch

12:45 PM – Workshop: From Seed to Success: Navigating Debt Financing

Overview:

In the fast-evolving world of being a startup or scaling organisation, securing the right funding is paramount for sustained growth and success in an efficient way. This 45-minute workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of alternative, non-equity funding options tailored for FinTech and Tech businesses, guiding founders and financial leaders from the earliest stages of development all the way to an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

By the end of this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of the debt financing landscape at various stages of your business growth. You will gain practical knowledge of different funding mechanisms, key terms, and strategic considerations, empowering you to make informed decisions to fuel your success from seed to IPO.

1:35 PM – Workshop: Understanding Your Finances Ahead of Raising Investment

Overview:

This 45-minute workshop is tailored for fintech and tech founders who want to strengthen their financial knowledge before seeking investment.

The session will focus on two core areas that are critical to investor readiness and financial planning, providing founders with practical tools and insights to make their businesses more appealing to potential investors.

1. Financial Foundations for business

• Overview of Key Foundations: Address the financial foundations that drive all businesses forward and how fast growth companies need to build these foundations to grow and gain momentum
• Tech stack – yes! Some accountants know what a tech stack is…. we will help you understand the “app” eco system from Xero to Sage and everything in between
• Core Financial Statements: Brief introduction to the three essential financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow) with a focus on why each matters to investors – also key terms like burn rate, churn, CAC, ROI, serviceability, MRR, ARR etc. etc.

2. Preparing for Financial Projections and Investor Expectations

• Creating Realistic Financial Projections: Founders will learn to importance of credible financial forecasts that align with market and growth strategies. The session will cover basic projection components and tips for accuracy.
• Investor Expectations and Financial Red Flags: Practical advice on how to present financials that demonstrate scalability and stability while avoiding red flags like inconsistent cash flow or unsustainable burn rates.

Through expert insights and real-world examples, this workshop will help founders understand the foundational financial elements investors expect and how to present their financial story confidently. An interactive Q&A session will follow, allowing participants to seek advice on their unique financial situations.

By the end of this session, founders will have a clearer view of the financial groundwork required to approach investors successfully, helping you build strong, investment-ready businesses.

2:15 PM – Break

2:30 PM – Workshop: Identifying a Good Investment Offer

Overview:

This 45-minute workshop is designed to help founders understand the key elements of an investment offer and what to look for when evaluating potential deals. Whether you’re preparing for your first round of funding or have already raised capital, this session will offer practical insights on how to assess the terms and structure of an investment to ensure it’s the right fit for your business.

The workshop will focus on two core areas:

• Investment Structure: A review of the common investment structures, including equity financing, debt financing and convertible loan notes. The session will explain how different structures impact company control, future fundraising, ownership, and company and shareholder tax positions, helping founders choose the right model for their business growth.
• Key Commercial Terms: A breakdown of the most critical terms founders should investigate in an investment offer, such as equity stakes, control rights, liquidation preferences, anti-dilution provisions and share option pools. Understanding these terms is essential for founders to negotiate fair deals and protect their company’s long-term interests.

Through real-world examples and expert insights, attendees will learn how to spot red flags, understand investor expectations, and strike a balance between raising capital and maintaining the long-term viability of their company. The workshop will close with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to ask specific questions related to their own investment scenarios.

By the end of the workshop, founders will have a clearer understanding of what a good investment offer looks like and how to confidently evaluate and negotiate offers that align with their business goals.

3:20 PM – Workshop: Exploring a Partial or Full Exit: Maximising Your Business Worth

Overview:

This workshop is tailored for tech and fintech founders seeking to understand the value of a partial or full business exit. RBC Brewin Dolphin’s wealth management experts will explore not only how to optimise a liquidity event or exit, but also how to manage and protect personal wealth pre and post-exit.

Attendees will gain insight into:

1. The decision to sell: Key factors that might drive an exit or partial exit, and the things to consider beforehand.
2. ‘Magic number’ analysis: What’s your ‘magic number’
3. Personal wealth management: Tax-efficient strategies for protecting and managing your personal finances pre and post-sale.
4. Navigating post-exit life: How to balance liquidity events with long-term financial goals, as well as the psychology of life post exit.

The session will provide a view of both business and personal wealth considerations, empowering founders to make informed decisions at every stage of their business journey. The workshop will close with an interactive Q&A, offering participants the opportunity to seek guidance from RBC Brewin Dolphin’s experts.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to put in place a strong foundation for long-term financial security.

4:20 PM – Networking: Drinks and Fireside Chat with Aviva

Special Guests:

• Arslan Hannani, Innovation Director, Aviva
• Paul Welsh, Head of Innovation, Aviva

5:30 PM – Close