Doug Richard, gave a light hearted look at the investment industry and an account of his experiences and sometimes risky approach to building and selling software companies. He addressed delegates at Merseyside ICT Software City conference on 13th November.

Famous for his role in BBC Dragons Den and founder of Library House and Cambridge Business Angels. Mr Richard commented, “VCs are looking for one thing and one thing only – a return on their investment. If you do want to bring a VC in, you need to recognise a mechanism of exit.”

Vodafone’s Curt Hopkins reminded us that slow responses to new enquiries are a sure way to lose business and that many businesses are guilty of it.

A selection of young, up and coming software companies were questioned by a panel of experts including Liverpool Seed Fund's Darren Gowling, who probed the new companies on markets, competitors, technology and ambitions.

Companies presenting included Liverpool Seed Fund backed Host Telecom, which enables corporates to use mobile phones as a media for brand building in a way that has never before been available.

Steve Smith Merseyside ICT Director noted the sheer quality and breadth of leading edge software developers in Merseyside and the superb facilities which they enjoy within the region, including premises and a wealth of creative, highly qualified people.

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