Good old-fashioned face-to-face. The value of an in-person meeting.

Founded by a team of industry veterans— Jim Odell, Justin Urquhart Stewart, Paul Newsham, Martin Taylor, Michael Mcdowell, and Tony Backhouse—Regionally Ventures is committed to bridging the funding gap for high-growth regional businesses across the UK. With 70p of every £1 traditionally invested in London, regional businesses represent a valuable, yet often overlooked, segment of the market.

By Martin Taylor, Investment Director at Regionally Ventures.

I have been involved one way or another in this industry for over 20 years and I can tell you that when it comes to investing in regional businesses, numbers and pitch decks can only tell you part of the story.  At Regionally Ventures, we firmly believe in the adage that ‘People Invest In People’ and that success lies in relationships—the real, face-to-face kind.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the strongest investments are built on trust, mutual understanding, and a genuine sense of connection. And while digital tools like Zoom are of course valuable, there’s no substitute for stepping into a business’s space, meeting its people, and experiencing its culture firsthand.

Beyond the Pitch Deck

A pitch deck may present an impressive growth curve, but it doesn’t tell you how a team collaborates under pressure, or how a founder’s vision translates into action on the ground. During COVID-19, remote-only due diligence became the norm, but many of the businesses that relied solely on virtual meetings struggled to live up to their potential.

That’s why, whenever possible, I make a point of meeting founders in their own environment. Sitting across from a leadership team in their boardroom gives me a far better sense of their strengths, challenges, and opportunities than any call or slide deck ever could.

It’s About the People

At the heart of every regional business are the people working hard to drive it forward. As investors, we’re not just buying into a product or market; we’re buying into the individuals who will deliver the vision. Are they passionate? Resilient? Are they the kind of people we can work with to help their business thrive?

Last week, during a panel discussion for the Hungarian Business Alliance on regional growth, this idea came up again and again: great businesses are made by great people. When I meet a founder or leadership team, I’m not just evaluating their business potential; I’m asking, “Can we add value here? Can we work together to grow something exceptional?”

Adding Value, Even When It’s Not the Right Fit

There are times of course when a business isn’t quite right for us—whether it’s a mismatch in expertise or simply down to timing. But at Regionally Ventures, we believe in building relationships regardless. If we can’t help directly, wherever possible we’ll take the time to refer founders to someone who can. Our network and market knowledge are resources we’re happy to share. Helping others costs nothing, but it can still create potential opportunities down the line.

This mindset doesn’t just benefit founders; it also reassures investors. By doing the legwork to meet people, assess opportunities, and understand the nuances of each business, we save investors valuable time and ensure we’re only recommending opportunities we truly believe in.

Why Face-to-Face Matters Now More Than Ever

In a world increasingly dominated by remote communication, the human connection stands out. For regional businesses, especially, it’s essential. These enterprises often have unique strengths—local market knowledge, close-knit teams, and deep roots in their communities—but those qualities can’t be fully appreciated from behind a screen.

By meeting in person, we can build deeper relationships and gain a holistic understanding of the businesses we work with. And in return, founders see us not just as investors, but as partners who are genuinely invested in their success.

Final Thoughts

At Regionally Ventures, we know we can only take on so many businesses at a time. That’s why we focus on the ones where we know we can make the biggest difference. And the best way to determine that? Meeting the people behind the businesses, in their own space, and truly getting to know them.

People invest in people. It’s as simple—and as powerful—as that.

Get in touch if you think we can help your business source its next round of capital.