The investment calendar year: Where timing is everything
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.
With Christmas just around the corner, now is a great time to take stock and start thinking ahead to 2025. Whether you're aiming to secure funding or want to make some smart investments, knowing the natural rhythm of the investment year can give you a real advantage.
We spoke to Michael McDowell, Regionally’s Investment Director (Northern Ireland) and co-founder of Raise Ventures to hear how his year will unfold:
January – April: Wrapping Things Up
The start of the year is usually a flurry of activity, with funds and angel investors wanting to finalise any outstanding deals before the tax year ends. For businesses seeking investment, this is the time to make sure everything is in order: A pitch deck that stands out, financials that add up, and a growth plan that demonstrates both the potential and resilience of your business.
For investors, this period is about making decisions—whether to move forward on opportunities you’ve been considering, or to walk away.
April – August: Open Season
A new financial year brings fresh opportunities. This is prime time for networking and exploring new possibilities. For those looking for investment, it’s your chance to make an impression. Attend relevant events, meet potential investors, and make your business the one they can’t ignore.
For investors, this is when you're actively looking for the next big thing, meeting founders, and getting a feel for the current market.
August – December: Deep Dives
August tends to be a quieter month as most of us take some time off during the summer holidays, but as the year winds down, it’s all about the details. Investors focus on due diligence, scrutinising numbers, assessing risks, and deciding which deals can realistically close before year-end. Naturally, some will spill over into the new year, but being prepared and quick to respond could make all the difference.
For businesses, it’s about staying sharp—ready to answer questions, maintain momentum, and pushing those deals across the finish line.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Get Ahead
It might feel strange to start planning next year when Christmas is just around the corner, but this is actually the ideal time. We recommend using the quieter festive period to get your ducks in a row. Whether it’s refining your pitch deck, mapping out next year’s networking and events opportunities, or strategising your investment goals, a little prep now means you’ll be ready to hit the ground running come January 2025.
Do get in touch if you’d like to explore how Regionally Ventures can support your investment journey.