Vantus Angels was built to back exhibition and conference founders. We focus on people we can back in businesses we understand.
— Edition
A platform for exhibition and conference founders building category-defining trade events across the UK.
We believe that the exhibitions industry is at an inflection point. The founders who move now, who find the right people and technologies, can build platforms that will define the coming decades in the industry.
How We Work
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Founded by operators and investors who have both launched, scaled and exited exhibition businesses and raised and deployed capital for investors. We aim to bring capital, contacts and hard-won pattern recognition to every investment we support.
Exhibitions, conferences and trade events only. We seek to invest exclusively where we have deep pattern recognition, venue relationships and buyer knowledge.
Hands-on engagement from the start. We intend to assist with venue strategy, CRM systems, AI spine deployment, sales methodologies, operational playbooks and capital raising.
Every investment is structured with exit pathways from day one. We aim to leverage our knowledge of trade acquirers, exit valuation drivers and what buyers want.
We seek to utilise EIS and SEIS eligibility for qualifying investments — structuring capital efficiently for both founders and the investors we bring to the table.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are UK government-backed programmes designed to encourage investment into early-stage companies by offering significant tax reliefs to qualifying investors.
Vantus Angels aims to structure each qualifying investment for EIS or SEIS eligibility.
— What's Included
Why Vantus
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01 — Tax Position
We structure for qualifying status from the outset and pursue HMRC Advance Assurance for every eligible investment.
02 — Operators & Investors
45+ years of combined experience launching, scaling and exiting exhibition businesses — and investing client capital across the cycle.
03 — Discipline
We invest exclusively in exhibitions and conferences. Deep passion, experience and pattern recognition — applied repeatedly.
04 — Long Term
We aim to build a portfolio of category-defining exhibition brands, structured for growth and eventual trade exit.
Our Network
With a core of Angels who have founded and exited their own shows, we have drawn in and seek to maintain a broad mix of investors — all passionate about early-stage shows and the opportunities available in exhibitions and events.
10+
Venture Partner Angels
45+
Years Combined Experience
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Sector Focus
Network profiles publishing soon. 10+ partners, all with direct exhibition industry experience.
Enquire About MembershipSectors We Back
Leadership
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Co-Founder
Co-Founder
James has spent over 20 years in the exhibitions industry, launching and scaling trade events across advanced manufacturing, energy and defence sectors. He has built, operated and exited exhibition businesses, giving him first-hand understanding of what founders face at every stage.
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
Neil brings 25+ years of investment experience across early-stage capital, structured equity and exit advisory. He has deployed client capital alongside founders through every part of the cycle and brings a deep understanding of what acquirers reward.
Insights
Pattern recognition from launching, scaling and exiting trade events — published periodically for founders and investors in our orbit.
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Status — In Development
Contact
We are always interested in speaking with ambitious founders in the exhibitions and conference sector.
Get in Touch