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Why LVIN Matters

Unlocking Capital for Loughborough’s Innovators

Loughborough Venture Investor Network (LVIN) exists to close a persistent funding gap for UK-based early-stage businesses, particularly those linked to Loughborough University. Many innovative ventures with strong potential, and the capacity to scale, struggle to secure capital during their critical first stages. LVIN is designed to change that.

By unlocking early investment, we enable startups to execute their plans and reach the market faster and more effectively. This approach not only accelerates growth but strengthens Loughborough’s position as a leader in inclusive, innovation-led investment.

Why Loughborough?

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Loughborough fosters a powerful network of alumni and supporters, industry leaders, founders and experts who want to give back by supporting new entrepreneurs at the start of their journey.

To connect these communities, we’ve established two complementary programmes:

  • Loughborough Venture Mentor Service (LVMS):
    Matches Loughborough-linked founders with alumni mentors who provide guidance and expertise. LVMS runs a range of curated opportunities to meet founders and fellow mentors, designed to be flexible to your availability. Contact incubator@lboro.ac.uk to learn more.

  • Loughborough Venture Investor Network (LVIN):
    An investment network that connects early-stage businesses from Loughborough’s ecosystem with alumni investors. LVIN is delivered in partnership with Haatch Ventures, ensuring a seamless, FCA-compliant experience for both founders and investors.

Both programmes are supported by Loughborough University’s business incubator, LUinc., as part of Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) – Loughborough’s collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that helps new founders start, grow and succeed.

To run LVIN, we’ve partnered with Haatch; an award-winning pre-seed and seed-stage fund manager. While we collaborate operationally, LVIN and Haatch maintain distinct investment theses. Their track record of scaling and exiting high-growth companies is strong, with an active portfolio of over 150 companies. Haatch is committed to increasing capital for early-stage UK founders including as a partner of the British Business Bank.

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