In 2023/24 alone, 43 SMEs supported by the Catapult collectively raised £90 million in private funding. Since its establishment in April 2019, we've helped 263 tracked SMEs secure a total of £455 million in investment.
February 24, 2025
Innovating is complex and difficult. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy – it needs to be tested in the real world.
There are risks to mitigate, complexities to navigate, and it is also crucial to demonstrate viability and value. Even then it might not be ready for the market.
Yet helping SMEs on their innovation journey can transform industries, drive economic growth, and help tackle global challenges. Scaling these ground breaking ideas into commercially viable solutions requires more than just ambition – it demands strategic guidance, robust networks and targeted investment.
“Connected Places Catapult is one of the best places to come and test and validate your product, and build networks. It’s like a window with access to investors and other incredible people. It’s their job to build other people’s dreams, and there is no other initiative I know where the motive is so pure. It’s also a great place for investors to come and learn.”
Arnold du Toit, investor and founder of WeSprint, 2024 Celebratory Event
Supporting SMEs across all stages of their journey to investment readiness.
Connected Places Catapult supporting SMEs and Start-Ups between April 2023 to March 2024.
THE CHALLENGE
SMEs are the backbone of innovation in critical sectors like transport, energy, and the built environment.
However, their potential to scale and attract investment is often hindered by key challenges:
Market alignment: Many SMEs struggle to align their solutions with real-world market demands and identify untapped opportunities, limiting their potential for investment and growth.
Investment barriers: Innovative SMEs often face difficulty in crafting compelling business cases and financial models, making it hard to attract the necessary funding.
Scaling challenges: Turning innovative ideas into tangible, scalable solutions require significant resources - funding, infrastructure, and partnerships – that many SMEs lack access to.
“The more innovative your solution, the harder it can be to attract investment due to perceived risks.
Mathieu Bellanger, Founder, of Lightricity
OUR APPROACH
Connected Places Catapult helps SMEs tackle key growth challenges by delivering tailored support that prepares them to be both market-ready and investment-ready.
Our tailored approach spans the entire innovation lifecycle – from research and technical development to real-world trials, testing, and investor readiness. By addressing every stage, we ensure that SMEs are equipped to turn their vision into reality.
We also offer financial modelling guidance and create opportunities for SMEs to showcase their solutions to potential investors and clients through events and platforms.
Through accelerator programmes, open funding opportunities, and tailored introductions, we connect SMEs with key industry players and investors.
By bridging the gap to the right resources and networks, we accelerate their growth and help them successfully enter the market.
Download the full case study to explore SMEs' success stories and learn how we can support your business too.
