Help Fuel the Future of Innovation and Business Support

19th May 2025

VFS is a not-for-profit collaboration, powered by people, organisations, and businesses who see the true value in backing innovation and creativity. Our mission is simple: to help brilliant ideas grow, connect people with opportunity, and bring real economic value to the region.

We don’t just run events—we help start, scale, and showcase the South’s most exciting businesses and brightest ideas. From high-growth start-ups to game-changing research, VFS is where the region’s best thinkers and doers come together.

Over the past eight years, we’ve:

Supported thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs
Delivered sold-out showcases, including the annual Festival of Innovation
Built a powerful partnership of public and private sector organisations
Helped create real economic impact and cross-sector collaboration

Join an Established Network of Supporters

By getting involved now, you’ll be joining an incredible group of existing partners and supporters—organisations like the University of Southampton, Solent LEP, Carswell Gould, DSTL, South Hampshire College Group, and many more.

“We got involved with VFS because we could see the energy and creativity behind it—and we knew it was a network worth backing. The access to other partners and talent across the South has been a huge plus.”
— Rebecca Whitehead, Blake Morgan LLP

Explore who’s already on board: Meet our Board and Partners

Now Seeking a New Chair

We’re also on the lookout for someone to take on the role of Chair of the VFS Board—a high-profile leadership opportunity for someone who believes in innovation and wants to give back to the ecosystem.

The Chair helps steer our not-for-profit work and represents the voice of our partners. This includes:

Chairing 4 board meetings per year and helping set strategic direction
Supporting the delivery team with guidance and decisions
Representing VFS at our showcase and across regional activity
Championing innovation across public and private sectors

“I’ve been part of many business networks, but few match the openness and positive energy of VFS. There’s a real sense of doing good and creating value—not just for businesses, but for the region as a whole.”
— Tim Beere, Openshaw & Co.

Why Get Involved Now?

We’re growing fast—and the opportunity to shape the next phase of VFS has never been greater.

Video and storytelling packages to promote your organisation and purpose
Visibility at the Festival of Innovation through branding, stands, speaker slots
Connections to start-ups, scale-ups, educators and investors
Content support, regional media opportunities, and access to BUS Magazine and Tech Awards platforms

And for a limited time, we’re doubling the benefits of any new partnership commitment—so if you join now, your impact goes even further.
Even if the funding comes later, you can commit today and start benefiting immediately, with visibility running from now through to April 2026.

Sound like something you—or your organisation—should be part of?

To find out more about partnership options or to express interest in the Chair role, contact:
📧 engage@venturefestsouth.co.uk
🔗 Explore VFS Partner, Sponsor and Exhibitor Options