#VFS25 Review from our Chair, Ed Gould
On 12 November, the Utilita Bowl was bursting with innovation, energy and opportunity. The Venturefest South Festival of Innovation (#VFS25) was not only our biggest event to date, it was our best by a mile. Over 1,300 people registered, 60+ businesses showcased, and every room was alive with ideas, pitches, connections and proper commercial potential.
A massive shoutout too to our incredible partners and supporters. VFS isn’t just an event. It’s a not-for-profit, partner-powered platform. And without the brilliant organisations listed here, (The list is long but none of it would be possible.
It’s taken me a few days (WEEK) to come down from it all and recover. The inbox has been full of kind words and heartfelt thanks — not just to me, but to the full VFS team, the delivery crew, and the amazing partners who power this thing all year round. So, before anything else, a huge thank you to my core team — Shirley Wynne-Jones and her team Jamie Moran , Martyna Cieslinska, Emily Braybrook , James Nethersole and the all legends at Carswell Gould. Also the ever fabulous Timo Peach FRSA , Fred Bassett (FRSA), Robin Waldman and team. You made magic happen on the day.
What really struck me this year was the sheer demand. Everyone — from grassroots founders to big industry players — wanted in.
VFS is more than a festival. It’s a thriving ecosystem that gives people access to the support, funding, exposure and belief they need to grow. It’s open, inspiring and unlike anything else in the country. Maybe even the world. (And yes, I’m biased, but I’m not wrong.)
And it’s not just about that one day. In 2025 alone, we’ve delivered 40+ partner and “rumble” events, shared stacks of support and funding opportunities, and reached tens of thousands of businesses through our content and website. We’re a connector for growth, every day of the year.
This year, Carswell Gould and I were chuffed to bits to win the Growth Catalyst Award for our work, in part with VFS. It’s helped us go beyond the day job and beyond the profit margins. Being part of VFS is personal for me — it fuels our passion for shared prosperity. It just makes sense. It’s useful, rewarding and totally worth every mile travelled and every penny spent.
Over the last nine years, we’ve helped tens of thousands of businesses grab opportunities they might not have had otherwise. We’ve funded places for start-ups and scale-ups to show off their brilliance.
We’ve even helped some pretty big names rethink how they engage with the supply chain and the talent on their doorstep. That’s impact.
I was really please we were able to put commercial creative innovation and Southern Creative Catalyst right at the heart of Venturefest South this year because we believe creativity isn’t just part of the innovation story — it is the story, and it deserves centre stage in shaping the future of our region.
People like Charlie Gray, who pitched at our Open Mic in 2022 and is now running a high-growth business after securing £2 million in investment. That journey started on the VFS stage. And on the other end of the scale, we’ve helped companies like BAE Systems, DSTL and Blake Morgan get closer to local talent, plug into innovation, and move forward with purpose.
That’s why I do it. That’s why we do it.
Because I honestly believe that this part of the world is the best place to turn a great idea into a brilliant business.
So where next?
In 2026, Venturefest South turns ten. A full decade of sparking ideas, backing businesses, and driving innovation in the South. And we’re planning something even bigger, better and bolder.
But we need your help to do it.
Right now, we’re looking for:
- New partners and sponsors who want to back regional innovation and get real impact in return
- Speakers, investors and content creators who want to be part of the 2026 programme
- Founders, innovators and business leaders who want to pitch, showcase or grow with us
- Organisations ready to connect their audiences and amplify the ecosystem
If that sounds like you — don’t wait. DM me. Drop us a line. Connect through the website. Let’s have a chat.
Now is the perfect time to step up, plug in and help shape the next chapter of VFS.
We’re not just marking a milestone. We’re making a statement.
Let’s show the world what this region is really capable of.
