Queen Mary Social Venture Fund Pitch Competition 2024: Celebrating Social Entrepreneurship and Student - Led Impact Investing

QMSVF is the first student-led social impact venture capital fund investing in student-led social ventures in the UK, empowering the next generation of social entrepreneurs and investors from diverse backgrounds. Attended by nearly 100 attendees from a diverse background from students, aspiring entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to seasoned industry professionals, the event showcased the SBM Entrepreneurship Hub’s dedication to fostering the growth of social entrepreneurship and student-led impact investing.  

 The QMSVF Annual Pitch Competition provides an opportunity for ambitious student entrepreneurs to share their innovative ideas and business progress with a greater and more diverse reach of audience. Over the past year, QMSVF's student investors have been tirelessly looking out for mission-driven startups that align with the fund’s mission and investment strategy. After rigorous evaluation by investment committees, seven exceptional startups emerged to compete in the finals: Phytavaren Technology, Carbon Cell, nuNature, Team Repair, Nestwork, Recycle Lab, and Intotum.  

Hosted by student investors Hisham Omer and Grace Wainwright, the event ran exceptionally smoothly and engagingly throughout the evening. We also had the pleasure of having Min Bhogaita (startup mentor and former director at Deloitte), Rebekah Kasumu (Partner and Head of Finance at LocalGlobe); and Ved Nathwani (QMSVF’s alum student investor) joining us as the judges.  

Following the wonderful pitches delivered by all finalist startups, the founders shared invaluable insights gleaned from their entrepreneurial journeys during the fireside chat hosted by student investors Sean Kelley and Mika Sudjarwo. In a thrilling conclusion, Carbon Cell emerged triumphant, securing QMSVF’s £15,000 investment and future support. Additionally, Phytavaren Technology captured the hearts of the audience, earning the People's Choice Award. 

Dr Joanne J. Zhang, Reader in Entrepreneurship, Director of QMSVF and The Entrepreneurship Hub at the School of Business and Management, said, “I am thrilled to witness the culmination of handwork of the 4th cohort of QMSVF student investors. Once again, I am impressed by all student entrepreneurs’ ingenuity and endeavour to tackle social challenges.”  

Liz Lee, co-founder of Carbon Cell said, "Myself and the rest of the Carbon Cell team are tremendously excited to receive support from the QMSVF. The entire process of working with Student Investors and pitching alongside a stellar lineup of fellow startups has been tremendous, and we're thrilled that we will get the chance to continue working together in future. This support will go far in helping us to pilot our product with customers and gather evidence to support our novel material development." 

Find out more about the Queen Mary Social Venture Fund (QMSVF)