£300k Investment Pledged by UK Investors to help entrepreneurs with stress-free video pitch

Three leading UK entrepreneurs have pledged more than £300,000 in a bid to find the best hidden investment gems around the nation, on a site that gives business owners the ability to upload video pitches asking for investment and mentoring.

Business site pitchfor.it was launched in January 2013 by Peter Hart who’d previously shaken hands on a £100,000 deal with Duncan Bannatyne in the Dragons’ Den for another business. The service is free at present for entrepreneurs hoping to attract interest in their business ideas.

Making up the investment fund, £250,000 has been put in by Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and Markco Media founder Mark Pearson. ‘Apprentice’ contestants and entrepreneurs Leon Doyle and Ruth Badger have pledged £30,000 and £20,000 respectively. The three entrepreneurs have committed to casting their eye over every pitch uploaded over the coming weeks. Founder Peter Hart has also committed to investing £10,000 of his own money.

The pitchfor.it Investment Fund is intended to demonstrate to business owners that there are experienced investors willing to pledge their money to find hidden gems from around the world.

Other investors interested in expanding their portfolios are also invited to view all video pitches for free. Registered users simply contact entrepreneurs who interest them about opportunities to invest and mentor through the site.

Pitches are categorised and added to each business’ individual profile page, which also details specific business information and the investment opportunity on offer.

Talking about his involvement Mark Pearson, founder of Markco Media said: “As a regular investor, any way to find interesting businesses to invest in is hugely appreciated. I’ve decided to pledge at least a quarter of a million pounds to the Pitchfor.it investment fund as I want entrepreneurs to know that I’m serious about finding great ideas through it. Whether one business comes along and I invest all £250,000 into it, or spread it across a number of businesses, I’m keen to find great people to work with and the site gives me the platform to do that; all they have to do is upload a pitch.”

Peter Hart, founder of Pitchfor.it, had the following to say: “To have seasoned investors put their money where their mouths are and help create the Pitchfor.it Investment Fund is fantastic. If business owners are in the market for investment, there really is no reason to not upload a video pitch.

“Having just about withstood the heat in the Dragons’ Den, I wanted to create a service that made it easier for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to potential investors but without all the nerves that can turn a great business idea into a terrible pitch and, with the investment fund, Pitchfor.it is hopefully the answer to many business owners’ prayers!”