Lisa Smith

Chief Executive Officer

2023 - Current

I strongly believe that innovators come in all shapes in sizes, and it is only by tapping into 100% of the Midlands’ talent pool that we can turn the UK into a global scientific superpower. Through Midlands Mindforge, we want to leverage the incredible work already taking place in the region to create the conditions where local university spinout and start-up businesses can genuinely flourish. By helping create a financial ecosystem for entrepreneurs, we can help showcase the Midlands’ talent to the world – and bring the world to the Midlands. The university partners Midlands Mindforge work with have already shown an incredible commitment to work together to solve the underlying problem faced by spinouts and start-ups struggling to expand: a deficit of funding and financing opportunities. Am delighted to have the opportunity to work with these institutions, and our other partners in the region, to provide a growth platform for the world-class science and tech work taking place across the Midlands.

Advisor

2020

Carbon13 is the venture builder for the climate emergency - a great founder-first programme helping us solve our climate emergency.

Chairperson

2015

Novel platform technology about to disrupt the food packaging industry.

Seed Investor

2022

We have a heard of 40 beautiful elephants that need a home. The journey has officially begun with sales agreements on our first 6,000 Ha. What a learning curve! Now we are focused on fencing this gorgeous piece of wilderness next is community development - lots to do to use regenerative agriculture to help restore our eroded land.

Senior Associate

2015

Managing Director

2019 - 2023

Btomorrow Ventures is an entrepreneur first investment platform, accelerating the transformation of BAT

Non Exec Director, Chairman

2016 - 2020

Ananas Anam Ltd develops, manufactures and sells Piñatex™ an award winning textile manufactured from waste pineapple leaves!

Co-Founder, CEO

2016 - 2019

Kraydel is a platform that helps people be more independent and remain in their own homes for longer, providing peace of mind for relatives. Our platform socially connects people to their family, friends, carers and local community. We support people return home from hospital earlier, delivering the professional overview needed for recovery.

Co-Founder, Interim COO

2016 - 2016

CEO & Senior Advisor

2015 - 2016