Investing in Equestrian Innovation

Innovation, entrepreneurship and investment might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of Scone Palace International Horse Trials, but behind every successful event is a community of ambitious people looking to build equestrian businesses, create opportunities and back the next generation of ideas.

On Friday 28 August, Mint Ventures, Scotland's female-led angel investment community, joins forces with Weatherbys Private Bank to host an exclusive afternoon within the Members Area exploring innovation, entrepreneurship and investing.

Set against the backdrop of Scotland's only international horse trials, the event will showcase two / three exciting equestrian businesses and open the door to conversations about angel investing, with particular focus on how more women can become involved in supporting and benefiting female-led businesses.

Ahead of the event, we caught up with Gillian Fleming, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mint Ventures, and Ed Harvey-Jamieson, Senior Private Banker at Weatherbys Private Bank, to find out why they have chosen Horse Trials as the perfect setting, why this conversation matters, and what guests can expect from the afternoon.

The audiences of Mint, Weatherbys and Horse Trials have clear synergies. What made this partnership feel like such a natural fit?

EH-J: Weatherbys has been deeply entwined with the equestrian world for over 250 years, and the business has continued to innovate and evolve whilst keeping true to our DNA. We now provide our clients with banking, investments and planning advice, helping families navigate the challenges and opportunities of wealth - with women increasingly taking the financial lead.

GF: Mint Ventures focus on making investing in early stage companies accessible to women through education and provides the opportunity for men to co-invest in these exciting unlisted companies. They back purpose led sustainable businesses with at least one women in the leadership team in the under-funded sectors such as pet care, retail, health beauty and wellbeing, tourism and creative industries.

Why is it so important that more women become involved in investing?

GF: More women making investment decisions will shape a different future economy, and change the flow of capital to broadens the range of companies supported. We know that women are up to 50% more likely to back other women and invest in the under funded sectors where women are more likely to start up which includes companion animals and pet care. During this event we will have some exciting companies from the equine and pet care sectors talking about their journey along with an explanation of the significant tax breaks available for this type of investing.

EH-J: Investing is not yet as gender-blind as eventing, but we are changing that. Greater female participation in investing brings different priorities, broader perspectives, better decision-making and stronger financial outcomes. Empowering more women to invest helps build long-term financial confidence, resilience and influence, benefiting families, communities and the wider economy.  

Innovation within equestrian and pet sectors is evolving rapidly. What excites you most about this sector?

EH-J: Scotland has the largest concentration of animal science expertise in Europe.  There is enormous opportunity to commercialise this world-class science but there is a need for more capital from early stage investors to get businesses off the ground, and that is where events like this can have real impact.

GF: Veterinary, companion animals and livestock innovation world class research takes place in UK Universities however taking this to market with the early stage funding has not been so successful. There is a need for more capital from critical early stage investors to take the companies to the next growth stage. The companion pet market is so relatable as so many households have pets as part of their family and we want to ensure we make their life as happy as possible.

Apply today to be considered for one of the limited complimentary places.

If you're curious about becoming a shareholder in early stage unlisted companies, passionate about equine or pet innovation, and would like to join us in an inspiring afternoon of conversation and learning, we'd love to hear from you. Places are limited and applications will be reviewed.

Applications to attend are now open on the Mint website:

Apply for a ticket now >

Why Apply?

Successful applicants will enjoy:

• Exclusive access to this invitation-only event
• Full-day admission to Scone Palace International Horse Trials Members Area throughout the day
• The opportunity to hear from experienced investors, and equestrian and pet entrepreneurs and innovators
• A chance to learn more about angel investing and how Mint Ventures supports women to learn how to invest in early stage companies
• Informal networking with like-minded people, business founders / leaders and investors
• Drinks reception following the discussion

About Mint Ventures

Mint Ventures is a women-led angel investment group making angel investing more accessible to women and co investing with men in purpose led businesses with at least one women in the leadership team to access that critical early-stage capital to grow. 
https://www.mintventures.co.uk/

About Weatherbys Private Bank

Weatherbys Private Bank provides personalised private banking, lending and wealth management for individuals, families and businesses, combining more than 250 years of heritage with specialist expertise, including the equestrian sector.
https://www.weatherbys.bank/