KPMG has taken the role of lead sponsor of the SiliconIOM Entrepreneur Event series, and hosted a second private supper at the Claremont, supported by fellow sponsors IQE and Continent 8 Technologies, on Wednesday 24 June.

Minister Laurence Skelly opened the evening with words of appreciation of the event stating the Isle of Man Government is “keen to promote enterprise” and to create “an environment where business and the individual can flourish.”

Entrepreneurs were given six minutes to pitch their cases to a group of local business luminaries, retired senior executives and high net worth residents, then a further two minutes to open to the floor for a Q&A. Later during Dinner, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to discuss their businesses in greater detail with guests in a more intimate and relaxed environment.

Charlotte Mason and Steve Hawkins, SiliconIOM, continue to connect early stage and start-up businesses with Isle of Man mentors, NEDs, and investors across several different business sectors including tech, pharma, bio-med, and manufacturing. Charlotte Mason, SiliconIOM co-founder, said of the evening, “We are delighted to run another entrepreneur supper in the Isle of Man, and are truly appreciative of the support from Minister Skelly, KPMG, IQE and Continent 8 Technologies. Five super pitches later, the room was abuzz from our biggest turnout ever, with more than seventy guests, thanks to growing popularity. Attendees have commented on how impressed they have been with the entrepreneurs’ pitches. We look forward to returning on the 10th September for the next event in the series and welcoming new faces.”

The calibre of entrepreneurs was very high. Thomas Anselmino, Founder at Culture Key, told guests that his journey started as a hobby two years ago, originating from his own experiences and frustrations as he struggled to find a ‘single source platform’ for culture events and reviews, especially with a mobile-first approach. Culture Key’s prototype App (iPhone only) was launched as a cultural events discovery app for London and has received thousands of downloads to date. The app was also featured as a ‘Best New App’ in the Apple App Store and featured by The Evening Standard, City A.M., and Buzzfeed (‘a must for art lovers’). Thomas said of the entrepreneur event, “It is very generous that the sponsors here are able to host the event, being able to come to the Isle of Man and pitch in this environment is very unique.”

IQE's Managing Director, David Karran, said "IQE are delighted to support the SiliconIOM events on the Isle of Man. The most recent event at the Claremont Hotel showcased a wide range of business ideas that were ingenious and presented with real passion to a 'sell out' audience. The SiliconIOM event provides IQE with a range of potential investments for our international client base and also provides an opportunity for the Isle of Man to demonstrate why it is a world class environment for businesses to locate and develop."

Roberta Castle, Account Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: "Continent 8 has supported these great local events that have successfully attracted new business to the island for the last 2 years. We are delighted to see the interest, both locally from investors and internationally from entrepreneurs, continues to grow. This is an excellent opportunity for any local private investors to consider an alternative investment option and on many occasions get involved in shaping these start-up companies."

“KPMG advises clients at all stages of development. It is vital to the island’s future that it is associated with innovation and new thriving businesses. There is no better way to do this than by attracting high quality start-up companies and the entrepreneurs behind them to the Isle of Man. For this reason, KPMG is proud to sponsor this event and we look forward to working with these entrepreneurs and those visiting the island in each of the sessions ahead”, said David Parsons, Partner, KPMG Isle of Man.

The ‘Entrepreneur Supper’ events run by SiliconIOM are generally held quarterly in the Isle of Man, and the next takes place on Thursday, 10 September 2015. If you would be interested in attending, please contact Katie Richardson at KPMG.

Photo-  Guest Speaker, Laurence Skelly.