Sowing the seed

Finance South East has launched a £5 million Seed Fund to provide an alternative source of funding for ambitious companies seeking business development opportunities. The fund is financed by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and partners from the public and private sector. Money is offered on a commercial investment return basis and will focus on those firms with the highest potential for success. Companies will need to demonstrate a clear competitive advantage over competitors and commercially viable intellectual property. Ideally they will be able to have a product or service ready for the market with strong evidence of demand. See www.seeda.co.uk.