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Brilliant Firms Seek Further Backing And Show Growth In Packed Demo Day Event
Business & Invest | Published on: 19th March 2026
Growing businesses making their mark have pitched for investment and backing after reaping the benefits of a unique support programme.
No fewer than 14 promising firms offered presentations at a Demo Day at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday (17 March) as part of the Forge accelerator programme.
Business growth festival Climb UK also hosted the first of their UK Roadshows during the afternoon which will culminate in their annual festival in July.
Part of the Tees Valley Labs programme, the Forge has been a 12-week experience for businesses in our region – offering one-to-one support, mentorships, expert guidance from major firms and funding to help them scale-up.
The firms pitching to a packed audience on Tuesday morning covered 13 different sectors including Gaming, Software, MedTech, Beauty, Design, Construction, Defence, AI, Cybersecurity and Engineering.
Robotics Surgeon Dr Rachael Coates illustrated her cutting-edge Robohive virtual reality training platform vying to revolutionise medical education by providing safe, repeatable, and cost-effective surgical training experiences for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Growing Middlesbrough-based game developer Observer Interactive told how they had grown from two to 17 staff after forming in 2023.
Attendees also heard how the firm had signed an agreement with Paramount last June, had expanded its portfolio co-development work with Netflix at the end of last year and had worked with Gorillaz Kong Studios in the past 12 months.
On the Forge programme, Dr Coates said: “It’s been really useful for a few different reasons.
“Probably the most important thing is we’ve been able to embed into the ecosystem at Flok and Alt Labs, with all the peripheral support on offer.
“One of the most brilliant pieces of the programme was the mentoring and support which has really delivered value beyond expectation.”
Tees Valley Labs is run by Alt Labs on behalf of the Combined Authority and has been tailored for Tees Valley entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale ups to help refine their business models and grow.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s brilliant to have so many varied and promising firms showing international prowess and potential – and it’s great to be backing them through Tees Valley Labs.
“Our innovators and pioneers helped build the world and they’re continuing to push the boundaries of science and technology to shape the world of tomorrow.
“We need to nurture our companies in these cutting-edge sectors – and give businesses and owners who want their visions to grow the tools they need to realise their ambitions.
“Tees Valley Labs has done just that and it’s fantastic to hear some of the major investors our start-ups are attracting with the boost provided by the Forge programme.”
The day also featured fireside chats with Gordon Bateman from Climb UK and Investor Ladder and Kate Cooper-Fay, CEO of Cooper-Fay Harris, a UK-based management and investment consultancy.
Imran Anwar, CEO of Alt Labs, said: “The 14 founders from The Forge have put in the work. Over 12 weeks, they’ve stress-tested their models, sharpened their pitches, and built real momentum. What everyone in attendance saw was proof of the Tees Valley’s serious entrepreneurial talent, and Alt Labs is proud to be the vehicle that helps them accelerate.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, TVCA Cabinet Member for Inward Investment and Finance, added: “Tees Valley Labs provides the practical backing our innovators and company owners need.
“We want businesses and firms across our region to unlock their potential, take the next step and grow because, as many of these firms have shown, their growth means more jobs and opportunities for local people.
“Having seen some of the pitches first hand I was struck by just how much lived experience and passion played into their business ventures. It really demonstrated who we are as a region.”
Tees Valley Labs is delivered on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Stable – part of Tees Valley Labs designed to help start-ups scale up – is holding its Demo Day next week at The Riverside Stadium (24 March), and places can be booked here.
To find out more about supporting the firms from The Forge, click below:
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