CU Social Enterprise’s programme Evolve hosts successful Awards Event in partnership with Santander providing seed funding for Start-Up Entrepreneurs. On Friday 8th of March 2019, Evolve partnered with Santander Universities to host the first-ever Evolve Entrepreneurship awards, in recognition of the successes of new entrepreneurs who have worked with The Enterprise Hub and CU Social Enterprise CIC (CUSE).

Auctus Grad founder won the Mentor of the year award, Coventry university recognising his contribution to mentoring students who are setting up technology startups at Coventry University. Morgan said, “Truly humbled at being recognised and it was encouraging to see the students taking the leap of faith and venturing into business and a well-deserved win for Alejandro Perez as a startup to watch. Its been a pleasure to witness his journey”.

Alejandro Perez is the founder and CEO of IUDRO – International Universities Drone Racing Organisation, is the world’s first company that regulates inter-university drone racing events to propel the sustainable adoption of drone technology.

Davis Kuma came to Auctus Grad to help him with his pitch. He had a great idea but it needed a strong visual presence. Within 24hrs the AG team had developed a brand presence and a pitch deck that could highlight his great idea. He pitched using it the following morning to pitch in front of a panel of Santander representatives that included Michael Durkin, Business Relationship Director, Santander Business. The result, Davis secured funding for his startup Masina and was able to sign up a client through the Santander universities network.

Masina- Their mission is to breathe new life into old machines by upgrading outdated machines with the latest software, electronic components, to increase power and efficiency and upgrade them to the current market standard.

“This highlights the work that AG does for its clients. We go far and beyond for our clients to highlight and enhance their great ideas and masina is an example of that” Morgan, Operations Director, Auctus grad.

Auctus Grad helped manzanita an African startup that is on a mission to disrupt men’s high-end fashion in Africa. It’s looking to set up in both south Saharan Africa and east of Africa. Impressed with their idea and their strategy. Auctus grad was able to find them a private investor with retail experience, in addition, they invested £50,000 in seed funding.