Forging the Future in Sheffield: The Digital Forge’s Call to Innovators

Sheffield has always been a city that makes things happen. From the steel that shaped the world to the pioneering spirit of Sir Henry Bessemer, this city has long been synonymous with innovation, ingenuity, and grit. For me, this connection runs deep—my great-grandfather, Eli Richards, was one of Sheffield’s steelmakers, founding and running his own company during the city’s industrial heyday. His story, and the legacy of Sheffield’s industrial might, is one I carry with me every day.

Eli’s journey was cut tragically short when a Luftwaffe bombing raid during World War II took both his and his wife Lily’s lives, leaving behind a city scarred but determined to rebuild. They are buried in Sheffield, under a tombstone that reads, ‘In Loving Memory of Our Dear Parents… killed by enemy action December 12 1940.’

Like Eli, I too left my home to seek opportunity—but in my case, it was Silicon Valley, not the Steel City, where I spent 25 years founding and growing tech companies. Yet, like many others, I’ve returned to Sheffield, inspired by its industrial heritage and excited about its potential to lead a new industrial revolution powered by artificial intelligence and frontier technologies.

It’s this sense of history and ambition that underpins the work we are doing with the Bessemer Society and why I’m thrilled to host the inaugural event of the Sheffield Branch on January 30th.

What is The Digital Forge?

The Digital Forge is a new initiative designed to bring together entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors who are shaping the future of manufacturing and deep tech. Named to reflect Sheffield’s legacy as a centre of industrial innovation, The Digital Forge is a platform for those building the next generation of AI-driven manufacturing, robotics, advanced materials, and industrial automation.

With the support of Yorkshire AI Labs and other regional partners, The Digital Forge aims to reignite Sheffield’s legacy of invention and entrepreneurship—turning cutting-edge ideas into globally competitive businesses and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of industrial innovation.

Why Sheffield, Why Now?

The inaugural Digital Forge event—titled “Forging Innovation: Tackling Capital-Raising Challenges in the North”—isn’t just a networking opportunity. It’s a rallying cry for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to come together and tackle one of the toughest challenges for businesses in the North of England: raising venture capital.

Sheffield, for all its history and potential, still faces systemic barriers. Most UK venture capital flows to London and the South East, leaving Northern entrepreneurs to work harder to access the funding they need. This event is about changing that.

What to Expect

The evening at Heist Brew Co will kick off with short, impactful pitches from some of Sheffield’s most exciting startups, showcasing the innovation that’s alive and well in the city today.

This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring seasoned investors and entrepreneurs who’ve successfully navigated the funding landscape. I’ll be moderating the session, which will include:

   •        Paul Sheehan, Partner at Oberon Investments, who specializes in helping high-growth companies secure venture capital.

   •        Chris Borrett, Investment Manager at Mercia, who has a proven track record of scaling early-stage businesses in the North.

   •        Max Sich, CEO of Aegiq, a Sheffield-based quantum photonics company driving cutting-edge innovation with venture capital.

Audience Q&A will ensure that the discussion is as practical and relevant as possible, tackling real-world challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the room.

The evening will wrap up with live music, drinks, and networking—a chance to connect with like-minded founders, investors, and innovators in an informal setting.

A Legacy Worth Building On

For me, The Digital Forge isn’t just about honouring Sheffield’s industrial past; it’s about building on it. Eli Richards and entrepreneurs like him didn’t just create products—they created opportunities for their families, their communities, and the city itself.

Today, the tools of innovation are different—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics—but the spirit remains the same. Sheffield’s future will be built on the same foundations that made it a global powerhouse: hard work, ambition, and collaboration.

At Yorkshire AI Labs, we are deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs with both the capital and expertise they need to succeed. But more than that, we believe in the power of bringing people together to share ideas, forge partnerships, and inspire each other to aim higher.

Join Us

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or innovator in Sheffield, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. The inaugural Digital Forge Sheffield event isn’t just about raising capital; it’s about raising Sheffield’s profile as a city of innovation.

Let’s make sure Sheffield’s legacy isn’t just a story of the past—it’s the foundation for an extraordinary future.

📅 Event Details:

Date: Thursday, January 30th

Time: 4:30 PM for a 5:00 PM start

Location: Heist Brew Co, 107 Neepsend Lane, Sheffield, S3 8AT

🎟 Register now for free: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forging-innovation-tackling-capital-raising-challenges-in-the-north-tickets-1145491769719

Together, let’s forge a new chapter for Sheffield. Eli, Lily, and so many others who came before us would expect nothing less.