Meet Our Advisors in Residence

Join us for an opportunity to meet our Advisors in Residence, who bring specialized expertise to help you tackle critical business challenges. This drop-in session allows members to connect with advisors, explore new ideas, and receive tailored guidance for their ventures.

Sonya May, Lawyer in Residence, VWV

Sonya May is a corporate lawyer in Bristol who specializes in advising technology and life-science companies on private equity, venture capital, and angel investments, including SEIS and EIS schemes. Sonya provides strategic guidance on mergers, acquisitions, shareholder arrangements, and prepares businesses for equity investment and exits. As a Lawyer-in-Residence with SETsquared Bristol, SETsquared Bath, and Science Creates, Sonya is known for delivering practical, tailored advice to meet each client's unique needs.

Tim Morgan, Investor in Residence, SouthWestern Venture Capitalists

Tim, an exited founder and former COO of Teller, a fast-growing fintech backed by top Silicon Valley investors, is a talent investor who wrote the first checks for Mystic AI, Penfold, and Martello. As founder of TMA and State School Ventures, Tim has coached numerous startup founders, including YCombinator alumni, on early-stage challenges like product, market, team building, fundraising, and growth, with a focus on helping those yet to raise capital.

David Paton, IP Lawyer in Residence, Dehns

David Paton, Partner at Dehns and UK/European Patent Attorney, advises start-ups and SMEs on strategic IP management to maximize their intellectual property value. With a background in Mechanical Engineering and years as an Innovation Centre IP advisor, David specializes in patent drafting, prosecution, and design protection.

One-to-One Drop-In Sessions

Spaces for individual sessions are limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each advisor offers four 25-minute slots for focused advice.

Booking: Email innovation-centre@bath.ac.uk to request your preferred time slot.

Time Slots for 1:1 Sessions

1-to-1 with Sonya May, Lawyer in residence from VWV:

• Slot 1: 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM

• Slot 2: 10:30 AM - 10:55 AM

• Slot 3: 11:00 AM - 11:25 AM

• Slot 4: 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM

1-to-1 with Tim Morgan, Investor in Residence from SouthWestern Venture Capitalists:

• Slot 1: 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM

• Slot 2: 10:30 AM - 10:55 AM

• Slot 3: 11:00 AM - 11:25 AM

• Slot 4: 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM

1-to-1 with David Paton, IP Lawyer-in-Residence from Dehns:

• Slot 1: 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM

• Slot 2: 10:30 AM - 10:55 AM

• Slot 3: 11:00 AM - 11:25 AM

• Slot 4: 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM

Whether you're looking to refine your legal strategy, seek investment insights, or understand intellectual property, this event will provide valuable connections and practical advice. Take advantage of this chance to gain expert insights and make valuable connections!