The man behind the wheel of a company that has created simulation software for vehicle suspension and chassis development has won a pitching competition.
Raoul Popescu-Ghimis, chief executive of Race Solutions in Stratford, was chosen as the winner of this year's Minerva Pitch Up competition during Venturefest West Midlands 2025.
After going head-to-head with five other finalists, Mr Popescu-Ghimis emerged with £3,000 in prize money and a package of bespoke business support.
Race Solutions was founded in 2020 and employs a team of nine staff with up to 20 in total supporting the firm.
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Mr Popescu-Ghimis said: "The competition was really tough. It was the biggest audience I've had in my life. I was a bit emotional but I have passion in what we do.
"I know we have a very strong business that creates a global impact in our niche industry and that has helped us to achieve this goal.
"Winning strengthens our position as leaders in the market and innovators that bring new technology to the industry.
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"We are focussed on acquiring more clients and strengthening our partnerships and speaking with the right type of investors to help scale up our company."
Venturefest West Midlands is an annual festival of innovation sponsored and co-organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority, Innovation Alliance WM, six universities, TechWM and the Connected Places Catapult.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added: "Innovation has been driving our region's economy for 200 years. It's in our DNA.
"I'm backing Raoul, and his fellow finalists in this year's Pitch Up competition, all the way as they follow in the footsteps of pioneers James Watt, Ernst Starley and the Cadburys.
"The new funding I've secured as part of my 'Growth for Everyone' plan will fuel innovation, create jobs and drive our economy into a new era of prosperity."
The Minerva Pitch Up competition is run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, University of Birmingham Enterprise and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park.
Also chosen to pitch for this year's prize on the day were Avid Health, LeicSurvey, PortalZero Ltd, WasteProjekt and Neo Air.