Mel Selvon Ellyard

Mel Selvon Ellyard serves as the Investment Ecosystems Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect, focusing on enhancing private investment in UK innovation and improving investor connectivity and diversity. Mel is the founder of Include Me, seeking to provide a platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Previous roles include Innovation District Super Connector at Capital Enterprise, Principal at Sure Valley Ventures, and Senior Manager at British Business Bank, where Mel worked to improve access to finance for SMEs. Additional experience comprises being Innovation Growth Manager at Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, Director at Smart Bulldog Limited, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Business Growth Manager at Grant Thornton UK LLP, and CEO at Capital Enterprise North. Mel holds a degree from Birmingham City University.