Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based COO’ operating in the Financial Services space. If you think a COO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Ian Woods
General Counsel and COO of Virgin Group
Ian is the General Counsel and COO at Virgin Group. Ian has been with Virgin since 2005 and has responsibility for various functions within Virgin Management including Legal, People, Company Secretarial, Facilities and IT as well as for advising Virgin companies on a broad spectrum of legal issues across different business sectors and jurisdictions. Ian sits on the Board of various Group companies including Virgin Management, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Enterprises. Ian previously worked for leading international law firm Slaughter and May and holds an LLB from Sheffield University.
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About Virgin Group: Virgin Group is an investment company focused on leisure, travel, tourism, mobile, broadband, TV, radio, music, finance, and health sectors.
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Jonathan Biggs
COO & CFO — London of Accel
Jon Biggs joined Accel in 2001 and is Accel London’s chief operating officer. Jon runs the operations of the London office. He sits on the judging panel of the UK Private Business Awards and was instrumental in working with NACUE in its efforts to champion employment in early stage companies for new graduates. Prior to Accel, Jon worked at AXA Investment Managers, and before that worked at Deutsche Bank and Mirabaud & Cie in London. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PWC. Jon is from the South of England and graduated from the University of Bristol.
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About Accel: Accel is an early and growth-stage venture capital firm that helps a global community of entrepreneurs.
Ruwan Weerasekera
Managing Partner, COO of SoftBank Vision Fund
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About SoftBank Vision Fund: SoftBank Vision Fund specializes in growth capital and social impact investments.
James Hatchley
Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (Europe) of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
James Hatchley (London) is a Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (Europe) for KKR with local responsibility for the operations of KKR’s businesses across the MENA region. Mr. Hatchley joined KKR as Co-Chief Executive of Avoca Capital in 2014 where he has responsibility for business strategy, strategic fund raising and oversight of non-investment functions. He joined Avoca in May 2012. Previously, he spent 23 years working in the City of London as an investment banker with Schroders, Greenhill and Freeman & Co. Mr. Hatchley established Freeman & Co.’s European business in 2006. During his time as a banker he provided independent strategic and financial advice to a wide range of banks, insurance companies and selected institutional investors. Mr. Hatchley qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen. He has a first class B.Sc (hons) Degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Surrey in the UK.
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About Kohlberg Kravis Roberts: Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is a global alternative asset manager focusing on private equity, fixed income, and capital markets.
Chris Barnes
Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Atomico
Chris is Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Atomico. Based in London, he works across all aspects of Atomico’s operations. He oversees portfolio management, fund management, investor relations, resource allocation, finance, legal and HR. Chris joined the company after thirteen years at private equity company Terra Firma, where he was CFO and a member of the Investment and Management Committees. While at Terra Firma, Chris was involved in the structuring, funding and execution of all of the portfolio investments, as well as the management of the firm’s operations. Prior to Terra Firma, Chris worked in the Private Equity group at Arthur Andersen for 10 years. Chris is a Chartered Accountant and has a Double First in Economics and History from Cambridge University. He ran his first (and last) marathon at age 12, which may explain why he now has a titanium hip and the knees of a ninety year old. A talented footballer in his youth, Chris gave up the chance of a playing career in the top flight to follow his dream of becoming an accountant.
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About Atomico: Atomico is an international investment firm that focuses on helping disruptive technology companies scale globally.
Arman Tahmassebi
Chief Operating Officer of LendInvest
Arman began his career at IG Group where he started as a graduate trainee before progressing over the following 15 years to hold several senior management roles overseeing the Technology, Business Development and Operations departments. During his time at IG Group the business grew from a small UK only entity to over 1,400 staff located in 17 countries around the globe with operations underpinned by industry leading proprietary technology. Latterly Arman was CEO of ETX Capital, an award winning provider of retail trading technology and services.
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About LendInvest: LendInvest is the leading marketplace platform for property finance.
Jackson Hull
Chief Operating and Technology Officer of Gocompare.com
Jackson is currently COO and CTO at Gocompare.com. Jackson previously was CTO at Student.com, the leading global student accommodation marketplace, and CTO at onefinestay (acquired by Accor Hotels), the upmarket Airbnb. Before that, he was CTO at Plum District (acquired by nCrowd), the leading daily deal company for moms, based in San Francisco. Previously, he co-founded Chatterfly, a mobile loyalty application startup, which sold to Plum District. Jackson was CTO and VP Product Development at venture-backed Sitoa, the largest US SAAS drop-ship platform provider. Jackson has a degree in Mechanical and Material Science Engineering from the University of California, Davis earned with honors and a Masters in Information Systems from the University of California, Berkeley, with honorable mention.
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About Gocompare.com: Gocompare.com is a British financial services comparison website provides comparison details for vehicle, home and pet insurance.
Richard Matthews
COO and Partner of Augmentum Fintech
Richard has 17 years venture capital and private equity experience in the technology, retail and leisure sectors on both sides of the fence. Having studied economics at the University of Manchester, Richard started his career as a Chartered Accountant at Coopers & Lybrand before leaving in 1999 to join Tim at Flutter.com (now Betfair) as CFO. In 2002 following the merger with Betfair he left to join Benchmark Capital Europe (now Balderton Capital), one of the early investors in Betfair. At Benchmark he worked on early stage technology investments both in the investment phase and assisting the investee companies post funding. He then joined Manzanita Capital in 2005, where he spent 5 years investing in the retail and leisure sectors globally before leaving to form Augmentum Capital. In 2018 Richard and Tim successfully launched Augmentum Fintech on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, in the process becoming the first Fintech focused public VC in Europe. Away from the office Richard enjoys spending time with his family, watching Arsenal and playing golf, though in the case of the latter 2 the word “enjoys” is used in its loosest sense.
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About Augmentum Fintech: Augmentum Fintech is a FinTech fund that invests in early and later-stage FinTech companies.
Michael Odai
Chief Operating Officer / General Counsel of Mosaic
Michael Odai joined Virgin Green Fund in 2006. As General Counsel, Michael advises on all legal aspects concerning VGF, its business and investments, and works closely with the investment team evaluating opportunities and overseeing investments, from term sheet negotiation to deal execution and exits. As Chief Operating Officer, Michael leads VGF’s administrative and operational efforts including finance, investor relations, information technology and human resources. Prior to VGF, Michael was General Counsel of Virgin Money Australia, where he led that company’s joint venture transaction with Macquarie Bank and subsequent launch of co-managed investment products. Prior to joining Virgin, Michael was Assistant General Counsel of Credigy Solutions Inc. and General Counsel of Franklin Square Technologies Inc., a software company which he co-founded. Michael began his legal career in New York City as a Corporate Associate with Battle Fowler and then Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, where he spent over six years focusing his practice on mergers, acquisitions and private equity transactions in a wide-range of industries. Michael has a BA in Economics from the University of Rochester and a JD from Albany Law School of Union University, New York.
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About Mosaic: We back founders who are reimagining the world. We invest $1-10m early, in those building daring adventures across Europe.
Ralf Gruss
Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Apax Partners
Ralf Gruss is Chief Operating Officer. He is a former member of the Financial & Business Services team and is based in London. Ralf’s deal experience includes: Kabel Deutschland, LR Health and Beauty Systems, IFCO Systems, and Netrada Holding where he also served as advisor and board member. Prior to joining Apax Partners Ralf was a consultant with Arthur D. Little International Inc, where he specialised in advising clients in the Financial Services sector. Ralf holds a diploma in industrial engineering and business administration from the Technical University in Karlsruhe. He also studied at the University of Massachusetts and the London School of Economics.
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About Apax Partners: Apax Partners is an independent global partnership focused solely on long-term investment in growth companies.
Filippo Cardini
Managing Director, COO and General Counsel of TowerBrook Capital Partners
Filippo Cardini is COO, General Counsel and a Managing Director of TowerBrook. He is a member of the Management Committee as well as being responsible for investor relations for the firm. He was previously a Partner, COO and General Counsel at Soros Private Equity. He focuses on the Italian market and is extensively involved in structuring and executing all of TowerBrook’s transactions. Previously, he was a senior solicitor at the London-based law firm, Ashursts, in the Private Equity Group in London and Milan. He earned his LLB from Brunel University and completed his Law Society Finals at the College of Law in London. He holds the Series 7, 24, 63, 79 and 99 licenses.
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About TowerBrook Capital Partners: TowerBrook Capital Partners is a London-based investment management firm that funds European and North American companies.
Scott Collins
Managing Director and COO of Summit Partners
Scott Collins is the Managing Director at Summit Partners. Scott joined Summit Partners in 1996. Scott manages the firm’s London office, which he founded in 2001. Scott is active in Summit’s investment activities in North America, Europe and Asia. During his 17 years with Summit Partners, Scott has served on the board of directors of more than 25 companies. Currently he is a director of 360T Group, Acturis Limited, AVAST Software, Bigpoint, vente-privee.com and Welltec International. His prior directorships include Dorn Technology Group (acquired by Policy Management Systems Corporation), Elumen Solutions (acquired by Computer Task Group), Hittite Microwave Corporation (NASDAQ: HITT), Jamba! AG (acquired by VeriSign), Ogone (acquired by Ingenico), SafeBoot Holdings (acquired by McAfee) and Web Reservations International (acquired by Hellman & Friedman). Prior to Summit, Scott worked as a Strategy Consultant with McKinsey & Company in the financial institutions group. Scott also served in a variety of U.S. federal government positions, including at the White House and Department of Justice. Scott holds an A.B. degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from Harvard University and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, Scott was captain of the varsity football team and later served as managing editor of the Harvard Law Review. Scott is a former director of the Harvard Alumni Association and remains active in Harvard-related activities. Scott was a founding Trustee of the Private Equity Foundation, a leading venture philanthropy in the U.K. dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged youth and he served on the board from 2007 to 2012. Scott holds British and U.S. dual citizenship. Scott’s personal interests include sport and fitness, the arts, and spending time with his children.
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About Summit Partners: Summit Partners is an investment firm that is currently investing in to growth equity, fixed income, and public equity opportunities.
George Mantilas
Chief Operating Officer of Trading 212
George Mantilas is the Chief Operating Officer at Trading 212.
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About Trading 212: Trading 212 is a fintech company that provides free, smart apps to democratize the economic market.
Stuart Chapman
COO & Managing Partner of Molten Ventures
Prior to joining Esprit in Febuary 2005 Stuart was a Partner of 3i Ventures. He was also a founding partner of 3i US, based in Menlo Park, CA. Stuart had 13 years of venture capital experience with 3i in Europe and the USA. While he was at 3i US he was responsible for 3i’s investments in Still Secure, CollegeNet and Appshop. Following his return from the US in October 2003 he was responsible for 3i’s investments in The Cloud, Telecity and Searchspace, the IPO of Pixology and the sale of Magic 4 to Openwave. Stuart is a member of the British Venture Capital Association Council. Prior to 3i, Stuart was involved in software and systems implementations in the Banking sector. He is a graduate of Loughborough University.
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About Molten Ventures: Molten Ventures is Europe’s largest listed tech VC firm. We inject the most visionary companies with energy to help them transform and grow.
Filip Coen
COO of Force Over Mass Capital
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About Force Over Mass Capital: Force Over Mass Capital is a London based venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology investments.
Mark McDonald
COO of Concentric
Mark M. McDonald is the Financial Director of TLcom and joined the firm in January 2002. Prior to TLcom, Mark was the Finance Director at Digital Networks Global Ventures Limited, an early stage Pan-European technology venture capital firm based in London. Before joining Digital Networks, Mark was a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers for six years, in the London and Toronto offices, where he served as a statutory and regulatory (FSA) consultant specialising in private equity. Mark qualified with Ernst & Young, Montreal, Canada. Mark is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has a Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance from the University of Western Ontario.
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About Concentric: Concentric invests in software technology business in the financial services, mobility, real estate, industrial, and logistics sectors.
Peter Harris
Partner & COO of Generation Investment Management
Peter is a Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Generation Investment Management. Previously, Peter was part of Goldman Sachs Global Operations Division, where he was responsible for global operations infrastructure projects, and management of the North American operations and latterly international operations for Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Prior to that, Peter established the Marketable Securities Division Operations Department at CIN Management Ltd, before it was acquired by Goldman Sachs in 1996.Peter is qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant.
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About Generation Investment Management: Generation Investment Management is a private equity firm focused on integrated sustainability research and client alignment.
Jonathan Kestenbaum
Chief Operating Officer of RIT Capital Partners
Jonathan Kestenbaum is the Chief Operating officer. Until 2011 he was Chief Executive of Five Arrows Limited. He is also an adviser to the philanthropic foundations connected to Lord Rothschild. He was previously Chief Executive of NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts). Prior to this he was Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Apax, Sir Ronald Cohen. In January 2011, Jonathan Kestenbaum was appointed to the House of Lords and became Lord Kestenbaum of Foxcote.
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About RIT Capital Partners: RIT Capital Partners plc is an investment trust listed on the London Stock Exchange with net assets of some £1.9 billion.
Venancio Gallego
COO of Ebury
Venancio Gallego Vindel is COO at Ebury Partners.
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About Ebury: Ebury is a financial services company designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses that want to trade internationally.
Patrick de Nonneville
Chief Operating Officer of October
Patrick is Chief Operating Officer of October. As a Partner at Goldman Sachs in London (2007 to 2014), Patrick was co-head of the European rates business and member of the Global Operating Committee for Rates. He began his career at JPMorgan in Paris and London (1997-2003) as a “market-maker” on Treasuries, before joining Deutsche Bank (2003-2007) where he led the complex products trading activities and Inflation products. Patrick is a graduate of Ecole Polytechnique.
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About October: October is an online marketplace for business loans, enabling investors to lend money directly to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Per Polland
Chief Operating Officer of Habito
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About Habito: Habito is a digital mortgage brokerage services company that offers a personal and modernized approach to the home buying experience.
Matthew Reed
Chief Operating Officer of Business Growth Fund
Matthew Reed joined the Business Growth Fund in March 2011 and is responsible for BGF’s regulatory, finance and operational functions. Matthew’s role will also encompass risk and corporate governance oversight. Matthew Reed was educated in Australia where he obtained his Chartered Accountant qualification. Matthew has held a number of Chief Financial Officer roles with private equity firms including, CCMP Capital Partners UK, Trilantic Capital Partners and Santander Infrastructure Capital. Prior to commencing his Private Equity roles, Matthew worked for JP Morgan Chase for six years, performing numerous roles during that time including Financial Controller positions in both Luxembourg and London, and later as a Global Product Controller in the bank’s Worldwide Security Services business.
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About Business Growth Fund: Business Growth Fund is an influential investor in small and mid-sized businesses.
Monica Pinto
Managing Director, CFO / COO of Apis Partners
Monica has over 20 years of experience in direct investing, management and strategy consulting, primarily in Growth Markets. Prior to Apis, she was a Director at Banco Efisa. She was the head of the business unit focused on private equity investments, debt financing and corporate finance in international markets (Africa, India, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Brazil). She was responsible for all aspects ofmanagement including P&L, capital allocation, investment criteria, origination, end to end execution of transactions and management of the team. Monica was also a strategy consultant for Marakon Associates in London, where she led teams in Europe and Brazil for global banks in a variety of strategic issues. At Procter & Gamble, she worked in Europe, Latin America and South East Asia setting up new companies. She is passionate about history, arts, adventurous travelling off the beaten track (over 55 countries and counting, lived in three continents) and trekking, and dedicates her free time in honing her Ikebana skills or sailing in the Atlantic, off the coast of her native Lisbon.
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About Apis Partners: Apis Partners is a private equity asset manager focused on Financial Services in Growth Markets.
Tony Lissaman
Chief Operating Officer Private Equity of 3i Group
Tony Lissaman In his role as Chief Operation Officer (COO), Tony is responsible for the operational running of 3i’s international Private Equity business. His responsibilities include the strategic development of the business, financial planning and reporting, business processes and systems, resource management, portfolio monitoring and valuations. Having previously qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG, Tony joined 3i in 1998 initially working in 3i’s Group Finance team. Over his career at 3i, Tony has been involved in the reshaping of 3i’s Private Equity business, including its international development and integration. Tony has a Geography degree from Loughborough University and is a qualified chartered accountant.
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About 3i Group: 3i is an international investment manager focused on mid-market Private Equity, Infrastructure & Debt Management.
Sash Jeetun
COO of Spherium.Finance
Sash is a London based investor, advisor and co-founder, he has been involved in blockchain since 2014 and is a big believer in DeFi, he comes with degrees in business management and international business as well as vast background in research, advisory, crypto funds and fundraising. Sash has led investments rounds into several projects as a business angel before deciding to take a plunge into founding spherium.
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About BTCD LTD, Spherium.Finance: A Decentralized and Borderless Financial System that gives users complete control of their finances
Angelika Burawska
COO of SFC Capital
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About SFC Capital: Early-stage investor combining its own angel syndicate & seed funds to provide investors with diversified exposure to SEIS/EIS businesses.
Jasel Mehta
Partner & COO of Forward Partners
Jasel runs the team delivering value-added services to their partner companies, from early-stage idea through to launch and anywhere in between. This includes product strategy, customer experience, brand development, technology services, growth marketing, talent, PR and more (breathe). He has a background in building and running teams developing innovative products and experiences for some of the world’s most celebrated brands. This included 13 years at AKQA on clients including Audi, Coca Cola, Nike and Nissan. When not working, J’s a proud father of two, loves to travel and watching his favourite football team. What J loves about FP: “Being part of a sufficiently crazy, yet talented, team that help ambitious entrepreneurs create and shape great businesses.”
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About Forward Partners: Forward gives founders their best shot at success.
Paolo Tonucci
Chief Operating Officer of Marex Spectron
Paolo Tonucci joined Marex Spectron in March 2018 as Chief Operating Officer. He was previously at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Commbank) based in Sydney, where he was Group Treasurer, with responsibility for funding, capital and balance sheet management. Before Commbank, he was Head of Funding and Liquidity at Barclays Bank in London. Prior to Barclays, Paolo spent 12 years at Lehman Brothers in London and New York, latterly as Global Treasurer where he managed a team of 220. Paolo is a Chartered Accountant and has an MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
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About Marex Spectron: Marex Spectron is a broker offering unrivalled breadth of commodity market.
Georgios Psonis
COO of Loal
George heads the operational and back office functions at Oakam. He ensures the execution of the Oakam customer journey throughout the credit lifecycle and manages continuous process improvements to better the customer experience and reduce wastage. He has been with Oakam since its inception in 2006 and has previously held roles in Product, Risk, and IT.
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About Akrod Limited, Loal: Loal equips those poorly served by mainstream providers to build their credit profiles and live life on another level
Louise Hill
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of gohenry
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About gohenry: Gohenry is a developer of a kids money management application helping young people to take part in the digital economy.
Ryan Morrison
COO of Trunarrative
Ryan is responsible for ensuring that the TruNarrative team delivers world-class customer service and making sure that direct sales and marketing effectively serve all their global markets. Since finishing University nearly 20 years ago, Ryan has immersed himself in the world of data and tech, most recently leading the global growth for a major Identity and Fraud business.
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About Trunarrative: Trunarrative is a risk and financial crime management platform that offers fraud prevention, identity, and compliance solutions.
Ameerul Miah
Partner and COO of MMC Ventures
Ameerul joined MMC in 2014. He is responsible for finance and operations and supervises MMC’s fund structures. Before joining MMC, Ameerul worked as the overseas entity controller for the Ashmore Group and James Caird Asset Management where he was responsible for finance, tax and regulatory reporting for both onshore and offshore entities. Ameerul qualified as an accountant with Ernst and Young and graduated from University College London with a BSc in Economics.
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About MMC Ventures: MMC Ventures is an investment firm that invests in technology companies at Seed and Series A.
Henry Obi
COO, Partner, Public & Regulatory Affairs, Member of Investment Committee of Helios Investment Partners
Mr Obi has 21 years of relevant professional experience, and is head of Public & Regulatory Affairs. He was previously the firm’s COO. Prior to joining Helios in September 2006, Mr Obi was a Partner and Investment Committee member at Aureos Capital Partners Ltd., a manager of private equity funds in Africa and other emerging markets. At Aureos, he was responsible for monitoring the performance of the firm’s funds in Africa and Central America and their compliance with investment policy. Prior to Aureos, he was a Senior Investment Executive in the Assets Group at Actis, before which he was an Investment Executive in that firm’s Infrastructure Group. He started his investment career in the power investment team at CDC Group, the UK’s Development Finance Institution, and also worked at Dynegy, a US energy trader. Mr Obi serves on the Board of Directors of Eland Oil & Gas, and has also served on the Boards of Directors of Zambia Capital Partners, Central America Investment Managers (Mauritius) and Zuami Limited (Kenya). He is a member of the Emerging Market Private Equity Association’s Africa Council, a board member of the African Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, a board member of Advanced American Style, Inc., and sits on the Advisory Board of Maris Capital. Mr Obi, a Nigerian and Irish national, received a BS and MS in Architecture from the University of Nigeria, a BArch from University of Nottingham and an MBA in Finance from the London Business School. He is a fluent Igbo speaker.
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About Helios Investment Partners: Helios Investment Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm that focuses on African companies.
Christina Drews
Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Member of Executive Committee of Helios Investment Partners
Ms Drews has 27 years of professional experience; and has overall responsibility for the operations of the firm, including oversight of finance, administration, human resources and compliance, as well as development and implementation of the firm’s agreed strategy. Prior to joining Helios in October 2018, she spent 25 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently as a Managing Director and Global CAO for the Investment Banking Division (IBD), spending two years in the New York office, as well as COO and CFO for IBD in EMEA. She worked in M&A in London for seven years, after which she moved to the Executive Office as Chief of Staff to the co-heads of EMEA, before returning to IBD. She began her career as a management trainee at Bayer AG. Ms Drews holds an MA in Social & Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and speaks German and French.
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About Helios Investment Partners: Helios Investment Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm that focuses on African companies.
Steven Batchelor
COO and Partner of Hg
Steven Batchelor is a Partner at Hg. He is the Partnership’s COO and a member of Hg’s Operating and Realisation Committees, with oversight of Client Services and other non-investment related functions. Steven is also a member of the Hg board. Steven joined Hg in 2003, having previously worked at Morgan Stanley, where he was involved in a number of M&A and capital market related transactions. His current responsibilities at Hg include managing the day to day activities of the partnership, firm strategy, fundraising, co-investments and ongoing investor coverage. He also sits on the firm’s Valuation Committee. Steven holds a degree in History from the University of Bristol.
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About Hg: Hg is a private equity firm that invests in software and services, focused on backing businesses.
Andrew Newington
COO & CIO of Actis
Andrew started his professional career as a lawyer specialising in cross border transactions, including in Asia and the Middle East, before moving into private equity with BT Capital Partners after completing his MBA at Columbia.He then spent 13 years with BC Partners, a leading global investment firm, latterly as Managing Partner and co-head of their London office. At Actis, Andrew has operational responsibility for the firm as well as sitting on all of the firm’s investment committees.
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About Actis: Actis is a global growth markets investor in private equity, energy, infrastructure, and real estate.
Eimear O’Connor
Chief Operating Officer of Form3
Eimear leads operations and project delivery at Form3. She joined from Barclays where she was Retail and Commercial Director for Pingit, responsible for the global development and commercial management of the retail customer base for this award winning open market payments platform. Prior to this, Eimear led the Corporate Mobile Payments Team at Barclays where she was responsible for the product design, development and launch of the Barclays Pingit for corporates product set. Eimear has also held positions including Vice President of Strategy at Visa Europe and Business Consultant at both BearingPoint and Capco, working on multiple assignments in the UK and globally. Eimear holds a BSc. Finance from University College Cork and a MBS Strategic Management and Planning from the Smurfit Graduate School of Business, University College Dublin.
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About Form3: Form3 is a cloud native payments-as-a-service platform that designs, builds, and runs the technology that powers the future of payments.
Stephen Leggett
Chief Operating Officer of Calastone
Steve Leggett joined Calastone in 2008. Steve was one of the original members of the Calastone team who as Global Head of Operations, established the operational functions that underpin Calastone’s global network. Appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2018, Steve leads Calastone’s UK and European business, as well as managing global operational functions including product development and service delivery. Prior to joining Calastone, Steve has held senior project management and operational positions at firms including Reuters, Lloyds TSB and digital brokerage Instinet giving him over 25 years experience of program, operational management and business transformation.
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About Calastone: Calastone is a global transaction network for the mutual fund industry.
Bob Adams
Chief Operating Officer of Embark Group
Bob is a specialist in infrastructure and large-scale technology and global operations environments. Over his 25-year career, he has worked across asset management and banking sectors and has particular expertise in the deployment of complex front-to-back technology solutions. Before joining in 2013, Bob was Managing Director & Global Chief Information Officer at UBS Global Asset Management.
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About Embark Group: Embark Group provides retirement and financial services.
Varun Sahni
Co-Founder & COO of CreditEnable
Varun Sahni has built and operated multiple successful companies over the past 20 years across emerging and developed markets ranging across financial services, healthcare and high technology firms. He is co-founder of Impact Investment Partners a UK based FCA regulated asset manager which operates across multiple markets and sectors. Prior to which he was head of Acumen India and has worked with Unilever, CARE and Oxfam to build up their SME portfolios. Varun is on a range of global advisory boards and fund investment committees focused on emerging markets and sustainable investing. He has been widely quoted in international media over the years and is a Chevening Scholar from the London School of Economics, a TED Fellow and an Asia Society Global Young Leader. Varun has an MA from Columbia University, and is also a Chevening Scholar.
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About CreditEnable: CreditEnable provides data analytics, deep learning, AI and technology to build solutions to financial challenges.
Stephen Doherty
Co-Founder & COO of Nude
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About Nude: The new way to save for and purchase your first home.
Kathy Samii
Chief Operating Officer of Parkwalk Advisors
Before joining Parkwalk in 2016, Kathy held COO, CFO and Compliance roles at a large event-driven hedge fund. Kathy previously worked at Schroder Salomon Smith Barney / Citigroup and Merrill Lynch.
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About Parkwalk Advisors: Parkwalk is an investment management firm focused on UK-based technology companies that are spun out of UK university and research centres.
Arik Oslerne
Chief Operating Officer of Vauban
Arik Oslerne is the Chief Operating Officer at Vauban.
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About Vauban: Vauban is the easiest way to pool & deploy capital to invest in private companies.
Parag Gandesha
COO of Kreos Capital
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About Kreos Capital: Kreos Capital is a growth debt firm that provides financing solutions for high-growth companies across Europe and Israel.
Parag Gandesha
COO of Kreos Capital
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About Kreos Capital: Kreos Capital is a growth debt firm that provides financing solutions for high-growth companies across Europe and Israel.
Christopher Varin
COO of Cazana
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About Car and Classic: Cazana data helps motor retailers, insurers and lenders digitally transform with big data and machine learning technology
Benjamin Hay
Co-Founder & COO of Collective Benefits
Benjamin Hay is co-founder at Collective Benefits
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About Collective Benefits: Insurance and benefits to make independent work, work for everyone.
Hanna Johnson
Chief Operating Officer of Public
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About Public: Public is a venture capital firm that supports technology startups aiming to work more deeply with the UK’s public services.
Adrian Toner
Chief Operating Officer of First Derivatives
Adrian initially joined the Board of First Derivatives plc in September 2005 as a Non-Executive Director. In July 2010 he joined the Executive Team as Chief Operations Officer and has responsibility for the Group’s Human Resources, Facilities Management and Corporate IT functions. Prior to joining First Derivatives plc, Adrian spent eighteen years with Allianz in London and Ireland where he became of Head of Allianz in Northern Ireland and Associate Commercial Director-Allianz Ireland plc. During his career he has developed expertise in directing and controlling organisational operations in accordance with the company’s strategy and growth objectives.
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About First Derivatives: First Derivatives is a provider of products and consulting services to the largest finance, technology and energy institutions.
Sophia Guy-White
Chief Operating Officer of Groupladder
Sophia Guy-White is Co-founder & Chief of Staff
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About Generation Home, Groupladder: Groupladder is a provide a unique mortgage product.
Peter Dines
Chief Operating Officer & Head of Life Sciences & Biosciences of Mercia Asset Management PLC
Peter has been involved with a number of high profile turnarounds and exits within the sector, including the acquisition of Surgicraft’s loss making business where, as Managing Director, sales quadrupled within three years and the business was subsequently sold to ISIS Equity Partners. Other key healthcare positions held, both previously and currently, include Bridges Ventures, Cisiv, Diagnostic World, Spring Active and Newtech Ortho.
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About Mercia Asset Management PLC: Mercia is a proactive, specialist asset manager focused on supporting regional businesses to achieve their growth aspirations.
Alexander Dunaev
Co-Founder & COO of ID Finance
In 2007, Alexander Dunaev graduated with honors bachelor degree from the University of Warwick with a degree in economics. In 2008, he received a master’s degree from the Imperial College London with a degree in mathematical finance. Alexander Dunaev is the Co-Founder of IDF Eurasia. In 2012, Alexander Dunaev left post occupied at Deutsche Bank and launched online lending service MoneyMan, and a year later he has founded fintech company ID Finance. Alexander is a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).
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About ID Finance, IDF Eurasia: ID Finance is a FinTech company specializing in online lending in emerging and growing markets.
Joe Bonnaud
Global Markets COO and Head of Engineering of BNP Paribas Private Equity
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About BNP Paribas Private Equity, BNP Paribas Private Equity: BNP Paribas is a French private equity firm that provides a range of asset management services to its institutional and retail clients.
Uzair Bawany
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder of Traydstream
Founder of a boutique search firm, Fairway Search Partners which predominantly focuses on retained mandates in the front office within three distinct areas. They are Global Transaction Banking, Private Wealth / Asset Management and Equities Capital Markets – Sales & Sales Trading. Chairman of the Contact Recruitment Group. In Jan 2003, he initiated an MBO and acquired the company and then sold this business in November 2011. He was Vice Chair of an industry trade body which is the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). APSCo provides a powerful unified voice for the Professional Recruitment market and is proud to represent, promote and support such vibrant and innovative sectors of the recruitment industry. Board Director of the National Advisory Board and Chair the London Regional Group of Mosaic which is a Prince’s trust Charity. It focuses on mentoring and developing under privileged school children.
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About Traydstream: Traydstream automates the most critical aspects of converting, checking and managing trade finance documents.
Sarah Harvey
Chief Operating Officer of Prodigy Finance
Sarah is an experienced leader who is passionate about growing innovative businesses. Recently the Head of UK at fast-growing fintech Square, and previously the COO of Tough Mudder, Sarah has worked across 22 countries and is no stranger to international landscapes. Sarah started her career with large company experience at Diageo and Bain & Company, and at not-for-profit organisations in Africa where she worked on projects ranging from supply chain management for a medical charity in the DRC to advising on public health financing facilities for the Gates Foundation in Tanzania, Nigeria and Senegal. Sarah is also a board member for Securities Trust of Scotland Plc. Outside of work Sarah loves to read as many novels as possible whilst travelling, watch England play rugby and improve her boxing skills. MA Hons, University of Cambridge.
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About Prodigy Finance: Prodigy Finance provides postgraduate student loans to international students to attend a top school.
John Marsland
COO, Investments of Schroders
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About Schroders: Schroders is an asset management company.
Steve Morrison
Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Bridges Fund Management
Steve is a Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Bridges Ventures, having joined in 2013. Prior to his current role, Steve had a successful 25 years in banking where he spent 14 years in Leveraged Finance with Bank of Scotland, culminating in leading this business as Head of Structured Finance. Other Key Executive roles included Strategy & Planning for Private Equity/Investing, Credit Risk and more recently as Head of Credit Risk for Lloyds Banking Group’s Business Support Unit where he supported corporate restructures in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He has a wide range of experience across industries and supports the various funds within Bridges. Steve is a Non-Executive Director of Charity Bank and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland. He was also a founding member of the Board at Big Society Capital, where he stepped down in 2013. In 2009 Steve attended the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurs Programme (ISEP) and supports a number of charities and social enterprises on a pro-bono basis.
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About Bridges Fund Management, CredentialEnvironmental: Bridges Fund Management is a specialist fund manager dedicated to sustainable and impact investment.
Michaela Bowen
COO of Certua
With a strong background in operations as well as project management since moving back to the UK from South Africa in 1997, Michaela brings a wealth of varied experience to Certua. Her core strength lies in the development, improvement and management of business processes, using technology, whenever possible. In South Africa, Michaela held senior management roles in Southern Sun Hotels as well as commercial and industrial catering companies, SFS and Feedem. Michaela has worked with clients and development teams in USA, UK, Greece, South Africa, Slovakia, Russia and Ukraine.
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About Certua: Certua is a data-driven financial solutions.
Colin Buckley
Chief Operating Officer of CDC Group
Colin’s background is in international development and corporate finance. Prior to joining CDC, Colin held senior positions at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the International Finance Corporation. After the Russo-Georgian war of 2008, he advised the Prime Minister of Georgia on the country’s economic reconstruction. Prior to his work in international development, Colin practiced as a US attorney and a UK solicitor in Boston and London.
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About CDC Group: CDC is the UK’s development finance institution.
Warwick Hunt
Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer of PwC
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About PwC: PricewaterhouseCoopers is an accounting firm that provides tax, HR, transactions, performance improvement, and crisis management services.
Steve Turner
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer of ITRS Group
Steve joined ITRS in November 2016 as the CFO & COO, bringing more than 30 years’ management and leadership experience from across all industries. Steve had been previously running his own company coaching leaders and executive teams on the benefits of Organisational Health. Prior to this he has led the Services division at Misys Banking, a leader in the core banking market, and several other software companies through significant growth programmes (Ariba, BroadVision and SAP). Steve is a double Olympian in the sport of rowing, entrepreneur and has passion about sport, technology and performance.
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About ITRS Group: ITRS Group is the leading provider of risk mitigation solutions to global financial institutions.
Gary Fraser
Chief Operating Officer of Foresight Group
Chief Operating Officer at Foresight Group LLP.
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About Foresight Group: Foresight is an infrastructure and private equity investment manager that manages funds on behalf of institutions and retail clients.
Martin Leonard
Chief Operating Officer of Castlight Financial
Martin is responsible for driving Castlight Financial’s growth as the company continues to develop web-based financial products and forge effective relationships with financial retailers across the UK and internationally. Having previously worked for both Equifax and Callcredit, his extensive industry expertise in credit risk, market intelligence, anti-fraud and verification issues means he understands the nuances of our clients’ businesses and is ideally placed to work with them to develop and implement solutions.
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About Castlight Financial: Castlight provides real-time, affordability & financial capability analysis the Affordability Passport & Categorisation as a Service.
Grady Womack
Chief Operating Officer of ANV Holdings
Grady is responsible for the financial management and global oversight for operations and best practices across the ANV Group. Prior to joining ANV, Grady was the COO/CFO of HCC Global International. Grady oversaw the finance, information technology, human resources and marketing departments for the company, which included 23 nationalities doing business in 63 countries. He was also a member of various HCC group steering committees and task forces. Prior to HCC Global, Grady launched Goal.com, the online video streaming subsidiary for Mediaproducciones S.L., a broadcast, production and rights distribution group located in New York and Barcelona. Grady was the CFO for Special Operations Group Inc., a professional security firm in Washington D.C. and worked as a Manager within the Transaction Services Group of PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Richmond, London and Santiago, Chile. Grady is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
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About ANV Holdings: ANV Holdings is an insurance and reinsurance company.
Craig Vickery
Partner and COO of Exponent Private Equity
Craig Vickery joined Exponent in January 2005. He is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and is ultimately responsible for all financial and operational matters. Craig previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Originally from Edinburgh, Craig has an MA in Management Studies from the University of Glasgow and is a qualified chartered accountant (ACA).
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About Exponent Private Equity: Exponent is a private equity firm that believes that greater understanding to greater transformation.
Martin Threakall
COO of Yapily
Martin Threakall is the Chief Operating Officer of Yapily.
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About Yapily: Yapily offers API-based software to enable innovative products to connect to banks.
Matt Gatrell
COO and Board Executive Director of Nutmeg
Matt joined Nutmeg in April 2018 bringing over 20 years of financial services technology experience with him. As Nutmeg’s CTO, Matt ensures our technology strategy matches our business strategy. Prior to joining Nutmeg, Matt held the position of Chief Technical Officer at both Neilson Financial Services and MarketInvoice. His experience has been rounded out by 13 years at BancTec, a global top 100 financial services technology provider, where he held a number of roles, including R&D Director. Matt holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Brunel University.
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About Nutmeg: Nutmeg is an online investment service that specializes in investments, ISAs and pensions.
Neil Ambler
COO & Co-Founder of Banked
Neil leads our fundraising and continually fine-tunes our business strategy, while keeping the day-to-day finances healthy.
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About Banked: Banked is a fintech company that provides an account-to-account payment software platform offering an alternative to card schemes.
Charlotte Hogg
Chief Operating Officer of Bank of England
She took up her role as Chief Operating Officer at the Bank on 1 July 2013. She read economics and history at Oxford and was a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard. She entered the Bank of England in 1992 as a graduate entrant, but left in 1994 to join McKinsey in Washington.
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About Bank of England: The Bank of England serves as the central bank of the United Kingdom.
Tom Platt
COO of TotallyMoney
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About TotallyMoney: TotallyMoney puts customers right at the center of their credit data, helping them make smarter financial decisions.
Andy Wicken
Chief Operating Officer of Together Money
Andy Wicken is the Chief Operating Officer of Together. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies at Coventry University.
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About Together Money: Together is a specialist lender, offering short-term finance, auction finance, personal, commercial.
Paul Henry
COO of Funding Xchange
Paul Henry is the Chief Operating Officer at Funding Xchange. He is a former Managing Director of Experian pH and Director of Client Services at The pH Group. Mr. Henry graduated from the University of Oxford with a master of arts in Chemistry.
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About Funding Xchange: Funding Xchange is transforming and connecting the SME funding eco-system through digital eligibility and affordability assessment tools.
Veronique Merriam Barbosa
Co-Founder, COO of Flux Systems
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About Flux Systems: Flux Systems develops software platform that keeps a track of payment receipts by automatically linking them to payment cards.
Thomas Salter
Founder & COO of Netwealth
Over 15 years’ experience in financial services. Managing Director and global head of equity and multi-asset quantitative investment strategies at JPMorgan.
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About Netwealth: Netwealth is an online wealth management service that brings together an experienced team, user-friendly technology and lower fees.
Manish Mittal
Partner and COO of Mid Europa Partners
Manish Mittal is the Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Chief at Mid Europa Partners LLP since September 10, 2012. Previously, Manish Mittal served as the Finance Director at Kennet Partners Limited. He was responsible for finance, administration, and investor relations. Previously, Manish Mittal served as the Financial Controller at Advent Venture Partners where he was primarily responsible for the accounting and administration of two private equity funds and two venture capital trusts listed on the London Stock Exchange. Prior to that, he spent three years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the business assurance practice. Manish Mittal is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. Manish Mittal holds an M.Sc. in Finance from the University of Leicester and a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Sheffield.
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About Mid Europa Partners: Mid Europa Partners is a private equity firm specializing in private buyouts.
Dora Ziambra
COO of Azimo
Dora is responsible for Azimo’s business development, fundraising, strategic partnerships and international expansion. She holds an MBA from INSEAD and joined in Azimo in 2014.
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About Azimo: Azimo is an online money transfer company that provides a fast, secure, and low-cost alternative to legacy high street remittance services.
James Deal
Co-founder & COO of PrimaryBid
James Deal is a Co-founder and COO at PrimaryBid.
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About PrimaryBid: PrimaryBid is a technology platform that allows everyday investors fair & equal access to investing in public companies raising capital.
Samuele Pinta
Founder and COO of Satispay
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About Satispay: Satispay is a fintech company that provides a bank account enabled mobile payment platform.
Steve Maddock
Chief Operating Officer of Direct Line Insurance
Steve joined the Group in 2010 and is Chief Operating Officer. Steve has nearly 30 years’ experience of the insurance industry. He is responsible for leading the Group’s Claims, Information Technology (“IT”), Information Security, Procurement and Business Services functions. Under Steve’s leadership, the Group has realised significant benefits and efficiencies through delivering the claims transformation programme, rationalising the Group’s property footprint, enhancing the procurement and contract management processes, and implementing the IT transformation programmes. Steve’s previous roles include Director of Strategic and Technical Claims at RSA, Director of Claims and Customer Service at Capita, and Director of Operations at AMP. Steve is also Chairman of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
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About Direct Line Insurance: Direct Line Group is an organization with a clear mission: to make insurance much easier and better value for customers.
Heloise Aboulker
COO of InMotion Ventures
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About InMotion Ventures: InMotion Ventures invests in the future of transport and travel.
Vivek Ahuja
Group CFO and COO of Terra Firma
Vivek is a senior finance leader with three decades’ experience in global finance and over 20 years in senior CFO roles. He has led successful business and functional transformations and has worked across Asia, the Middle East and Europe with major global financial institutions. Prior to joining Terra Firma in January 2018, Vivek spent 17 years with Standard Chartered Bank where he was Deputy Group CFO, and prior to that he was Group CFO – Wholesale Banking and Regional CFO – Middle East and South Asia. Prior to Standard Chartered Bank, he worked for HSBC and ANZ in a variety of roles spanning finance, strategy, and corporate and institutional banking. Vivek is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) and was a Council member from 2013-2015 and a member of the Financial Services Faculty Board. He is a graduate of Mumbai University in India. Vivek is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm at a Group level and for its Portfolio companies, and oversees the firm’s IT, facilities, legal and HR teams. Vivek also supports the firm on the financial aspects of acquiring and selling businesses to ensure the delivery of maximum returns toinvestors.
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About Terra Firma: Terra Firma is a private equity firm based in London, United Kingdom.
Richo Strydom
COO of Bankable
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About Bankable: Bankable develops white-label payment solutions including e-wallets, remittance services, P2P money transfers and prepaid card programmes.
Richard Butler
Partner & COO of ESO Capital Group
Richard is a Partner at ESO. Richard has principal responsibility for set up and structuring of all investment funds, ongoing tax structuring at a fund and deal level, FX hedging and day to day operations of the firm. Richard sits on the boards of both regulated and unregulated ESO Funds in Luxembourg. Prior to joining ESO, Richard was Financial Controller at Bank of America with responsibility for European domiciled Special Purpose Vehicles. Previously he served as Financial Controller at Lehman Brothers with responsibility for real estate and non-performing loans. A chartered accountant, Richard was also previously with Moore Stephens as a Senior Auditor. He is fluent in French and Spanish. BA (Hons) Law, University of Nottingham; FCA, ICAEW.
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About ESO Capital Group: ESO Capital Group is a European special situations investment management group.
Lachlan Gillies
COO & Co-founder of Sherpa
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About Sherpa: Sherpa provides perfectly personalised insurance in one simple account for one payment
Steve Pannifer
COO of Consult Hyperion
Steve Pannifer is the COO at Consult Hyperion, is a digital identity and information security expert. He has led Consult Hyperion teams delivering projects in these areas for both banks, telcos and payment schemes. Steve has a detailed understanding of the global digital identity market, the operational and information security implications of the main ID&V processes and tools, and the most efficient way to implement them in financial services, including critical financial infrastructures. He has advised clients in Australia, Europe, North America and the UK, successfully transferring the learnings and best practice from one market to another. Over the last four years, Steve has established and built up Consult Hyperion’s information security and penetration testing capabilities. Building upon Consult Hyperion’s proven Security Risk Analysis methodology, Steve’s team now includes individuals with experience in mobile penetration testing, secure code reviews and the technology available in a mobile device to secure personal and financial information. The aim is always to understand the business impact of security issues and to be able to present those in business terms in order that resources can be targeted where they are most needed. Prior to joining Consult Hyperion, Steve gained 7 years IT experience at Logica, in the areas of IT security, systems integration and database design. Steve is a member of the UK Government’s Privacy and Consumer Advisory Group.
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About Consult Hyperion: Consult Hyperion is an independent strategic and technical consultancy.
Pat Caldwell
COO of FundApps
A self-confessed people geek from Australia, Pat has spent most of his career in the Australian mining industry before packing his bags for the tech industry in London and New York. Pat is now building People Operations at FundApps, a high-growth bootstrapped software company. He has a passion for D&I, leadership development and bringing HR kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Outside of work, you’ll find him on the tennis court, exploring (that’s Aussie-speak for judging) local coffee shops or taking a board game too seriously.
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About FundApps: We help investment managers harness the power of community and technology to automate regulatory compliance.
Jeremy Phillips
COO of KITE EDGE LTD
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About StrategyEye: Customisable Search Platform for Asset Managers/Banks
Tracy Moore
Chief Operating Officer of TorFX
Tracy brought her skills and vibrant personality to TorFX in 2005 following fifteen years’ experience cultivating sales growth and increasing market share in the manufacturing industry. As well as supporting an expanding marketing team, Tracy is actively involved in all operational functions of Tor’s Penzance office, ensuring that the company is adequately resourced for optimal goal delivery. Another aspect of Tracy’s role is participating in key group projects, like CRM. An earlier interest in Graphic Design has also proved useful, helping Tracy to oversee design projects within her department. Her hobbies of home renovation, interior design and gardening compliment the creative energy and eye for detail she brings to her work.
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About TorFX: TorFX is international money transfer provider offering outstanding exchange rates, fee-free transfers and first-class personal service.
Paul Noone
COO of Broadstone
Paul has over 25 years’ experience in the employee benefits sector gained from a series of senior management roles. Paul has extensive experience of operational improvement and change management and has also been responsible for managing key client relationships. Prior to joining Broadstone, Paul spent 10 years at Aon Consulting where he sat on the national executive and was responsible for their Outsourcing and HR Solutions divisions. Subsequent to that Paul spent time with Tata Consulting Solutions, where he was Head of Operations, and Mercer, where he was responsible for their national operations for their Outsourcing division. Paul has an MBA from the Open University and is an Associate of the Pensions Management Institute.
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About Broadstone: Broadstone provides pensions, employee benefits, actuarial and investment services advice to small and medium sized employers.
David Wright
Chief Operating Officer of Optimus Capital
David is the Chief Operating Officer at Optimus Capital. David WrightDavid joined Optimus Capital in October 2018. Previously he worked at Harmonic Capital, a macro hedge fund manager, where he was Chief Financial Officer and Risk Officer. Prior to that at Deloitte LLP where he specialised in Investment Management audit. He is an Associate Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours.
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About Optimus Capital: Optimus Capital provider of asset and portfolio management services.
Kevin Galliers
COO of AlphaDesk
Kevin has over 30 years in finance and financial technology, holding a variety of leadership positions within the vendor community, including SunGard/FIS, ACT/Misys, Iris Financial Engineering and Infinity Financial Technology. He also has an extensive background in database management and systems analysis and design, working for Standard Chartered Bank in London and Asia.
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About AlphaDesk: AlphaDesk provides real-time order, portfolio, and operations management tools to fund managers.
Jonathan Hughes
Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of Pollinate
Jonathan Hughes is the Co-Founder, President & Chief Operating Officer at Pollinate International.
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About Pollinate: Pollinate Networks is a platform that works with banks to create data-driven experiences for merchants and consumers.
George Evans
Chief Operating Officer of Leumi UK
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About Leumi UK: Leumi UK is a financial service provider company.
Paul Cook
Chief Operating Officer of YFM Equity Partners
A Chartered Accountant by training, Paul has held senior management roles in the FMCG, food, textiles and electronics industries, across companies ranging in size from £670m to £5 million. Since 1996 most of these roles have been in PE-backed businesses.
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About YFM Equity Partners: YFM Equity Partners is an independent private equity business owned by its senior management and investment team.
Richard Fitch
Chief Operating Officer of Spring Financial Group
Richard Fitch has been serving as Chief Operating Officer at Spring Financial Group since May 1, 2016.
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About MQube, Spring Financial Group: Spring Financial Group is set to transform the way people in the UK get a mortgage.
Robin Bailey
Chief Operating Officer of Pantheon Ventures
Robin is a Partner and Pantheon’s Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Pantheon, Robin worked in the Investment team of Ipex Capital and for the Corporate Finance Advisory practice of Deloitte. Robin qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen and holds a BSc in Economics from Warwick University.
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About Pantheon Ventures: Pantheon is a leading global private equity fund investor. We manage regional primary investments, global secondary and infrastructure
Adam Park
Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Capital Partners
Adam Park is the Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Capital Partners.
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About Renaissance Capital Partners: Renaissance Capital Partners invests funds in high-growth, innovative, and entrepreneurial businesses and also built environment projects.
Francois Devillez
Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer of AlphaSwap
Francois is a Blockchain consultant and entrepreneur. He previously consulted at Espeo Software, Larvol and various multinationals. Francois has a Master in Law from Free University of Brussels, a Master in Tax Management from Solvay Business School and a Master in Business Management from Vlerick Business School.
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About AlphaSwap, Forbes, Forbes Business Council, LARVOL: AlphaSwap is an investment technology platform, bundling its analyst community’s best stock ideas into Data-as-a-Service
Rama Eltohamy
CDO/COO of MoneyFellows
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About MoneyFellows: MoneyFellows is a collaborative money management and lending platform digitizing ROSCAs offering users competitive financial solutions.
Graham Hutchins
Chief Operating Officer of NCL Technology Ventures
Graham joined the Technology Strategy Board in 2007 and is responsible for its financial and operational management. He is an experienced commercial director with UK and international experience, including roles with FirstPoint Healthcare Ltd, Vodafone and FedEx.
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About NCL Technology Ventures: NCL Technology Ventures invests transformational equity capital in entrepreneurs who have truly innovative technologies in healthcare
Adam Shepherd
COO & Investor of TempoCap
Adam joined TempoCap from early-stage venture firm Notion Capital, where he focused on direct investments in B2B software companies. Prior to joining Notion, Adam helped fintech business CurrencyCloud raise a series C financing round, and worked with a number of other early-stage businesses – as well as establishing a successful Mexican street food business in his spare time. Adam started his career at BP, negotiating financing and structuring M&A transactions, as well as working for several years as a global macro trader and strategist in financial markets. Adam holds a BSc honours in Politics & Philosophy from the University of Bristol.
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About TempoCap: TempoCap is a growth and secondary direct venture investment firm.
