London Business School (LBS) and QVentures, a leading private network for sophisticated investors, have launched an exclusive professional development programme aimed at Venture Capital professionals, Family Offices and sophisticated investors.

Independent Growth Finance (IGF), a leading independent commercial finance provider, appoints Matt Shepherd as Commercial Director. Matt comes to IGF with nearly 20 years experience in finance, with a focus on business development and asset based lending.

Worcestershire’s first-of-its kind technology accelerator is searching for its third cohort. BetaDen is now accepting applications for its 9-month accelerator programme from technology entrepreneurs to small technology businesses that are minimal viable product (MVP) ready or in a position to develop to this stage. 

Livingbridge has announced a raft of promotions, including those of Amy Yateman-Smith and Dave Kirby to Partner.  

A Cambridge University programme, originally created to nurture the brilliant minds of academia, is now giving businesses and research organisations

BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses, has appointed James Marshall to its Manchester investment team, covering the North West.

Keensight Capital, one of the leading private equity managers dedicated to pan-European Growth Buyout investments, has appointed Amit Karna as Senior Director and Carlo Cartapani as Analyst. Amit brings more than 15 years of finance experience across both the USA and Europe, notably in the Healthcare sector, while Carlo has a strong background in Corporate Finance.

Financial technology, or fintech, is the buzzword on everyone’s lips that has continued to inspire conversation and innovation. But fintech is more than just a buzzword; fintech companies are driving real change for consumers and businesses alike. The unbundling of financial services allows fintech start-ups and scaleups to provide more efficient and streamlined offerings, hence disrupting traditional banking, payment and lending services.

Mid-market private equity investor Livingbridge has appointed Mihir Patel and Joseph Evans as investment managers. 

Kuber the pioneering alternative fund investment platform offering access to EIS, SEIS & BR portfolios and funds has appointed James Ramsay as MD alongside Andrew Kartashov.

Women-led companies have more success with Crowdcube’s crowdfunding platform than with any other method of equity financing. Out  of 760 UK start-up or growth companies that have funded on Crowdcube, 24% are founded by women. Female founders have driven 216 UK-led successful raises on Crowdcube, which have collectively raised £107m, since the company began in 2011.

Ethical investment platform SeedTribe has relaunched as a new UK-focused impact hub. The platform will connect startups with individuals, corporates and governments interested in helping profit-with-purpose businesses. SeedTribe’s new focus will be supporting inspiring entrepreneurs in ways not solely connected to finding equity investment. This includes mentoring, networking and recruitment.