Meet the team

We are a team of experienced investors who aim to add value to all our portfolio companies through our networks, talent and operational support, and patient capital approach.

We have a powerful internal and external knowledge base, with extensive resources to support the growth of our business.

Trevor Hope

CIO

Trevor joined Gresham House Ventures as part of the Mobeus VCTs team in 2021.

For over 20 years, he has invested in fast-growing businesses at series A and beyond.

Prior roles include at Barclays, RBS, 3i and Beringea. Previous investments and Board positions include Paragon Software, Mondus, Cambridge Industries, Southnews plc, Achilles Group, MyOptique, Fjordnet, ILG Digital, Celebrus Technologies, Big Data Partnership, and Preservica.

Trevor holds an MBA, is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

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Clive Austin

Managing Director, VCT Portfolio

Clive has worked in the private equity industry since 1995, making investments including TeleCity and Kerridge Commercial Systems. Clive joined as part of the Mobeus VCTs team in 2021 and heads up VCT portfolio management across our VCT stable, sits on the Investment Committee and has responsibility for the portfolio valuations processes.

He is an investment management specialist with experience across a wide variety of sectors and stages of company development. He has been working in the VCT industry since 2008 with previous experience including running his own business and as a Director of NVM Private Equity, Catapult Venture Managers and 3i plc.

I’ve always considered what I do as a great privilege. Not only is it great fun, it’s also fascinating and the stakes are high.  We get involved with a wide variety of interesting businesses and people at critical points in their development with potentially life changing consequences – what job could be better than that?

Having specialised in portfolio management, Clive has acted as non-executive director and Chairman of a wide range of private equity backed businesses such as Virgin Wines, Entanet and Equip Outdoor Technologies. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics & Electronics, a DipM from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and an MBA.

Outside of work Clive can either be found competing in single seater racing cars, tinkering with classic cars or running / cycling around his native Teme Valley in Worcestershire.

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Tania Hayes

COO, Strategic Equity

Tania joined Gresham House in November 2018 as part of our acquisition of the  Livingbridge VC business, where she had spent 13 years.

In my role I have responsibility for most areas of the division other than investment, there are always fresh challenges and no day is ever the same.

She has worked on the Baronsmead VCTs since joining, progressing from administration assistant to Finance Manager in 2011 and qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2012.

Previously she worked at a Chartered Accountancy practice in New Zealand for eight years where she began her accounting training.

Tania moved to the UK in 2005 and outside of work enjoys attending live music events, discovering new restaurants and trying to balance life with running.

Her inspiration is Dolly Parton who she admires for many things including her business leadership, song writing and philanthropy.

Greg Blin

Investment Partner

Greg sources and executes investments into fast-growing businesses and is our resident consumer expert. He combines a natural flair for understanding the drivers of brand value, insight into wider market dynamics and strong corporate finance experience.

I first got into growth investing because it has afforded me the opportunity to work and build relationships with some incredibly talented entrepreneurs and ambitious management teams to support them on their growth journey.

Greg joined Gresham House Ventures in 2021 and has been part of the Mobeus VCTs team since 2013.

He sits on the boards of Buster + Punch and Bleach London.

Greg’s previous roles include investments at Piper Private Equity and Corporate Finance at PwC. He holds a BA/ ACC in Business Studies and Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant (ICAS).

Outside of work, Greg enjoys a range of sports including golf, tennis and skiing, would secretly love to be a DJ, and has a passion for travel.

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Hazel Cameron

Head of Portfolio Talent

With over 25 years in private equity, Hazel is an experienced investor and Board director, and has helped build numerous quality Boards.

It is always satisfying to help build a quality board with the skillsets applicable for the companies next challenges and opportunities, bearing in mind the company’s culture or cultural aspirations and seeing the impact that quality and fit can make.

Hazel joined Gresham House in March 2019, helping to create and maintain high-quality teams and serving on the Board of Parsley Box.

Hazel qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen before spending a few years in corporate finance with British Linen Bank advising public and private companies. She joined 3i in 1993 and in 2000 opened a London private equity office for Bowman Capital, a $6bn hedge fund with $750mn for private equity. She invested throughout Europe before gaining operational experience by heading up the UK for Cross Atlantic Capital Partners.

Since 2000, Hazel has been sitting on Boards for private equity and independently. Since 2006, she has been formally helping companies build quality Boards and management teams.

Outside of work Hazel enjoys skiing and running.

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Ed Wass

Portfolio Partner

Ed brings over 20 years’ experience of helping SMEs to create and realise shareholder value to his role. He has been working with our management teams since 2017 to help them achieve their ambitions for growth and has overseen several notable exits in that time, including Automated Systems Group, Access-IS and Auction Technology Group. He also led the successful IPO of Virgin Wines in 2021.

It is a pleasure to work with so many great businesses and fantastic management teams.  It is a real privilege to be involved in the growth of the exciting companies that Gresham House invests in and to contribute to their ongoing success.

Ed is on the board of several businesses, including Virgin Wines, RotaGeek, Airfinity and Vivacity Labs. His previous roles include CIO at Catapult Ventures and at PwC in both Assurance and Business Recovery Services.

Ed was named as one of Real Deals’ Future 40 Investment Leaders in April 2021.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Ancient History and is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW).

Outside of work Ed enjoys spending time with his family and whenever possible chasing after a ball of some description (cricket, golf, tennis and fives) – sometimes these happen together.

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Matt Mead

Venture Partner

Matt joined GHV in 2021 and the Mobeus VCT team in 2019.

He has over 25 years’ experience in early stage and scale-up technology investing.

It is a real privilege to work with so many great businesses and management teams and support them in their growth ambitions.

Matt was a Partner in 3i’s technology investment business and held Chief Investment Officer roles at the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and Mercia Asset Management.

Outside of work Matt enjoys spending time with his family, most sports, mainly spectating now but still playing golf, cricket and tennis.

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Rupesh Patel

Investment Director, Portfolio

Rupesh joined in January 2021 and looks after our portfolio companies, who he actively supports to accelerate growth and build shareholder value.

He has a track record of investing in entrepreneurial businesses and expertise in value creation through bolt-on acquisitions, product expansion and recruiting senior management teams.

I’m privileged to be working every day with dynamic founders and management teams to unlock the full potential of their business.

Prior to Gresham House, Rupesh worked at Praesidian Capital, a transatlantic private equity and debt fund focused on lower-mid market businesses, where he was responsible for minority growth and buy-out investments. Before this he led M&A and private equity transactions at Grant Thornton, spearheading transactions ranging from £5mn to £100mn in value.

Rupesh qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) with Deloitte and holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics.

Outside of work Rupesh enjoys travelling off the beaten track, exploring new eateries and spending time with his family.

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Rowan Grobler

Investment Director

Rowan joined us as part of the acquisition of the Mobeus VCTs. He originates and executes new deals, including IPV and leading the investment into Connect Childcare.

Having worked directly with scale up and growth orientated teams, I have had the benefit of working with some inspirational entrepreneurs and operational teams. Taking these learnings and sharing them with the teams we now invest in, is what I really get excited about.

He currently sits on the board of IPV and Connect Childcare, where he brings more than 15 years’ experience working with institutionally owned fast-growth businesses as an FD, CFO and investor. His previous roles include Finance Director at Crussh and Nando’s.

He holds an Hons (CTA) degree in Accounting Sciences and is a Chartered Accountant (SA).

Outside of work, Rowan enjoys cycling, having friends over for a braai, and spending time with his children

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Joe Krancki

Investment Director

Joe joined Gresham House as part of the Mobeus VCT team in 2021. He originates and leads growth capital investments in technology-led businesses.

Joe has over 20 years’ experience helping to build, transform, and grow companies across North America and Europe. He focuses on software, data & analytics, tech-enabled services, and online marketplaces.

I am passionate about partnering with ambitious tech entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and deepen their impact.

Previous roles include at Frog Capital, where he was a Partner, Jefferies, 3i and EY. He was named one of the Financial News’ 40-Under-40 Rising Stars in Private Equity in 2015.

He holds a BSc and an MSc in Industrial Engineering and an MBA.

Outside of work, Joe spends far less time doing sports than he did before having a family. Whilst he isn’t likely to do another Ironman, he enjoys undoing the swimming and cycling he does by having dinner parties and a not-so-occasional glass of wine.

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Thomas Makey

Investment Director

Tom spends his time meeting and investing into fast growing, early stage private companies, and then working with the founders to help grow their businesses and achieve their ambitions.

I love the process of getting to know entrepreneurs, seeing their passion and drive for their products – and having the opportunity to be part of their growth journey.

After graduating with a degree in Biology, he joined KPMG, working across a number of departments with a focus on private equity transactions and completing his Chartered Accountancy qualification. He then moved to Livingbridge VC in 2015, who were then acquired by Gresham House in 2018.

When not in the office, Tom spends his time with his young family and, when time allows, sailing or skiing.

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Maya Ward

Investment Director

Maya joined Gresham House in September 2019, and focuses on healthcare investments, including Orri, Metrion Biosciences and Panthera Biopartners.

Prior to Gresham House, she spent 4 years at Octopus Investments, investing in real estate-backed healthcare companies and entrepreneurs. Before this she worked at KPMG for 7 years in audit and corporate finance.

Maya holds a first-class degree in Modern History and is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW).

Outside of work, Maya enjoys playing hockey (when not suffering from an injury!), travelling and watching martial arts films.

It’s a pleasure to be investing in the future of UK healthcare across a range of sub sectors and working with some of the country’s top scientists and clinicians to deliver world-class solutions.

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Bob Henry

Portfolio Director

Bob’s focus is on maximising the potential of a number of portfolio companies. Historically he has specialized in construction, food manufacturing and sports equipment

I have the privilege of working with some exceptional teams in businesses with real potential and continue to learn from them.

Bob joined as part of our acquisition of the Mobeus VCT contracts. He joined the Mobeus VCT team in 1998 and was one of the Partners when they completed a management buyout from the Matrix Group in 2012.

Bob was previously at HSBC where he was Head of HSBC Ventures and prior to that spent time at County Bank.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies.

Outside work Bob enjoys long-distance walking, travel, gardening, modern literature, theatre, good restaurants and family time.

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Simon Bursell

Portfolio Director

Simon brings over 30 years’ experience of supporting, financing, and advising SMEs to Gresham House and the Mobeus VCTs. He represents the team on the Board of several businesses. Simon is a generalist with particular experience in ecommerce, manufacturing and branded outdoor clothing and accessories.

It is a real privilege to work with so many great businesses and management teams and support them in their growth ambitions.

His previous roles include Equity partner and board member at Dains Accountants, Corporate Finance roles at Smith Cooper and Deloitte, and at NatWest Development as a Capital Investment executive.

Simon is a past winner of Insider E. Midlands – Dealmaker of the Year, Advisory Team of the Year and Deal of the Year (Equip/Rab and Trekmates) and holds a BEng in Engineering Science.

Outside of work Simon enjoys a round of golf, unhealthy food and a beer/wine, preferably all on the same day.

Giles Whitman

Portfolio Director

Giles joined Gresham House Ventures in 2021 as part of our acquisition of the Mobeus VCT contracts, and represents us on the board of Red Paddle Co. He brings over 11 years’ experience of helping SMEs to create and realise shareholder value.

I love supporting ambitious management teams in a range of industries.

Giles is a generalist with particular experience in business services, recycling and renewable energy. He previously held the role of Investment Director at Growth Capital Partners and YFM Equity Partners. Prior to this, he spent time at Foresight Group, EY and HSBC Investment Bank.

He holds a BSc in Economics & Economic History and is a Chartered Accountant (ICAS).

Outside of work Giles enjoys playing golf and tennis and going skiing.

Zixin Pan

Associate Director

Zixin joined the Gresham House Ventures team in August 2022.

I am passionate about finding disrupting technologies and innovative business ideas. I joined the team at Gresham House Ventures because of its long-established reputation, excellent track record, and abundant resource accessible to portfolio companies.

Prior to this, she spent over 8 years in the Energy industry, working at Royal Dutch Shell. At Shell, Zixin worked across various business lines including Trading, Retail, Renewable Energy Solutions and Shell Ventures.

During her time as a Senior Investment Associate with Shell Ventures, she focused on early-stage equity investments into fast growing start-ups in the Future of Mobility and CleanTech, across Europe, China and India.

Zixin is a qualified CIMA management accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering and Risk Management.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time playing my violin, travelling around the globe, and meeting with interesting people.

James Hendry

Associate Director

James joined Gresham House Ventures as Investment Manager in December 2019, before being promoted to Associate Director in 2022.

Prior to this, he spent five years at PwC, latterly working in their financial due diligence team.

He works with a range of investees day to day to bring out the best of their business.

I enjoy working with our investees to get the best out of their business, from DD right through to a potential IPO.

He is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and holds an MA in Economics and Accounting.

Outside of work, James can be found on the golf course or doing up his flat in South London.

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Ben Faulkner

Associate Director

Ben joined Gresham House as an Associate Director in August 2022.

He focuses on originating, appraising, structuring and executing new transactions as well as working alongside founders and Management teams post-investment.

The best part of my role is learning about new businesses, understanding what makes them tick and thinking about how GHV can help them on their journey.

Prior to Gresham House, he was Head of Portfolio at Bootstrap Europe, a pan-European growth capital fund focused on making and managing investments in early-stage technology companies.

Ben started his career within EY’s Private Equity Transaction Advisory team, including a secondment to support Mayfair Equity Partners.

He holds a first-class degree in Accounting and Finance and is a Chartered Accountant (ICAS).

Outside of work, Ben is an avid motorcyclist, taking annual road trips to France, and is a detective novel fanatic. He also loves exploring new countries, with recent trips including Sri Lanka, Colombia and the Philippines.

Shalin Pather

Portfolio Manager

Shalin joined Gresham House in August 2022 and has 12 years’ financial experience.

I joined the Gresham House Ventures team because I enjoy the challenge of supporting courageous management to grow their businesses.

Prior to Gresham House, Shalin was a Portfolio Manager at BOOST&Co, turning around underperforming SME businesses. Shalin acted as a Non-Executive Director and observer on investments within various industries, including telecommunications, advertising technology, vehicle finance, smart metering logistics, and lead generation. Before this, he was an Equity Analyst at RMB Morgan Stanley.

Shalin holds a BCom (Hons) in Accounting Science.

Outside of work, he is a keen cricketer and passionate rugby fan. He also enjoys trying new recipes and frequently braai (South African-style BBQ) accompanied by a quality bottle of wine.

Israh Samari-Khan

Team Personal Assistant

Israh joined Gresham House Ventures in March 2022 as Team Personal Assistant.

She supports the team with a wide range of tasks, including diary management, investment committee prep and event planning.

Prior to Gresham House, Israh worked at a venture capital as an Executive Assistant to two Managing Partners and at a commercial real estate firm assisting a team of six ranging from Managing Director to Associate.

I first started working as a personal assistant in finance because I enjoy a fast paced and detail-oriented environment.

Israh read Dance Studies at university and outside of work is passionate about all things food, from trying the best new restaurants in London to cooking a variety of different cuisines at home.

 

Matt Jones

Investment Manager

Matt joined Gresham House Ventures in 2021 as part of our acquisition of the Mobeus VCTs. As a member of the new investment team, Matt spends his time sourcing, evaluating, and executing new investment opportunities within the deal team.

Matt focuses on early stage to series A opportunities within software and services businesses, with a keen interest in technology led automation of processes and workflows.

I enjoy fostering strong relationships with management teams, combining an entrepreneurial approach with professionalism to maximise the potential within their business.

Prior to Gresham House, Matt spent 6 years advising on PE-led transactions, latterly sitting within the Strategy & Transactions TMT team at EY. Matt is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance.

Outside of work, Matt can usually be found at live music events (genre agnostic), watching rugby league (up The Wire), or back home in the Lake District taking in the scenery with a pint of Loweswater Gold; the best ale you’ve never heard of.

Caitlin Cameron

Origination Analyst

Caitlin joined the Gresham House Ventures team in May 2022. Caitlin previously worked at Agilia Infrastructure Partners, an independent specialist consultancy firm, as an Analyst and spent a year at St. James’s Place Wealth Management in Edinburgh.

I joined Gresham House because I want to work for a leading team with a true commitment to sustainability. The private equity team offers me the opportunity to engage with and support excellent entrepreneurs making an impact.

Caitlin graduated in 2020 with a BA (Hons) in International Relations.

Outside of work Caitlin enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring London and socialising with friends.

Graham Butler

Portfolio Talent

Tim Jones

VCT Services Director

Tim has managed the financial and management reporting for the four Mobeus VCTs for over a decade. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Manager at Nyman Libson Paul.

I enjoy working with the Mobeus VCTs because I get to learn about some of the UK’s youngest and fastest growing companies

Tim is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and holds an MSc in Economics and a BA (Hons) in Economics and Management.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and socialising.

Catherine Eldridge

Team Personal Assistant

Catherine joined the Gresham House Ventures team in September 2021 as part of Gresham House’s acquisition of the Mobeus VCTs business.

I really enjoy working with such a great team.

Catherine supports the team with diary management and on a number of projects.

She works closely with the marketing team and more specifically supports on all marketing materials and events relating to the Mobeus VCTs.

Catherine previously worked in recruitment at Bain & Company.

Outside of work Catherine enjoys yoga, watching a good Netflix series and socialising with friends.

Mark Wignall

Consultant

Mark works on a consultancy basis for Gresham House, having been involved with the Mobeus VCTs for 25 years and previously chairing the Mobeus Partnership and investment committees.

I’ve invested in more than 100 SMEs and in a smaller business, there’s no closer link between management strategy, execution and results. I respect and enjoy being part of the purity of that cause and effect.

Mark brought together the original team that acquired GLE with Matrix Group in 2004 to form Matrix Private Equity Partners. Mark led that group in the MBO from Matrix that formed Mobeus in 2012.

His previous roles include at GLE Development Capital, where he progressed from Portfolio Manager to Managing Director, and MAI plc, as one of their first graduate trainees.

Mark holds a BSc in Economics and a PGDip in Marketing.

Outside of work, he spends most of his time with his multigenerational family and has a passion for worldwide travel.

Ken Wotton

Managing Director, Public Equity

Ken joined Gresham House in November 2018, having spent 11 years with Livingbridge leading their Equity Funds investment team.

He leads Gresham House’s Public Equity strategy, managing AIM and other listed investments on behalf of the Baronsmead VCTs, LF Gresham House UK Micro Cap Fund, LF Gresham House UK Smaller Companies Fund, and LF Gresham House UK Multi Cap Income Fund.

After graduating with a degree in mathematics, Ken started his career and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. He then moved into equity research with Commerzbank, followed by Evolution Securities where he began building his sector expertise in telecoms and technology, and knowledge of large and small listed companies and corporate transactions.

He used to travel far afield, climb mountains, play golf, go snowboarding, play guitar in a band and tried his hand as a part time DJ. These days, with three young children, he finds his time outside work filled with activities closer to home!

Brendan Gulston

Director, Public Equity

Brendan joined Gresham House in November 2018 having previously been at Livingbridge and is an integral part of our Public Equity team, as co-fund manager of the LF Gresham House UK Multi Cap Income Fund.

I love finding businesses where you can drive conviction early on, conclude a successful investment and continue to support them along the journey.

Brendan studied commerce with a focus on finance and subsequently spent four and a half years in technology investment banking at Canaccord Genuity.

Outside of work he enjoys skiing and is a big fan of the alpine lifestyle, as well as exploring new places, various creative pursuits and playing sport.

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Andy Hampshire

COO & CTO, Gresham House

Andy is responsible for operational and technology initiatives across the Gresham House group.

His background covers a diverse range of technology, operations and business roles, having previously worked for LDC and the wholesale division of Lloyds Banking Group, where he led numerous operational improvement and technology programmes.

Throughout his career, Andy has advised companies on identifying value creation opportunities to support growth that can be driven through operational improvement and technology, as well as supporting complex post-merger integrations.

Anthony Dalwood

CEO, Gresham House

With over 20 years in the industry, Tony is an experienced investor and has advised numerous public and private equity businesses. In December 2014, Tony became CEO of Gresham House and brought in a new management team that has transformed the company from an investment trust into an AIM-listed specialist asset management group.

Tony started his career at Phillips & Drew Fund Management (later UBS Global Asset Management), one of the UK’s most prominent value investment firms, with £60 billion in assets at its peak. He was a member of the UK Equity Investment Committee with responsibility for managing over £1.5 billion of UK equities.

In 2002 Tony founded and became CIO of SVG Investment Managers and CEO of SVG Advisers (formerly Schroder Ventures (London) Limited), the global private equity funds business and specialist alternatives manager. He established and led the growth of SVG Investment Managers, before launching Strategic Equity Capital plc, a London listed Investment Trust in 2005.

Tony previously Chaired the London Pension Fund Authority’s Investment Panel, which oversees £4.6 billion in AUM. He is an Independent non-executive director of JPEL Plc (formerly JP Morgan Private Equity Limited plc), and advises St Edmund’s College’s Endowment Fund.