UK-based investment crowdfunding platform VentureFounders, has appointed two new executives to aid with platform growth. According to VentureFounders, platform users grew by 105% in the first quarter of 2016 alone. VentureFounders saw more than £726,000 invested via their platform during Q1.
VentureFounders announced that Vanessa Cowling will now manage the company’s legal and compliance functions as its General Counsel. She will also be responsible for engaging with regulators and is said to be developing VentureFoundres thought leadership regarding industry issues. Cowling previously was part of Canada Life’s legal team.
Basile Dandine has been appointed to the role of Investment Associate. He will be responsible for sourcing investment opportunities and executing the funding rounds. Before joining VentureFounders, Basile advised early-stage start-ups on business strategy and fundraising needs. He previously worked for Dubai International Capital where he focused on growth capital transactions in the Middle East, as well as secondary buyouts in London.
James Codling, Co-Founder of VentureFounders, called the appointments powerful and important to their expansion plans.
Both Dandine and Cowling released statements lauding the strategic approach of VentureFounders.
Cowling stated that VentureFounders is “transforming the way investors access venture capital, as well as supporting the next generation of British entrepreneurs.”
“I firmly believe that the Company’s model– sourcing carefully selected opportunities which have been subject to extensive due diligence–not only prudently manages risk but is also best practice amongst crowdfunders. I am very much looking forward to working with the team to bring these higher standards to a wider audience of investors,” said Cowling.
Dandine pointed to VentureFounders intent on offering only highly-vetted high quality investments to smaller investors.
“Selecting the right opportunities is the foundation of generating strong investment returns in early stage companies. I have been impressed by VentureFounders’ vision to bring this concept to the crowdfunding sector..”
VentureFounders has sought to differentiate their platform with higher minimum investments (£1000) and by being operated by professionals with private equity and investment management backgrounds. VentureFounders explains they incorporate a strict selection and due diligence of investment opportunities, ongoing portfolio monitoring of those businesses and reporting to shareholders. They also highlight their nominee structure that creates one manageable point of contact for VC and Angel partners throughout the whole investment lifecycle.
Since platform launch in 2014, VentureFounders has raised over £20.5 million for UK businesses.