Blackfinch Ventures appoints new principal

Gloucester-based Blackfinch Ventures has appointed Dr Simon Porter as principal, strengthening its multidisciplinary team supporting founders and investors.

Simon, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, brings over a decade of venture capital and corporate finance experience.

He has previously held senior roles at Active Partners and Pembroke VCT, alongside running his own consultancy supporting startups with growth, fundraising and strategy.

At Blackfinch, Simon will manage a portfolio of founders, from advising on product design to shaping strategic plans, further enhancing the firm’s ability to back ambitious entrepreneurs and deliver strong outcomes for investors.

Simon said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Blackfinch Ventures team, and I look forward to getting hands-on with the portfolio – combining my technical expertise and venture capital experience to help our early-stage founders grow, fundraise and exit successfully.”

Richard Harley, ventures director at Blackfinch Ventures, added: “Simon’s skillset will be particularly valuable when supporting the technology-enabled companies we have in our portfolio and our pipeline. 

“This expansion of the team enhances the way we manage our portfolio of founders, which in turn helps to deliver strong long-term outcomes for investors.”

Richard Cook, chief executive at Blackfinch Group, added: “As Blackfinch Ventures moves forward, we’re continuing to sharpen our focus on the key themes shaping the future; FinTech, DeepTech and Energy Transition. 

“To back the visionary founders within these sectors, we’ve put together a team with the technical insight and founder-first mindset needed to support this coming wave of innovation – Simon’s appointment is another clear step forward in that journey.” 

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