Team

‍Our industry is a ‘no’ industry. We like to say ‘yes’.

Many people in our industry get paid to say ‘no’. I think we should be able to do that for free. We like to find something that other people haven’t thought through properly. Then we look at it in a different light so we can see the opportunity from a more creative standpoint.

We minimize pain and maximise opportunity.

We’re successful because everyone on the team has eternal optimism, infinite energy and enduring resilience. We try and try again until we make something work. Even when things don’t go 100% plan, we always find a way to make things as good as we possibly can.

A simple idea is a good idea.

Even if there are technical details or specific knowledge required, you should be able to walk through our doors and explain your idea to us in reasonably simplistic terms. We’re looking for people who share our passions and are not only willing to learn from us – but are willing to teach us too.

In fact, every day is a learning opportunity for us.

Lots of companies will tell you they’re the best at something. I think we take a much more humble and forward-thinking approach. There are days that are challenging, and yes, sometimes we make mistakes. This is what spurs us on to keep learning and do better for our entrepreneurs.

I’m most proud of…

The fact that we’ve been pioneers in developing a new type of investment practice that sits squarely between traditional private equity and hedge funds. That, and the people who have gone on to do great things. It’s amazing to be part of their story.

When I’m not working, I escape to…

The ice. Somewhere at least 2,000 miles away from the next group of people. The ice removes you from everything and acts as a leveler – free from external things like money and power. Everyone on an extreme trip has a role and no one is better than the next person. Those are the moments when I’m happiest.

Our philosophy begins with investing in great teams.

We love teams who have the domain expertise and passion to solve problems that really matter and who are demonstrating strong progress.

Three things I’m passionate about are…

Meeting enthusiastic entrepreneurs with ideas to change the world. Learning about new business models, technology and distribution channels before they are mainstream. Helping start-ups through their challenges and advising them on how to exploit opportunities.

We bring a wealth of experience to the entrepreneurs we invest in.

We have a network of partners ready to help our portfolio companies in the good times and the bad. We bring fresh ideas, as well as the means and knowledge to execute them.

Outside of work you’ll find me….

Travelling, spending time with my family or indulging in watching science fiction movies.

We’re about people – not just numbers.

We spend a lot more time thinking about the people we invest in than other companies. As a team, we see individuals for who they are and what their idea can offer the world. Then we work on empowering them with the toolkit they need to achieve what they want to. Put it this way: we don’t like to be vanilla.

We spot ideas that others miss.

There’s a real entrepreneurial spirit at Black Lion – and this is very much reflected in the type of people and ideas we invest in. Often that means we spot an opportunity that other more traditional firms of family offices fail to recognise – or even reject.

One of our greatest strengths is thinking on our feet.

So much of what we do relies on being a creative problem solver and thinking on our feet. When seeking new team members, we’re always looking for someone that can adapt quickly and change their thinking on any given deal to get the job done and achieve the best possible outcome.

I love all things Private Equity.

I came from a background in finance at Barclays into the world of private equity. Something I’m really proud of is becoming an expert in this field, especially around asset valuation and structuring, to support our entrepreneurs and the rest of the team.

And when I’m not at work…

You’ll find me on the golf course. In a sector like this, my mind is pretty much always on the job. The golf course is probably the one place on Earth where I can switch my brain off so that work doesn’t even enter my head.

A clear strategy is essential.

When it comes to my investment philosophy, I believe that focusing on a clear path ahead is the key to identifying risk and reward. This is why we’ve been so successful in setting up start-ups.

Our flexibility gives us the edge.

We're great at risk and return analysis and spotting the secret sauce – or what's special about any given investment. Beyond that, what makes us different from other companies is that we can be truly flexible in how we structure a deal.

The right people are what make a deal.

As well as the finance side, our network is what makes us exceptional. We find the best consultants and bring people together to successfully support and close a deal.

We’re always learning.

Immersing myself in new things every day makes my job exciting – I love learning about new companies and new investments and interacting with different people.

We celebrate the small wins – not just the big ones.

We are a very close team, and what matters to me is continually moving us forward as a company. We all put a lot of energy and effort into deals, so it’s important that as a team, we celebrate the big and the small – and focus on the learnings for the future. That’s what creates a culture of positivity and purpose.

When I’m not working, I’m travelling…

I love sports and being in nature, but my two greatest passions are travelling and food.