Brookner has over 13 years’ worth of experience
Blackfinch, the investment platform, has made an addition to its investment division’s senior management team by appointing James Brookner as Ventures Director.
Brookner was previously a consultant at Accenture, where he worked on projects in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and digital innovation. He also co-founded three companies including one operating in the enterprise software space.
He has over 13 years’ worth of experience having previously been employed by Station 12 Ventures where he played a role in a number of early-stage transactions.
Brookner later joined Velos Growth Capital Partners where he led multiple transactions – including raising
funds and taking on board roles – and most recently worked at Barclays Ventures where he sought
out investments aligned to the bank’s growth strategy in FinTech and cybersecurity.
Brookner expressed his excitement at the prospect of joining Blackfinch, bringing attention to his desire to build its Commenting on his appointment, James says he is ‘looking forward’ to building Blackfinch’s
investment portfolio and backing innovative technology driven companies that reflect the firm’s
environment, social and governance (ESG) values.
Blackfinch revealed earlier this year that it raised £10.4m via its Ventures Portfolios in the tax year ending April 2021. The investment firm said this money has been invested in innovative start-up and early-stage technology companies across the UK in a variety of industry sectors.
A further £5.8m was raised through its Spring Venture Capital Trust (VCT) which invests
primarily in companies at the start of their growth journey.
Dr Reuben Wilcock, who leads the Blackfinch Ventures team, said: “James has an impressive amount of experience working with fast growth tech-enabled companies that are indicative of the sort of businesses that form our own ventures portfolio.”
“His hands-on approach will add further value to those businesses that choose us as their investment partner, and we are delighted to have him onboard.”
Blackfinch is an investment specialist and trusted provider working in partnership with advisers. Based in Gloucester and employing more than 100 full-time members of staff, it has a heritage dating back 25 years.
