Investment funds team up to help entrepreneurs

14 Jan 2009 | News

Funding opportunity

Two UK private investment funds, Oxford Capital Partners and Pi Capital, have announced a strategic partnership to bring together two of Europe’s leading networks of high net worth and family office investors. The two will combine their pool of capital and business experience to help small companies that cannot attract traditional venture capital funding.

Many institutions and private equity funds are uncomfortable working with smaller businesses, and many venture capital firms have stopped supporting start-ups, but Oxford and Pi say they realise the need for patience in building successful businesses. “[We] understand that investing in businesses, including smaller ones, can be risky but [we] have the expertise and abilities to work with them.”

At present, many companies are struggling to survive as they are starved of debt and equity capital. “At a time when fundraising is particularly difficult, UK entrepreneurs will benefit from [the] capital and intellectual knowledge and resources which this partnership offers. Oxford Capital has a deep technological understanding, investment experience and strong due diligence capabilities, while Pi Capital’s members offer further business and financial acumen,” say the two firms.  

David Giampaolo, CEO of Pi Capital, said, “The breadth and depth of expertise and business acumen amongst our members is an extraordinary resource for the SME sector.”

Oxford Capital Partners was founded in 1999 and has an extensive international network of high net worth investors, while Pi Capital, founded in 1998, manages the interests of a broad network of individuals from the worlds of finance and commerce, many of whom invest in venture opportunities. In addition, many Pi Capital members are willing to become actively involved in the businesses in which they invest, sharing their expertise in line management and corporate governance.

“This combination of capital, expertise and innovation represents a powerful new force behind the re-invigoration of the UK economy. At a time of growing concern about the loss of established industries, whether in the manufacturing or service sectors, all initiatives which help to concentrate talent and resources to underpin economic growth will be welcomed,” said Edward Mott, Chief Executive and Founder, Oxford Capital Partners.

http://www.oxcp.com/for_companies/3


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