Oxford Capital and Pi Capital announce strategic partnership

Press release: 9 January 2008

Europe's smartest investors team up to support enterprise

Oxford Capital and Pi Capital announce strategic partnership

A powerful new force of investment capital and expertise is emerging in the UK in the midst of the gloom of the recession. Oxford Capital and Pi Capital have announced their strategic partnership which brings together two of Europe’s most powerful networks of High Net Worth and Family Office investors combining both their pool of capital and a wealth of business experience.Through this partnership some of the UK’s best entrepreneurs will be able to access “smart capital”, money and expertise, to support the growth of their businesses.

Representing a capital base of tens of millions of pounds built up over the past decade, coupled with the expertise and experience of business leaders from many sectors, this “super-network” has the possibility of energising many businesses. Whilst willing to work in close cooperation with government and related funds, it is a wholly private sector initiative.

Since many institutions and private equity funds are uncomfortable working with smaller businesses, and at a time when many former venture capital houses have abandoned working with early stage growth companies, this super-network is capable of decisive action and practical engagement in support of businesses confronted by opportunities but lacking necessary resources, whether capital or human.

Smart investors realise the need for patience in building successful businesses and are also interested in helping the bigger picture of the national economic effort. They understand that investing in businesses, including smaller ones, can be risky but they have the expertise and abilities to work with them. This is a new alliance for progress and potential support for a number of companies during these challenging times and can act as a catalyst for capital from other sources, both public and private.

This new strategic partnership brings the potential of both principals to enhance their contribution and support to growth companies in the UK at a time of unusual needs.Many companies are struggling to survive as they are starved of both debt and equity capital.At a time when fundraising is particularly difficult UK entrepreneurs will benefit from 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.Both organisations will be able to pool their resources to support aspiring businesses across the country.

“The UK has enormous potential and resilience” says Ted Mott, founder and chief executive of Oxford Capital, “and will emerge from the recession fitter and stronger than before”. David Giampaolo, CEO of Pi Capital concurs adding that “the breadth and depth of expertise and business acumen amongst our members is an extraordinary resource for the SME sector”.

Oxford Capital was founded in 1999 and has become one of the premier venture capital houses in Europe and with an extensive international network of high net worth investors.The firm specialises in commercialising emerging technologies and has won awards in recent years including Venture Capital House of the Year and Early Stage Investor of the Year.Oxford Capital is recognised for its operational expertise and for its ability to accelerate smaller businesses into international markets.Oxford Capital reviews more than 1,500 deals a year from all over the UK many of which may appeal to members of the Pi Capital network.

Pi Capital was founded in 1998 and manages a broad network of sophisticated, experienced and knowledgeable individuals from the worlds of finance and commerce many of whom invest in venture opportunities.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” says Edward Mott, Chief Executive and Founder, Oxford Capital, “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.”

David Giampaolo, Chief Executive, Pi Capital notes that “Pi Capital’s diverse base of members includes many who have already made valuable contributions to businesses and we are delighted to partner up in this combination of skills and resources being made available in support of enterprise at this difficult stage of the economic cycle”.

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For further information please contact:

Oxford Capital   
Ted Mott, Chief Executive
Lucy Foster, Communications Manager
+44 (0)1865 860760

Mike Lord, Lord Public Relations
+44 (0)7831 401 311


Pi Capital
David Giampaolo, Chief Executive
+44 (0)20 7529 5667

Richard Evans/Tom Nutt, The Communication Group plc
+44 (0)20 7630 1411