VentureFounders closes £1.8m as it looks to grow equity crowdfunding platform

UK start-up has appointed former Dyson CEO Martin McCourt as chairman, with goal to make venture capital investing “much more accessible”

Early-stage start-up VentureFounders has landed £1.8m investment to “fuel further growth” of its equity crowdfunding platform in its mission to make venture capital and angel-style investing”more accessible”.

The company has also announced the appointment of a new chairman; former Dyson CEO, Martin McCourt.

Launched in September 2014 by Paul Moravek and James Codling, VentureFounders specialises in helping early-stage, scalable and high-growth businesses to secure financeand has so far facilitated £20m in investment for 10 companies.

In the last 18 months, the business has grown its database to over 1,000 investors and claims that individual investments made through its platform typically average at £11,000.

Codling commented: “This injection of capital will allow us to realise our expansion plans and we are thrilled to appoint McCourt as chairman. He has been a fantastic supporter of the business and brings considerable leadership skills to the table.

“VentureFounders separates itself from the ‘spaghetti against the wall’ approach through a vigorous due diligence process, as we seek to achieve success and an eventual exit strategy for the businesses we work with.”

Martin McCourt added:

“I have been impressed by the wide range of carefully identified investment opportunities they have presented to investors. I look forward to sharing my expertise as the business develops to the next level.”