Growth Investment

Mike Piper

Lives in: Leicester

Works: Leicester and across the East Midlands

At work: I have been involved in the venture capital industry for over 25 years. I was a director of 3i plc and co-founded Catapult Venture Managers Ltd, before selling out to run my own corporate finance consultancy in 2005. I now help entrepreneurs groom their businesses into an investment ready state and help them to raise funds from banks, venture capital funds and private investors. I have experience with start-up’s, early growth opportunities, development capital, acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy-ins and with selling and floating businesses. I typically invest in the businesses I am involved with and take a seat on the board as a non-executive director or observer. I also manage a private investor network and am a director of several other businesses.

Why: I enjoy deal-doing and helping entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. Raising capital is a difficult process and most people have little knowledge of how to go about it successfully. I am able to use my experience and contacts to help entrepreneurs put in place a business strategy and plan which maximises the chances of raising capital and minimises the risks. I can help them develop and grow their businesses and provide comfort to banks and investors through board representation.

The Company: VIP aims to work with ambitious management teams which are able to demonstrate a compelling investment proposition for banks, venture capital funds and private investors and where VIP can add value through it’s strong network of contacts across the East Midlands and through active involvement in helping to shape a deal and via board representation.

After work: I enjoy Tennis, Golf, & Family activities, and am a trustee of a small charity the ‘Foundation for Community Inspiration’.