BGF appoints two investors to its London and Cambridge teams

BGF has appointed Bethany Shiers and Lucy Edwardes Jones as investors in its teams covering London, Cambridge and the South East. Bethany joins the London investment team from CIL Management Consultants, where she delivered more than 30 commercial due diligence and growth strategy projects for growth-equity and mid-market private equity investors. She has strong experience across a range of sectors with a particular focus on consumer, tech, healthcare and education businesses.

Also joining from CIL, Lucy has particular experience in the healthcare and life science sectors. She will be based in London and Cambridge, with a focus on supporting BGF’s early stage investments in these regions.

Bethany and Lucy’s roles at BGF will cover all aspects of the investment process, from meeting new entrepreneurs and business owners considering funding, to completing new and follow-on investments as well as working to support the growth strategies of BGF portfolio companies in London and the South East.

BGF has invested more than £586m in over 115 businesses based in London and the South East since it was set up in 2011. Recent investments include software company Juriba, a seventh round of follow-on funding into recipe box delivery company Gousto, and Bramble Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell company.

Commenting on her appointment, Bethany said: “It’s BGF’s energetic approach, great track record and support of businesses across a range of industries that makes me so excited to join this fantastic team. Despite the uncertain situation, BGF has proven that it is committed to continue investing in British business, and I’m delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time – helping to further expand their portfolio and work with some of the region’s most ambitious and driven entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on her appointment, Lucy said: “I’m thrilled to be joining BGF at such an important time as its presence in Cambridge and the life science sector continues to grow. BGF’s strong track record in funding entrepreneurs in established and emerging sectors is a truly exciting prospect. BGF has a dynamic and deep portfolio of businesses, and I’m looking forward to supporting these companies in growing whilst exploring new opportunities to back great entrepreneurs in the region.”

Grant Paul-Florence, head of BGF’s London office, said: “BGF has remained absolutely committed to continuing to hire great talent throughout the period of lockdown. Our investment momentum continued throughout the first half of the year, with an average of one investment per week, and we remain as active as ever. Both Bethany and Lucy bring significant experience and we are delighted to welcome them to BGF’s South East team.”