Nic Brisbourne (Forward Partners)

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Overview

Nic Brisbourne is a prominent British venture capitalist known for his significant contributions to the venture capital landscape in the UK, particularly through his role as the founder and CEO of Forward Partners. Founded in 2013, Forward Partners is a London-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology businesses. He has a wealth of experience in venture capital, having worked extensively in both the UK and the US. Brisbourne has played a critical role in funding a range of startups, many of which have gone on to achieve substantial success. Under his leadership, Forward Partners became notable for its unique blend of investment and support for entrepreneurs.

Recent Developments

Nic Brisbourne's recent activities have been characterized by a series of strategic and pivotal developments regarding Forward Partners and its future trajectory:

  • November 27, 2023: Forward Partners was acquired by Molten Ventures in a deal valued at £41.4 million. This acquisition represents a strategic move to consolidate resources and expand market reach. Molten Ventures, a well-established VC firm, aims to leverage Forward Partners' strong portfolio in the technology sector.
  • 2023: Forward Partners' focus has included investments in notable companies such as Robin AI, Gravity Sketch, and Bea Fertility, with an emphasis on sectors like applied AI and digital marketplaces.
  • June 15, 2023: Brisbourne, along with CFO Lloyd Smith, was granted options over shares in Forward Partners according to the 2021 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), aligning management incentives with long-term business performance.
  • 2021: Forward Partners went public on the London Stock Exchange, raising £36.6 million. This marked a significant milestone in the firm’s journey, facilitating continued investment capabilities.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameNicholas Brisbourne
BornNot Publicly Available
NationalityBritish
OccupationVenture Capitalist
Known ForFounder & CEO of Forward Partners
Net WorthNot Publicly Available
EducationLondon Business School

Early Life and Education

Details about Nic Brisbourne's early life, including his date and place of birth, are not extensively documented in public records. He has built his career on a robust educational foundation, which notably includes studies at the London Business School. This education provided him with the analytical and strategic skills needed for a successful career in venture capital. His professional journey began with significant roles in strategy consulting and early-stage venture capital, setting the stage for his later achievements as a founder of Forward Partners.

Career and Notable Achievements

Nic Brisbourne's career in venture capital has been marked by a series of progressive achievements:

  • 2013: Founded Forward Partners, a venture capital firm that combines equity investment with operational support.
  • Played a critical role as a founding partner at Molten Ventures (formerly Draper Esprit) prior to establishing Forward Partners.
  • Over his career, he has led over 100 investments, contributing significantly to the growth of tech startups in the UK.
  • Forward Partners has been known for its innovative approach, which includes not only financial investment but also comprehensive support through its internal team, known as Forward Studio.
  • Notable portfolio exits include Cazoo, Skimlinks, and Airsupply.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, as CEO of Forward Partners, Brisbourne continues to influence the venture capital landscape. His role is critical in guiding the firm through strategic investments and partnerships. The recent acquisition by Molten Ventures underscores his continued relevance and strategic vision in the industry.

Conclusion

Nic Brisbourne remains a pivotal figure in venture capital, impacting how venture funds can be structured to support early-stage businesses. His foresight and strategic moves, such as the recent acquisition by Molten Ventures, demonstrate his capability to navigate and influence the VC landscape profoundly. As the venture capital sector continues to evolve, Brisbourne's strategic direction and leadership at Forward Partners suggest a sustained impact on nurturing and growing promising startups.

References

  1. Forward Partners Team
  2. Crunchbase - Forward Partners
  3. Tech.eu - Molten Ventures Acquires Forward Partners
  4. MarketScreener Announcement
  5. Edison Group Research - Forward Partners Deal