ThinCats founder launches business angels investment fund
ThinCats founder Kevin Caley is helping to launch a new business angels network to support and fund high-growth firms in the Midlands.
The initiative, called the Ark, would build a network that would support and invest in the local community through a co-investment fund.
Ark is seeking 150 “pioneering shareholders” who would get membership of the fund for an investment of £500.
The introductory offer will close on 6 April or once 150 members have been found, after which the minimum investment will be increased.
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“The Ark is a combination of a sophisticated networking and collaboration system, a new type of private investment that fits between crowdfunding and business angel investment and a co-investment fund to ‘cornerstone’ deals,” Caley (pictured) said.
Caley will continue as chair of former peer-to-peer lender ThinCats, which he launched in 2011 before ESF Capital took a controlling stake in 2015, but will take charge of operations and developing Ark’s investment fund.
Ark’s chief executive is Rupert Lyle, who has managed investment in high growth businesses for 3i, West Midlands Enterprise, The Baring English Growth Fund and Barclays Ventures.
The business is chaired by entrepreneur Sharonjit Clare, who has worked for the Man Group and co-founder of West Midlands Women’s Voice.
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