Octopus Ventures, part of Octopus Group and a pan-European Venture Capital team investing in the people, ideas and industries that will change the world, announces it has appointed Jamie Kennell as Senior Partner and Head of Portfolio Strategy.
Jamie joins from Pembroke Investment Managers, who manage the £300m Pembroke Venture Capital Trust (VCT). He initially joined Pembroke as Head of Investment Portfolio, where he developed and oversaw an evolution and transformation of the VCT’s portfolio strategy, reporting, and execution. His significant contribution and success led to his appointment as Chief Investment Officer in May of 2023.
Prior to Pembroke, and during his 35-year career in finance, Jamie has taken on senior roles with NatWest Markets, KPMG and 3i PLC. Latterly, he worked with Corporate Finance International, a leading global group of middle-market investment banks and corporate finance advisers, and Beringea, the transatlantic venture capital investor. He has also served as Director or Non-Executive Director on the boards of numerous innovative businesses, at all stages of growth and development through to exit, throughout his career.
Reporting into Erin Platts, CEO of Octopus Ventures & Octopus Investments, Jamie will be responsible for strategic oversight of portfolio performance across the funds managed by Octopus Ventures.
He will also work closely with the team at Octopus Investments, focusing on building out a coordinated strategy that drives closer alignment between retail investment and venture capital. In turn, this will create greater opportunities to scale impact for both investors and entrepreneurs.
Jamie Kennell, Head of Portfolio Strategy, said:
“During the past ten years Octopus Ventures, and the Group more broadly, have led the way in both their innovative approach to, and focus on, business success. I’m excited to join a business with an established, market-leading role in UK and European venture capital, in a rapidly changing and accelerating venture capital landscape. Working alongside Erin and building on Octopus Ventures’ success to date, I’m looking forward to helping deliver on what is clear potential and opportunity for further growth.”
Erin Platts, CEO of Octopus Ventures & Octopus Investments, said:
“We’re really excited to welcome Jamie. He brings a wealth of experience and energy to the team, which will really support us as we continue to expand our pan-European venture capital offering to more founders than ever before. Jamie has built an impressive track record across both VCTs and LP/GP funds, giving him a unique perspective and skillset that aligns perfectly with the growth ambitions we’re driving at Octopus Ventures.”