Octopus Ventures, part of Octopus Group and one of Europe’s largest venture capital firms (VCs), today announces the promotion of Simon King to Partner, as the business strengthens its senior leadership team.
Simon joined the Octopus Ventures team in 2012 after completing his PhD in organic electronics at Imperial College. He heads up the Future of Industry team and brings years of experience in AI, machine learning, advanced materials, IoT and EdTech. Simon has led investments in a number of pioneering portfolio companies and sits on the board of Elvie, SmartKem, WaveOptics, Origami Energy, TRAFI, Edgify and Memrise.
With £1.2 billion under management, Octopus Ventures is one of the largest VCs in Europe, backing the pioneers who are redefining the future of health, money and industry. In his new role, Simon will oversee all deal origination.
Octopus Ventures focuses its investment in three areas;
- The Future of Health: Helping the pioneers who are improving lives through digital health, tackling ‘taboo’ issues and creating essential software to power health systems.
- The Future of Money: Backing the companies that will transform the way we exchange and allocate resources as a society.
- The Future of Industry: Focusing on the tools and technologies that will power the next industrial revolution. These include human computer interaction, edge computing, robotics and synthetic biology.
Alliott Cole, CEO of Octopus Ventures, says:
“We’re very lucky to have Simon in our team. He pairs a huge intellect and natural curiosity with an easy going kindness and humility. This means that entrepreneurs, co-investors and most of all, our team, love working with him and will celebrate this news as a natural progression for someone of his talent.”
Simon King, Partner at Octopus Ventures, comments:
“I am delighted to have been promoted to partner, having joined Octopus Ventures as an intern 8 years ago. I really enjoy meeting new entrepreneurs and seeing the applications of new technologies and business models, so I am very excited to be overseeing Octopus’ deal originations. I look forward to continuing to work with the team and supporting Europe’s most pioneering entrepreneurs, and the next generation of stand-out high growth companies.”
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For journalists in their professional capacity only. Personal opinions may change and should not be seen as advice or a recommendation. We do not offer investment or tax advice. Issued by Octopus Investments. Octopus Ventures is part of Octopus Investments Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Registered in England and Wales No. 03942880. Issued: July 2019.