Octopus Ventures

Octopus Ventures Ltd. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in London, specializing in direct investments and fund of funds. The firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, with a particular focus on health, technology, and industry. Within the health sector, it targets areas such as digital health and patient-driven medicine, while in technology, it prefers investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. Octopus Ventures typically leads investment rounds, aiming to take board seats in its portfolio companies, and usually invests between £0.28 million and £25 million in companies with a minimum EBITDA of £0.5 million. Founded in 2007, the firm operates as a subsidiary of Octopus Investments and has additional offices in New York. The team provides support beyond financial investment, leveraging a network of global venture partners for expertise and guidance.

Kamran Adle

Investor

Tosin Agbabiaka

Investor

Priscila Bala

Head of New York Office

Howard Bell

Venture Partner

Richard Bolton

Investor

Matthew Chandler

Investor

Uzma Choudry

Investor

Lucy Clarke

Associate

Alliott Cole

Managing Director & Chairman of Investment Committee

Anthony Collinson

Venture Partner

Richard Court

Partner

Emma Davies

Investor

Saranyah Douse

Investment Manager

Will Gibbs

Partner

LUKE HAKES (PHD)

Partner

John Hamm

Venture Partner

Natasha Jones

Investor

Simon King

Partner

Philip Lay

Venture Partner

Marvin Ma

Venture Partner

Karan Mehta

Investor

Shamik Parekh

Investor

Ian Perry

Venture Partner

Jebran Raashed

Associate

Uthishtan Ranjan

Principal

Adam Said

Investment Manager

Nicholas Sando

Principal

Conor Scanlan

Investor

Dr. Pooja Sikka

Partner

Mason Sinclair

Deep Tech

Joe Stringer

Partner

Matthieu Vallin

Investor

Alan Wallace

Investor

Millen Wolde-Selassie

Investor

Zihao Xu

Partner

Past deals in Western Europe

Depop

Series C in 2019
Depop Limited operates a mobile application that facilitates the buying, selling, and discovery of various items, primarily focusing on fashion. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in London, the company has expanded its presence with locations in Manchester, New York, Los Angeles, and Australia. With over 21 million registered users across 147 countries, Depop has established itself as a significant player in the online marketplace, particularly among younger consumers. Notably, it has recently ranked among the top 25 shopping apps by daily active users in Europe.

Depop

Series B in 2018
Depop Limited operates a mobile application that facilitates the buying, selling, and discovery of various items, primarily focusing on fashion. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in London, the company has expanded its presence with locations in Manchester, New York, Los Angeles, and Australia. With over 21 million registered users across 147 countries, Depop has established itself as a significant player in the online marketplace, particularly among younger consumers. Notably, it has recently ranked among the top 25 shopping apps by daily active users in Europe.

Uniplaces

Series A in 2015
Uniplaces Limited operates an online marketplace that facilitates the booking of student accommodation. Founded in 2012 and based in London, the company serves as a bridge between students seeking housing and accommodation providers looking to rent out their properties. Uniplaces offers its services in major cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto, London, Berlin, and Valencia. The platform features a variety of accommodation options, from privately rented spaces to professionally managed residences, allowing students to find suitable options within their budget. By prioritizing safety and reliability, Uniplaces aims to create a trusted global brand that enhances the experience of studying abroad, transforming the traditional accommodation market into a more accessible and user-friendly environment.

The Faction Collective

Series A in 2015
The Faction Collective SA specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance skis, helmets, poles, clothing, and accessories for both men and women. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Verbier, Switzerland, the company operates additional locations in Breckenridge, Colorado; Whistler and Whitewater, Canada; and Snowpark, New Zealand. The Faction Collective sells its products online across Europe, the United States, and Canada, while also distributing through dealers in various European countries. The company is known for its commitment to social and environmental sustainability, collaborating with partners like the Swiss helmet manufacturer TSG and renowned skier Candide Thovex to innovate within the industry. The focus remains on creating exceptional freeride and freestyle skis that serve as tools for personal expression and adventure, with a dedication to performance and quality at the forefront of its operations.

YPlan

Series B in 2014
YPlan uncovers the best events every day so you can get out and Live Your City. Get the lowdown on cool dates, hidden culture and where to hang with friends. Discover, book, go – it's that simple. Flash your YPlan ticket and you're in. Founded in London in February, 2012, YPlan works directly with 3500+ event partners worldwide, has over 1.5 million users, and 1000+ 5* reviews on App Store.

Uniplaces

Seed Round in 2014
Uniplaces Limited operates an online marketplace that facilitates the booking of student accommodation. Founded in 2012 and based in London, the company serves as a bridge between students seeking housing and accommodation providers looking to rent out their properties. Uniplaces offers its services in major cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto, London, Berlin, and Valencia. The platform features a variety of accommodation options, from privately rented spaces to professionally managed residences, allowing students to find suitable options within their budget. By prioritizing safety and reliability, Uniplaces aims to create a trusted global brand that enhances the experience of studying abroad, transforming the traditional accommodation market into a more accessible and user-friendly environment.

Uniplaces

Seed Round in 2013
Uniplaces Limited operates an online marketplace that facilitates the booking of student accommodation. Founded in 2012 and based in London, the company serves as a bridge between students seeking housing and accommodation providers looking to rent out their properties. Uniplaces offers its services in major cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto, London, Berlin, and Valencia. The platform features a variety of accommodation options, from privately rented spaces to professionally managed residences, allowing students to find suitable options within their budget. By prioritizing safety and reliability, Uniplaces aims to create a trusted global brand that enhances the experience of studying abroad, transforming the traditional accommodation market into a more accessible and user-friendly environment.

YPlan

Series A in 2013
YPlan uncovers the best events every day so you can get out and Live Your City. Get the lowdown on cool dates, hidden culture and where to hang with friends. Discover, book, go – it's that simple. Flash your YPlan ticket and you're in. Founded in London in February, 2012, YPlan works directly with 3500+ event partners worldwide, has over 1.5 million users, and 1000+ 5* reviews on App Store.

The Faction Collective

Series A in 2012
The Faction Collective SA specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance skis, helmets, poles, clothing, and accessories for both men and women. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Verbier, Switzerland, the company operates additional locations in Breckenridge, Colorado; Whistler and Whitewater, Canada; and Snowpark, New Zealand. The Faction Collective sells its products online across Europe, the United States, and Canada, while also distributing through dealers in various European countries. The company is known for its commitment to social and environmental sustainability, collaborating with partners like the Swiss helmet manufacturer TSG and renowned skier Candide Thovex to innovate within the industry. The focus remains on creating exceptional freeride and freestyle skis that serve as tools for personal expression and adventure, with a dedication to performance and quality at the forefront of its operations.

YPlan

Seed Round in 2012
YPlan uncovers the best events every day so you can get out and Live Your City. Get the lowdown on cool dates, hidden culture and where to hang with friends. Discover, book, go – it's that simple. Flash your YPlan ticket and you're in. Founded in London in February, 2012, YPlan works directly with 3500+ event partners worldwide, has over 1.5 million users, and 1000+ 5* reviews on App Store.

Reading Room

Venture Round in 2005
Reading Room is a leading web design agency with offices in London, Manchester, Signapore, Canberra and Sydney. It provides online brand strategy, web design, content management system development and usability testing. The business has targeted specific sectors including professional service organisations, charities and the government. Customers include The Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Law Society, Cancer Research and the DTI. Reading Room won three prestigious international awards at the 2008 Interactive Media Awards; Site designs for WWF UK and Future Talent were both awarded ‘Best in Class' in the Animals/Wildlife, Music and Non-profit categories, as well as their site design for Dulwich Picture Gallery receiving the ‘Outstanding Achievement' award in the Museum category.