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TLDR:
- Erin Platts has been appointed CEO of Octopus Ventures after leaving HSBC Innovation Banking
- Platts will join Octopus Ventures in January 2025 and will focus on expanding the pool of startups supported across the UK and Europe
Erin Platts has been appointed as the new CEO of Octopus Ventures, following her departure from HSBC Innovation Banking. Platts, who has a two-decade career with Silicon Valley Bank’s UK arm, became CEO of HSBC Innovation Banking UK after HSBC acquired SVB UK last year. Her transition to Octopus Ventures will take place in January 2025, but she will remain in her current role until the end of the year to help with the transition.
Speaking about her departure, Platts mentioned that she is excited to work with Octopus Ventures, which is one of the most active early-stage investors in the UK. She praised the alignment of values between herself and Octopus Ventures and expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to support technology entrepreneurs and founders in achieving their goals.
As the new CEO of Octopus Ventures, Platts will take on the responsibility of expanding the equity capital business and increasing the support for startups in the UK and Europe. The current CEO, Alliott Cole, will return to a full-time investment role to focus on assisting portfolio startups during the later stages of growth.
Simon Rogerson, the co-founder and chief executive of Octopus Group, stated that Platts will lead Octopus Ventures into its next phase of growth. He emphasized the importance of having a strong team, access to capital, and supportive individuals to champion entrepreneurial visions.
This move is significant in the venture capital funding space and reflects Octopus Ventures’ commitment to further supporting startups and entrepreneurs across the UK and Europe.
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