A new investor network has launched with the goal of building an ecosystem of entrepreneurialism and investment around the University of St Andrews.
The St Andrews Angels of London will be an alumni-led investor group comprising seasoned investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and alumni. The group will provide investment capital, strategic advice and mentoring to early stage businesses founded by St Andrews alumni or introduced by the group’s members. They will also support spinouts coming directly out of the University.
The group has launched in partnership with Withers Tech, a unique legal offering from international law firm Withers designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, investors, and technology companies across the world. Withers Tech will help to establish the group’s operations and will provide the angel network with legal support and expertise as they grow in the City.
The St Andrews Angels of London’s co-founder, Alex Rowe, described Withers Tech as the ideal partner for the network, “We are delighted to finally launch the group after more than 18 months of planning, including direct engagement and discussions with alumni in the investment industry. We have big ambitions for the group and as we look to build a growing community of investors and entrepreneurs over the next year, Withers’ unparalleled experience and global network will enable us to build the foundations of what we hope will be the start of an investment legacy for the University.”
The partnership will see James Shaw, Partner at Withers, Head of Withers Tech and St Andrews alumnus, undertake the role of general counsel to the St Andrews Angels. Commenting on the agreement James said, “Our experience is that alumni networks like St Andrews Angels can be incredibly effective in providing the vital support to early stage companies, through mentoring, seed funding and global connectivity. In many cases, these sorts of networks can also be a stimulus for commercialisation and entrepreneurship. St Andrews is also a leading University developing world class science and innovation and so I am certain there will be some great opportunities emerging. I look forward to guiding the network in its funding initiatives and helping it to foster promising companies through its mentorship programme.”
