Sarah Barber will talk about the evolution of SEIS/EIS since its inception (Jenson was one of the first and longest-running SEIS funds), how to champion inclusive investment into minority and female-led teams by looking at alternative sources of deal flow and creating an "approachable" environment for founders, and why in early stage funding it is best to fail fast and for both the entrepreneurs and investors to re-focus on the ventures that have the chance to succeed.
Jenson Funding Partners LLP (Jenson) was founded in 2012 by Paul Jenkinson and Sarah Barber from Jenson Solutions Ltd (a network of Finance Directors who continue to provide support to the investee companies). Since 2012, it has launched numerous SEIS and EIS Funds. We are now on our 11th tranche and have invested £17 million in 110 entrepreneurial UK businesses which have typically launched their product or service and are typically close to or post revenue. In addition, we have supported 25 follow on funding rounds, all at premium to initial launch cost. We are FCA authorised and our separate SEIS & EIS Funds are both open for investment.
After qualifying with Deloitte as a Chartered Accountant, Sarah spent two years working as an audit manager before moving into Reorganisation Services. Whilst there Sarah worked on a variety of projects, including turnarounds, cashflow management, financial reviews and receiverships. Subsequently, Sarah moved into the interim market, providing services to a wide variety of clients gaining a broad experience in all aspects of accounting and financial management.
Sarah has direct experience with interim Finance Director roles, financial modelling, IFRS conversions, Due Diligence, share option valuations, planning and complex analysis.
Sarah joined Jenson Solutions in 2005. Sarah has been involved in the Fund since its inception. Over the past five years Sarah has been instrumental in the growth of Jenson Funding Partners, leading the team in fund raising, deployment and managing the portfolio of investee companies utilising her experience and knowledge gained as an FD.
This is the second virtual roundtable interview in the Something Ventured series. In partnership with FieldHouse Associates, we are interviewing leading VCs via Zoom about the key issues around investment. After the opening 15 minutes, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
FieldHouse Associates helps organisations across the fast-growth technology, innovation, and investment ecosystem achieve their strategic and commercial objectives, creating impact for them through bespoke integrated communications campaigns.
Advisers & Supporters should email events@tenentrepreneurs.org to confirm your attendance. A calendar invite will then be sent to you with all the details. Everyone else can request a place here.