In the fourth episode of Invested Season 2, Laura Boyd sits down with James Uffindell, Founder and Exec Chair of Bright Network, the UK’s leading platform connecting ambitious young people with top career opportunities.

James shares his journey from growing up on a farm to launching his first business at 20, turning a university idea into a tech-driven company that now supports over 1.4 million students. He recalls how a single teacher’s belief in him changed the course of his life, inspiring the mission behind Bright Network to unlock potential and level the playing field for students from all backgrounds.

James also reflects on the importance of resilience, curiosity, and focus in entrepreneurship, and offers candid insights into scaling a business, navigating international expansion, and maintaining personal wellbeing.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student navigating your next steps, or simply curious about the future of talent and technology, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

In the third episode of Invested Season 2, Laura Boyd sits down with Elaine Penhaul, Founder and Managing Director of Lemon and Lime, the UK’s largest property staging company outside London. Elaine’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless optimism. 

She talks openly about her unconventional career path, from studying maths and training as an actuary, to teaching sailing in Greece, and eventually building a multi-award-winning interiors business. What began as a favour to improve a property for sale became the foundation of Lemon and Lime, a company now preparing to franchise across the UK. 

Elaine reflects on the early challenges of starting a business later in life, the lessons learned from working in male-dominated industries, and why she believes in taking risks, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Now an expert in property staging, her book, ‘Sell High, Sell Fast’ is an Amazon no 1 best-seller. A contributor to many property podcasts, she also writes for publications like Estate Agent Today and The Times, and has recently launched the first app to evidence return on investment for staging to a worldwide market. 

With a background in actuarial science, education, business coaching, and property development, Elaine brings a unique perspective on leadership, growth, and the power of optimism. This is an inspiring conversation about embracing change, building a business with purpose, and creating opportunities from adversity. 

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

In the second episode of Invested, Laura Boyd sits down with Steve Bennington, entrepreneur and CEO of Q5D, a company pioneering robotic additive manufacturing, to explore a remarkable career journey that bridges world class science and cutting edge innovation.

Steve began his career in nuclear physics, helping to establish leading research facilities and advising governments on scientific policy. But it was a bold leap from academia into entrepreneurship that defined the next chapter of his story. Now leading Q5D, Steve is transforming the way electrical systems are built, with major implications for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

In this episode, Steve reflects on the realities of building a technology business from the ground up. From the uncertainty of launching the company to the pressures of scaling it in a fast moving market. He speaks candidly about resilience, balancing family life with business demands, and the culture he's building at Q5D.

With Q5D recently closing a £10.9 million Series A funding round, Steve shares what’s next for the business and why he believes now is a pivotal moment for UK manufacturing.

A fascinating conversation about leadership, risk and the power of bold ideas. Don’t miss it. 

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

The Maven Invested Podcast is back, interviewing CEOs, entrepreneurs and innovators who are at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing smaller companies.

In episode 1 of the new series Laura speaks with Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO of Automated Analytics, a technology business helping organisations around the world unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence.

Mark talks openly about the moments that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, from early challenges that sparked his determination to the pivotal decisions that defined his leadership style.

He shares how a conversation on a cruise ship inspired him to walk away from a secure role and build a business that now supports global brands including British Gas and Pizza Hut.

Mark also reflects on the evolution of Automated Analytics, from its early focus on bespoke corporate solutions to rapid growth in the US. He talks about the importance of doing what you love, and how curiosity and resilience continue to drive him forward.

With a background in digital marketing, Mark has worked with some of the UK’s best-known brands, including Virgin Active, Hilton Hotels, Esporta and Halfords.
This is an honest conversation about risk-taking, building a business with purpose, and how AI can make a meaningful difference when combined with human insight and passion.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

Welcome to the final episode of Scaling for Success, our special mini-series of the Maven Capital Partners’ Invested Podcast, hosted by our Investment Manager, Rebecca MacDermid. 

This series explores the journeys of inspiring female leaders who have successfully scaled businesses and driven meaningful change. Through their stories, we uncover the lessons, strategies, and mindsets that have propelled them to success.

This time, we bring the spotlight closer to home with a conversation featuring Dr Melanie Goward, Partner at Maven. A technology specialist, Melanie’s career spans over 20 years, beginning as a PhD scientist from the University of Cambridge, where she was part of the research team for the international Human Genome Project, before moving into senior investment roles at NESTA and Finance Wales.

In this episode, we speak about Melanie's journey from academic research to private equity and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She shares insights into her role at Maven and what she finds most rewarding about working in the investment space. Melanie also discusses the importance of improving access to funding for female founders, the work Maven is doing to support greater diversity across the industry, and who inspires her.

Tune in to hear Melanie reflect on her career, the challenges she’s faced, and the insights that have guided her path in private equity.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

This series explores the journeys of inspiring female leaders who have successfully scaled businesses and driven meaningful change. Through their stories, we uncover the lessons, strategies, and mindset that have propelled them to success.

Rebecca is joined by Elaine Warburton OBE, Chair and Co-Founder, of medical device business, ReadyGo Diagnostics. A seasoned healthcare entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience, she has an impressive background spanning nursing, genetics, accounting, and hospital management.

Elaine co-founded QuantuMDx, where she helped develop a rapid molecular diagnostic device, raising over £50 million to bring it to market. Awarded an OBE for services to healthcare, she has also been recognised among Europe’s top 50 women in tech. Now leading ReadyGo, she’s focused on developing consumer-friendly diagnostic tools while championing patient safety and supporting women in STEM.

In this episode we really get to tap into the entrepreneurial mindset as Elaine talks through the challenges and achievements of her many fascinating experiences both in study and work and the added value it brought to her as a founder and business leader.

A compelling listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals alike, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it takes to innovate and lead in the healthcare sector. Not one to miss.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

Welcome to the third episode of ‘Scaling for Success,’ a special mini-series of the Maven Capital Partners’ podcast ‘Invested,’ hosted by our Investment Manager Rebecca MacDermid. In this series, we interview inspiring female leaders about their journeys in scaling businesses and driving change, sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the strategies that have propelled them to success.

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Alex Longton, Founding CEO of Tiba Tempeh, a certified B-Corp plant-based food business. A food and drink sector expert, Alex has over 15 years of sales experience in the industry, working in a number of high-profile roles for companies like Plenish, Lindt Chocolate and Heinz. 

She founded the Tiba Tempeh brand after discovering tempeh on a trip to Indonesia, and the business has gone from strength to strength, reporting record sales at the beginning of the year. Maven has also recently backed the business through the British Business Bank’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, investing to help grow Tiba’s market presence across the UK and Europe. 

Alex reflects on the challenges and achievements of building Tiba, sharing practical insights on driving results and navigating the start-up landscape.

Tune in to hear the real nitty gritty of what it takes to grow a successful food business, how it feels starting out on your own and the importance of networks to help your brand develop. 

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

Welcome to the second episode of ‘Scaling for Success,’ a special mini-series of the Maven Capital Partners’ podcast ‘Invested’, hosted by our Investment Manager Rebecca MacDermid. 

In this series, we're interviewing inspiring female leaders who are breaking down barriers in finance and investment. We'll discuss their journeys of scaling businesses and driving change, addressing the challenges women-led enterprises face in securing finance, talking about lessons learnt, and the strategies that have propelled them to success.

In episode two, Rebecca was joined by Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset, a programme on a mission to inform and educate girls in Scottish schools about the investment management industry - to help break down barriers, widen the talent pipeline and improve diversity. 

From classrooms to boardrooms, Helen has over 25 years’ experience in the education sector developing innovative policies and managing national youth programmes affecting young people. Now leading Future Asset, she’s focused on enabling young people to realise their potential, achieve fulfilling careers and recognise how they can change the world for the better! 

Tune in to hear how Helen and her team are helping to bridge the gender gap in investment, the importance of taking meaningful steps towards gender diversity and how firms can create more inclusive opportunities. 

A truly inspiring insight into the impact these programmes are making and what the future of the industry could look like with more women entering the field. Not one to miss!

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

Welcome to the first episode of Scaling for Success, a special five-part mini-series hosted by Maven Investment Manager Rebecca MacDermid to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025.

Supporting this year's theme, 'Accelerate Action', this special series interviews inspiring female leaders who are breaking down barriers in finance and investment. We'll discuss their journeys of scaling businesses and driving change, addressing the challenges women-led enterprises face in securing finance, talking about lessons learnt, and the strategies that have propelled them to success. 

In episode one, Rebecca was joined by Dr Fozia Saleem, CEO of specialist Contract Research Organisation, Magnitude Biosciences. Fozia is a vastly experienced operator in the life sciences sector and has enjoyed a number of high-profile roles at GlaxoSmithKline, British American Tobacco, Nicoventures Holdings and Broughton Life Sciences. She also holds a PhD in Molecular Physiology.  

Named in last year’s Northern Power Women’s Future List, Fozia now leads Magnitude Biosciences which is focused on accelerating the development of new drug therapies and other research advances to improve human and environmental health, and fittingly she is also Vice Chair of The Lifted Project Newcastle board, an early-stage investment connector which supports the access to finance for female founders. 

Tune in to hear Fozia’s inspiring journey, her insights on scaling a business in the life sciences sector, and her advice for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. 

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

In the tenth episode of Invested, we bring the spotlight closer to home for a conversation with Bill Nixon, Managing Partner at Maven Capital Partners. With a career built on strategic decision making, strong leadership and resilience, Bill shares his experiences and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Bill’s career spans over four decades in financial services, starting as a junior bank clerk and progressing to senior roles at Clydesdale Bank and Aberdeen Asset Management. In 2009, during the turbulence of the global financial crisis, he made the bold decision to establish Maven by leading a buyout of the private equity division of Aberdeen, launching a specialist, independent private equity business looking to address a key funding gap for smaller UK businesses.

Maven has subsequently established itself as a significant player in the UK private equity market. More than a decade of progress culminated in its £100 million sale in 2021, and the firm is now on course to surpass £1 billion in AuM in 2025. Throughout this journey, Bill has applied a strategic mindset and a willingness to embrace risk, believing that success often rewards those with a strong work ethic who are prepared to act decisively.

In this episode, Bill reflects on the challenges and achievements of building Maven and shaping the firm’s role in the UK private equity landscape. He shares practical insights on what it takes to translate vision into results, including navigating uncertainty, fostering innovation, and maintaining focus on long term business goals.

Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from one of the industry’s most experienced leaders. Tune in now.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.