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BACKING

ENTREPRENEURS

We back and invest in visionary founders building dynamic companies that have the potential to become an integral part of the ‘new economy’.

Genesis

We launched Westerly Winds to address the challenges that many entrepreneurs face when building companies and specialised asset management businesses in their formative years.

Working as partners with the executive teams on a round the clock basis, we assist with financing, business development, stakeholder management and business strategy activities, thus adding muscle to some of the business’ critical functions.

After more than thirty five years combined at BlackRock, including the formation of a dedicated Family Office business, we draw from a broad and extensive network of peers, investors, operating businesses and official institutions able to make a difference to our partner ventures.

Learn About What We Stand For

What We Stand For

ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMES FIRST

We want to partner with passionate, mission-driven, commercially minded founders, who can scale their business. We look for companies with a global ambition, including the ability to conquer Europe, the US and the GCC markets, where we can help. We seek entrepreneurs with a desire to effect change, a social conscience and the ability to craft a unique proposition thanks to technology.

Next Principle

ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMES FIRST

We want to partner with passionate, mission-driven, commercially minded founders, who can scale their business. We look for companies with a global ambition, including the ability to conquer Europe, the US and the GCC markets, where we can help. We seek entrepreneurs with a desire to effect change, a social conscience and the ability to craft a unique proposition thanks to technology.

Next Principle

EVERY INVESTMENT COUNTS

We are a small firm and work hard to help build a select group of businesses, each one is important to us. We are here for the long haul.

WE ARE ENTREPRENEURS IN VENTURE CAPITAL

Building an asset management business with a novel approach to investing and partnering with companies and investors alike. We are hungry for success and have big ambitions for the groups with whom we partner. Our network provides extensive and reciprocal leads, insights and introductions.

FLEXIBLE CAPITAL

No two businesses are created equal, thus our model is built on flexibility and an ability to back founders and companies throughout the growth journey.

HARD WORKING AND GOOD PEOPLE

We want to roll up our sleeves, do the work with you and build a category leading business while having fun doing so. We invest large amounts of time, effort, attention and care.

People

Karim Abdel-Ghaffar Plaza
Founder & CEO
Edward van Cutsem
Founder & Chairman
Ashton Squires
Technology & Investments
Ayako Adachi
Investments
Hannah Haynes
Investments
Jason Harrison
Venture Partner
Dudley Hawes
Venture Partner
Doug Nunes
Venture Partner
Pablo Santa Cruz
Venture Partner
Laya Medawar
Venture Partner
Karim Abdel-Ghaffar Plaza
Founder & CEO
Edward van Cutsem
Founder & Chairman
Hannah Haynes
Investments
Ashton Squires
Technology & Investments
James Charrington
Board Director
James Tallman
Chairman, WW USA
IC Member
Hugo van Vredenburch
IC Member
John Tumilty
Venture Partner
Jason Harrison
Venture Partner
Dudley Hawes
Venture Partner
Doug Nunes
Venture Partner
Pablo Santa Cruz
Venture Partner
Laya Medawar
Venture Partner

Portfolio

Looking for funding?

We want to partner with exceptional founders that support our mission to be positive agents of change. We invest across industries at the intersection of venture and growth.

News

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