Join us for an upcoming brekfast discussion where we will examine:

• How investors assess whether your team is backable and scalable 

• How to cope with a transaction process as an individual and team 

• Why relationships can go wrong post-investment 

• The role of non-executive directors in mediating between leaders and investors 

This event will be beneficial to founders and senior leaders from growth companies (including those already backed by investors) who are considering raising money from later-stage VCs and private equity.

We will share experiences that bring to life the reality of preparing for and raising funds, and working in investor backed boards.

Date and Time: Thursday, 26th February 2026, Breakfast from 8:00am, speakers from 9:00am, finished by 10:30am

Venue: The Royal Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1J 7PY, United Kingdom 

Speakers 

Mike Hicks – Founder and CEO, Catalysis Advisory 
Working with CEOs, Chairs and investors of growth companies to unlock organisational energy and catalyse value creation. Adviser with over 780 projects completed in Catalysis and involvement with over 450 transactions. Mike founded Catalysis in 2010 after leading a similar practice within Grant Thornton. Author of handbooks for investors and CEOs on the people aspects of growth companies. 

Valerie Kendall – Founding Partner, WestBridge Capital LLP
Valerie has worked in the private equity industry for 30 years at WestBridge, 3i and HSBC. At 3i, she worked in the London and Reading deal teams and was latterly responsible for the management and realisation of their third party fund in the lower mid-market. Valerie currently sits on the boards of APEM, SCT, Channel 3 Consulting and Techex and was previously responsible for the exited bChannels, Kallidus, Energist and ISG investments. 

Roshan Puri – Partner, YFM Equity Partners
Roshan is responsible for originating and executing new investments at YFM. He works across both of YFM strategies, with a focus on the London and South East of England markets.

Mark Sheldon – Founder, Savant 
Savant Search provides tailored recruitment solutions across the tech and finance sectors, with a focus on executive and senior-level roles. Mark’s customer relationships scale from FTSE 250 organisations to some of the UK’s fastest-growing SMEs. He independently consults and advises a number of privately owned businesses.

We look forward to welcoming you.

*The information provided at the event is confidential and supplied solely for the benifit of the attendees. Any commercial introductions are subject to the Savant terms and conditions, confirmed by receipt of the registration.