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Will Martin
Founder and Director of Portfolio Ventures
Professional Background
Will Martin is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in connecting early-stage companies with the right funding. In October 2014, he co-founded Portfolio Ventures with Will Brooks, a firm dedicated to raising investments for promising companies that are already gaining market traction. Under Will's leadership, Portfolio Ventures has established a robust network of investors eager to support innovative offerings across various industries. The firm typically engages with clients looking to scale up their operations through investments ranging from £200,000 to £1.5 million.
Before launching Portfolio Ventures, Will spent over three years contributing significantly to the growth of Angel Investment Network. There, he played a pivotal role in launching and leading the AIN Scout brokerage division. His tenure saw the expansion of the team to four members and the successful raising of a remarkable £22.5 million for more than 100 companies. This experience has equipped Will with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the investment landscape, continually fostering growth for both investors and startups alike.
As an investor himself, Will holds shares in several unlisted UK companies, showcasing his belief in the potential of emerging businesses and his commitment to supporting their journeys. His dual role as an investor and advisor positions him uniquely to offer valuable insights that help fledgling enterprises thrive in competitive markets.
Education and Achievements
Will Martin's academic journey began at Sevenoaks School, where he completed his A-Levels. He furthered his education by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd). His philosophical background provides him with a distinctive lens through which he analyzes business challenges and opportunities, enhancing his decision-making capabilities as an investor.
Notable Skills and Interests
Outside of his professional endeavors, Will is not just an investor but a multi-talented individual. He is a qualified ski instructor, bringing a spirit of adventure to both his personal and professional life. Additionally, he is an enthusiastic sailor, reflecting his love for the open seas. Will’s hobbies also include amateur sourdough bread baking, which showcases his creativity and patience in the kitchen. A proponent of a healthy lifestyle, he enjoys cold water swimming, slow cycling, and engaging in DIY projects. Above all, Will is a proud father to his two sons, Fred and Max, which reflects his values of family and nurturing the next generation.
Achievements
- Co-Founder of Portfolio Ventures: Successfully established a firm dedicated to connecting early-stage companies with investors, contributing to the growth of innovative businesses.
- AIN Scout Brokerage Leader: Demonstrated exceptional leadership by growing the AIN Scout team and raising substantial funds for over 100 companies during his tenure at Angel Investment Network.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: As a private investor, Will has strategically invested in various unlisted UK companies, showcasing his commitment to supporting emerging enterprises.
- Skill Development: Developed an array of skills in fundraising, investment analysis, and business strategy, contributing to a proven track record of success.
Call to Action
For investors looking to explore promising opportunities or early-stage companies seeking investment, Will Martin invites you to connect through Portfolio Ventures. With a keen eye for potential and a robust network of investors, working with Will can open the door to significant growth and innovation in today’s vibrant market.
Highlights
Behind great frontmen are great teams. Will Brooks and I would not be here today without the support of so many brilliant people.
Our fund portfolio is scaling fast, and we're about to close Fund 4. It's going to be a busy 12 months 🚀
Thanks to Gordon Pretorius, David Wascha, Sandy McKinnon, John Owen, Lucy Viggers, David Marock, James Pringle, Joseph Lazaris, Rick Payne, Bill Cunningham, Chris Houghton
🚀 Big News! 🚀
We’re super excited to share that Portfolio Ventures is doubling down on our investment in Passionfruit! Passionfruit just wrapped up a $9M USD Series A funding round to supercharge their platform for independent work. This brings their total funding to a $13.3m.
We’re pumped to team up with Seaya, firstminute capital, Playfair , Cornerstone VC, and FJ Labs to back Passionfruit’s awesome mission to make collaboration between independent workers and businesses a breeze.
Raffi Salama and Issah A. and the entire Passionfruit leadership crew are on the lookout for amazing full-time talent to join their team. They’re hiring in sales, marketing, product, and engineering.
We’re thrilled about what’s next and can’t wait to see the incredible impact Passionfruit will continue to make in the world of independent work!
#investment #startup #SeriesA #venturecapital #innovation #independentwork #hiring #growth
