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Key people at Horseplay Ventures.
Horseplay Ventures is an investment firm focused on backing early-stage companies. It invests in promising new businesses and facilitates connections with vetted angel investors, guiding founders toward successful exits. The firm further supports startups by providing accessible tools and resources, thereby cultivating growth within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Co-founded by Nick Telson and Andrew Webster, Horseplay Ventures emerged from their passion for company creation. Their insight stemmed from the successful launch and multi-million-pound exit of DesignMyNight, started in December 2010. Telson's expertise in sales and marketing, alongside Webster's in product and finance, directly informs their approach to new founders.
The firm primarily serves early-stage founders seeking pre-seed, seed, or Series A capital, and angel investors desiring high-potential deal flow. Horseplay Ventures’ vision is to elevate the startup community, actively partnering with entrepreneurs throughout their growth journeys. Through strategic guidance and investment, the firm empowers companies and investors to achieve transformative outcomes.
Key people at Horseplay Ventures.
Horseplay Ventures is a London-based investment firm and startup playground focused on investing in and building early-stage UK startups, primarily through angel investing, an incubator, a syndicate list, and providing free tools for founders. Their mission centers on elevating the startup community by connecting promising founders with a strong network of vetted angel investors, while fostering innovation in sectors like AI, fintech, and blockchain. They emphasize a hands-on, operator-first approach to help startups achieve life-changing exits and sustainable growth[1][2][4].
Founded in 2010 by Nick Telson and Andrew Webster—both experienced entrepreneurs behind the successful DesignMyNight platform—Horseplay Ventures evolved from their own startup journey, which included raising angel investment, pivoting to B2B software, and eventually exiting for over £25 million in 2017. This experience shaped their philosophy of supporting founders through the rollercoaster of startup life, combining practical guidance with investment and community building[2][4].
Horseplay Ventures rides the wave of growing interest in early-stage tech startups in the UK, particularly in AI, fintech, and blockchain, sectors that are rapidly evolving and attracting capital. Their timing aligns with increased demand for founder-friendly investment models that combine capital with operational support. By nurturing startups through community and resources, they influence the broader UK tech ecosystem, helping to professionalize early-stage investing and founder development[1][2][6].
Horseplay Ventures is well-positioned to continue expanding its role as a startup enabler in the UK, leveraging its founders’ operational experience and growing investor network. As trends like AI and fintech innovation accelerate, their hands-on, founder-centric approach will likely become even more valuable. Looking ahead, they may deepen their incubator offerings and syndicate reach, further shaping the UK startup landscape by helping more companies scale and exit successfully[1][2][4]. Their story—from startup founders to investors—embodies their mission to join founders on the next rollercoaster ride of building transformative companies.
