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Ben Newsome is a Partner at Octopus Ventures, a leading European venture capital firm. He is an experienced investor focused on early-stage technology companies.
Ben Newsome primarily invests in B2B software (SaaS), fintech, and deep tech companies. He looks for innovative solutions with strong potential for market disruption.
Ben Newsome works as a Partner at Octopus Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm based in Europe.
Ben Newsome is a Partner at Octopus Ventures based in London, United Kingdom, where he leads early-stage technology investments. Before assuming his current partnership role in January 2025, he served as an Investment Director at the firm for seven years following earlier positions at Cambridge Enterprise and as a participant at Entrepreneur First. Operating within a firm that manages over £1.3 billion in assets, he has led more than twenty investments, including backing the artificial intelligence startup Wayve at a $1.05 billion valuation in February 2024. His portfolio involvement extends to notable European technology companies such as CMR Surgical and Thought Machine, which was acquired by Toshiba. Newsome leverages his academic foundation in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge to focus on seed and Series A investments across enterprise software, deep tech, and climate technology.
Ben Newsome stands as a distinguished Partner at Octopus Ventures, one of Europe's most active and respected venture capital firms. In his pivotal role, Ben is instrumental in shaping the future of technology by identifying, investing in, and nurturing groundbreaking early-stage companies. His work at Octopus Ventures involves a comprehensive approach, from meticulous deal sourcing and rigorous due diligence to providing strategic guidance and robust support to portfolio companies. He often serves on the boards of these innovative startups, working closely with founders to navigate growth challenges and capitalize on market opportunities.
Ben's investment thesis is sharply focused on sectors poised for significant disruption and growth. He primarily targets B2B software (SaaS) solutions that drive efficiency and innovation across industries, fintech companies revolutionizing financial services, and deep tech ventures pushing the boundaries of scientific and engineering advancements. Within these broad categories, Ben has a keen eye for artificial intelligence, machine learning applications, future of work platforms, and sustainable technologies. He is particularly drawn to companies with strong intellectual property, scalable business models, and visionary founding teams addressing substantial market needs. His portfolio typically comprises companies at the Seed and Series A stages, where his strategic input can have the most profound impact.
Ben Newsome's journey to becoming a Partner at Octopus Ventures is marked by a deep commitment to the venture capital ecosystem and a proven track record of identifying high-potential ventures. Having progressed through various roles within Octopus Ventures, he brings a wealth of experience in venture capital investment, portfolio management, and strategic development. This internal growth has provided him with an intimate understanding of the firm's values and investment philosophy. His investment philosophy centers on building strong, collaborative relationships with founders, acting as a true partner rather than just a capital provider. He believes in empowering entrepreneurs with not only funding but also access to Octopus Ventures' extensive network, operational expertise, and strategic insights.
While specific individual investments are often a collaborative effort within a VC firm, Ben Newsome's influence is evident in the growth trajectories of numerous high-potential companies within the Octopus Ventures portfolio. His strategic guidance has helped many startups transition from nascent ideas to market leaders, creating significant value for both founders and investors. Ben is passionate about backing companies that are not only financially promising but also have the potential to create positive societal impact. He continues to seek out the next generation of innovators, committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where ambitious ideas can flourish and transform industries.
