Our Team
A veteran of the software industry, Stephen has founded and exited a number of software companies including DataEase - a global DBMS company - and Sapphire, Inc. - an emergency management software. He founded Startup Funding Club in 2012 and is in charge of company direction and investment strategy of SFC's funds. He is also involved in supporting portfolio companies by providing them with strategic advice.
Angelika joined Startup Funding Club in its early days in 2014 bringing strong business education from top European universities, wide corporate and startup experience, and passion for entrepreneurship. As COO of the company, she overlooks day to day operations, sets up structures and processes, initiates and executes projects important for growth, and brings SFC’s strategy to life.
Marguerite has more than twenty years of experience as a Management Accountant in the software industry and has been involved with supporting startups through Startup Funding Club for more than five. She is in charge of overseeing compliance within SFC And SFC Capital Partners and ensuring compliance with laws, regulatory requirements, policies and procedures.
Joseph holds a Master in Management from ESCP Europe and has a background in Investment Banking, focusing on corporate finance and global markets. He joined the company in late 2014 to manage the execution and syndication of SFC's investments and support portfolio companies with their fundraising strategy. He overlooks SFC’s Funds and the SFC Angel Network as well as develops strategic investment partnerships.
Carmelo graduated from the University of Essex with a Master degree in Computational Finance. Prior to SFC, he managed an Innovate UK finance research project and helped Deliveroo launch in more than twenty locations nationwide while also optimizing their delivery riders’ recruitment system. Carmelo’s area of responsibilities ranges from investor relationship management to negotiation and execution of investment deals.
Rohallah Ghasemi holds a Master degree in International Political Economy from King's College London. He was previously involved in different startups working as a business developer and is a co-founder of Crowdpondent.com, the world's first social network for citizen journalists. As Dealflow Manager, he is responsible for the screening and selection of the best investment opportunities.
Edward joined Startup Funding Club in 2019 after attaining a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Manchester and performing a variety of roles across several organisations. Prior to joining the SFC team, he worked in financial analysis and consulting as well as spending some time at FinTech Startup. Working as a DealFlow manager, he is responsible for the screening and selection of the best investment opportunities.
Alex joined Startup Funding Club in 2016 after graduating from Goldsmith University in London. She demonstrates vast experience in social media management, event management and creative work. Alex is responsible for all of SFC’s marketing activities, from communication with entrepreneurs and investors and the promotion of SFC’s portfolio and partners to event organisation.
Ausra holds a Master degree in Behavioural Economics and Finance from the University of Exeter. Before joining SFC, she gained business management experience in the hospitality sector, where she honed her leadership and business acumen skills. She is responsible for the company’s day to day business administration and the implementation of compliance policies and procedures during the investment process.
Jerry graduated with distinction from his Master in Finance at Newcastle University. He joined Startup Funding Club after working in the Chinese banking sector. Having a thorough understanding of both the British and Chinese investment worlds, Jerry is in charge of exploring overseas opportunities, developing new relationships and managing partnerships to benefit SFC and its portfolio of early-stage companies.
Before moving to the angel investing and startup world, Steve worked in financial services and sales – including the British Stock Exchange – and developed his career in Singapore and France as well as the UK. He joined Startup Funding Club initially as an angel investor and is currently in charge of promoting the company and exploring growth opportunities in the UK.
Rick is the founder and corporate finance director of Bennett Brooks, a full-service and long-standing accountancy and management consultancy practice. As a hugely experienced finance professional, Rick is best placed to advise entrepreneurs and businesses on financial planning and fundraising. As a Director of Startup Funding Club, he provides advice on SFC investing strategy and critical partnerships.
Mark is a seasoned serial entrepreneur. He co-founded and exited a technology venture and quickly started a new successful company. He also has vast international business experience, having overseen multi-million-pound projects at Fidelity and New Star. Mark has been involved with SFC from the start as an investor and a mentor to portfolio companies. As a Director, he provides ongoing support for SFC’s growth and strategy.
