The United Kingdom is home to a growing number of influential female venture capital partners who are shaping the future of innovation across various industries. This article series highlights these leaders, offering insights into their backgrounds, investment focuses, and contributions to the VC ecosystem. In Part 1, we explore some of the most prominent women in venture capital, who are not only driving financial growth but also fostering innovation in technology, healthcare, and sustainability.

Alexandra (Ali) Morrow - Partner at Clay Capital

Alexandra (Ali) Morrow is a Partner at Clay Capital, previously known as VisVires New Protein, and has held the role since June 2024 after being a Venture Partner there. She is also an investor in MiAlgae, a biotechnology company focused on sustainable Omega-3 production, and a Kauffman Fellow from Class 25. Ali’s background includes key positions in venture capital, climate tech, and sustainability, with prior roles at MMC Ventures, Astanor Ventures, and The Jamie Oliver Group, among others.

Alice Newcombe-Ellis - Founder and Managing Partner at Ahren Innovation Capital

Alice Newcombe-Ellis is the Founding and General Partner at Ahren Innovation Capital, with over a decade of experience in investing, particularly in technology and disruptive healthcare. She has held roles at top-tier firms such as TPG Capital and Lansdowne Partners, managing multi-billion dollar assets. Alice holds a Double First-Class degree in Mathematics and a Master's in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Cambridge, and she was a Fulbright and Baker Scholar at Harvard Business School.

Amelia Armour - Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners

Amelia Armour is a Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners, where she focuses on investments in AI, cybersecurity, photonics, quantum technologies, digital health, and novel materials. She serves as a board director for companies like Xampla, iPronics, Riverlane, and SLAMcore, and is a board observer for firms such as PolyAI, Graphcore, and Paragraf. Prior to joining Amadeus in 2009, Amelia worked in structured finance at Barclays Investment Bank and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and she holds a BSc in Chemistry and Biology from Durham University.

Andrea Zitna - Partner at Speedinvest

Andrea Zitna is a Partner at Speedinvest, leading the Health & TechBio team in London, with over 15 years of commercial and strategy leadership experience across health, technology, and consumer sectors. Before joining Speedinvest, she was the Chief Revenue Officer at Elvie, where she helped scale the company from a pre-revenue startup to a global leader in women's health technology. Andrea holds a degree in Physics from Oxford, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and has held strategic roles at McKinsey & Company and Nectar, specializing in consumer industries.

Anna Ohlsson-Baskervill - Partner at Unilever Ventures

Anna Ohlsson-Baskerville is a Partner at Unilever Ventures, focusing on beauty and wellness investments, with over 25 years of venture capital experience in Europe and the US. She manages Unilever Ventures' investments in brands like Trinny London, True Botanicals, and OneSkin, and has previously overseen consumer-oriented companies and specialty chemical spin-outs from Unilever R&D. Originally from Sweden, Anna lived in France for 12 years before relocating to the UK.

Anna Slemmings - Partner at MMC Ventures

Anna Slemmings is a Partner at MMC Ventures, where she leads investor relations and coordinates fundraising activities. She joined MMC in 2013 after gaining experience in client services at an investment bank and working in marketing and communications for early-stage companies. Anna holds a BA in Politics from the University of Exeter and has a passion for adventure, having served in the territorial army and cycled the world’s most dangerous road twice.

Anne Glover - CEO and Cofounder at Amadeus Capital Partners

Anne Glover is the Chief Executive and Co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners, with over 30 years of venture capital experience and a focus on emerging markets for the past 15 years. Prior to founding Amadeus in 1997, she worked in the USA with Cummins Engine Company, Bain & Co, and Apax Partners, before serving as COO of Virtuality Group. Anne holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and Yale, has served in leadership roles with the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, and currently sits on the boards of the Bank of England and Yale Corporation.

Anne Horgan - Partner at Cambridge Innovation Capital

Anne Horgan is a Partner at Cambridge Innovation Capital, specializing in Life Sciences investments with over 20 years of experience. She previously worked as a Partner at Advent France Biotechnology and held senior roles at Sofinnova Partners and Cancer Research Technology. Anne holds a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Bristol, conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University, and has contributed to eight patent families.

Anne-Laure Meynier - Partner at Apposite Capital

Anne-Laure Meynier is a Partner at Apposite Capital, focusing on healthcare investments across Europe, and has over nine years of experience with the firm. She previously held roles in corporate finance at Nuage Labs and Bridgepoint, and began her career at Rothschild & Co, working in M&A and debt restructuring. Anne-Laure holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance from ESCP Europe and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Université Paris Dauphine.

Annelie Ajami - Founder & Managing Partner at Anamcara

Annelie Ajami is the Founder and Managing Partner of Anamcara, a pre-seed/seed stage venture fund investing in B2B companies across Europe, with notable investments including Zavvy, Anterior, and Nory. She co-founded the Ajami Foundation, a non-profit supporting livelihood, education, and entrepreneurship in Lebanon, and previously held roles at B&Y Venture Partners and Bedrock Asset Management. Annelie holds an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and a BA in History and Politics from SOAS University of London.

Anuradha Shetty - Partner at Bramble Partners

Anuradha Shetty is a Partner at Bramble Partners with 14 years of experience in impact-first investments, focusing on direct equity, debt investments, and early-stage companies. She previously worked at Soros Economic Development Fund, the Aga Khan Network, and OPIC, and has experience in financial institution regulation and hedge fund administration. Anuradha holds a Master's degree from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Michigan.

Audrey Miller - Partner at Tapestry VC

Audrey Miller is a Partner at Tapestry VC, primarily focusing on fintech and enterprise software investments across Europe and the US. She started her career at Goldman Sachs in London and San Francisco before transitioning to advising early-stage teams at Entrepreneur First. Outside of work, Audrey enjoys producing music and is passionate about the dynamics of high-performing teams.

BaoY Van Cong - Partner at Target Global

BaoY Van Cong is a Partner at Target Global, a pan-European technology investment firm with over €3 billion in assets under management, where he has been involved since 2017. She e has served in various roles, including Investment Director and Investment Manager, overseeing investments in companies such as Delivery Hero, Revolut, and Wefox. BaoY holds an MSc in Finance from Imperial College London and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Beverly Gower-Jones - Founder & Managing Partner at Clean Growth Fund

Beverley Gower-Jones OBE is the Managing Partner of CGF, where she chairs the investment committee, directs the fund's strategy, and leads fundraising efforts. She co-founded Carbon Limiting Technologies and played a key role in shaping Shell Technology Ventures' strategic approach as a founder and Vice President. In recognition of her contributions to Net Zero Innovation, Beverley was awarded an OBE in 2023 and serves as an independent member of the UK's cross-government Net Zero Innovation Board.

Camilla Dolan - General Partner at Eka Ventures

Camilla Dolan co-founded Eka Ventures in 2018, having invested in consumer technology companies from seed to growth since 2013. She previously worked with leading entrepreneurs at companies like Bloom & Wild, Gousto, and Elder, and began her career at Bain & Company, working in Tokyo and San Francisco. Camilla studied Law at Oxford University and has a strong interest in the psychology behind people prediction and the intersection of hardware, software, and science in preventative healthcare.

Carina Namih - Partner at Plural

Carina Namih is a Partner at Plural, an early-stage investment fund focused on supporting founders aiming to create global impact through technology. She is the Co-Founder and former CEO of HelixNano, an AI-driven biotech developing next-generation mRNA therapies, and currently serves on the boards of several innovative companies. Carina also holds a trustee position at The Alan Turing Institute and has previous experience in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.

Carolina Brochado - Founding Partner and Deputy Head at EQT Growth

Carolina Brochado is Deputy Head of EQT Growth's Advisory team, joining in 2020, and leads investments in companies like Vinted, ManyPets, and Mambu. Before EQT, she was a Partner at Softbank Vision Fund and Atomico, where she invested in growth-stage companies and Series A/B startups. Carolina holds a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, with prior experience in private equity and investment banking.

Cat McDonald - Partner at Albion VC

Cat McDonald is a Partner at AlbionVC, focusing on fintech, security, and productivity, with a passion for software that transforms legacy industries and solves societal issues by unlocking data or creating new business models. Before joining AlbionVC in 2018, she worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in both New York and London. Cat holds a degree in Economics from Harvard University, where she specialized in global economic development and behavioral economics, and in her free time, she enjoys ultrarunning, paragliding, hiking, and hosting large dinner parties.

Catherine Dupere - Partner at Isomer Capital

Catherine Dupere has been a Partner at Isomer Capital since 2016, focusing on European technology investments through fund partnerships, co-investments, and secondary purchases. Prior to this, she worked at BDC as Associate Director of Fund of Funds and co-founded a UK-based ethical fashion company, Lionne. Catherine holds an MBA from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and has experience in venture capital, private equity, and legal advisory roles.

Charmaine Hayden - Fund Manager at Good Soil VC

Charmaine Hayden is the Founding Partner at Good Soil VC, where she manages investments in early-stage sustainable tech startups in Sub-Saharan Africa. She co-founded the award-winning modeling agency Face4music, which represents a diverse range of models globally. Charmaine holds a dual degree in law and psychology and has extensive experience across the entertainment, media, and corporate finance sectors.

Check Warner - Founding Partner at Ada Ventures

Check Warner began her career in marketing before transitioning into the venture capital space, where she is passionate about supporting customer-centric companies that foster community and prioritize user experience. Her life’s mission revolves around creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential. Additionally, she is the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Diversity VC, which promotes inclusivity within the venture capital industry.

Clare Terlouw - Head of LifeArc Ventures

Clare Terlouw is the Head of LifeArc Ventures and a member of the LifeArc Leadership Team, overseeing the organization’s venture and limited partner investments within the life sciences sector, focusing on early-stage companies from seed to Series A while ensuring significant follow-on funding for successful portfolio firms. With over 15 years of experience in biotech and healthcare financing, Clare previously served as Head of Corporate Development at Syncona Investment Management Ltd, a FTSE250 healthcare investment trust, and has held positions at Nomura, Numis Securities, and Peel Hunt as a UK investment banker. Before transitioning into finance, Clare worked as a physiotherapist in Canada and currently serves on the board of the UK Biotechnology Industry Association and directs several venture-backed companies.

Deepali Nangia - Partner at Speedinvest

Deepali Nangia joined Speedinvest as a Venture Partner in 2021 and became a full-time Partner in January 2022, concentrating on investments in female founders across Europe and Emerging Markets. She has led investments in companies like Surfboard, Fertifa, Saude Bliss, and GTXN, and plays an active role on Speedinvest's ESG Committee while leading the MicroGP initiative, which supports first-time fund managers, with half of the investments going to female and diverse GPs. Beginning her career as an investment banker on Wall Street, Deepali later moved into private equity and operational roles at Marsh McLennan and Aon Ltd., before co-founding Alma Angels to increase female angel investors in Europe and earning recognition as UKBAA's Angel Investor of the Year in 2021.

Denise Xifara - Partner at Mercuri VC

Denise Xifara is a Partner at Mercuri VC, an early-stage venture capital fund investing in high-growth, deep tech businesses, with a focus on AI and media sectors. She co-founded VentureESG, promoting environmental, social, and governance principles in early-stage venture capital. With a DPhil in Statistics from the University of Oxford, Denise has extensive experience in data science, statistical genetics, and has held numerous board roles in tech-driven companies like Papercup and A Million Ads.

Dina Chaya - Partner at OrbiMed

Dina Chaya joined OrbiMed in 2023 as a Partner on the Private Equity team, bringing over two decades of experience in the private equity and venture capital healthcare sectors. Before her role at OrbiMed, she worked with Omega Funds and NeoMed, and held investment positions at 3i and Index Ventures. Dina holds a B.A. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Paris VI University, and is a CFA charterholder.

Dinika Mahtani - Partner at Cherry Ventures

Dinika Mahtani is a Partner at Cherry Ventures, where she leads UK investments and strategic initiatives, focusing on climate tech and commerce. Previously, she held leadership roles at UberEats EMEA and launched Uber's e-bike brand JUMP in the UK, as well as managing finance and operations at Kaluza, a climate SaaS platform. With a background in finance and mathematics from London Business School and Northwestern University, Dinika is also an angel investor and advisor to female-founded startups, a passion she pursues alongside her work in venture capital.

Eileen Burbidge - Founding Partner at Passion Capital

Eileen Burbidge is a founding partner at Passion Capital, where she has been instrumental since 2011 in managing multiple funds and supporting innovative startups. She has held various prominent roles, including Director at Fertifa, Non-Executive Director at Currys plc, and FinTech Envoy for HM Treasury, advocating for the UK as a global fintech hub. With a background in technology and product development at companies like Skype and Yahoo, Eileen combines her expertise in investment and entrepreneurship to foster growth in the tech sector.

Ekaterina Almasque - General Partner at OpenOcean

Ekaterina Almasque is a General Partner at OpenOcean, where she focuses on investing in groundbreaking technology businesses, particularly in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and cybersecurity. With over fifteen years of experience, she has a proven track record of fostering category-defining technology leaders in Europe, including MySQL and GraphCore, and previously served as Managing Director at Samsung Catalyst Fund, driving investments in sectors like autonomous driving and health tech. A skilled technologist and strategist, Ekaterina launched her first software company at 17 and has been instrumental in developing innovative platforms since the 1990s.

Ella Goldner - Co-founder and General Partner at Zinc

Ella Goldner is the Co-Founder and General Manager at Zinc, having previously served as Strategy Director at IPG Mediabrands, where she collaborated with major global brands. She also co-founded NewCo UK, an initiative that bridges successful corporations with innovative startups in the UK. Ella began her career as an engineer in Tel Aviv's high-tech aerospace sector before transitioning to consulting for technology companies.

Emma Barrat - Partner at Prefcap

Emma Barrat is a Partner at Prefcap, where she has worked since February 2020, focusing on venture capital investments. Prior to this role, she was Head of Distribution at Latitude Investment Management and held executive positions in equity sales at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and CIBC Capital Markets. Emma is also a member of the Alumni Advisory Board at Loughborough University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences.

Emma Phillips - Investment Partner at LocalGlobe

Emma Phillips is an Investment Partner at LocalGlobe, focusing on B2B software with applied AI, particularly in the areas of future work, business automation, and climate change solutions. She initially joined as an operating partner, assisting founders with operations, talent, and go-to-market strategies, and has supported investments in companies such as Field Energy, Justworks, and Otta. Previously, Emma worked as a technical coordinator at Veolia Environmental Services, where she contributed to renewable energy and recycling projects and played a role in launching operations in Australia’s mining sector; she also co-founded Meals for the NHS during the pandemic, raising over £1.8 million to provide meals for NHS workers.

As we conclude Part 1 of this series, it's evident that female venture capital partners in the UK are playing a critical role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Their diverse backgrounds, industry expertise, and dedication to driving innovation across sectors are testament to the growing impact of women in venture capital. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we will continue to spotlight more trailblazing women who are leading the charge in this dynamic industry.