Alain Gavin
Venture Partner at Karista
London, England
Overview
Work Experience
Venture Partner
2022 - Current
As Venture Partner for Space Fund, reporting to Investors, I am responsible for aiding Karista with growth and business development as independent VC company, specializing in digital, DeepTech and SpaceTech. I am accountable for directing ~€70m CosmiCapital Space Fund, supported by CNES and BpiFrance. I am required to support teams of ~15 staff with SpaceTech investments through CosmiCapital fund and am targeted to increase deal-flow and deliver new investment opportunities across the UK and Germany. Key achievements include: ◼ Currently driving 2nd half of fundraising to double investable SpaceTech funds. ◼ Working on positioning 2 confidential target investment opportunities for space investment in Europe.
Chief Investment Officer, Managing Partner
2008
As Managing Partner and Investment Director, reporting to Investors, I am responsible for directing advanced technology and digital infrastructure investments while aiding new Fund GP to close $500m fund. I am accountable for proprietary deal flow, performing commercial, technical and financial due diligence and required to conceive then execute value growth strategies for investee companies. I am responsible for establishing network of ~900 family offices, specialist funds, HNWIs, entrepreneurs and PE firms, focusing on Balmoral Capital, RCapital, Stanhope Capital and WHEB Partners. My key target is to expand business to become primary investor for number of identified opportunities. Key achievements include: ◼ Completed multiple high-value positive outcomes for clients including Softbank Vision Fund, Spark Energy, Cambridge Cognition, Tarmin, Numecent, confidential branded property investment business, RCapital Balmoral Capital, Steritrox and Cipher Surgica. ◼ Delivered overall Psion Partners company growth 12.7x of value during tenure. ◼ Achieved Psion Partners 2.3x investment value growth due to dilution. ◼ Positioned 17x CAGR revenue growth for Psion Partners.
Senior Advisor, PPP & Investments
2022 - 2023
Helping to build the land of the future from the ground up in one of the largest Giga projects in the world. I am deeply involved in bringing innovation to NEOM in the areas of cognitive computing, robotics, space, the metaverse, Blockchain, sustainable technology, and infrastructure (Energy, Mobility, Water, Data Protection). NEOM Vision: “Where the greatest minds and the best talents are empowered to embody pioneering ideas and exceed boundaries in a world inspired by imagination.”
Non Executive Director
2020 - 2022
CyStellar is a deepTech big-data analytics and decision support company. Through its cloud-based data fusion platform, CyStellar improves data-driven decision making and predictive analytics primarily for the insurance and logistics sectors.
Director
2018 - 2020
As Director I was required to establish series B, C, D and growth round practice to invest into emerging big data and data analytics, satellite communication, Space deep tech, drones and UAV ecosystem. I reported to CEO and was responsible for securing investments in series B, C, D and growth rounds of emerging sector leaders within global SpaceTech market while aiding graduating cohort from Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator to close investment. Key achievements include: ◼ Aided Urban Air Mobility and transformational mobile / internet communications as 2 theme examples. ◼ Aided main Fund Series A deal-flow sourcing and filtering of +150 deals per single month. ◼ Launched practice to help Seraphim Capital Space Camp accelerator graduates close investment rounds. ◼ Invested in companies that were transforming global industries utilizing generation, enhancement, data analytics and application of satellite, UAV and drone-enabled big data, accessing verticals including insurance, finance, transport, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, governments and militaries.
Investment Director | Private Equity, Innovative Technology, Health Diagnostics, Storage Software
2007 - 2008
As Investment Director, reporting to CEO, I was responsible for aiding German CEO of PE firm specializing in small to mid-cap technology investments across the UK and Germany, focusing on technology / software. I was charged to build then manage portfolio of 4 businesses, including lending credibility and expertise, operating within team of 8, delivering digital technology investments across UK and Germany. Key achievements include: ◼ Planned expansion of designated fund, leveraging collaboration with Italian pension fund investors. ◼ Funded £significant funding for Cambridge Cognition investment for Alzheimer’s markers.
Managing Director
2004 - 2007
Provided bespoke M&A and Corporate Finance management consultancy services to a number of blue-chip and SME companies. Performed company and market analysis, delivered strategic planning and capital growth acquisition across several industries. Evaluated optimal debt/equity ratios of specific investments, cash-flow analysis and revenue forecasts.
Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy Programme
2003 - 2004
Electives - Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance, Technology & Competition, Leading Strategic Transformation, Corporate Turnarounds, World Economy - See Education below for more detail
VP Corporate Development & Value Based Management | Strategic Investment, M&A
2001 - 2003
I was appointed to guide the Group Board in a strategic repositioning involving major acquisitions in identified growth sectors accompanied by divestment or carve outs of non-core or under-performing sections of the business. I recommended the largest single acquisition in the company’s 120 year history. Focused the build-up of two new growth areas, Solar and Health Diagnostic, and managed ad-hoc issues of strategic importance.
CEO and Founder, Internet Start-up
2000 - 2001
I founded an Internet start-up (20 strong team) offering innovative local search engine services similar to Google maps and www.Hassle.com. I raised start-up capital through Business Angel funding & confirmed EU grants totalling €1M. Implemented highly advanced business plan and due diligence with Arthur D. Little to identify key commercial drivers & forecast revenue/cash flows. Sold the company shortly after 9/11.
Education
MBA/MSc
2003 - 2004
B.Eng. Honours
1986 - 1990
A-Level, OND
1984 - 1986
High School
1981 - 1983