Vespa Capital announces team promotions following a productive 2022

Vespa Capital is very pleased to announce the promotions of Khidhr Shafiq to Partner and Rob Sowood to Investment Director.

Khidhr joined Vespa Capital in 2017 following three years in impact investing and over five years at Deloitte where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He has made a significant contribution to the development of Vespa Capital over the past six years including working on the successful realisation of BioPhorum, the recapitalisation of Lumi and leading the investments into SelectScience, Origo and eserv.

On his promotion, Khidhr commented, “I am delighted to be joining the Vespa Capital Partnership following an outstanding period for the business. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work alongside such high calibre management teams and colleagues to develop market leading, disruptive businesses over the last six years."

"Vespa Capital aim to be the investment partner of choice for ambitious founders and management teams in our sectors of focus and I wholeheartedly share this vision to further support businesses as they navigate change and deliver innovation.

I would like to thank the colleagues, business leaders and advisors that I have worked closely with over many years for their support.” Khidhr added.

Additionally, Rob Sowood has been promoted to Investment Director after joining Vespa Capital in 2021. Rob previously worked as a Strategy Consultant within EY-Parthenon’s Life Sciences practice following his time at inVentiv Health and has bought in-depth life sciences knowledge to the investment team. Rob is a Board member of both Bluecrest Wellness and Cognite.

Nigel Hammond, Managing Partner said, “The ability and flair of our team are core to our business and our capability to support portfolio teams unlock their potential. Developing talent within our organisation is therefore essential and accordingly we are delighted to promote both Khidhr and Rob given their contributions to the business.

Welcoming Khidhr into our Partnership after a hugely successful six years with the business is a great achievement and testament to his work throughout the investment lifecycle from origination to realisation.”