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Specialists at deploying capital & expertise.
About Us
We back the next generation of financial services — from first cheque to scale — through product innovation, business model reinvention, and technology-driven execution.
12
Years leading in FinTech & InsurTech
40+
Portfolio Companies Backed Since 2012
50+
Co-Investments with Global VC Firms
A partnership with more than 5 decades in financial services.
Former executive at major GCC bank and FinTech entrepreneur.
Ben Lloyd
Ben is a venture capital investor and financial technology specialist with a background spanning digital banking, high-growth startups, and institutional innovation. Before joining 1818 Venture Capital, he held senior leadership roles at one of the world’s largest banks, serving as Head of Digital Product and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer. He was instrumental in shaping the bank’s innovation strategy and was an early contributor to FinTech ecosystems in both the UK and Saudi Arabia. Ben brings deep experience in financial product development, payment systems, and growth infrastructure across early-stage ventures and FTSE-listed companies. At 1818, he co-leads strategy, sourcing, and portfolio management, with a particular focus on bridging capital and innovation between the UK and the Middle East.
Serial entrepreneur and four decades in financial services.
Richard Avery-Wright
Richard is a seasoned investor and serial entrepreneur with nearly four decades of experience across public and private markets. He has co-founded and led several high-performing ventures, including Pie Funds (AUM NZ$2.5bn), Castle Point, RAW Capital Partners, and Wealthify, which was acquired by Aviva in 2020. As the Founder of 1818 Venture Capital, Richard brings deep expertise across venture capital, private debt, and public equities. His track record is marked by consistent performance and remarkably low failure rates. Today, he provides strategic oversight and continues to drive the long-term success of the firm and its investors.
We are a Team of founders and operational experts.
Wider Team
Our
Mission.
At 1818, we partner with the next generation of FinTech founders who are reshaping the financial services landscape — across the UK, the Middle East, and beyond.
We invest early in people, technologies, and models that challenge the status quo — providing not just capital, but deep insight, strategic support, and long-term alignment.
By backing high-conviction teams from day one, we aim to deliver exceptional returns — while driving meaningful, lasting innovation.
More Than Capital. True Partnership.
We are more than capital — we are committed partners.
From first cheque to exit, we work shoulder to shoulder with our founders, helping them navigate complexity, refine strategy, and unlock opportunity.
Our team brings strategic guidance, market access, and a trusted network of sector specialists and institutional partners.
Combined with disciplined governance and commercial rigour, our hands-on model ensures every investment is positioned to deliver strong, enduring outcomes.
Co-investing with
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