In the second episode of Invested, Laura Boyd sits down with Steve Bennington, entrepreneur and CEO of Q5D, a company pioneering robotic additive manufacturing, to explore a remarkable career journey that bridges world class science and cutting edge innovation.

Steve began his career in nuclear physics, helping to establish leading research facilities and advising governments on scientific policy. But it was a bold leap from academia into entrepreneurship that defined the next chapter of his story. Now leading Q5D, Steve is transforming the way electrical systems are built, with major implications for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

In this episode, Steve reflects on the realities of building a technology business from the ground up. From the uncertainty of launching the company to the pressures of scaling it in a fast moving market. He speaks candidly about resilience, balancing family life with business demands, and the culture he's building at Q5D.

With Q5D recently closing a £10.9 million Series A funding round, Steve shares what’s next for the business and why he believes now is a pivotal moment for UK manufacturing.

A fascinating conversation about leadership, risk and the power of bold ideas. Don’t miss it.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

The Maven Invested Podcast is back, interviewing CEOs, entrepreneurs and innovators who are at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing smaller companies.

In episode 1 of the new series Laura speaks with Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO of Automated Analytics, a technology business helping organisations around the world unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence.

Mark talks openly about the moments that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, from early challenges that sparked his determination to the pivotal decisions that defined his leadership style.

He shares how a conversation on a cruise ship inspired him to walk away from a secure role and build a business that now supports global brands including British Gas and Pizza Hut.

Mark also reflects on the evolution of Automated Analytics, from its early focus on bespoke corporate solutions to rapid growth in the US. He talks about the importance of doing what you love, and how curiosity and resilience continue to drive him forward.

With a background in digital marketing, Mark has worked with some of the UK’s best-known brands, including Virgin Active, Hilton Hotels, Esporta and Halfords.
This is an honest conversation about risk-taking, building a business with purpose, and how AI can make a meaningful difference when combined with human insight and passion.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.

Welcome to the final episode of Scaling for Success, our special mini-series of the Maven Capital Partners’ Invested Podcast, hosted by our Investment Manager, Rebecca MacDermid.

This series explores the journeys of inspiring female leaders who have successfully scaled businesses and driven meaningful change. Through their stories, we uncover the lessons, strategies, and mindsets that have propelled them to success.

This time, we bring the spotlight closer to home with a conversation featuring Dr Melanie Goward, Partner at Maven. A technology specialist, Melanie’s career spans over 20 years, beginning as a PhD scientist from the University of Cambridge, where she was part of the research team for the international Human Genome Project, before moving into senior investment roles at NESTA and Finance Wales.

In this episode, we speak about Melanie's journey from academic research to private equity and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She shares insights into her role at Maven and what she finds most rewarding about working in the investment space. Melanie also discusses the importance of improving access to funding for female founders, the work Maven is doing to support greater diversity across the industry, and who inspires her.

Tune in to hear Melanie reflect on her career, the challenges she’s faced, and the insights that have guided her path in private equity.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to our podcast and if you want to hear more from some of our inspirational investees at the helm of some of the UK’s fastest growing companies, head over to mavencp.com.