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.

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 mindset that have propelled them to success.

Rebecca is joined by Elaine Warburton OBE, Chair and Co-Founder, of medical device business, ReadyGo Diagnostics. A seasoned healthcare entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience, she has an impressive background spanning nursing, genetics, accounting, and hospital management.

Elaine co-founded QuantuMDx, where she helped develop a rapid molecular diagnostic device, raising over £50 million to bring it to market. Awarded an OBE for services to healthcare, she has also been recognised among Europe’s top 50 women in tech. Now leading ReadyGo, she’s focused on developing consumer-friendly diagnostic tools while championing patient safety and supporting women in STEM.

In this episode we really get to tap into the entrepreneurial mindset as Elaine talks through the challenges and achievements of her many fascinating experiences both in study and work and the added value it brought to her as a founder and business leader.

A compelling listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals alike, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it takes to innovate and lead in the healthcare sector. Not one to miss.

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 third episode of ‘Scaling for Success,’ a special mini-series of the Maven Capital Partners’ podcast ‘Invested,’ hosted by our Investment Manager Rebecca MacDermid. In this series, we interview inspiring female leaders about their journeys in scaling businesses and driving change, sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the strategies that have propelled them to success.

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Alex Longton, Founding CEO of Tiba Tempeh, a certified B-Corp plant-based food business. A food and drink sector expert, Alex has over 15 years of sales experience in the industry, working in a number of high-profile roles for companies like Plenish, Lindt Chocolate and Heinz.

She founded the Tiba Tempeh brand after discovering tempeh on a trip to Indonesia, and the business has gone from strength to strength, reporting record sales at the beginning of the year. Maven has also recently backed the business through the British Business Bank’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, investing to help grow Tiba’s market presence across the UK and Europe.

Alex reflects on the challenges and achievements of building Tiba, sharing practical insights on driving results and navigating the start-up landscape.

Tune in to hear the real nitty gritty of what it takes to grow a successful food business, how it feels starting out on your own and the importance of networks to help your brand develop.

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.