Active investor appointed as chair of University of Surrey’s S100 Angel Investment Club at pivotal moment in post COVID-19 economic recovery
The University of Surrey’s S100 Club, the only established angel investment network in the SETsquared Partnership, announces the appointment of new Chair, Peter Hornsby. Peter will oversee the continued growth of the club, following the successful tenure of previous Chair Jerry Horwood.
Peter will continue Jerry’s work, supporting and onboarding more Angel Investors, as investment into technology businesses will be an important driver of economic renewal and recovery.
With over 40 years of experience, creating, developing and successfully selling digital software businesses, Peter’s expertise enables him to empathise with many of the companies pitching for investment at the S100 Club. Peter is passionate about inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs and keen to give back to the business community. He will be working to maximise the potential of the S100 Club, utilising the power of the Surrey business ecosystem to benefit Angel Investors and businesses looking for investment.
Peter recognises the value of the support provided to the start up and scale up companies by SETsquared, which is consistently ranked as the world’s top business incubator managed by a University. He describes this support from expert Entrepreneurs in Residence as ‘entrepreneur finishing school’.
Companies seeking investment are pre-qualified by the experts at SETsquared Surrey before pitching to the Angel investors at the S100 Club. This reduces the risk and increases the opportunity for successful investment for the Angels.
Peter Hornsby comments, “I’m delighted to be joining the S100 Club as Chair at such a pivotal time for business. I will continue the Club’s mission of harnessing the power of education, technology, investment and entrepreneurship to support the creation of successful businesses.”
“The Club has already enabled some incredible opportunities for companies and investors alike. It provides investors with access to pre-qualified high-quality companies as well as the chance for Angels to work together and share knowledge. Angel investment is an inspiring addition to an investment portfolio and provides the opportunity to actively support and stimulate the economy at a time when economic recovery and revitalisation is essential. I look forward to working with the expert team here in Surrey to continue this momentum.”
Outgoing chair Jerry Horwood adds: “Chairing the S100 Club since 2017 has been a privilege. I believe Angel investors are one of the keys to driving growth in this country. Providing innovation and opportunity for investors and companies alike continues to be the priority of the Club. I look forward to working closely with Peter and have no doubt that his vast industry experience and commitment will add huge value to the community of the S100 Club.”
Caroline Fleming, S100 Club Director, comments: “We are delighted to appoint Peter as our new chair. As an active investor and member of the Club, Peter shares our passion to introduce angel investment to a wider audience, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and to drive diversity within investment and entrepreneurship. Peter’s vast industry knowledge and business expertise will enable him to build on Jerry’s fantastic work over the past few years, delivering against these priorities.”
Founded in 2007, the S100 Club has an impressive track record in helping dynamic and innovative businesses to grow. Supported by SETsquared Surrey, the S100 Club assists selected new ventures to become ‘investor ready’ with support and training and then gives them the opportunity to showcase to its investor members at five annual events at the University of Surrey and directly via its platform. The Club has helped companies to raise over £75 million from 50 pitch events.
The next S100 Club Angel Investor event is on 21st April 2021. Please click here for further details. For more information about the S100 Club, please visit the website.
