The DSW Ventures team

Our experienced and growing investment team is responsible for the origination, diligence and management of our investments.

David Smith

Founding Partner

david@dsw.vc

Former head of the North-West Fund for Digital and Creative

Keith Benson

Founding Partner

keith@dsw.vc

Software engineer turned tech investor and corporate finance adviser

Eleanor Boardman

Investment Manager

eleanor@dsw.vc

KPMG-qualified ACA with 5+ years’ experience in finance and venture capital, responsible for leading deal validation and execution

Emma Cassidy

Emma Cassidy

Investment Executive

emma@dsw.vc

KPMG-qualified ACA and former programmatic media trader, responsible for deal sourcing and execution

Executive Advisory Team

James Dow

PHD Partner and DSW Group Chief Executive

Strategic head of the DSW Group and senior group member of our Investment Committee

Andy Dodd

PHD Chief Executive and DSW Group Partner

Director of PHD Industrial Holdings Ltd and Chairman of DSW Ventures

Finance & Operations Team

Richard Evans

Head of Operations and Finance, PHD Equity Partners

Regulatory guru and former COO at Strand Hanson

Nicole Burstow

Chief Financial Officer, DSW Group

Former Director at Deloitte and head of Corporate Development for the DSW Group

Marketing & Business Support

Giovanna Jackson

Head of Business Support

Catherine Priestly

Head of Recruitment

Katie Walton

Head of Marketing