David Bailey

David JW Bailey, FCA In simple terms, what do I do? I ensure founders and investors set off in the right direction to maximise their chances of reaching mutual objectives, and that we proceed together at pace, without breaking anything or anyone irreplaceable on the way. If they have hit a stumbling block, I can help them turnaround and refocus. That mostly involves finding the right finance, at the right price, and at the right terms for the business from a mixture of equity, debt, grants, tax relief, and other support. As such, I often work for groups of angels, small VCs, and commercial venture companies. I can find the best available strategies and then get things started and moving fast from a library of proven answers, technologies, methods, and a network of top-quality contacts. Then I work with the executives and investors to ensure the financial support functions at the right level, and that capital is delivered at the right time to balance risk, growth, cash flow and returns. That means understanding the exit objective and pathway, as well as the valuation model and scenario plans from both sides. • Delivering financial rewards to founders and investors is always a balancing act, but all parties benefit if the finance function is committed to supporting the same plan. What’s in the box A creative, general-purpose problem solver providing “sheer intellectual horsepower” (that’s a client quote). Serious depth of analysis and rigour in following the (quantitative) evidence. Technology savviness and an understanding of what technology can and cannot do. Some call it “IT moxie and data foo”. Tiny smattering of creativity. Broadly and deeply connected in media, finance, politics, and technology. Presentable at the highest levels of business and government. Extensive commercial experience and a powerful operational skillset at Chair, CEO and CFO level. Solid theoretical and strategic analysis skills, deep and powerful analytical skills, all underpinned by a pragmatic understanding of professional finance, compliance, regulation, and best practice. Good HR and team building skills, based on practical experience of teams and a broad and deep personal network. • While the team moves forwards, I help the team navigate around obstacles and open doors. If there is an answer, or a person, or a resource we need? I can normally find it. Drivers and motivators Solving complex problems for founders and investors. I enjoy turning failure into success and making something out of nothing. Carrying a preference for long term sustainable gains over short term rewards. I am a strong believer in creating empowered teams that do not need (or create their own) leaders and am committed to the values of democracy, inclusion, collaboration, diversity, social impact, and ecological sustainability. I remain convinced that companies are more sustainable, more rewarding, and easier to run if they do good rather than ill. • Wherever possible, I try to give more than I take, and leave things better than I found them. Can I prove this? As CFO working with a great team, took a turnaround from £0 to £82m revenue in 30 months. Wealth managers, ultra-wealth individuals and international corporates have used my skills to solve their problems successfully. I took a group of nerds and released a No.1 Computer Game into a tough market. I have been interim CFO on a dual listed (AIM/NASDAQ) company, and several VC and PE financed growth companies. On a project basis, I have resolved a problem with 3,000 suppliers and 30m invoices that had defeated two previous teams. I have helped the World Bank, HSBC and a Spanish merchant bank recover £millions of stolen cash. I probably learned as much from a business that crashed into the ground 4 years after raising £3m and watching a promising technology fail for want of capital. I have a sound professional attitude after 13 years of training at Deloitte helping me put business learning into context. This is put into practice in several ways: • I am a Board Director of SEMLEP and sit on the Finance Risk and Advisory Committee (where grants and loans are assessed). I also chair the Inward Investment Group that covers the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Region and where all FDI and UK DI is channelled to the region. • I work on advanced innovation management with Eicorn AB (Sweden, Milan, UK) to accelerate revenue and value in fast growth companies. • I advise various angel groups on investments into e-Vehicles, property, technology, computer and video games, and catering. • I partner with small accountancy practices to provide “CFO level” insight and services to their clients.