Over the last 20 years Mark Lawrence has worked in a wide range of roles all relating to innovative and growing businesses. This experience encompasses the perspectives of investor, director and advisor.
After gaining a doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford Mark joined the venture capital investor 3i. Mark worked with 3i for 6 years with responsibility for managing all aspects of a portfolio of unquoted businesses in Sussex and Surrey. This included both the negotiation of new investments (some 30 over the 6 year period) and the management and realisation of equity positions within the existing portfolio.
In the second stage of his career Mark gained operational experience in a variety of senior management positions in professional services firms including the international law firms Linklaters, Weil Gotschal & Manges and White & Case.
For the last 8 years Mark has operated as a freelance advisor to growth businesses advising a portfolio of early stage companies on fund raising and general management of growth. This work has latterly focused on the incubation and funding of businesses operating in the clean technology markets. Current and recent assignments involve evaluation and commercial due diligence on opportunities in tidal power, cement replacement and wind turbines.
To complement his practice in the SME sector he has worked regularly on innovation programmes within global corporations as well as continuing to advise law firm clients on business development, organisation and strategy.
