Northern Gritstone has named Jess McCreadie as its new Investment Director – specialising in science and tech-enabled businesses in the North.
McCreadie joins from Octopus Ventures, where she worked in HealthTech and B2B SaaS. Prior to that she was Investment Director at L&G, again with an emphasis on HealthTech, as well as Clean Tech and Clean Energy.
“Northern Gritstone has quickly built a reputation as a leading investor and innovation ecosystem pioneer,” explained McCreadie, who has moved from London to Manchester for the role.
“The past decades in venture capital demonstrate that the most successful and ambitious companies are borne out of highly collaborative local economies, thinking globally. I see the opportunity we have in the North of England to scale a high-performing technology ecosystem, to be incredibly exciting.”
Launched in July 2021 and chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, Northern Gritstone said its investment philosophy is “profit with purpose.”
Late last year it announced the final close of its initial fundraise at £312m and so far it’s made 17 investments future science and technology-enabled businesses in the North.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jess to the team. Her Health Tech and Clean Tech investment experience and understanding of the innovation ecosystem will be invaluable to Northern Gritstone as we continue our investment activities in these exciting areas,” added Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone.
