Atom co-founder Edward Twiddy joins Northstar Ventures

January 16th 2024

Northstar Ventures announces the appointment of a new chair, Edward Twiddy, co-founder of Durham based fintech Atom Bank and former director of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.



Northstar Ventures is a leading source of early stage risk capital for new tech firms and also targets deep local impact through its management of the North East Social Investment Fund.



Alongside his board position at Northstar Edward is retaining a role as director of Environment, Society and Government at Atom, where he has been leading Atom's engagement with schools and universities across the region. He also brings his expertise from ongoing roles at Durham University, Tyne Rivers Trust, and his time with HM Treasury and on the advisory panel for the Northern Accelerator programme.



Edward said:"I first came across Northstar when I was at the Treasury and then saw the impact that the team had first hand during my time at the NE Local Enterprise Partnership. I'm absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to work with such an expert and well regarded team as they continue to fuel growth by finding and funding the next generation of great companies in the region. For the next phase of Northstar's evolution the firm needs to be fit to support the devolution agenda, ready to commercialise the innovation coming from our university partners and able to find entrepreneurs from all parts of society who have the creative spark and drive to build more great firms in our region. That's a wonderful vision and goal to be involved in."



Edward replaces David Hickey as chair, who stepped down from Northstar’s board at the end of December, after nearly a decade in the post. David has provided hands-on support and guidance to the Northstar team since its MBO in 2015. During that time he has also been chair of one of Northstar’s most successful portfolio companies, Fairstone Group, which the firm exited successfully in 2021, selling its stake to global private equity house TA Associates.



Alasdair Greig, director of Northstar Ventures said:“David has been a valuable guide and mentor to all of us on the executive team and we thank him for all his help and support. Edward is joining the board at an exciting time for Northstar. We are expanding our range of venture funds, including a move into EIS, and his experience in both government and as an entrepreneur will be hugely valuable.”



For more information contact Hekla Goodman, e: hekla@northstarventures.co.uk m: 07472 747 812



About Northstar Ventures

Northstar Ventures is a venture capital and social investment firm based in the North East. We provide funding for innovative, scalable businesses and high impact social enterprises. We’ve been supporting entrepreneurs since 2004, seeking out strong teams with great ideas that will drive high growth, scalable businesses, and sustainable charities. As the North East’s leading early stage investor, we have invested over £100m into start-ups, early stage businesses and high impact social enterprises. Our investment managers have a wealth of experience supporting new and growing businesses and bring commercial and operational experience, PhDs and MBAs, international careers and even a micro-business or two. Northstar Ventures Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.