How does our UK-based dealmaker ensure that entrepreneurs from all over the world and funding partners benefit from the most profitable business relationships?
Sheetal Mehta
In my role for GEP I aim to help technology start-ups access finance and provide support with the practicalities of setting up in the UK.
This means providing up-to-date information on the latest opportunities, lending my own experience as an entrepreneur and helping them leverage funding opportunities from our many networks.
Careful planning and preparation
By working very closely with the other dealmakers in the field, I act as the local ‘Dragon’s Den’. This involves modifying the business plan of companies we work with and making sure that strict due diligence has been completed before we make any recommendations and introductions to our partners.
Once our client has set up a UK entity and is in discussions with any of our partners, I assist the company in securing the best terms and conditions of their transaction.
Enhancing the entrepreneurial gene pool
Establishing a company in the UK can be rewarding in many ways. My position in the GEP is complementary to my own activities as CEO and founder of Innovative Social Ventures Ltd, where I help global companies in the field of fundraising, technical due diligence and corporate partnering.
My business focuses on technologies that are changing the world in a socially conscious way while making money. All our GEP clients reflect this and all are enhancing the entrepreneurial gene pool of the UK.
Venture capital, technology and value
After I completed my MSc at the London School of Economics, I began my career in the Middle East as Director of WestLB. I was responsible for the entire Gulf region and focused on providing financial solutions to banks and institutions, high net worth individuals and corporate clients.
I was an early adopter of web services and the .NET craze when I joined Microsoft as Director VC Relations. I forged strategic alliances with VCs in EMEA and Silicon Valley to help their portfolio companies leverage the .NET initiative.
Notable successes outside the GEP
I have been selected by Success Magazine as the fifth ‘Most Successful Asian Woman in the UK’ and was recognised by Management Today Magazine as one of the top 35 women in business under 35 in the UK.
Advisory, volunteer and social development work
I sit on several advisory panels including Shelter, UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women), Digital Diaspora Network for Africa, and the LSE Alumni Mentoring Committee.
My volunteer work is extensive and I am currently writing a book on Social Venture Capital as well as establishing a foundation to enable developing communities to access cutting-edge technology based on a social enterprise model.