As we head into 2024, Seedrs, as part of Republic – the world’s largest private investing platform – is excited to continue its work in building the European component of a truly global democratised future of finance, ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to high quality investment and ownership opportunities.
To drive forward our next stage of growth, Seedrs is delighted to announce the promotions of two of its long-serving leaders:
- John Lake, who has served as Seedrs’ Chief Commercial Officer since 2020, takes the reins as Managing Director, with overall leadership of Republic’s European business.
- Joel Ippoliti, who has been Seedrs’ Chief Product Officer since 2017, becomes Republic’s global Chief Product Officer, with responsibility for Republic’s and Seedrs’ full set of products, while maintaining his role as a key figure on the Seedrs leadership team.
On his appointment, John said: “After four great years as Chief Commercial Officer, it is a privilege to have been asked to take on the role of Managing Director and to lead the next stage of Seedrs’ growth as part of Republic. I am truly passionate about supporting Europe’s most innovative high growth companies and revolutionising the way venture capital is distributed in the European startup ecosystem, and I’m excited to take a leadership role in democratising investment across the continent.”
On his appointment, Joel said: “We’re on the cusp of something really special at Republic. And a key driver of our value proposition that differentiates us from other players is our industry leading product offering. As we enter the next phase of our growth, I am delighted to be confirmed in my new role and officially assume responsibility for further developing that cutting edge product suite at a global level for the entire Republic organisation.”
Together with the rest of the European leadership team, John and Joel will build on the work they have already done in leading Seedrs to be the most active investor in early stage private companies in the UK, funding over 2,000 deals and participating in rounds totalling over £2.7 billion to date.
Meanwhile, Jeff Kelisky, who has been CEO of Seedrs since 2017, led Seedrs’ successful sale and integration into Republic, and subsequently picked up a set of global responsibilities, has now handed over European leadership to John and will remain for a period as an advisor to support Ken Nguyen, Republic’s CEO and founder. Jeff’s leadership will be missed, but he has left a strong team in place for the next chapter. He said: “I am incredibly proud of the team and look forward to seeing the combined teams go from strength to strength as the innovation leaders in private asset infrastructure building and investing.”
In 2023 Seedrs participated in 266 rounds for campaigns from 13 European countries, totalling over £353m raised. Under John’s and Joel’s leadership, we are confident that 2024 will build on this and be a statement year for Seedrs, and for the private investing sector as a whole.
Jeff Lynn
Chairman of Seedrs (Republic Europe)
