Having grown up in private equity, Rowan went on to establish Virgin Money and online retailer Naked Wines; he’s now CEO of Majestic Wine.
Rowan Gormley
Majestic Wine, Naked Wines
David Giampaolo
CEO, Pi Capital
David is Chief Executive of Pi Capital, a unique investor network that finds investment opportunities for its members and negotiates participation in select private equity deals and funds. It allows individual investors to participate in transactions on an opt-in basis that are usually the exclusive preserve of institutions. In addition to investment opportunities, Pi Capital offers its members exclusive vibrant social and educational programmes. David previously founded, built up and sold several businesses and health club chains in the US and UK.
He has financial interests in several other businesses and industries (both as an angel investor or co-investor) and has been involved as an investor, advisor and board member of some of the largest and most successful fitness companies globally including Fitness First, 24 Hour Fitness and Zumba Fitness.
David is passionate about the power of education and encouraging entrepreneurial talent in the next generation. He is a trustee for Speakers for Schools, an organisation that provides free talks in state schools by distinguished and eminent figures. He is also a patron of Pro Bono Economics, an organisation that matches volunteer economists with charities wishing to address questions around measurement, results and impact.
David has mentored
Tictrac
The personalised health and wellness platform designed to generate lasting engagement and empower people to live healthier lives.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
Perfect matching! David works in my industry, has significant experience with growing companies and established ones both in the UK and the US. He was able to give me direct, to the point feedback that helped greatly with my business. It was time very well spent and much appreciated!
Jeremy Jauncey, Co-Founder of Tictrac
David has mentored
Hotpod Yoga
Hotpod Yoga have a simple mission: to make the benefits of hot yoga accessible in as many ways (and places) as they can think of.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
A really fantastic opportunity to talk to a genuine expert in our field – whether it leads directly to great things, or whether it ends simply with the one hour session, it’s completely invaluable.”
A really fantastic opportunity to talk to a genuine expert in our field – whether it leads directly to great things, or whether it ends simply with the one hour session, it’s completely invaluable.”
Max Henderson, Co-Founder of Hotpod Yoga
David has mentored
Decarbon Capital
Decarbon® is an independent specialist investment manager and advisor providing project finance for energy and resource efficiency initiatives.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
Advice that is like gold dust! Accessing insight from successful business leaders such as David Giampaolo is like having access to gold dust, and all aspiring business leaders should seek it.”
Daniel Saunders, Managing Director and Founder of Decarbon Capital
David has mentored
Good Gym
Do Good, Get Fit. We’re a group of runners that combines regular exercise with helping our communities.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
On point. An invigorating and exciting meeting where you don’t quite know what’s going to happen.”
Ivo Gormley, Founder of Good Gym
David has mentored
Open Cinema
Open Cinema enables any community have a cinema or make a film, and builds pathways to education and employment.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
David commands an eagle-eye view on companies poised to scale, and on the investment landscape catalysing their growth. It was valuable to spend the time considering my business from the perspective of a senior investment executive.”
David commands an eagle-eye view on companies poised to scale, and on the investment landscape catalysing their growth. It was valuable to spend the time considering my business from the perspective of a senior investment executive.”
Christoph Warrack, Founder and Chief Executive of Open Cinema
David has mentored
Emerge Education
Emerge Education is a 3-month, London based accelerator programme for startups aiming to improved educational outcomes worldwide.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
Great session. David was crystal-clear, transparent and helpful. His advice was really impactful.”
Jan Matern, Co-Founder and CEO of Emerge Venture Lab
David has mentored
Blue Sky Bio
Blue Sky Bio is a research and development company developing a “Biorefinery” capable of converting organic material into crude oil alternatives.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
My meeting with David was clear and objectively organised. The topics discussed enabled us to cover the ground necessary for David to better ascertain where he might be able to generate value … to which it was very clear that he can.
Jamie McIvor, Blue Sky Bio
David has mentored
TERN
We support refugee entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their businesses.
- Tictrac
- Hotpod Yoga
- Decarbon Capital
- Good Gym
- Open Cinema
- Emerge Education
- Blue Sky Bio
- TERN
David was able to give clear insight, advice and feedback on how we are looking to scale. He identified the areas he was able to support quickly, and was open and supportive with how he could help us build for the next stage of our development.
Charlie Fraser, Co-founder, TERN
Want to meet with David?
Starting with one physical shop in 1987, Ruth co-founded what was to become Matchesfashion.com, a one-stop shop for designer clothing.
Ruth Chapman
Matches
One of the first to see the potential in tech, Saul was part of the original executive team at Skype and now gets excited about seeding new ventures.
Saul Klein
Index Ventures
One of the first to see the opportunities in the mobile phone market, Charles founded Carphone Warehouse and broadband provider Talk Talk.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Carphone Warehouse
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