George Whitehead

Bio

Creates innovative programmes to provide NESTA’s portfolio companies with effective business-building expertise and support. Before joining NESTA, set up a biotechnology incubator, and managed an ICT incubator in Canada on behalf of the University of Toronto. As a technology transfer manager at the university, led a number of high-profile economic development initiatives, ranging from writing a 'Commercialisation Handbook' (now used by over 20 universities across Canada), to setting up a vast pan-Northern Ontario investment network. Began his career as an investment manager at Oxford Innovation, where he built up one of the most successful business angel networks in Europe. As a senior consultant at Oxford Innovation, developed 'investment readiness' programmes. Was also involved in numerous projects working with government and commercial organisations to help solve funding, and management and skills problems facing companies caught in the equity gap. Director of the British Business Angels Association and sits on the UKBI (UK Business Incubation) Enterprise Panel.