Experience

"Nelson chaired our business through a period of extremely tough trading during which we completed several rounds of funding, reorganisation and the launch of a new venture in a diverse market. His expertise and experience where invaluable and his support and guidance assisted greatly in successfully negotiating a crucial period in our company‘s development and set the foundations for our future growth."

Paul Mason, Managing Director, BPO Holdings.

Nelson combines his wide business experience to provide both Mentoring and Investment Advice on an international level.

He has been involved in a wide range of companies, as diverse as a PCB and Biotech manufacturing, diagnostic platforms, intelligence software systems, medical devices, call centres and a kitchen designer.

He has invested in over 21 companies personally. These include Tissue Science Laboratories, (life sciences, floated on London AIM in 2002), Optos (Medical devices, London main market flotation 2006), I Play (games for mobile devices, trade sale in 2007 for £38m,), and Vibtech (wireless seismic equipment, trade sale in 2007 for £35m).

As the manager of two early stage investment funds (Eastern Scotland Investments and The Strathclyde Investment Fund) he was responsible for funding over 50 Scottish SME‘s. These funds were the first public / private sector funds in Scotland. Ground braking at the time, (1999) they received substantial ERDF grant funding and set a new trend in European understanding and support for early stage investment funds.

Nelson has provided advice on the establishment and structuring of innovative early stage investment funds in Scotland and overseas, including the Prince of Wales Scottish Youth Business Trust Growth Fund and various European Investment Fund applications.

Presently an FSA registered fund manager with Braveheart Investment Group plc, the London AIM listed business angel investment group and until recently was the locum fund manager for Clyde Blowers Capital LLP, a £250 million venture capital fund.

He is a non executive of Genomia Seedcorn Investment Fund, targeted at the research of a group of public sector research establishments engaged in the animal and life sciences sector and the University of St Andrews "Panel for Intellectual Property and Patents" a group that oversees policy and provides advice on the handling and development of intellectual property arising from the University‘s research.

Nelson is a non executive director of LINC Scotland, the Scottish national Business Angel network, established in 1993. He has developed and presents LINC‘s "Introduction to being a Business Angel" seminar and their "Business Angel Master Class", aimed at improving the returns achieved by investors and promoting best practice, chairs LINC‘s Best Practice committee, acts as a mentor to new investment groups and is frequently called on to provide training, mentoring and advice to Angel organisations in the UK and elsewhere. As a result he has a unique insight into the operations and motivations of the investment syndicates operating around the world.

"Nelson‘s guidance ensured that we did not spend time with investors that would not invest in this sector with our risk/reward profile. Having him on board makes growing the business easier. He strengthens the board with integrity and is an integral member of the team."

Scott Johnston, CEO, Antoxis