News & Insights

First-Time Fund Managers Get a Boost: British Business Bank’s Investor Pathways Capital and the Road to Institutional Readiness

The British Business Bank’s newly launched Investor Pathways Capital programme is a cause for celebration in the UK venture ecosystem. This £400 million initiative is designed to support talented, early-stage investors from diverse backgrounds in launching their first venture capital funds and building a track record, providing much-needed cornerstone capital to first-time fund managers.

November 20, 2025

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Why we backed Upside Ventures Fund I LP

At Thema, we back fund managers with a clear edge, and Upside Ventures Fund I LP is a prime example. With a unique model that puts creator-led distribution at the heart of its strategy, Upside is tackling one of the toughest challenges for early-stage consumer startups: customer acquisition.

Thema invests in Osney Capital

Why we backed Osney Capital I LP

Our commitment to Osney Capital I LP reflects our conviction in backing specialised, high-potential first-time funds. Osney stands out for its exclusive focus on UK seed-stage cybersecurity, an undercapitalised yet fast-growing sector with strong tailwinds.

Listen to Thema co-founders on the Nothing Ventured podcast

Sam Ettalaie (left) and George Askew (right), the founders of Thema

Thema's Venture Fund Platform Spotlighted in UKTN: Breaking Barriers in VC

Find out more about Thema's launch, which was covered in UKTN.

Listen to Sam Ettelaie on the Riding Unicorns Podcast

Meet the Managers with Reece Chowdhry at Concept Ventures

Welcome to the inaugural segment of our 'Meet the Manager' blog series, brought to you by Thema, a strategic LP for VCs! Our journey begins with the remarkable Reece Chowdhry, the innovative mind behind Concept Ventures, the UK's premier pre-seed technology fund with an impressive £50 million invested.

Thema Launch Covered in Maddyness

Thema's co-founder, George Askew, shares insights into the venture capital landscape and Thema's role in breaking down barriers for emerging fund managers in a recent profile by Maddyness.

Sam Ettelaie's Interview with Michael Tefula from VC Mastery

Thema's co-founder, Sam Ettelaie, discusses in an interview with VC Mastery how Thema supports emerging venture capital fund managers by reducing barriers to entry and offering operational support, regulatory guidance, and preferential rates.

Thema Platform Launch Highlighted on Tech.eu

Thema is pleased to announce our new venture fund platform for first-time fund managers, as featured in Tech.eu, which aims to reduce barriers to entry in the VC industry by offering comprehensive support and capital.

In the Spotlight: Thema Featured in Sifted

Explore how Thema's recent feature in Sifted highlights its pivotal role in empowering first-time venture capital fund managers. From providing cornerstone funding to promoting diversity, Thema's innovative approach is making waves in the VC industry.

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