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James Wise is a Partner at Balderton Capital, a leading European venture capital firm. He specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on sectors like SaaS, fintech, and AI.
James Wise invests in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on enterprise software, SaaS, developer tools, the future of work, fintech, marketplaces, and artificial intelligence.
James Wise works as a Partner at Balderton Capital, a prominent European venture capital firm based in London.
James Wise is a Partner at Balderton Capital based in London, where he directs early-stage technology investments across the European market. Before joining the European venture capital firm, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company and studied at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. During his tenure at Balderton, which recently announced $1.3 billion in new funds, he has led investments in several prominent enterprise software and digital health startups. Notably, his early backing of the e-commerce platform Depop culminated in its acquisition by Etsy for $1.6 billion, and he recently led a $180 million Series C round for the artificial intelligence video platform Synthesia. In addition to his board responsibilities and early investments in unicorns like Revolut, he authored the 2024 book Start-Up Century to analyze macroeconomic shifts toward global entrepreneurship.
James Wise is a highly respected Partner at Balderton Capital, one of Europe's leading early-stage venture capital firms. Based in London, he plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of European tech giants. His work at Balderton Capital involves leading investment rounds, providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies, and leveraging his extensive industry knowledge to support founders from their earliest stages.
Wise's investment focus areas are broad yet strategic, reflecting the dynamic landscape of modern technology. He has a particular interest in enterprise software, including Software as a Service (SaaS) models, developer tools, and the future of work. Beyond this, his portfolio extends into fintech, marketplaces, and artificial intelligence, seeking out companies that demonstrate strong product market fit, innovative solutions, and significant growth potential. He is known for his deep understanding of technology trends and his ability to spot disruptive businesses early.
Before joining Balderton Capital in 2013, James Wise honed his analytical and strategic skills at McKinsey & Company. There, he advised a diverse range of technology and media companies on critical business challenges, gaining invaluable insights into market dynamics and operational excellence. This background equipped him with a robust framework for evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies through their growth journeys. He holds degrees from Oxford University, further solidifying his strong academic foundation.
Throughout his tenure at Balderton Capital, James Wise has been involved in or supported investments in several notable companies that have gone on to achieve significant success. These include pioneering fintech companies like Revolut and GoCardless, which have transformed financial services. He has also been associated with successful ventures such as Depop, a popular fashion marketplace acquired by Etsy, and Truelayer, an open banking platform. His involvement in these companies underscores his ability to back visionary founders and contribute to the growth of impactful technology businesses across Europe. James Wise continues to be a driving force in the European venture capital ecosystem, committed to empowering entrepreneurs and shaping the future of technology.
