Venture Capital

DSW Ventures backs innovators, transformers and pioneers to scale-up early-stage companies. Our primary focus is on software, digital and other technology businesses; but we will invest in businesses in other sectors with a scalable model, protectable market positions and talented founders.

We typically invest between £250,000 and £1 million on an EIS basis as part of rounds of up to £2 million. Our deals are funded by our growing network of over 100 High-Net-Worth angel investors alongside the DSW team and institutional investors.

To learn more about venture capital, to apply for investment or become an investor please get in touch with our team.

Ventures Team

Keith Benson
David Smith
Ellie Boardman
Emma Cassidy

Keith Benson

Keith joined Dow Schofield Watts in February 2012 from KPMG’s Preston office. He is a graduate in Mathematics and Economics from the London School of Economics and a qualified Chartered Accountant. Prior to joining KPMG, Keith spent 10 years working in the technology development industry with five years managing delivery of currency derivatives trading software … Continued

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David Smith

David joined Dow Schofield Watts as a director in June 2016. His previous role was as investment director with the North West Fund for Digital & Creative, which he oversaw from launch to full investment. The Fund was one of the most active VC investors in the UK technology and media sector, making over 40 … Continued

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Ellie Boardman

Ellie joined DSW Angels in October 2019 from KPMG’s Manchester office. Ellie is ACA qualified and gained three years’ experience at KPMG working with a wide variety of clients including both SME and listed tech businesses. Prior to this she graduated from the University of Leeds with a first-class BSc in Psychology. Ellie has a … Continued

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Emma Cassidy

Emma joined DSW Ventures in January 2022 from KPMG’s Manchester office. Emma is ACA qualified and gained almost four years’ experience at KPMG working with a wide variety of clients including both SME and listed businesses across the North West. Prior to this, she started her career in programmatic media trading, working with both start-ups … Continued

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Get in touch to discuss how we can work together. You can also contact us using the following form.

Head Office

01928 378 100

How Can We Help?

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Latest news

The changing face of accountancy – and my predictions for the future

20th March 2023

The changing face of accountancy – and my predictions for the future James Dow co-founded challenger brand Dow Schofield Watts in 2002 – the same year that the collapse of accounting giant Arthur Andersen shook the profession to its core. Here he talks about the changes in the sector over the last two decades and … Continued