Lisa Ward

Building relationships

I champion a human centred approach, ensuring Mercia Ventures is a place where investments are not just financial but personal, fostering long-term, sustainable growth.

Many say knowledge is power but I also believe it is a gift to be shared. Important solutions are often born when the right people connect at the right time. It is my privilege to bring together visionary founders with the men and women that help shape the transformative ideas that create meaningful change.

Following an earlier career as a member of the investment team, I have seen first hand, the positive impact of introducing the right people and developing ambitious teams can have on the growth of a company.

I’m grateful to have a network that includes talented entrepreneurs, exceptional business leaders and beyond. My focus remains singular: creating an environment where collaboration and shared knowledge leads to success, growth, and exciting opportunities.

Background

After completing my degree (a BSc (Hons) Human Bioscience), I realised I was much more interested in the commercialisation of science rather than the research itself.

As part of my degree, I spent a year with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals supporting their educational outreach programmes bringing real-life examples of STEM careers into schools and supporting students with their studies, aiming to inspire the next generation.

After a number of years supporting University spin outs and early-stage companies through their growth journeys, I joined the Business Growth Services team at Grant Thornton to deliver support services to high-growth business and led on their Investing in Health programme.
I made leap into the world of venture in 2011, focusing again on investing in early-stage across a variety of sectors and have been involved in 25+ transactions.

Today, I lead our Portfolio Talent Team, building enduring relationships with our external network for the benefit of our portfolio companies.

I’m grateful to have a network that includes talented entrepreneurs, exceptional business leaders and beyond.