Northern Gritstone, the investment company scaling early-stage life sciences and technology companies from the Northern Arc universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield, has appointed Simon Braham to the newly created role of Head of Portfolio.

“Based in Manchester, Simon is an experienced private equity, growth and impact investor,” said Northern Gritstone.

“He joins Northern Gritstone from Bridges where he led its Sustainable Growth Funds in the North.

“He has a strong track record built over the past 15 years at both Bridges and prior to that LDC, including investing in and exiting early-stage businesses.”

Since Northern Gritstone began investing in May 2022, its team has reviewed more than 1,000 opportunities leading to investments in 38 companies in the North of England.

It now has a balance sheet of over £370 million.

Braham said: “Northern Gritstone’s portfolio companies can have significant impact on our economic growth including decent jobs for people in the North of England.

“Being purpose-driven creates lasting economic value when it taps into long-term growth trends.I am looking forward to talking to Northern Gritstone’s management teams across the Northern Arc about how to support them to accelerate their growth and deepen their impact.”

Northern Gritstone CEO Duncan Johnson said: “Simon’s track record as an investor in growth companies is impressive and we are looking forward to drawing on all his experience at Northern Gritstone.

“His appointment supports our profit with purpose investment philosophy and our firm belief that early-stage companies can scale at speed with the right support be it strategy, talent or funding.”