Private Equity and Venture Capitalists at LBS

Next crisis and Brexit were frequent subjects at annual Multiple X event.

More than 350 students and leading figures from the world of finance met in London’s Savoy Place on 3 May to discuss the latest developments facing private equity and venture capital.

Organised by London Business School’s Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, Multiple X sought to provoke conversations and ideas that matter as the sectors strive to stay competitive in a financial landscape clouded by regulatory and political uncertainty.

Now in its 15th year, general partners, limited partners, trusted advisers, students and others came together to investigate a broad range of topics – from innovations in fundraising for private equity to insights into dealing with a crisis. Sally Jones, International Trade Policy Director at Deloitte wryly observed that her role as Global Brexit Insight Lead makes her more popular at parties than she used to be.

On the venture capital side, keynote speakers included Tom Wehmeier, a partner at Atomico and Suranga Chandratillake, a partner at Balderton Capital. The latter began proceedings by reminding the assembled audience that if they wanted to lead, they should get into tech. Venture capital, he said, follows the technology, it doesn’t lead. Panel sessions meanwhile explored the evolving role of VCs across Europe and the burgeoning digital health sector.