Fope Oluleye, Founder and CEO of T Bridge Venture Partners, Speaks Exclusively to CIO Bulletin: ‘We Invest into the Businesses of Tomorrow, not Today’

Running a successful business takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. From raising capital to hiring experts, businesses often seek external help to keep the ship running. With that said, one of the elements that interrupt the smooth conduct of business is the lack of capital. Businesses with high-growth potential sans a proper capital source in place tend to fail as the funds scarcity stagnates their growth. Similarly, businesses with a solid capital source sans a proper leadership team in place also fail to make a mark. Either way, things go haywire.

To address this effectively, companies worldwide collaborate with venture capital (VC) firms. VC firms can provide capital; strategic assistance; introductions to potential customers, partners, employees; and much more.

However, VC financings are not easy to obtain or close.

In light of the foregoing, we’re thrilled to present T Bridge Venture Partners — a London-based venture capital firm focused on providing smaller companies and individuals the access to funds. As a rule of thumb, the firm identifies sector-leading businesses with significant potential over the long term and eventually invests in them to fuel their growth. Even though it focuses on investing in UK-based businesses, T Bridge serves globally. In other words, the firm can collaborate with any emerging foreign start-up seeking a capital injection (from Seed to Series B).

T Bridge was founded in 2017.

To highlight and further understand what T Bridge Venture Partners stands for and seeks to explore in this segment, I sat down with Fope Oluleye (founder), who serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Below is an excerpt.

“We continue to back smaller companies, in particular fast-growing businesses with strong roll-out potential.”

“Importantly, we invest into the businesses of tomorrow, not today.”

Uplifting Businesses the Right Way

Leveraging his expertise, Mr. Oluleye set up T Bridge with an aim to solely fund small companies worldwide. He continues to inspire in this space, presenting groundbreaking opportunities to other entrepreneurs who are actively seeking funds to run their businesses efficiently.

“We wanted to focus on companies that showed a) potential for viable high transformative growth through tackling a key problem in our chosen sectors, b) founder team with knowledge and understanding of the addressable market to execute its vision, and c) the company has a clear identity of where they sit within their sector and how they can impact it.”

Being able to gain early access to potential market-leading segments provides T Bridge with a greater edge over competitors. Needless to say, the firm enjoys a recognised reputation in the industry given how it has evolved over the years. One of the key factors that has realised this is the firm’s emphasis on investing in businesses that were associated with its parent company, Zenith Guild Group.

“Our parent company has interests in both property and renewable energy sectors. So since we have a genuine understanding of these sectors, investments into such startups or technologies that can help with making our work more efficient are of great interest.”

“Typically, we look at three core factors: The addressable market they are playing into, the traction they have gained with the resources available, and lastly the team. Besides, we often relate our investments to the motto — back the jockey, not the horse.”

Taking Strides to Transform the Industry

T Bridge team consists of young dynamic professionals, mainly millennials, who are dedicated to reshaping what the firm offers. Having a committed team in place allows the firm to dive deep into the emerging trends of the future while fostering an environment that rightly tackles what the current market trends demand. Put simply, T Bridge is at the verge of revolutionizing the industry it currently serves. “We adapt. We believe adaptability is everything in today’s world. A lot of our decisions are based on the first principle framework that Elon Musk often refers to.” “What sets us apart is our intellectual curiosity and humility. The overall development revolves around these concepts. Besides, our team is consistent. Even during the pandemic, we have thrived; closed some incredible deals that we are excited to announce in due course.”

Leadership | T Bridge Venture Partners

Fope Oluleye, Founder & CEO: An innovative and pragmatic business professional, Fope Oluleye has quickly grown multiple businesses across different continents while maintaining strategic relationships. He oversees strategy and growth of the business sectors and has concluded over £400 million in deals across the business sectors. He has a strong background in real estate investment with over 10 years of experience.

Fope studied a B.Sc. Business Administration at Bath University. He is also a member of several entrepreneurial organisations such as the UK Institute of Directors and E2Exchange.

Jeremy Lau, Director & Managing Partner: Jeremy has been working in the real estate for the past five years with a residential property focus on London and Regional UK based cities. He has quickly become a prolific force having concluded residential and commercial deals in excess of £300m GDV. Jeremy has a high attention to detail paired with a strong analytical prowess with an eye to spot opportunities and successfully execute them. He works across all sectors within the group but has an especially strong focus in real estate. He has a strong expertise in both luxury and sales that has been perfect compliment to his growth and entrepreneurship. He is also the principal and investor of Honour Group Ltd, who invest in real estate and startups.

“We continue to back smaller companies, in particular fast-growing businesses with strong roll-out potential.”