Funding Circle analyst joins fintech VC
Former Funding Circle analyst Robert Dowell is among a raft of new hires at fintech-focused venture capital business Kin Group.
Dowell has been named a funds services associate at the London-based firm. He was previously a payments operations analyst at Funding Circle.
Kin Group has also announced another six new hires, including two newly-created senior positions, as it responds to growing demand for its services.
Clarissa Mckay has been named head of client service, while Max Facey has joined the company as head of service development.
Read more: Payments firm GoCardless names its new president
At the firm’s fund servicing arm, Kin Fund Services, former FNZ executive Sophie Hare has been hired as a fund services associate, working alongside Dowell.
Marlon St George and Daniel Letchford have been appointed as fund services assistant, and fund services associate, respectively. Andreea Andrei has joined as trainee company secretary.
“We spent the first 12 months of the business working in a cramped spare bedroom, because we couldn’t afford an office,” said Richard Hoskins, Kin Group co-principal.
Read more: FCA makes three senior hires
“Growing without external funding, especially developing our technology, has been tough. But, being cash constrained has forced us to be lean and efficient.
“Efficiency around expenditure is something that overly funded fintechs typically fail at.”
Kin Group uses its proprietary technology to help asset managers launch, operate and service venture capital funds.
Co-principal Christian Elmes said that the company is well on its way to looking after more than £1bn of venture capital assets.
“We are normally the first place UK VCs come when looking to improve the level of service they offer their clients,” said Elmes.
“This growth has come purely from word of mouth and client referrals. We don’t have a sales or marketing team. Initially this was because we couldn’t afford one. Now with lots of happy clients saying nice things about us, we don’t need one.”
Read more: Fintech talent in high demand as job vacancies grow by 182pc