Northern Gritstone has strengthened its executive leadership team by promoting Simon Braham to the position of Chief Investment Officer, handing him responsibility for overseeing the firm’s investment strategy as it continues to expand support for early-stage science and technology businesses across Northern England.
The appointment marks another step in the venture capital firm’s growth following a series of investments and recent additions to its senior team.
Braham Takes Charge of Investment Operations
Braham joined Northern Gritstone in September 2025 as Head of Portfolio, a position created to help accelerate the development of the company‘s growing portfolio of businesses.
In his new role as Chief Investment Officer, he will now lead all investment activities, guiding funding decisions and helping shape the firm’s long-term investment strategy.
Working from the company’s Manchester office, Braham brings extensive experience in venture capital and private equity.
Before joining Northern Gritstone, he led the Sustainable Growth Funds in Northern England at investment firm Bridges.
Investment Portfolio Continues to Expand
Since launching its investment programme in May 2022, Northern Gritstone has steadily increased its presence in the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
The company has invested in 52 businesses operating across Northern England, including university spinouts emerging from the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield.
Its focus remains on identifying promising life sciences and technology companies with strong growth potential and helping them scale through financial backing and strategic support.
Firm Strengthens Team With Two New Appointments
Alongside Braham’s promotion, Northern Gritstone has also expanded its leadership team with two new hires.
James Bellis has joined as Portfolio Director, a newly established role based in Manchester.
He arrives from global advisory firm Teneo, where he advised businesses, investors and executive teams on strategy and value creation initiatives.
The company has also appointed Narjeet Singh as Investment Manager. Singh previously worked in London as part of Lincoln International’s Technology Mergers and Acquisitions team before relocating to Manchester for his new position.
Leadership Focused on Supporting Northern Innovation
Northern Gritstone is led by Chief Executive Officer Duncan Johnson and chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill.
The investment firm specializes in backing innovative science and technology businesses across Northern England, providing both funding and operational support to help startups grow into successful commercial enterprises.
Its investment activities are complemented by NG Innovation Services (NGIS), which offers specialist expertise through several business support functions, including NG Studios, designed to help founders accelerate growth and commercial development.
Expanding Presence Across the UK
With offices in Manchester, Leeds and London, Northern Gritstone continues to build its position as one of the UK’s leading investors focused on regional innovation.
The latest leadership changes reflect the firm’s ambition to strengthen its investment capabilities while continuing to support the next generation of high-growth science and technology companies emerging from Northern England’s universities and research ecosystem.
