Investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs
OUR TEAM & INVESTMENT PARTNERS
Spire Ventures is a sector-focused investor, it is the firm’s knowledge, networks, and track record in building new successful ventures that has enabled us to attract the best talent and add real value across our portfolio & investments.
FAISAL BUTT
Founder
Faisal is a serial entrepreneur and investor, founding Spire Ventures in 2010 with the backing of UK and international investor groups.
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Spire Ventures has grown from strength to strength and the firm’s strategic focus has cemented Spire’s reputation as a prominent investor in new property related businesses in the UK.
Faisal founded Pi Labs (Property Innovation Labs) in 2015, Europe's first property tech investment platform.
Faisal has an MBA from Oxford University and a Bachelors in Economics and Computer Science from UCLA. Having lived and worked in Europe, Asia, and North America, Faisal has a global network of investors and professionals.
Faisal is a recipient of several noteworthy industry and academic awards, including the Estates Gazette Power List and the 40 under 40 award by Property Week. Faisal is also a recipient of the Skoll Scholarship for social entrepreneurship, awarded by the University of Oxford.
VEER MEHTA
Investment Director
Veer Mehta is an Investment Director at Spire Ventures, where he plays a central role in shaping the firm’s mission to back exceptional property entrepreneurs and scale next-generation real estate businesses.
He leads the end-to-end investment process—sourcing talent, originating opportunities, leading due diligence, structuring capital solutions, and overseeing portfolio performance.
Veer is instrumental in identifying high-potential founders and matching them with the strategic, financial, and operational support needed to build enduring companies. He sits on the boards of several Spire-backed ventures, working closely with leadership teams to refine business models, drive growth, and deliver long-term value.
Veer holds a BSc in Philosophy and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
DEEPAK JALAN
Venture Partner
Deepak Jalan oversees all operational and transactional processes across Hamilton Bradshaw’s diverse investment portfolio. With a sharp focus on execution, he plays a key role in managing deal flow, supporting portfolio companies, and guiding strategic decision-making.
Deepak advises on commercial negotiations, financing structures, fundraising, due diligence, and legal matters—bringing clarity and rigour to complex situations. A Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Management Accountant (ACMA), he holds an MBA in Finance from London Business School. His breadth of experience across private equity and corporate finance makes him a trusted partner to both management teams and investors.
VICTORIA HILL
Venture Partner
Victoria Hill brings over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, with a career spanning investment acquisitions, equity raising, and the deployment of joint venture capital. She has structured and provided mezzanine, stretch, and senior debt solutions across multinational organisations, working with a broad range of clients including funds, PropCos, and high-net-worth individuals.
In addition to her transactional expertise, Victoria founded PROMIND Capital—a platform focused on enhancing leadership performance in real estate through specialist coaching. Her combined experience in capital markets and human capital development brings a unique, people-driven perspective to value creation.
JAMES CAAN
Venture Partner
James Caan CBE is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, best known for founding Hamilton Bradshaw (Private Equity). With over 30 years of experience in scaling recruitment and professional services businesses, he brings strategic vision and deep operational insight to the Spire team.
He rose to prominence through ventures like Alexander Mann and Humana International, both of which he successfully exited, and later gained national recognition as an investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
His passion for innovation led him to invest in early-stage PropTech and real estate businesses, where he continues to support founders through hands-on mentorship and capital.
DAVID NEWNES
Venture Partner
David Newnes is a seasoned property professional best known for his long tenure at LSL Property Services, where he spent 35 years and played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth. He was instrumental in the 2004 management buy-out of Your Move from Aviva and later helped steer LSL through its successful IPO in 2006. Under his leadership, key brands such as Your Move, Reeds Rains, and Marsh & Parsons expanded significantly.
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Beyond his corporate achievements, Newnes also contributed to the industry’s social good as chairman of Agents Giving, a charitable organisation supporting housing professionals. His career reflects a rare blend of commercial success, industry influence, and community commitment.