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.
​
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 Manager
Veer is an Investment Manager at Spire Ventures and leads its investment strategy to back the next generation of property entrepreneurs.
Veer is responsible for running the investment process cradle-to-grave, including origination, due diligence, structuring, capital raising and asset management.
​
Veer sits on the board of the businesses that Spire Ventures back, actively working with the founders to achieve their business plans by providing strategic support and business planning.
​
Veer graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), with a degree in Philosophy and Economics (BSc).
OLIVIA FORDYCE
Portfolio Associate
Olivia is a Portfolio Associate at Spire Ventures and assists in value-add initiatives across the portfolio, assisting with business development and managing the operational platform as well building deal flow across strategic sub-sectors of real estate.
Olivia graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a degree in Law and Anthropology.
VICTORIA HILL
Partner
Victoria has 20 years’ experience in the real estate sector, where her career has spanned investment acquisitions, equity raising, deployment of joint venture equity, provision of mezzanine, stretch and senior debt within multinational organisations for a variety of clients including venture capital, funds, PropCos and HNWIs.
In 2015 she was appointed by CBRE Capital Advisors to source, structure and procure debt on behalf of borrowers in the UK regions. With direct investment, lending and borrowing experience, she has considerable insight into the real estate debt market. In 2019 Victoria also founded PROMIND Capital to provide a specialist approach to maximising human capital through leadership coaching in the real estate sector.
JAMES CAAN
Partner
James is one of the UK’s most successful and dynamic entrepreneurs.
​
His business ethos is defined by the concept of partnership, collaboration and the importance of human capital, which he applies to Spire Ventures by encouraging the establishment of strategic partnerships and selection of exemplary team members.
NEERAL PATEL
Partner
Neeral is known for his experience in Real Estate operations and investment management, most notably Neeral was ex-COO of Blackrock, with a career spanning twenty years with the real estate powerhouse.
Neeral's value-add focuses on Real Estate operations, business development and risk management
DAVID NEWNES
Partner
David Newnes has been with LSL PLC since its formation and was part of the founder MBO team that later floated LSL Property Services PLC on FTSE.
David was appointed to the PLC Board with overall responsibility for the performance, strategy and development of the 500+ branches across LSL.
DEEPAK JALAN
Partner
Deepak oversees all processes across private equity house Hamilton Bradshaw's extensive investment portfolio.
Deepak provides essential support on transactions and advises on commercial agreement negotiations, financing and fund raising, due diligence and legalities
​
Deepak earned an MBA in Finance from the London Business School and is a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Management Accountant (ACMA).