Mills & Reeve advise Haatch Ventures on new fund

Haatch was founded by Scott Weavers-Wright and Fred Soneya in September 2013. As an early stage investor, Haatch backs entrepreneurs who build disruptive companies, particularly focussing on software-as-a-service in the retail sector. Haatch also prides itself on providing experienced support, mentoring and networking opportunities for these businesses via their Smart Money approach to investing. Mills & Reeve have acted for Haatch for the last five years, representing them on about a dozen investments. 

Dona Ardeman, principal associate at Mills and Reeve said: “It has been a pleasure to assist Haatch in expanding its investment activity over the last few years and we’re pleased to see the team take the next step in setting up a venture fund which can support more early stage businesses in this vibrant sector.” 

Fred Soneya, Co-Founder and Partner at Haatch said: “We’ve been impressed with Mills & Reeve’s expertise in early stage investment funds. They were instrumental in helping us structure and create the fund, not just advising on the legal side but providing strategic support and introductions to collaborators. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Mills & Reeve as we on-board investors and make new investments” 

Haatch’s Co-Founder and Partner, Scott Weavers-Wright added: “Our mission is to support early stage start-ups with not just the money they need but more importantly access to experienced entrepreneurs who have been there and succeeded. No money in the world can buy that wisdom and Haatch Ventures accelerates that mission” 

The new fund will allow Haatch to place and leverage private EIS investment alongside their own. As a rolling fund, investor subscriptions will be accepted bi-annually, with a first close target of October this year. In establishing the Fund, Haatch will act as fund advisor to fund manager Sapia Partners LLP (part of the Lawson Connor Group) and fund administrator Reyker Securities. To support the Fund, Haatch has welcomed Simon Penson (founder of Zazzle Media) and Mark Bennett (Director of Hardware Partnerships for Google) to the team as partners. 

Haatch Ventures LLP is an appointed representative of Sapia Partners LLP, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA (Ref: 550103)