Scottish Equity Partners boss joins Inspiring Scotland board

Inspiring Scotland, the Scottish venture philanthropy firm, has appointed Gary Le Sueur of Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) to its board of directors.

Inspiring Scotland (IS) invests funds in Scotland’s charities adopting a venture capital approach but with returns measured by way of social impact rather than financial gain and proactively tackles tough social issues by investing both money and skills in Scotland’s charities.

It has raised over £62 million of investment from a range of investors and helped change the lives of over 60,000 people from disadvantaged communities.

Since its formation in 2009, it has improved not only the financial viability but also the sustainability of over 100 charities by appointing Performance Advisors and Pro Bono volunteers who work closely with Inspiring Scotland’s charities, bringing vital skills and experience and strengthening the charities’ abilities to transform the lives of those living in Scotland’s most challenging communities.

Mr Le Sueur is a founding partner of SEP and leads the firm’s clean energy and infrastructure investments. He holds board positions with a number of fast growing businesses including Vital Energi and Solarcentury and is also heavily involved in SEP’s fundraising and investor relations.

A statement from Inspiring Scotland said: “Le Sueur’s significant experience of fundraising and of supporting growing businesses will be of great value to Inspiring Scotland and its portfolio charities.”

Mr Le Sueur said: “‘Inspiring Scotland’s venture philanthropy model of long-term financial investment coupled with active, practical support is adding real value to the voluntary sector, allowing the charities it supports to grow their operations while delivering clear, measurable social benefits. I hope my own experience of funding and growing businesses can help the team at Inspiring Scotland develop their model with more charities across Scotland.”

Inspiring Scotland chairman, Prof Niall Lothian OBE, said: “We are fortunate to welcome Gary to the Inspiring Scotland board and are pleased to elicit his investment experience. We cannot achieve sustainable change in Scotland unless we harness the expertise of all sectors to tackle the issues that too many individuals and communities face.

“Gary’s business experience and desire to use his venture capital experience for social good will help us at Inspiring Scotland develop and strengthen our ability to deliver the greatest possible return on investment.”