What stage does Merseyside Special Investment Fund invest at?

Merseyside Special Investment Fund invests at the Seed, Series A stages.

What sectors does Merseyside Special Investment Fund focus on?

Merseyside Special Investment Fund focuses on EdTech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic.

Where is Merseyside Special Investment Fund located?

Merseyside Special Investment Fund is headquartered in Liverpool, GB.

Merseyside Special Investment Fund

Fund of funds

Liverpool · Seed–Series A · 5 people tracked

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Investment thesis

MSIF focuses on strengthening the small and medium-sized business ecosystem in the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West of England. It invests in funds that provide alternative finance to SMEs and supports them through initiatives such as the Finance Hub and the Gateway Angel Network, along with business planning advice and access to business angel networks. Funding solutions are delivered through its fund manager, River Capital. Its stated vision is to operate as a sustainable investment fund dedicated to supporting regional SMEs.

Invests inEdTech SaaS Sector AgnosticUnited Kingdom

Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.

Stage

Seed–Series A

Liverpool, GB

Instruments

Equity

Founded

1994

Team · 5 people

from the firm's website

Louise Towers· Group CEO

A chartered accountant (FCA) with financial leadership experience in high-growth and non-profit organisations. Currently Global CFO of Bikmo Insurance, and previously held CFO and director roles at organisations including Broadway Partners, the Energy Innovation Centre and Netcall plc.

Helen Pittaway· Non-Exec Director

Brings over 20 years of leveraged finance experience, with an M&A background at N M Rothschild and a directorship at CDO manager Alcentra. She serves as a link between MSIF and fund manager River Capital.

Neil Ashbridge· Chairman

Spent 40 years with the Bank of England across London, Liverpool and Cardiff in banking, market operations and international/regional roles. Since retiring he has held numerous non-executive, trustee and higher-education governance positions.

Paul Cherpeau· Non-Exec Director

Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber, which he joined in 2006 and rose from graduate to CEO. He connects MSIF with the local SME community and city partners.

Richard Thomas· Non-Exec Director

A commercial lawyer, insolvency practitioner and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. He co-founded law firm DTM Legal LLP in 2008 and was previously an equity partner at Walker Smith Way.

Principals & officers · per Companies House

what is this? ⓘ

Paul Phillip John Cherpeau

Director · British · since 2022

Helen Elizabeth Pittaway

Director · British · since 2020

Richard Clive Thomas

Director · British · since 2024

Louise Clare Towers

Director · British · since 2024

Frequently asked questions

What stage does Merseyside Special Investment Fund invest at?: Merseyside Special Investment Fund invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
What sectors does Merseyside Special Investment Fund focus on?: Merseyside Special Investment Fund focuses on EdTech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic.
Where is Merseyside Special Investment Fund located?: Merseyside Special Investment Fund is headquartered in Liverpool, GB.

Images

Merseyside Special Investment Fund photo

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