Alexander Leigh
InvestorInvestment Director Defence & Security at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
London, England, United Kingdom
About
Alexander Leigh began his career in high-tech startups in South Africa in 2008, working across robotics, marine propulsion, industrial software, and military equipment. He moved into private equity buyouts in 2013 and later worked on operational improvement projects for UK brands, including a transformation role at a FTSE250 company, before shifting to tech venture capital in mid-2018, where he has completed numerous transactions, held multiple board roles, and led more than three exits. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics from Stellenbosch University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town and London Business School.
Invests in
CybersecurityDefense Tech
Experience
- Future Planet CapitalManaging Directorcurrent2025 — presentLondon Area, United Kingdom
- Future Planet CapitalInvestment Director2022 — 2025London Area, United Kingdom
- UK Innovation & Science Seed FundInvestorcurrent2022 — presentGreater London
- UK Innovation & Science Seed FundBoard Observercurrent2022 — presentLondon, England, United Kingdom
- MidvenInvestment Committee Membercurrent2024 — presentLondon Area, United Kingdom
- The Tippy TopPodcast Host 🎙🎥2021 — 2023London, England, United Kingdom
- Development Bank of WalesSenior Investor (VC)2020 — 2022Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- Development Bank of WalesBoard Observer2018 — 2022Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Development Bank of WalesInvestor (VC)2018 — 2020Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Better Boards Ltd.Board Observer2019 — 2021London, United Kingdom
- The Restaurant Group plcTransformation Manager (Interim)2017 — 2018London, United Kingdom
- Weight Partners Capital LLPInvestor (PE)2015 — 2017London, United Kingdom
- Weight Partners Capital LLPBoard Attendee2015 — 2017London, United Kingdom
- Rand Merchant BankInvestment Analyst2013 — 2015Johannesburg Area, South Africa
- Rand Merchant BankBoard Attendee2013 — 2015Johannesburg Area, South Africa
- Westridge DesignDirector2008 — 2013London, United Kingdom & Cape Town, South Africa
- Caudwell MarineTest Manager (Boat Division)2009 — 2011Cape Town International Airport
- AAT CompositesMechatronic Engineer (contract)2008Strand, Cape Town
- Stellenbosch UniversityResearch Assistant (student) at the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy2007 — 2008Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Thermodynamics, Fluids and DesignProject Leader (student)2006 — 2007Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Bhubesi Armature Winders & EngineeringWorkshop Technician and Assistant (student)2005Durban, South Africa
- South African BreweriesEffluent Plant Supervisor (student)2004 — 2005Cape Town, South Africa
Skills & more
Investing1Podcasting1Board DevelopmentBoard of DirectorsBusiness Strategy89Entrepreneurship53Venture Capital20Management Consulting44Private Equity16Business Development21Business Analysis24Start-ups19
+12 more
Marketing StrategyProject ManagementFinancial ModelingProduct DevelopmentValuationProject PlanningFinancial AnalysisEngineeringDeeptechAnalysisStrategyMicrosoft OfficeLanguages Afrikaans · English · French
- How to Plan an Optimal Exit — UK Private Capital
- Digital Due Diligence — UK Private Capital
- Private Equity and Venture Capital — Università Bocconi
- Venture Capital Foundation — UK Private Capital
- How to Finance and Grow Your Startup Without Venture Capital (Coursera) — University of London
- Passed CFA Level 1 (on first attempt) >70+% for 7 topics and 51%-70% for 3 topics. — CFA Institute
From Alexander's professional profile.
Colleagues at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Alison Campbell
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Andrew Muir
Investment Director at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Betty Bonnardel
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Dr Colin Story
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Dr Peter Hamley
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Eddie Alleyn
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Hassan Mahmudul
Investment Manager at Future Planet Capital
John Patterson
Investor at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Alexander Leigh?
- Alexander Leigh began his career in high-tech startups in South Africa in 2008, working across robotics, marine propulsion, industrial software, and military equipment. He moved into private equity buyouts in 2013 and later worked on operational improvement projects for UK brands, including a transformation role at a FTSE250 company, before shifting to tech venture capital in mid-2018, where he has completed numerous transactions, held multiple board roles, and led more than three exits. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics from Stellenbosch University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town and London Business School.
- Where does Alexander Leigh work?
- Alexander Leigh is Investment Director Defence & Security at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund.
- What does Alexander Leigh invest in?
- Alexander Leigh invests in Cybersecurity, Defense Tech.
- Where did Alexander Leigh go to school?
- Alexander Leigh studied at London Business School (MBA International Exchange Programme, MBA); University of Cape Town (Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Finance & Entrepreneurship); Stellenbosch University (BEng, Mechatronics (Honours Degree)).
Same school
Also attended London Business School754
Patrick ClaessenPartner at Cottonwood Technology FundDominic JacquessonInvestor at Index VenturesSandra SchwarzerInvestor at Index VenturesMatt CherianVenture Partner at Monta Vista CapitalAkshat GoenkaInvestor at Moonfire VenturesGiuseppe IademarcoHead of Global Partnership at P101 Ventures
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Also attended University of Cape Town231
Roelof BothaAdvisor & former Steward at Sequoia Capital; SpaceX board memberJames DetweilerVP of Investments at Felicis VenturesAvron MarcusInvestor at Index VenturesLaurel BowdenPartner at 83NorthAlan EzekowitzInvestor at Third Rock VenturesAndy VitusPartner at Scale Venture Partners
+ 225 more
Also attended Stellenbosch University97
Samantha CampbellOperations Manager at 4Di CapitalNesbit WestAdvisor - Fund Compliance at Keen Venture PartnersJohanneke van de Scheur-BaanBestuurslid at NoaberMaya GabeiraAmbassador / Big Wave Surfing World Record Holder & Ocean Conservation Activist at AENUAnn-Christin StiehlInvestor at HV CapitalJurgen Van de VyverPartner at Launchpad Capital
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Shared employers
Also worked at Future Planet Capital41
Douglas Hansen-LukeExecutive Chairman at Future Planet CapitalJade Von AeschAdministrative Assistant at Mainsail PartnersAndrew CarpenterGeneral Counsel at Future Planet CapitalJulie DaviesFund Accountant at Future Planet CapitalDaniel GaizeInvestment Associate at Future Planet CapitalDarren HeffernanDirector of Finance & Operations at Future Planet Capital
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Also worked at The Tippy Top1
Also worked at Development Bank of Wales13
Alex LeighManaging Director, National at Future Planet CapitalJordan OngInvestment Associate at Future Planet CapitalNick MoonChair at Circulate CapitalPhilip NewboroughCo-Founder and Chair at Bridges Fund Management Ltd.Paul RichingsCFO at Bridges Fund Management Ltd.Rhian ElstonInvestment Director at Development Bank of Wales
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