DSW Ventures strengthens team with new partner and promotion

DSW Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Dow Schofield Watts group, has significantly strengthened its team with a new key appointment and the promotion of an existing team member.

 Doug Quinn, who joins as Partner, brings a wealth of experience in the life sciences sector, having successfully led finance and operations teams across both publicly traded and venture capital-backed businesses. He served as the Chief Financial Officer at SkinBioTherapeutics PLC, where his financial leadership was instrumental in guiding the company through its successful IPO as well as its transition from a pre-revenue to revenue-generating business. He will also continue as CFO at Videregen, a VC-backed regenerative medicine company.

Keith Benson, co-founder of DSW Ventures, said: “We are increasingly becoming a force in investing in, and successfully growing, regional start-ups. Doug’s extensive experience in life sciences will be critical as we further grow our portfolio and broaden our sector expertise. Doug will play a key role in leading deal negotiation and due diligence, management of our portfolio companies, and acting as a partner in the firm. His robust yet supportive approach is a very strong cultural fit with our team.”

Meanwhile Emma Cassidy, who joined the firm in 2021, has been promoted to Investment Manager. Emma, who has a degree in Chemistry and has experience working within technology businesses, has already made a significant impact. Her contributions include successful investments in B2B software with Hike SEO, and in life sciences in Aston Particle Technologies. She has also played an important role in leading DSW Ventures’ marketing and outreach activities.

David Smith, co-founder at DSW Ventures, said: “We are delighted to welcome Doug to the firm and congratulate Emma on a very strong start to her investing career. They are both significant assets to the firm, our portfolio companies, and to the wider investment sector. Their expertise and dedication will further secure our position as a leading force in delivering early-stage venture capital to regional start-up and spin-out companies.”