NatWest has today announced the appointment of Greg Brown as Head of Venture Capital Coverage, and Kim Martin as Head of Venture & Growth Finance, within its newly formed Venture Banking team, advancing its commitment to supporting innovative businesses across the UK.
Greg joins from HSBC Innovation Banking, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Investor Coverage, overseeing relationships with leading venture and growth investors across the UK and Europe. With more than 17 years of experience across public and private markets, Greg brings a strong track record of originating and executing transactions for investors, corporates, and financial sponsors. His career includes senior roles at SVB UK, HSBC UK, and Lloyds Banking Group.
Kim joins from Boost&Co Ltd - part of the Growth Lending Group - where she led the UK investment team as Managing Director of Origination. Kim brings over 18 years’ experience in SME funding across multiple asset classes, including venture capital and private credit, and has an in-depth understanding of the UK SME market.
Greg and Kim will report to Jenny Edwards, who joined NatWest earlier this year to lead the bank’s strategy for supporting high-growth sectors. As Head of NatWest Venture Banking, Jenny is spearheading efforts to serve the UK’s most ambitious and innovative venture-backed scaleups with tailored financial solutions, strategic expertise, and deep ecosystem connectivity.
Jenny Edwards, Head of NatWest Venture Banking, said:
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Greg and Kim to the team. Their collective experience across the innovation economy ecosystem will be pivotal as we strengthen NatWest Venture Banking’s support for investors and their portfolio companies.
“At a time when innovation and growth capital are reshaping the UK economy, they will help us forge even stronger partnerships across the innovation economy, delivering the tailored banking and strategic solutions that founders and funds need to scale with confidence.”
Greg Brown, Managing Director, Head of Venture Capital, NatWest, added:
“I’m delighted to be joining Jenny and Kim at NatWest at such an exciting time for both the bank and the innovation economy. Venture capital is a critical part of the UK economy and with NatWest’s market leading position, there is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in the future growth of this space. I look forward to working with our clients, partners, and colleagues to deepen relationships and support growth across the ecosystem.”
Kim Martin, Managing Director, Head of Venture & Growth Finance, NatWest, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have joined NatWest to lead the venture debt offering and continue the impressive progress already delivered by Jenny and her team to accelerate growth in the innovation economy. Having spent my career in the high growth ecosystem, I have seen first-hand the importance of supporting these businesses and offering tailored funding solutions alongside an understanding of their sectors. To continue to accelerate that support at NatWest, who have already shown such commitment to this space, is an incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum and the positive impact this will have.”
NatWest’s Venture Banking team is focused on supporting companies that have raised institutional investment in high-growth sectors, with innovative business models dedicated to technological advancement. Through tailored banking support, NatWest aims to fully wrap around the ecosystem and accelerate growth for entrepreneurs.
The team is rapidly expanding, with further key hires to be announced in the coming weeks. The bank’s Venture Banking offering is set to officially launch in early 2026, with a flagship event bringing together investors, customers, and venture capital firms.
To ensure regional coverage and strategic support across the UK, Jenny Edwards has also recently appointed regional relationship directors Howard Zieminski, Jake Beavis, Suzanne Barker, Louis Spencer, Emily Smithies and Paul Valente.
Supporting high-growth businesses remains central to NatWest’s growth strategy and its long-term commitment to the UK economy. From facilitating access to capital and payment solutions, to providing credit risk assessments and hedging strategies for effective risk management, NatWest aims to be the bank of choice for high growth businesses across the UK.
