Getting to know our incredible WVC:E Partner: Deloitte
Tell us about your organization:
Hi, we’re Kat and Kariel from Team Deloitte!
Most people will know the Deloitte name — we’re one of the largest global professional service firms, providing M&A, tax and consulting services. But you might not know that we also support fast-growing business throughout all stages of their scale-up journey.
We know that rapid growth comes with increased complexity, risk and opportunity. We can help you navigate those challenges. Whether it’s raising funds to drive growth, maximising R&D tax credits, expanding internationally or setting up incentive schemes to attract top talent, we’ve got you covered.
We love working with entrepreneurs and VC-backed companies — and we’ve worked with over 60% of the UK’s current unicorns. Plus, with a global network spanning over 150 countries and territories, we can also help emerging companies wherever you’re based.
What is your approach to diversity?
We’re both personally really passionate about supporting diversity within our own teams and using the Deloitte platform to nudge the dial where we can.
With support from the Deloitte ecosystem, we launched the Fast 50 Women in Leadership award last year. This was an additional category in our flagship Deloitte Technology Fast 50 award programme, which celebrates the fastest growing tech businesses in the UK.
For all the reasons we’re familiar with (not least only 1p in every £1 of venture money going to female founders), the annual Fast 50 list recognises some fantastic businesses — but historically they were almost entirely founded by men. We wanted to make sure we were celebrating and sharing the limelight with a more diverse range of companies. We had an absolute blast celebrating with ten incredible women-founded companies last year — and we’re looking forward to the 2023 event.
2023 Fast 50 nominations are now open — so if your business has four years of trading history and rapid revenue growth, please check it out.
What motivated you to support WVC:E as a sponsor?
WVC:E’s very own Sophie Winwood first cut her teeth at Deloitte — and got in touch when WVC:E was in the making to see if it was something we’d want to be part of. It was a very quick yes from us!
Deloitte is highly engaged within the VC ecosystem, on both the founder and investor sides of the coin. We’ll also quickly take this opportunity to shout out our Deloitte Ventures team, which helps start-ups sell to our own client base. (Get in touch if that sounds interesting.)
We’re passionate about playing our part to close the gap between capital raised by male and female entrepreneurs. We’re absolutely delighted to have been able to support WVC:E in their inaugural year — and even prouder to be back for 2023.
Who should connect with you & how can they get in touch?
We’d love to connect with any founders and investors who may need our support to supercharge growth.
Kat is a director in our tax team, supporting companies and their founders through all types of exits — including IPOs, trade sales, private equity and fundraises — so fire any tax or M&A related questions Kat’s way! kfish@deloitte.co.uk
Kariel links up our global organisation with the businesses we serve — so if you’re not sure where to start, drop Kariel a line. kparian@deloitte.co.uk
We’re looking forward to meeting you all in Paris!
