Chris Adelsbach

After four wonderful years as MD, I remain an active member of the Techstars global network by providing advice and mentorship regarding company selection to Techstars MD’s across Europe.

Accelerating some of the highest profile early-stage and growth companies in fintech. Working in concert with amazing business mentors, advisors, VC's and of course, our incredibly supportive friends at Barclays. #founderfirst

Board Member

I'm a strategic advisor to Venari Security which helps keep your network safe by conducting encrypted traffic analysis without the need for decryption.

Building Overledger - the first blockchain operating system that facilitates the building of multi chain applications.

Business Mentor

Empowering generations to manage, save, and grow their money. (Acquired by Quilter plc in Sept ‘24.)

Acquired by GLORY Ltd. July ‘23.

Giving back to my alma mater and hopefully connecting graduates with opportunities in Fintech!

Named the United Kingdom’s top Angel Investor.

After obtaining private equity investment into Black Tip Capital, we referred to ourselves as Marlin Financial Group. I remained with Marlin as a significant shareholder, and member of the Group Executive and Investment Committee. We continued to grow revenues a further 3x and maintained our status as one of the fastest growing privately held UK companies from 2010-2013. In 2014 we sold our equity holdings to Cabot Financial Group - owned by NASDAQ-listed Encore Capital Group and JC Flowers and Co. LLC.

CEO of newly established holding company, Black Tip Capital, that acquired a sub-scale financial services firm (Marlin Financial Group). Through a series of strategic moves involving changes in people, strategy, partnerships and financing, the refreshed management team subsequently grew revenues 20x in < 3 years. By 2010 we were awarded "Sunday Times Fast Track 100" status as the 55th fastest growing privately held business in the UK. We obtained investment in 2010 by Private Equity group, Duke Street, and subsequently sold the business to a NASDAQ listed entity in 2014.

Launched elective surgery (mainly dentistry) sales finance business in the UK modelled on GE Care Credit (USA). Implemented POS sales finance solutions in over 100 UK dental practices. Worked with industry experts and trade bodies to establish brand recognition and developed a high-energy sales team that promoted the solution at trade shows and practices.

Owned P&L of a £500 million (credit sales) portfolio of sales finance receivables. Responsible for leading the engagement with leading high street brands including electronics, jewellery and children's toys.

Responsible for the credit management, recoveries and fraud prevention teams (250 FTE) for the UK Consumer Finance business. Expertise in asset divestiture (led £500m in asset sales) and re-engineering processes using six sigma. Awarded GE "Quality Club" award twice for high performance assessed globally across GE (top <1%).

Qualified six sigma "black-belt". Responsible for process re-engineering in operations.

Senior Financial Analyst

Graduated with honours in May 95.