Veteran Investor Appointed as BBB’s Managing Director of Direct Equity
•February 9, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
Strengthening BBB’s direct‑equity capability accelerates funding for UK scale‑ups, boosting innovation and delivering public returns. It also signals greater public‑sector involvement in later‑stage venture financing.
Key Takeaways
- •Charlotte Lawrence joins BBB as managing director of direct equity.
- •She brings 20+ years growth‑equity experience.
- •Role follows 2025 reforms expanding UK scaleup investments.
- •Direct investments will increase capital for high‑growth companies.
- •Supports British Growth Partnership and taxpayer exposure to innovators.
Pulse Analysis
The British Business Bank (BBB) sits at the centre of the United Kingdom’s effort to nurture high‑growth companies, acting as a quasi‑governmental fund of funds and direct investor. In 2025 the bank underwent a strategic overhaul that required it to boost both the volume and size of its direct equity placements, a move designed to close the financing gap that many scale‑ups face after early‑stage venture capital runs out. By expanding its direct‑investment mandate, BBB aims to channel taxpayer capital into firms that can generate jobs, export revenue and long‑term economic returns.
Charlotte Lawrence’s appointment brings a veteran’s perspective to that ambition. With more than two decades of experience across PSG Equity, The Carlyle Group and Merrill Lynch, she has overseen multi‑million‑dollar growth‑equity deals and sat on boards of fast‑moving startups such as Graze and Eggplant. Her track record of backing companies from seed to market leader equips her to scale BBB’s direct‑investment pipeline, ensuring that larger ticket sizes are deployed efficiently and that portfolio companies receive strategic guidance alongside capital.
The move signals a broader shift toward public‑sector participation in later‑stage financing, complementing the newly launched British Growth Partnership that pools private and public resources. For UK entrepreneurs, the prospect of deeper, patient capital reduces reliance on foreign investors and aligns growth objectives with national priorities. Analysts expect that BBB’s enhanced direct‑equity capacity will not only increase deal flow but also improve the quality of due‑diligence, potentially delivering higher returns for taxpayers while cementing the UK’s reputation as a fertile ground for scale‑up success.
Veteran investor appointed as BBB’s managing director of direct equity
The British Business Bank has appointed Charlotte Lawrence, an investment professional with over two decades of experience, as its new managing director of direct equity.
In her new role, Lawrence will be in charge of the bank’s direct and co-investment activity. Her appointment follows reforms to the bank’s investment capabilities made in 2025 that mandated it to increase the number and size of investments it makes into high-growth UK scaleups.
“As the Bank takes on a bigger role in providing scaleup capital, strengthening our direct investing capability is a priority,” said the bank’s chief investment officer Leandros Kalisperas.
“Our direct investments into companies provide all-important growth capital and ensure the UK taxpayer gains exposure to the UK’s fastest growing companies.
“Charlotte has an exceptional track record of backing high growth companies, and her leadership will be critical as we deploy larger investments to help UK businesses to scale here at home.”
Lawrence previously worked as the managing director of PSG Equity, a growth equity firm with $28bn in assets under management.
She has also held senior roles at The Carlyle Group and Merrill Lynch and has held board positions on a variety of investment groups, startups and scaleups including Albion Capital, Graze and Eggplant.
“The British Business Bank sits at the heart of the UK’s innovation ecosystem, giving us a unique role in the market,” Lawrence said.
“With our expanded investment capabilities alongside the launch of the British Growth Partnership, we have an exceptional opportunity to provide the long-term investment our most ambitious companies need. I look forward to working with the team to scale up our backing for the next generation of UK champions.”
The post Veteran investor appointed as BBB’s managing director of direct equity appeared first on UKTN.
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