Welcoming Richard Smith to the Investible team

It's no secret that the past few months have set Investible on a course for even bigger things. At the core of our ambition is the people who bring it to life.

Richard Smith, the newest recruit to the Investible team, will play a central role in assembling our growing community of talent. As Senior Recruiter, he will lead efforts to grow the Investible and Greenhouse team, as well as support our portfolio of startups as they look to bring on the world's top talent. Here's a bit about what makes Richard tick.

Tell us about your background and how you came to join the Investible team

Prior to Investible I owned a specialist sales recruitment business, helped build a UK renewable energy recruitment business locally and worked with an e-commerce start-up, InStitchu, as their National Sales Manager. My career covers over a decade of recruitment and sales experience covering several industry verticals and a myriad of skill sets.

I have always been interested in evolving markets/products, shifting my attention towards small businesses, who have the ability to create a huge impact within their ecosystem.

What excites you about joining Investible?

There are numerous things that excite me about Investible, leading the charge on a few initiatives including the recently launched Climate Tech Fund and our new growth hub Greenhouse scheduled to launch late next year.

My role gives me the opportunity to add value across all these initiatives, including the exposure to our portfolio companies and assistance during their scaleup stage, from Seed to Series A funding.

What do you love most about the startup ecosystem?

My fascination with the startup community starts with the people, the great minds and personalities you come across. Over my career I have found that everyone I meet within the start-up ecosystem works with purpose and passion, it’s a great atmosphere to be a part of.

What's your personal philosophy?

My personal philosophy for life and work is “Chance favours the prepared mind”

This was instilled in me from a young age, as I remember a kid’s book given to me by my parents on Louis Pasteur and his quest to cure a young boy who contracted rabies from a dog bite. Being prepared gives you the upper hand in any challenge, test, conversation or sporting scenarios.

What's something new you've learned recently?

I’m usually someone who is always on the go and enjoys being busy both at work and socially. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to take some time and reflect on each day and I believe I’ve been more productive and intuitive since doing so.

Something about you that might surprise people?

I faced death at an early age. I was 20 when I came down with a rare auto-immune disease called Gillian Barre Syndrome. I was paralysed from the neck down for several months.  I feel very lucky to have recovered in full, and I believe it was through sheer determination and sanguinity that I was able to do so.

You can connect with Richard on LinkedIn.