Spotlight interview with...
Jacqui Sim
Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
Spotlight interview with...
Jacqui Sim
Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Every day is different, and that’s what I love about my work. With over 25 years of experience, I focus primarily on tech businesses and professional services, particularly working with scale-ups that have 50 or more employees. I usually operate on the private equity side, engaging with more mature companies that are looking to optimise their operations and grow. My background is quite diverse; I’ve worked with global giants like SAP, partnered with consulting firms to implement technology solutions, and even run my own recruitment company. This mix of corporate, consulting, and entrepreneurial experience gives me a well-rounded perspective when advising businesses today. I find it incredibly rewarding to help these companies navigate the complexities of scaling up and realising their full potential
Why should founders engage a growth advisor like yourself?
I advise on strategic growth plans, and my day typically involves partnering closely with owners and CEOs, leveraging my deep market expertise and global network, as well as my connections in corporate finance and M&A. With over 25 years of experience in HR technology and professional services, I support ambitious SMEs and scale-ups looking to accelerate growth at any stage. I’m passionate about empowering people and organizations to unlock their full potential.
Every day, I draw on my blend of corporate, consulting, and entrepreneurial experience, which provides me with a well-rounded perspective when advising businesses. My daily activities include refining pitch decks, providing market insights, preparing financial and valuation analyses, outreaching companies, talent acquisition, and connecting businesses with the right investor networks to fuel their growth.
"Investors are often drawn to CEOs and founders who demonstrate strong leadership. The ability to attract, align, develop, and retain top talent is critical to the success of any investment."
Jacqui Sim, Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
What are the key things investors are looking for in a business/founder?
How do founders get in front of the right investors?
It takes years to build the right networks and leverage these connections to fuel growth, which is something I’ve learnt from personal experience. For example, a recent client was struggling to get in front of the right investors, however I was able to introduce them to a VC firm that specialised in their niche thanks to the network I’ve built over many years. This connection not only led to a successful funding round but also brought in valuable industry expertise.
I always tell my clients that startups need that initial injection of finance to grow, but it’s not just about the money. It’s about finding the right investors who align with your vision and can offer strategic support. It’s so important to bridge that gap and help founders connect with investors who can truly propel their business forward.
What makes a good pitch deck?
From my experience, crafting a compelling pitch deck is absolutely critical for attracting Investors. Investors look for clear evidence that a business is on a strong growth trajectory. A good pitch deck should define the problem the business is solving and clearly explain how it addresses that problem. It’s essential to explain the ‘why’ behind the solution to ensure that investors understand the approach. Storytelling plays a crucial role in making a pitch compelling. Linking the personal journey of the founder to the pitch can create a deeper connection with investors.
Other key elements to include in a pitch deck are:
- Investment Highlights: Projections of return on investment, client diversity, competitive advantages, and a proven track record of success.
- Services & Differentiators: Unique selling propositions, market differentiators, and any awards or recognitions.
- Growth Strategy: Understanding of market size and opportunity, industry trends, and competitor analysis, as well as strategies for organic growth, M&A, and potential partnerships.
"Startups need that initial injection of finance to grow, but it's not just about the money. It's about finding the right investors who align with your vision and can offer strategic support."
Jacqui Sim, Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
How do founders decide between pursuing organic vs in-organic growth?
I always emphasise the importance of organic growth before seeking external investment. I encourage founders to push their business as far as they can on their own steam. This approach not only adds real value to your company but also preserves your equity. I’ve seen too many businesses rush to seek investment too early, unnecessarily diluting their shares and taking on a level of growth that frankly, they weren’t ready for.
Instead, I often advise entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business organically for as long as possible. This strategy can lead to substantial growth, allowing you to command a higher valuation when you do seek investment, meaning you’ll likely need to give up less equity to achieve your funding goals. Remember, every percentage of your company you retain can be incredibly valuable in the long run. It’s about striking the right balance between fuelling growth and maintaining control of your vision.
At what point do you think a founder needs to start investing in their external communication? What role does that play in your experience?
Prioritising PR and marketing can significantly influence success in the growth of the business, including attracting investment. These tools are crucial not only for promoting products but also for crafting a narrative that resonates with investors, boosts visibility, and enhances credibility.
Positioning oneself and the business as industry leaders helps create a perception of reliability and expertise. This perception often plays a critical role in convincing investors to take a closer look. Every interaction with the brand should evoke the right emotions and leave a lasting impression on potential investors.
"Prioritising PR and marketing can significantly influence success in the growth of the business, including attracting investment. These tools are crucial not only for promoting products but also for crafting a narrative."
Jacqui Sim, Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
Do you think it’s important for entrepreneurs to have a personal profile/brand?
Absolutely. A strong personal brand builds authority and establishes trust with investors. In a pitch deck, the ‘Who We Are’ section should not only outline the founding story and the company’s evolution but also convey the personal journey of the founder. Highlighting the commitment and stakes involved from all key players adds depth to the narrative. The essence of the story should evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression, which is crucial for building a compelling personal and company profile.
How do founders show value post-investment, outside of delivering an ROI?
Demonstrating value post-investment isn’t just about immediate returns; it’s also about showing a clear long-term vision and strategic growth. Reviewing original investment objectives, assessing progress, and highlighting significant achievements such as successful product launches, market expansions, or strategic partnerships are key ways to show continued value.
Also, regular communication with investors about progress and challenges helps maintain confidence and demonstrates a commitment to long term success. By focusing on these areas, founders can show they are delivering value beyond financial returns, ensuring the company is well positioned for sustained growth.
"Given the systemic challenges women face in securing funding, I make a conscious decision to prioritise female founders when presented with equally promising opportunities."
Jacqui Sim, Founder and CEO, Growth Path Partners
Are there any other forums that founders can leverage for support as they go through the fundraising process?
There are a number of online and offline communities that founders should explore that can be very beneficial for networking and mutual support, as well as events set up to connect investors and founders in specific industries. This is especially important for groups that are statistically disadvantaged, like women (London Stock Exchange’s Female Founders Forum event, as an example).
In my position, I’m fortunate to have the ability to choose which founders I work with. Given the systemic challenges women face in securing funding, I make a conscious decision to prioritise female founders when presented with equally promising opportunities. This isn’t about excluding male founders, but rather about helping to level the playing field and provide more opportunities for talented women in the field.
About Jacqui Sim
Jacqui brings over 25 years of experience in helping businesses scale and succeed across diverse industries. As the founder of Growth Path Partners, she leads a firm renowned for its expertise in driving both organic growth and acquisition-based M&A investment strategies across various sectors and geographies. Jacqui is also a partner at Vivero Ltd, a strategic advisory firm that delivers tailored growth and investment solutions to SMEs in the technology and professional services sector.
As a trusted advisor to owners and CEOs, Jacqui leverages her deep market expertise, vast global network, and entrepreneurial achievements to deliver value-added outcomes. She is a catalyst for change and innovation, spearheading HR’s role within management and leadership, and guiding businesses with trusted and sustainable growth plans. Passionate about empowering people and organisations, and dedicated to unlocking their full potential.
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