Mark Woods

Founder & Investor

📍 United Kingdom🔄 Updated September 2026💼 16 investments📅 5 years investing🗓 Last invested Jan 2026
VC🌍 United KingdomInvested this year
16
Total investments
6
Early stage
4
Mid stage
3
Late stage
5y
Years active

Portfolio

13 investments · sorted by recency
All investments
Early stage
Mid stage
Late stage
Investor
Jan 2026
AI Venture Builder operates according to the venture builder model, which describes organizations that create, launch, and scale high-growth businesses, typically developing an idea into a product, and then launching it on the market creating - using their resources and networks. AI Venture Builder specializes in developing AI solutions into many different fields like Fintech, Pharmaceutical, Fashion Tech, Cybersecurity, and many more, that address specific needs that are expressed by the market. We care about the environment; thus, we calculate the carbon footprint for each AI model we create. Once each solution becomes a marketable product, it creates a spin-off company dedicated to selling that product. Our Vision is to make AI-solutions democratic and widespread. Our Mission is to create B2B AI applications in different fields, to make business processes more digitized, data-driven, and efficient. Thanks to our C-level management, we are the first ones who start from the market need and then we create the product. Our USP is based on 3 pillars: 1- We work with the best AI professionals, universities, and research centers. We are a venture builder: a less risky, more effective, and disruptive approach than the usual VC model. 2- Many big companies and managers are working and partnering with us. 3- C-level management with specific knowledge for leading our spin-off companies and finding the best exit strategies.
Investor
Nov 2024
Hypervolt is leading provider of residential EV charging solutions. Our mission is to build products users love and accelerate clean energy, charging should be smart tech. We bring a tech approach to charging; focusing on powerful software, design, and user experience. We build enhanced EV charging technology, both software and hardware, for seamless UX and an unparalleled service.
Investor
Oct 2024
Disco - the worlds first social media app for music discovery. Because music is meant to be shared.
Investor
Oct 2024
Up-cycling spent grains to make proteins for the food industry.
early stageBiotechnology
Investor
Oct 2024
World-class electric transport. Future-focused engineering. Ride with us ⚡
late stageRetail
Investor
Oct 2024
Founded in 2017 by start-up entrepreneurs Adrien Roose, Karim Slaoui and Tanguy Goretti, Cowboy is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The world’s most connected electric bike for urban riders continues to transform the bike and mobility industries — from point of sale to point of service. Its mission is to build a better bike, create a better self and leave a better world. In 2022 Cowboy became the first e-bike maker to achieve B-corp status. Cowboy now has customers in more than 2,500 towns and cities across Europe and the US. Cowboy is the winner of the Eurobike 2017, the Red Dot Bicycle Design Award 2018, the Red Dot Best of the Best award for product design in 2019 and 2021, one of TIME Magazines "Best Inventions" of 2022, and the Wallpaper*Smart Space Award for Most Revolutionary Personal Transport in 2023.
Investor
Oct 2024
Prime Time | Beer. But Better. Brewed for the Better You At Prime Time, were redefining what beer can be. Born from the desire to enjoy great-tasting beer without compromising a balanced lifestyle, we craft award-winning beers that are:​ PRIME TIME Low in calories Low in carbs Gluten-free and vegan Award-winning flavour at 4.2% ABV Innovation is in our DNA. We introduced the worlds first caffeine-infused lager, Lager+, delivering a refreshing buzz with 50mg of natural caffeine, before launching our Lager and IPA - all award-winning in taste, low calorie and gluten free. You can pick up Prime Time at Waitrose and more than 450 pubs nationwide. Prime Time is partnered with Seven Clean Seas, removing 4.2g of plastic from the worlds oceans for every can or bottle sold.
Investor
Aug 2024
Our Mission is to be the definitive community-powered brand that builds decorating confidence by inspiring and supporting all decorators with their projects. Lick is a community-powered decorating movement. We are a force for change in the home decor space with a vision to transform the industry for our decorators and for the planet. Lick was founded in 2019 by Lucas London and Sam Bradley - both experienced startup entrepreneurs. The business has raised over $29m since inception. OMERS Ventures lead our Series A round in June 2021 with participation from existing investors Felix Capital and contributions from entrepreneurs and PE investors including Magnus Rausing, Alex Chesterman and Kathaka, the family office of Caroline Rupert of Richemont. We’re a business that believes in building confidence in our decorators. Seeing their bright ideas and making them happen. We do this by giving our do-er uppers access to inspiration, advice and how-to guidance from our experts and wider community. As well as making our range of (water-based, low VOC) paint, (FSC-certified) wallpaper, blinds and supplies with real people and real homes in mind. Its why we curate the colours in our product ranges, its why we have an expert team of colour consultants on-hand to help with any decorating question, big or small, its why were building a supportive community of decorators to inspire each other with their projects, and it’s why we are rethinking how technology can transform this category. Were on a mission to transform the $1trillon global home decor category, and our sights are set on scale, this means expanding our product offering, launching new sustainability initiatives, and growing our already thriving community of home decorators across the globe. Decorator success starts at home...our home. That is why our ambition is to be a definitive people-powered company. Building an environment where individuals thrive and collectively achieve significant results.
mid stageManufacturing
Investor
Aug 2024
Connecting communities online and offline. CLIQ allows you to interact and connect with like-minded individuals and join interest-based clubs. 🌐 Connect with like-minded individuals 👥 Join interest-based clubs 🎟️ Discover the best events
Investor
Jul 2024
Smash Padels vision is to help people across the UK to access the world’s fastest growing sport padel. Two centres are operational at Bicester and Oxford, new centres are opening soon in Whitstable, Kent and Cardiff, with several others in planning.
Investor
Jul 2024
Social Tip is on a mission to help brands connect more authentically online through rewarding their customers with cash. We help turn a brand’s customers into their influencers. This is good old-fashioned word of mouth marketing but amplified for the digital age and scalable through our innovative technology. The conventional ways of marketing are becoming less and less effective. 70% of people no longer trust adverts, Gen Z are allergic to anything that looks or feels like marketing, and it is increasingly difficult for brands to connect authentically on fragmented online platforms. In short, the old ways of marketing are broken. The answer is Social Tip. We build hype and buzz whilst putting money back into the pockets of everyday people for posting online about the things they love. This is the future, and it just needs a platform.
Investor
Jun 2021
Occuitys mission is to improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people by developing painless, contact-free screening & monitoring solutions for health conditions such as #diabetes, #myopia, #glaucoma and #Alzheimers Disease. Occuity is a UK-based medical technology company specialising in the research, design, and production of handheld non-contacting optical instruments for use in healthcare, diagnostics, and monitoring. Occuity’s scanning technology uses light to obtain precise measurements of different structures within the eye. This will enable direct measurements of the eye for optometrists and ophthalmologists but also other more general health conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease to be monitored. Occuitys IP includes 9granted international patents with a further 5 applications. Our Products Optometry & Ophthalmology: Were designing and developing a range of handheld, optical non-contacting devices. Our first device will be the world’s first handheld, non-contacting optical pachymeter – The Occuity PM1 – due to launch in 202. The underlying technology in the PM1 will be built upon to look at other measurements within the eye including, axial length, pupillometry and keratometry for use in both human and veterinary optometry. Disease Screening Building upon our patented technology, Occuitys disease screening products, will make it easier and cheaper to screen for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimers in non-clinical settings such as high street opticians, pharmacies and care homes. Disease Monitoring Occuity’s vision is to deliver the world’s first non-invasive, non-contacting glucose monitor. Instead of relying on finger stick blood tests to provide blood glucose readings, Occuity is in the process of researching & developing a non-contact handheld optical device to determine the blood glucose level by measuring subtle changes within the anterior chamber of the eye.
Investor
May 2021
Unlock the potential of your business with Interpac’s cutting-edge cold corrugators. Produce top-tier corrugated board at a fraction of the cost, all while reducing your environmental impact. Compact, efficient, and eco-friendly, our technology puts you in control of your production process, delivering value where it counts. BOOST YOUR PROFITS • Save up to 30% on board costs • Achieve ROI in under two years • Tap into new markets with niche and specialty board grades TAKE BACK CONTROL • Eliminate long lead times • No minimum order requirements • Flexibility for both long and short production runs LOWER CO2 • Over 40% less energy compared to traditional methods • Reduces transport by 80% with on-site production • No water. No steam. No mess. Transform your business with Interpac’s cold corrugation technology. Contact us today to explore how we can help you lead your industry. Website: https://www.interpac.uk Email: contact@interpac.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1544 318 901
Experience · 21 entries
All (21)
Investments (16)
Founder (2)
2026
Investor
Jan 2026
AI Venture Builder operates according to the venture builder model, which describes organizations that create, launch, and scale high-growth businesses, typically developing an idea into a product, and then launching it on the market creating - using their resources and networks. AI Venture Builder specializes in developing AI solutions into many different fields like Fintech, Pharmaceutical, Fashion Tech, Cybersecurity, and many more, that address specific needs that are expressed by the market. We care about the environment; thus, we calculate the carbon footprint for each AI model we create. Once each solution becomes a marketable product, it creates a spin-off company dedicated to selling that product. Our Vision is to make AI-solutions democratic and widespread. Our Mission is to create B2B AI applications in different fields, to make business processes more digitized, data-driven, and efficient. Thanks to our C-level management, we are the first ones who start from the market need and then we create the product. Our USP is based on 3 pillars: 1- We work with the best AI professionals, universities, and research centers. We are a venture builder: a less risky, more effective, and disruptive approach than the usual VC model. 2- Many big companies and managers are working and partnering with us. 3- C-level management with specific knowledge for leading our spin-off companies and finding the best exit strategies.
2025
Board Advisor
Jul 2025
Blackfriars Retail Capital Partners is a UK-based investment and operating firm dedicated to revitalising and consolidating British retail brands. We are principal-led: we invest our own capital, lead transactions directly, and take a hands-on role in operations. Our mission is to transform underperforming or overlooked retail businesses into thriving, future-ready companies. The UK retail landscape is at an inflection point. Many heritage brands – once household names – have struggled under the weight of misaligned strategies, foreign ownership, or debt-driven structures. At the same time, global investors are retreating, creating an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild value, preserve jobs, and return iconic brands to growth. At Blackfriars, we combine decades of experience in: M&A and Turnaround – restructuring balance sheets, simplifying operations, and unlocking sustainable profitability. Retail Operations – deep expertise in jewellery, fashion, and consumer sectors, with proven track records in scaling and exits. Digital Transformation – re-positioning brands for modern consumers, from omni-channel strategies to data-driven decision making. Cross-Border Capital Raising – extensive networks across the UK, Europe, and US to finance acquisitions and long-term growth. We believe the next decade belongs to operators, not absentee owners. Our approach is to partner with management teams, employees, and stakeholders to rebuild trust and deliver lasting value. Whether through the consolidation of fragmented sectors, the turnaround of distressed assets, or the stewardship of heritage brands in need of renewal, Blackfriars is committed to being a catalyst for British retail’s revival. 📌 What We Do: Acquire. Consolidate. Revitalise. 📌 Who We Serve: Investors, administrators, parent companies, and communities seeking sustainable outcomes. 📌 Why It Matters: Because every brand carries jobs, heritage, and untapped potential.
early stageRetail
Investor
Apr 2025
We are Mous. (Pronounced mouse, not moose.) We create industry-leading tech accessories, made with a laser focus on expansion and innovation. We enhance the everyday experiences our everyday customers have with their everyday tech, every day. We started by designing phone cases which were ultra-protective, seriously stylish and expanded phones’ functionality by connecting to a range of modular accessories with custom magnetic arrays. Since then, our product range has expanded to include ecosystems of MagSafe® compatible and mechanical accessories, wireless chargers, MacBook sleeves and so much more. Our products are for risk-takers and thrill-seekers as well as tech-lovers and city-dwellers. We create solutions to the problems that come from busy lives and outlandish adventures. These aren’t just tools or utilities, they’re crafted to enable and elevate your real life; not simply making your life easier, but actively making it better. With products like these, the only limit is your imagination. www.mous.co @mouscase
Board Advisor
Jan 2025
In the ever-evolving world of small businesses, challenges such as market shifts, technological changes, or succession issues can threaten stability. At aeXea Capital, we acquire and revitalize struggling blue-collar SMEs while offering expert consultancy to improve profitability and efficiency. It’s important to note, turnaround opportunities exist in any business—not just those in distress. Whether you’re planning an exit or need strategic advice, we’re here to help. ✔️ We acquire 51%-100% of business shares, offering owners a smooth exit. If you run a manufacturing, timber-related, or homecare business with 1M-20M revenue in the UK or US, talk to us. ✔️ Retainer-Based Advisory: We provide strategic advice and interim management services, such as acting as a temporary CEO or CFO, through monthly retainer packages designed to stabilize operations and optimize growth. ✔️ Advisory Board Formation: We help SMEs build a strategic advisory board to drive growth, enhance decision-making, and unlock opportunities. Advisors work on a flexible fee basis, ensuring long-term value without upfront costs. Contact us today to explore how we can assist you.
2024
Investor
Nov 2024
Northern Monk is an independent brewery based in Leeds, focused on creating the best beer experiences in the world. Inspired by our northern surroundings and the history of monastic brewing practised across the region for thousands of years, we commit ourselves to creating the highest quality beers, combining the best of traditional monastic brewing values with a progressive approach to ingredients and techniques.
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Investment activity
2021–2026 · 16 investments
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