Mercia EIS Funds

Mercia Fund Management ups its game with former Codemasters CEO appointment

Gaming and digital expert joins Mercia Fund Management Investment Panel

Henley-in-Arden, 27 February 2014. Venture capital fund manager Mercia Fund Management (MFM) has announced that Nick Wheelwright, the former CEO of video game developer and publisher Codemasters, has joined its Investment Panel.

With over 20 years’ experience in gaming and interactive entertainment, Nick was CEO of Codemasters Group Limited where he transformed the company from a UK business into a worldwide sales, marketing and distribution operation. Under Nick’s management the company achieved over 300 Number 1 chart positions across Europe and USA as well as achieving The Sunday Times award for the UK’s fastest profit growth company. In 2010 Nick co-founded Playground Games, which in 2012 won multiple Game of the Year awards for Forza Horizon.

Nick will join an Investment Panel of industry veterans and entrepreneurs bringing deep knowledge and operational experience in MFM’s key sectors. In his role, he will assess investment prospects and also add significant value to selected companies. Nick compliments the existing Investment Panel members with his knowledge as a private investor and successful entrepreneur in the gaming and digital sectors.

Nick commented on his appointment: “MFM has funded some very exceptional and innovative businesses and its portfolio contains a number of companies that have the potential to become real market leaders. I am delighted to be joining the Panel and will use my knowledge and experience to help continued investment in exciting technology.”

Mark Payton, Managing Director of MFM concluded: “Nick is a valuable addition to our external Investment Panel. With the former head of SEGA Mike Hayes on our investment team and now Nick on our Investment Panel, we can provide even more senior input specifically for companies in the games and gaming sectors. For our portfolio companies and investors, 2014 will be an exciting time and we believe that Nick will contribute to our growing reputation as a trusted and results-focused technology VC fund.”

The Investment Panel is part of MFM’s “full-support” investment philosophy. The VC fund manager backs businesses from start-up through to highly profitable operations. It uses both institutional and private investor funds under management to provide early stage, development and growth capital whilst additionally offering business support services including flexible accommodation.

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About Mercia Fund Management

Mercia Fund Management (MFM) is a venture capital fund manager with over £19 million under active management.

MFM provides investment growth capital for businesses ranging from early commercial traction through to those seeking expansion or working capital that are trading profitably. Furthermore, MFM can also provide cost-effective incubator accommodation at Forward House in Henley-in-Arden coupled with centralised support services in keeping with its model as a hands-on, supportive investor.

MFM is an FCA authorised and regulated fund manager under FSMA (FRN: 524856).

www.merciafund.co.uk