70 The challenges and successes of supporting companies after investment with Ben Leslie of Puma

<p>In venture capital investing it is easy to focus on the excitement of doing deals, but the reality is all the hard work happens after the investment is made. In this episode, Ben Leslie of Puma talks about how fund managers can support companies and help them achieve their goals.</p><p>In a wide ranging discussion we cover many areas. Ben discusses how and where he provides support. He talks about the importance of relationships, and how fund managers need to make sure they are the ones that get called for help by adding value when they do. We also dig into the balance investors have to strike between helping businesses and not getting too involved. We talk about recruitment, how that can be a challenge for founders and the different ways a fund manager can help.</p><p>We also look at how the support that companies requires vary over time. Ben talks about how they invest at a certain stage and specialise in support at that point, but are also prepared to take a company further if necessary.</p><p><strong>Links</strong></p><p>Puma Investments - <a href="https://www.pumainvestments.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pumainvestments.co.uk/</a></p><p>Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listen</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Suggested books:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lean-Startup-Innovation-Successful-Businesses/dp/0670921602/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lean+startup+eric+ries&amp;qid=1675333331&amp;sprefix=lean+startup%2Caps%2C440&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lean Startup</a> Eric Ries</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jeeves-Omnibus-Vol-Wooster-No-1/dp/009173987X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6JZNH9CQ2AFD&amp;keywords=jeeves+and+wooster+books&amp;qid=1676029533&amp;sprefix=jeeves%2Caps%2C120&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeeves and Wooster books</a> by P.G. Wodehouse</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Bio</strong></p><p>Ben Leslie</p><p>Director, PPE, Puma Private Equity</p><p>Ben Les