Meet the investor - Tiffany Young

Why was YFM right for you?

YFM has a strong focus on B2B SaaS, but invests across a broader cross section of businesses compared to most other venture funds. I spent the previous 7 years of my career focused on finding companies with huge ambitions – potential unicorns. Whilst I invested in some incredible companies, along the way I saw first-hand the funding gap that exists for fast-growing, yet more sustainable, tech businesses looking for patient capital and a supportive partner like YFM. I often saw founders change their strategy to something really aggressive, and heavily dilutive, to please investors and fit with their unicorn-geared fund model – YFM appealed to me because we have a strong focus on growth, but coupled with the support needed by companies on their scale-up journey, and backed by an?evergreen VCT fund with the firepower to provide follow-on funding rounds.?

What gets you excited about an investment opportunity?

• A brilliant product demo
• Smart, resilient and passionate founders?
• A genuine moat – maybe a technically differentiated proposition or a highly sticky and integrated product
• Net retention – it is the best metric to evidence that customers love a product

What does your typical week look like?

It is cliché as it does vary a lot, but that is what makes venture an interesting career. My typical week includes a lot of company meetings. Some are first intro calls, others are deeper dives with teams we have met before or they might be half day sessions with companies we are in exclusivity with. My week will also involve expanding/investing in my network and meeting with advisors and other funds upstream and downstream to YFM. Depending on where we are with certain investment opportunities, my week might involve writing internal papers for our investment committee and board, conducting research on sub-sectors via desktop research or conducting calls with sector experts. Finally, I make time to research and reach out directly to companies of interest.?

Tips for moving into Private Equity

• Ensure you really understand the differences between various parts of the market and which part you would like to work in – large cap/mid-market/growth/venture – and familiarise yourself with the nuances of each firm, their thesis, and fund model.
• Differentiate yourself – it’s a competitive industry and it can be a challenge to cut through the banking/big four experience. Sector experience and passion will set you apart.
• Be patient – PE firms have low churn, small teams and hire infrequently.
• Be proactive and build a network – directly with those working in the industry and with recruiters.

Get to know Tiffany a little more …?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I will mostly be found at home watching the latest series?(we are currently watching the second season of The White Lotus), or live sport (a lot of F1, but I will watch most sports).?Alternatively, I will be at the theatre (plays not musicals), or trying a new restaurant in London.?

What are you currently reading and why?

I am currently reading American Dirt, which was given to me by my mum. It is fiction so I won’t share a detailed plot or risk any spoilers, but it is a gripping thriller about Mexican immigration.?

Where is next on the holiday list?

Returning to St Anton in Austria for some skiing in February with friends.?

Tell us something most people don’t know about you??

I am a Newcastle United supporter!?