Inverleith

Inverleith LLP is a specialist private equity firm focused on investing in dynamic consumer brand businesses within the lower mid-market. The firm targets companies headquartered in the UK and Europe, operating in high-growth categories such as health & wellness, lifestyle, premium food & drink, and luxury/heritage brands. Inverleith typically acquires majority or strategic minority stakes in businesses with revenues between £5 million and £30 million, with a target investment level ranging from £5 million to £15 million. The firm seeks businesses with a unique product proposition or a strong, defensible market position, and the potential for international scalability.

Founded in 2009, Inverleith was established by Ben Thomson, former Chairman and Chief Executive of Noble Group, and Paul Skipworth, former Chief Executive of The Glenmorangie Company and Partner at L Capital. The firm successfully closed its first institutional fund, Inverleith Limited Partnership, at its hard cap of €60 million, demonstrating strong support from European investors. Inverleith's investment philosophy is rooted in a collaborative and hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to develop and execute 3-5 year business plans aimed at scaling the businesses for successful exits.

Inverleith's diverse portfolio includes notable investments across various consumer sub-sectors. Key investments have included a majority stake in The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a premium single cask spirits club; Planet Organic, a health and wellbeing supermarket and online retailer; and Montane, an outdoors clothing and equipment brand. Other significant investments include Good Hemp, a producer of hemp-based food and drink products; Montezuma's, a premium artisan chocolate brand; Eden Mill St Andrews, a whisky and gin distiller; and Farmison, an online retail butcher. Earlier investments also included Chapel Down, an English sparkling wine brand, and Emily Crisps, a fruit and vegetable crisp manufacturer.

The firm distinguishes itself through its ability to combine professional investment expertise with strong operational experience. Many team members have worked operationally within consumer brand companies across both the FMCG and premium/luxury sectors, providing a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic levers for growth. Key personnel include founders Ben Thomson and Paul Skipworth, with Paul Skipworth serving as Managing Partner. The team also comprises experienced professionals such as Stella Morse, Chief Financial Officer and Partner, and Michael Atkinson, Senior Investment Director, who bring extensive industry knowledge and global networks to support their portfolio companies.