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Christopher Pettit
Co-Head of Vala Lending at Vala Capital
Professional Background
Christopher Pettit is the co-head of Vala Lending, a prominent company within Vala Capital that specializes in providing exceptional lending solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). His commitment to fostering business growth and innovation is apparent in his extensive career spanning over two decades, where he has made significant contributions as a lawyer, financier, and entrepreneur within the media sector.
Before his impactful journey at Vala Lending, Chris made his mark as a Senior Director in the Corporate Development team at Ingenious. In this strategic role, he was instrumental in structuring and implementing a portfolio of new film, television, and games EIS and VCT funds. Not only did he focus on financial structuring, but he also pioneered various media fintech strategies aimed at harnessing the explosive growth potential in sectors like mobile games, digital advertising, and music.
With an impressive portfolio of over 100 deals in film, television, music, and video games, Chris is a seasoned professional in his domain. A key highlight of his career was his involvement in the introduction of the film rebate scheme in Mauritius, where he worked closely alongside the Prime Minister, the Mauritian government, and the Mauritian Board of Investment. This groundbreaking initiative established a progressive policy and investment framework that has significantly benefited the audio-visual sector.
In 2008, Chris co-founded Arise Pictures, where he served as co-CEO. His leadership was pivotal in managing corporate, financial, and legal operations, as well as nurturing investor and strategic partner relationships. Under his purview, Arise Pictures produced notable projects including the thriller ‘Night Hunter,’ featuring an impressive cast including Henry Cavill, Ben Kingsley, and Alexandra Daddario. Chris orchestrated a successful exit from Arise Pictures in 2018, further enhancing his entrepreneurial credentials.
Chris's illustrious career trajectory showcases his strengths in managing complex financial structures, fostering media partnerships, and innovating within financial frameworks.
Education and Achievements
Chris Pettit's solid educational background complements his impressive career in media and finance. He embarked on his educational journey at Epsom College, where he laid the foundation for his future studies in history. Chris graduated with a BA (Hons) in History from Cardiff University, achieving a commendable 2:1. His dedication to furthering his expertise led him to complete the Common Professional Examination (CPE) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School, equipping him with the necessary legal foundations to thrive in his future roles.
The practical application of his education began at Theodore Goddard, now known as Addleshaw Goddard, where he commenced his professional journey as an associate in the Media & Entertainment Group. His career path continued through several esteemed firms, including Visionview/Element X, SJ Berwin, and Global Film Finance, allowing him to hone his skills in legal and business affairs, as well as media finance.
Chris's contributions have consistently positioned him at the forefront of innovative practices within the industry, showcasing his commitment to growth and excellence in every project he has undertaken.
Achievements
Throughout his commendable career, Chris Pettit has achieved numerous milestones that underscore his expertise and impact within the media and finance sectors. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Co-founding Arise Pictures: Chris was a visionary co-founder responsible for steering Arise Pictures toward success, leading to the production of critically acclaimed projects and strategic partnerships.
- Instrumental in Film Rebate Scheme Launch in Mauritius: Through his collaborations with high-level government officials, Chris played a pivotal role in launching a film rebate scheme that has revolutionized the audio-visual landscape in Mauritius.
- Over 100 Successful Deals in Entertainment: With an extensive portfolio encompassing more than 100 high-profile deals in film, television, music, and video games, Chris has established a robust reputation grounded in his negotiation skills and sector insights.
- Leadership in Corporate Development at Ingenious: His leadership at Ingenious showcased his ability to structure and implement investment funds aimed at high-growth sectors, contributing to the accelerated growth of the media and entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Christopher Pettit's illustrious career reflects a unique blend of legal acumen, financial expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. He continues to lead by example as co-head of Vala Lending, where his passion for facilitating SME growth is both inspiring and influential. With a commitment to innovation and an impressive track record of achievements, he exemplifies the embodiment of a modern media financier and strategist. His continued contributions to the sector promise to fuel future innovations and excellence within the lending landscape.
Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in media and finance.
- Co-founded Arise Pictures, producing notable projects.
- Collaborated with government on film rebate scheme in Mauritius.
- Structured diverse funds for movie, TV, and music sectors.
Location
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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