David French

David French is a prominent figure in the financial and technology sectors, serving as the Chairman and Co-Founder of Harwell Capital.1 With a career spanning several decades, French has established himself as an influential investor and advisor in early and growth-stage technology companies since 2004.1

Career Highlights

Asia-based Financial Services:

French spent 30 years in Asia, where he built a successful career in financial services.1 During this time, he:

• Founded MBA Group, which became Hong Kong's largest Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) business1
• Served as Group CEO of Inter-Alliance International after MBA Group's acquisition1
• Became a significant introducer of Asian capital to UK-based technology companies1

Entrepreneurship and Leadership:

French's entrepreneurial journey includes:

• Joining Connaught Financial Planning Ltd in Hong Kong in 1991, rising to Sales Director1
• Forming MBA Group in 1994 and leading it through international mergers and acquisitions1
• Becoming CEO of MBA Berkeley Burke Group in 19991

Current Roles

David French currently holds several important positions:

• Chairman and Co-Founder of Harwell Capital1
• Partner at Heligan Group2

Early Career

Before entering the financial sector, French spent five years as a police officer in London's Metropolitan Police Force, where he received two commendations.1

Transition to Investing

In 2004, French retired from financial services to focus on investing his personal capital into seed and angel-stage companies.1 This shift marked the beginning of his current career in technology investment and advisory roles.

David French's extensive experience in financial services, entrepreneurship, and technology investing has positioned him as a respected figure in the industry, now leading Harwell Capital in its investments and advisory services for early and growth-stage technology companies.