Founder of the Week: Anne Glover

• Dame Anne Glover trained as a scientist before moving into business and later co-founding Amadeus Capital Partners, a leading European venture capital firm backing early-stage and growth technology companies
• She identified the gap in Europe’s tech investment ecosystem compared to the US, and her firm helped spark a wave of dedicated tech-focused venture capital across the continent.
• Over more than three decades, she has steered Amadeus through major economic downturns, emphasising resilience, quality investments and a strong internal culture to support transformative entrepreneurs.

Tell Me About Yourself and Amadeus Capital Partners

 

I’m a scientist by training, who moved to the US to learn about business, then returned to the UK to become a venture capitalist focusing on technology.

I’ve spent the last 36 years in this space, and 28 years ago, I co-founded Amadeus Capital Partners. We’re a venture capital firm dedicated to backing early-stage and growth technology companies across Europe. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs building transformative businesses, and we’ve helped shape the tech landscape by investing in companies that are changing the world.

 

What Inspired You To Start Amadeus Capital Partners? What Problem Were You Trying To Solve?

 

I’ve always loved working with small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in technology. When I returned to Europe, I saw a gap: unlike the US, there were very few dedicated tech venture capital firms here. I believed the UK had the talent and innovation to rival Silicon Valley, but it needed the right support. Founding Amadeus was about creating that support system – and in doing so, we helped spark a wave of tech-focused VC firms across the continent.

 

What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge So Far? How Did You Overcome It?

 

We’ve faced three major financial crises, which meant the business was always dealing with major obstacles. There was the dot-com crash in 2001, only four years after we started, the global financial crisis in 2008, and more recent economic turbulence. Each time, we had to adapt quickly and stay resilient. Another ongoing challenge is Europe’s self-critical nature, especially when compared to the US’s optimism. Overcoming these hurdles meant staying focused on quality, building a strong culture and consistently backing exceptional entrepreneurs who could thrive despite the odds.

 

Can You Describe A Pivotal Moment That Significantly Shaped the Direction of Amadeus Capital Partners?

 

One defining moment was recognising that Europe could produce world-class tech companies, even if the ecosystem was less mature than the US. That belief shaped our strategy from the beginning. We focused on quality over quantity, building a firm that could attract the best entrepreneurs and investors. Over time, our early conviction helped establish Amadeus as a trusted name in European venture capital, and we’ve seen our portfolio companies grow into global leaders.

 

How Do You Define Success? 

 

For Your Business: Success is sustainability. If the firm is satisfying its investors, attracting top entrepreneurs and fostering a strong internal culture, then it’s doing well. Venture capital doesn’t need to be large – it needs to be very high quality. We aim to be the best choice for the best entrepreneurs in Europe.

As a Founder: Success for me is building something enduring and leaving it in a sustainable state. But it’s also about the enduring and enjoyable relationships formed along the way and the impact made. Financial success is a byproduct of doing meaningful work; if it becomes the sole goal, you risk losing your humanity.

 

What Advice Would You Give To Someone Thinking About Launching Their Own Startup?

 

Choose something you’re passionate about and where you already have differentiated skills. That combination gives you both the drive and the edge to succeed. Then, believe in yourself. Founding a company is hard, and self-belief is essential. Don’t chase trends, focus on what you know and care about deeply

 

What’s Next For Amadeus Capital Partners? Any Exciting Developments We Should Watch Out For?

 

Watch this space. Some of our early-stage investments are on the cusp of becoming world-beating companies. We’re seeing a new wave of innovation that could be as transformative as steam or electricity. The scale and impact of upcoming exits will reflect that. Venture capital is about backing the future, and the next wave is coming fast.

 

Want to be featured as TechRound’s Founder of the Week? Find out more about this weekly feature and how to get involved here.

 

Founder’s Five with Anne Glover

 

A dame, a scientist, an entrepreneur and a proud business founder, Anne Glover joined us in answering TechRound’s exclusive Founder’s Five.

 

1. Favourite Business Tool?

 

Microsoft Teams, for seamless global collaboration.

 

2. One Lesson You Learned the Hard Way?

 

Never violate people’s trust.

 

3. One Future Trend You’re Watching?

 

Geopolitical fracturing – the breakdown of the post-WWII global order.

 

4. One Quote You Live By?

 

“Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson

 

5. One Book or Podcast You Recommend?

 

“On Tyranny,” by Timothy Snyder. It’s a powerful book on how democracies can slide into authoritarianism, drawing lessons from history to help readers recognise and resist threats to freedom.

 

Want to be featured as TechRound’s Founder of the Week? Know someone who deserves to be recognised as a founder making waves in the startup landscape? Find out more about this weekly feature and how to get involved here.