Octopus Investments has appointed Erin Platts as its new chief executive officer.
Platts will also remain CEO of Octopus Ventures, creating a dual leadership role across two of Octopus Group’s core businesses.
Octopus Investments is the UK’s largest provider of Venture Capital Trusts and Business Relief qualifying investments, as well as the largest investor in AIM-listed companies.
It channels funding into small and medium-sized businesses, supporting innovation, job creation and economic growth.
Octopus Ventures is one of Europe’s most active venture capital firms, having backed more than 200 early-stage companies including Zoopla, Secret Escapes, Depop, Swiftkey and Graze.
Platts took over as CEO of Octopus Ventures in January 2025 and has since driven expansion of its pan-European venture capital offering.
Before joining Octopus, she spent nearly 20 years at HSBC Innovation Banking (formerly Silicon Valley Bank UK), where she played a central role in scaling its UK operations and building long-standing partnerships with entrepreneurs and investors.
Octopus said her appointment reflects her track record in delivering strategic clarity, operational excellence and long-term value.
It added that bringing both businesses under one leadership is intended to strengthen coordination between retail investment and venture capital.
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Platts said: “Octopus as a Group is bold, ambitious and fuelling the next generation of entrepreneurs across the country. Octopus Investments provides the engine room for it all.
“The opportunity to work cross-functionally, build on our market position and power us into our next stage of growth is very exciting.
“I plan on keeping my eye on the prize: providing a world-class experience for the people who trust us with their money and the founders who trust us with their ambitions.”
Simon Rogerson, CEO and co-founder of Octopus Group, added: “Octopus Investments is a business that, at 25 years old, continues to embrace change.
“Erin is exactly the kind of leader we need to fulfil our ambitions. She’s business minded, straightforward, and lives and breathes customer service and the Octopus culture.”
Octopus Group now manages billions on behalf of investors and has built a reputation for combining commercial success with backing industries that are shaping the future.
Platts’ appointment is subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.
