Silicon Valley Bank announces Manchester appointment

Richard Faulkner

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has today announced the appointment of Richard Faulkner as managing director, based in Manchester, the first hire to be located outside of the bank’s London office.

SVB, which claims to be the bank of the world’s most innovative businesses, enterprises and their investors, has a significant client base outside of London and has resources focused on the key UK technology hubs, with Mr Faulkner primed to lead the bank’s Northern expansion from Manchester.

Mr Faulkner is an experienced technology banker with a 20-year track record, almost half of which has been spent providing capital to Northern tech companies at Barclays.

His appointment demonstrates SVB’s continued commitment to supporting innovation across the North of England and Scotland.

Simon Bumfrey, SVB’s head of UK & Ireland technology banking, said: “This is an exciting moment for Silicon Valley Bank, and for clients and investors across the North of England and Scotland.

“Richard’s appointment underscores our intent to build a regional platform across the UK and support the continued development of the technology ecosystem from start-up phase through to publicly listed businesses.”

Richard Faulkner said: “I am very much looking forward to taking on this new role and establishing Silicon Valley Bank’s first UK presence outside of its London base.

“This is a testament to the strength and quality of the Northern tech ecosystem and I look forward to offering Northern innovation businesses an alternative tech banking proposition.”

Commenting on the appointment, Phil Cox, head of EMEA and president of the UK branch for SVB said: “We are delighted to have strengthened the UK team through this key strategic hire.

“We appreciate the valuable role that Richard will play in supporting our clients as they grow their innovation businesses.”

SVB is committed to supporting the UK’s vibrant innovation sector and the entrepreneurs leading high-growth, disruptive technology businesses.

SVB lends to businesses such as Trustpilot, Performance Horizon, The Hut Group, Secret Escapes and Made.com as they pave the way towards further growth.

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