“Enabling growth in young tech companies” 

James Savage

James Savage

Non-Executive Director

Key Skills

Scaling tech businesses | Finances | Green Advocate

Qualifications, Professional Bodies, and Associations

  • Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

  • Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.

  • Ambassador of High Tech Industry and Tech Ventures of the IoD South West.

  • Member of the Steering Group of Tech West of England Advocates.

Experience

  • Founding Partner of HSBC’s Asian Venture Capital business. Over 15 years invested in more than 45 technology businesses from 3 consecutive funds. Took a leading role in driving the growth of 14 of these companies from start-ups to substantial scaled businesses.

  • Non-executive director of an Indian rural payments network. Grew the business from a software start-up to 80 million subscribers and 35,000 physical customer service points.

  • Non-executive director of a Korean photomask maker. Grew the business from a proof of concept to the largest provider of photomask for the LCD TV industry.

Career Summary

Over 30 years in the technology sector with asset management, professional services, and industry experience. Substantial experience acting as an Independent Director on the boards of 10 technology companies since 2004.

Based in Hong Kong from 1994 to 2018, extensive knowledge of the technology industry. Founding Partner of HSBC's Asian Venture Capital business. Previously, Chairman of the Venture Committee of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Since returning to the UK in 2019 applying these skills by acting as a NED or advisor to growing technology companies.

He has a BSc in Physics from Imperial College London.

Hobbies and Interests

“In my spare time I am an accomplished yachtsman and a keen trail walker.”