Jean de Fougerolles

Managing Partner & Founder

2013 - Current

Ascension is an early-stage venture capital firm built and managed by exited operators and entrepreneurs to back the next generation of tech and impact founders. Since 2015, Ascension has invested in 150+ start-ups across its (S)EIS & Institutional funds - our specialist approach and extensive sector reach allow us to identify and scale pioneering tech enterprises. With over £70m under management, Ascension is one of the most active early stage investors in the UK, with a particular focus on backing impact businesses leveraging the power of technology to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. For more information, see ascension.vc.

Partner

2017

Ascension's Fair By Design Fund invests in businesses eradicating the Poverty Premium in the UK. We are backing businesses using technology or innovation to provide better, fairer and cheaper goods and services to low-income households in the UK (energy, credit, insurance, transport, food, and digital inclusion).

Partner

2020

Ascension's Good Food Fund invests in healthy snack challenger brands and other businesses tackling childhood obesity.

Mentor, Investors in Residence

2014 - 2024

Investors in Residence

Founder

2009 - 2012

Since selling Two Way, I've been working in a hands on role in business and corporate development as well as product and marketing strategy for a number of digital businesses (seed stage to established). Advised HNW Family Office on digital investments and portfolio management

CEO

2000 - 2009

Two Way created digital games / format IP across TV, online, and mobile in partnership with the UK's largest media brands (Big Brother, I'm a Celeb, Who WTBA Millionaire, Deal or No Deal, X-Factor, Sky Sports, Cartoon Networks, BBC, C4, C5, ITV, Flextech, Virgin Media, BT, etc..). Sold the company to Virgin Media and a UK based private equity group.

Angel Investor

1998 - 2006

Company was acquired by Viacom in August 2006 for $200m

Head of Distribution

1996 - 1999

Economist

1992 - 1995

Worked at non-profit NGO advising governments and policy-makers on economic reforms.

English & French Teacher

1990 - 1991