With over four decades of experience spanning investment banking, corporate venturing and early-stage technology, Martin Stockman is a highly respected figure in the UK ventures ecosystem. His career uniquely bridges traditional finance and emerging technologies, positioning him as a trusted advisor, fundraiser and connector for ambitious founders and investors alike.

Martin began his career in the 1980s and 1990s in global investment banking, holding senior roles at Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Salomon Smith Barney. During this period, he built a deep understanding of capital markets, corporate finance and institutional investment. However, it was his early recognition of the digital economy’s potential in the mid-1990s that set him on a pioneering path.

From Investment Banking to Corporate Venturing Pioneer

In 1996, Martin identified the transformative impact technology would have on business models and investment. He moved into corporate venturing during the dot-com boom, developing and leading one of the earliest and most influential corporate venturing programmes at Compaq Computer between 1997 and 2002. There, he oversaw more than 20 venture transactions and played a role in incubating Europe’s first mobile satellite navigation product, well ahead of mainstream smartphone adoption.

Following this, Martin founded Kane Gear, a software business that anticipated many of the functionalities later embedded in smartphones, further cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking innovator with a strong grasp of how technology translates into real-world value.

A Specialist in Early-Stage Funding

For the past 15 years, Martin has focused almost exclusively on early-stage fundraising and advisory work. He specialises in matching high-quality technology opportunities at Pre-Seed, Seed and Scale-up stages with the right sources of capital. Today, he receives between three and five inbound enquiries from entrepreneurs every day and has successfully supported over 100 fundraising transactions across the UK and beyond.

While he maintains strong relationships with venture capital firms, Martin is a passionate advocate for angel investors, particularly syndicates, high-net-worth individuals and family offices. He believes angel capital is often faster, more flexible and less prescriptive than institutional funding, making it especially well-suited to early-stage founders. Over many years, he has built a substantial and carefully curated database of angel investors, many of whom actively deploy capital through SEIS and EIS structures in the UK.

Sector Depth and Geographic Reach

Martin has particular interest and experience in Healthtech, Consumer Tech, Fintech and Proptech, though his work spans most technology sectors. Geographically, around 75% of his activity is UK-focused, where he is highly experienced in navigating SEIS and EIS frameworks. He also has a strong track record of supporting European and international deals, bringing a pragmatic global perspective to his advisory work.

Conclusion

At his core, Martin is a seasoned connector and strategic advisor, someone who combines deep historical insight into the evolution of technology with a powerful, hands-on network of early-stage capital providers. Having witnessed and participated in the rise of most defining technologies of the 21st century, from early internet infrastructure to AI and blockchain, he brings rare perspective, credibility and judgement to founders and investors alike. For early-stage companies seeking smart capital and informed guidance, Martin offers both access and wisdom in equal measure.