David Richards MBE
Managing Partner
David Richards MBE
Managing Partner
- Ceo mentor
- product
- technology
- go-to-market
- capital markets
- m&a
David is a technology entrepreneur with a 25-year career in Silicon Valley, where he founded and led a series of software businesses, and a stalwart supporter of British technology.
He is a board trustee at the David and Jane Richards Family Foundation, dedicated to educating and empowering children. David also co-founded the Laptops For Kids campaign to close the digital divide.
He and Jane received MBEs in the New Year Honours List for 2022 for services to the information technology sector and young people, particularly during Covid-19.
The steelmaker’s son received honorary doctorates from the University of Sheffield in 2023 and Sheffield Hallam University in 2017.
Keith Graham
Founder / Partner
Keith Graham
Founder / Partner
- product
- technology
- go-to-market
- capital markets
- m&a
Keith was formerly Chief Product Officer at WANdisco Plc, a publicly listed enterprise software company specialising in BigData and Cloud with dual headquarters in the UK and California.
He has held commercial leadership roles in start-ups, private and public companies in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Prior to WANdisco he spent nine years as Regional Vice President for NASDAQ listed TIBCO Software Inc. based in Sydney.
He is a director of Kapital-K Investments Pty Ltd, Senex-Capital B.V. and KPI-AI Pty Ltd.
He also serves on the advisory board of Semantic Software Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (Cognitive AI) and is trustee of Two Monkey’s Foundation.
Keith has an MA in Management Science and Information Systems from Trinity College Dublin and several post graduate certificates in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.
Keith is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).
Peter Scott
Founder / Partner
Peter Scott
Founder / Partner
- Sales Leadership
- go-to-market
- Strategic Partnerships
Peter is a business development and sales leader with over two decades of experience, well versed in building teams across all sales disciplines and the artful orchestration of strategic partnerships that deliver value and disruptive growth.
Peter spent the past 15 years in Silicon Valley, where he established strategic alliances with a cadre of leading cloud providers and enterprise software titans, leading digital transformation. Recognized in the 2021 CRN Channel Chief honorees as a leader who consistently supports, promotes and executes effective channel partner programs and strategies
A veteran of the British Army’s Royal Engineers, Peter earned the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal for over 1,000 days of operational service in Northern Ireland during the 90s, supporting the Ulster Constabulary and Intelligence Services in the peace keeping process.
Paul Gillam
Partner
Paul Gillam
Partner
- Corporate Finance
- M&A
- Structuring
- ECM
- IPO
Previously Managing Director TMT Investment Banking at Peel Hunt, and has over 17 years experience advising UK businesses on Strategy, M&A, Capital Raising and IPOs. He is a proven adviser, with a track record of over 100 transactions, including more than 30 M&A processes and 20 IPOs. He has guided more than 150 companies during his career, ranging from start-ups to multi-billion pound FTSE businesses. He takes a hands-on approach to stakeholder management, evaluating investment opportunities, and working with management teams to develop the investment case. Paul holds an MSci in Chemistry from Imperial College London.
Tom Barker
Partner
Tom Barker
Partner
- Branding
- Website Development
- Digital Marketing
- Web Optimisation
With 15 years of experience in digital marketing, website design and development, and project management, Tom has established himself as a leader in crafting innovative digital and brand solutions. As the founder of TEST Creative Ltd, Tom has supported over 2oo businesses with their development of impactful brands, websites and campaigns across an array of sectors.
Tom’s expertise extend beyond design and brand; he has worked closely with international marketing and development teams to drive multi-million-pound revenues online. By combining strategic insight with technical excellence, Tom delivers high-value consultancy, earning him the trust of key clients across the UK and Europe.
Mark Williamson
Partner
Mark Williamson
Partner
- Software Development
- Cloud Technologies
- Microsoft Azure
- DevOps
- Data Systems
With over 20 years of experience in cloud technologies, Mark brings a wealth of expertise in developing and managing scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises. His skill set spans both front-end and back-end development, ensuring seamless and efficient user experiences.
Mark has extensive training and hands-on experience with various databases, enabling him to design and optimize robust data systems. His DevOps expertise includes working with AWS S3, Microsoft Azure, and a variety of modern tools to streamline deployment and operations.
He thrives on solving complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of every project.
Advisory Board
Professor Keith Ridgway CBE
Professor Keith Ridgway CBE
Professor Keith Ridgway CBE is a distinguished leader in advanced manufacturing, a visionary educator, and an influential advocate for innovation in engineering and technology. As an advisor to Yorkshire AI Labs, Professor Ridgway brings unparalleled expertise in industrial strategy, innovation ecosystems, and transformative technology to support the growth and success of the firm’s portfolio companies.
Keith is best known as the co-founder of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), a world-renowned collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Under his leadership, the AMRC has become a global benchmark for advanced manufacturing, attracting investment from leading companies such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and McLaren. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the UK’s industrial capability and strengthened Yorkshire’s reputation as a hub for technological excellence.
Awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to manufacturing research, Keith is deeply committed to fostering innovation and skills development. He has served as a key advisor to industry leaders and policymakers, championing the integration of cutting-edge technology into traditional sectors to drive productivity and economic growth.
In his role at Yorkshire AI Labs, Keith provides strategic counsel on industrial applications of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, helping portfolio companies align their innovations with market needs and operational excellence. His deep understanding of how to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation is an invaluable asset to the firm.
Key Roles and Achievements:
• Co-founder of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
• Recipient of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
• Internationally recognised expert in advanced manufacturing and industrial strategy
• Advocate for skills development and the adoption of transformative technologies
With a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of manufacturing and innovation, Professor Keith Ridgway’s insight and expertise strengthen Yorkshire AI Labs’ mission to drive technological advancement and empower the next generation of industry leaders.