About
Since 2008, David Newns and Chris Lord have created significant value through incubating big ideas and disposing of them to FTSE 100 companies. Mustard Kick is the vehicle through which they continue that work — investing their own capital, hands-on, in the next generation.
Founders
We’ve built two health-tech businesses sold to FTSE 100 corporates. Today we put that operating experience — and our own balance sheet — to work behind the founders we back.
Founder
I’m an innovator at heart. I love solving complex problems and working through the night with amazing people to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
In 2019 I was the most prolific innovator in the UK with more patent applications than any other inventor.
Founder
I love building businesses, developing teams, and creating winning strategies to enable success.
My experience of founding startups, coupled with my time at Imperial Brands as part of the executive committee, has given me a unique perspective of both sides of the fence — helping me think through how our portfolio companies will fit culturally into a large company when the time is right.
Our approach
Three principles run through every cheque we write and every team we partner with.
It’s our own capital — so the bar for conviction is high, the patience is real, and our incentives sit alongside the founder’s.
Strategy, marketing, M&A, talent — we bring our team and our networks to the table. We don’t just sit on boards.
We’ve sold companies to FTSE 100 buyers. We help our portfolio understand how those buyers think, long before the conversation starts.
Our teams recognise us for our vision, leadership — and a deep understanding of the detail.
Track record
Two from the founder era — both incubated, scaled and exited to FTSE 100 corporates within eight years.
Where we go next