Simon Murdoch

Simon Murdoch is a highly respected figure in the UK venture capital landscape, bringing a wealth of operational experience to his role as a co-founder and partner at Episode 1 Ventures. His entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Bookpages, an online bookstore, in 1996, which he successfully sold to Amazon in 1998. Following the acquisition, Murdoch served as Vice President Europe for Amazon, where he was instrumental in scaling the company's operations across the continent during a period of significant growth. This deep understanding of building and scaling technology businesses from the ground up forms the bedrock of his investment philosophy.

At Episode 1 Ventures, Murdoch and his team primarily focus on early-stage, B2B software companies based in the UK. The firm seeks out ambitious founding teams developing innovative and defensible technology solutions that address substantial market opportunities. Their investment strategy is rooted in identifying companies with strong product-market fit potential and providing not just capital, but also strategic guidance and operational insights derived from Murdoch's extensive career. Episode 1 aims to be a hands-on partner, leveraging their collective experience to help portfolio companies navigate the challenges of rapid growth.

Episode 1 Ventures typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, with initial cheque sizes ranging from £250,000 to £2.5 million. These investments are often part of larger funding rounds, where Episode 1 can either lead or co-invest alongside other reputable venture firms. The firm has demonstrated a growing capacity for investment, evidenced by the successful closing of their third fund, Episode 1 Fund III, at £75 million in 2022. This substantial capital pool allows them to support their best companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series B and beyond, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their portfolio. Murdoch's unique blend of entrepreneurial success and corporate leadership makes him a valuable resource for the startups he backs, offering guidance on everything from product development to international expansion.