Lift Global Ventures, a London-based listed investment company founded by stock market commentator Zak Mir, has announced the appointment of two new highly experienced directors and a strategic shift towards investing in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
David Richards MBE has joined the company as its non-executive chairman, while Mark Horrocks has been appointed as a non-executive director. Mr Richards, founder and managing partner of Yorkshire AI Labs, brings three decades of experience as a technology entrepreneur, including nearly 25 years as a software executive in Silicon Valley. He previously co-founded and served as CEO of WANdisco Plc (now Cirata Plc) from 2005 to 2023. He also co-founded and chaired IntelliamAI Plc, a listed company specialising in AI and machine learning that serves half of the world’s top 12 food and beverage companies.
Mr Richards also co-founded the Laptops for Kids campaign, is a trustee of the David and Jane Richards Family Foundation, and serves on the Economic Growth & Investment Group at the Cabinet Office Social Mobility Commission. He was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to the information technology sector and youth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He replaces the outgoing Roy Kelly, who is leaving to focus on other business ventures.
New non-executive director Mark Horrocks has 40 years of experience in the funds industry. His career began as a financial sector analyst at FTSE 100-listed financial institution Guardian Royal Exchange, where he went on to manage the equity element of life and pension funds valued at over £2.5 billion. He is currently involved in various private investments in the technology, land, and leisure sectors and remains a director of Intrinsic Capital London, an independent wealth management company.
Zak Mir, CEO of Lift, said: “Our strategic shift towards artificial intelligence is driven by our conviction in AI’s transformative potential. David Richards’ extensive track record, notably with Yorkshire AI Labs, alongside Mark Horrocks’ deep expertise in fund management and smaller company investing, will significantly bolster our capacity to identify, accelerate, and support investments in groundbreaking AI solutions that address real-world challenges and deliver substantial commercial impact. I would like to thank Roy Kelly for his valuable contribution to the company.”
Mr Richards added: “I am delighted to join Lift at this exciting time. We have a unique opportunity to back innovative, early-stage companies, leveraging AI to build scalable, transformative solutions. AI is more than just a technological trend; it represents a fundamental shift that will shape future market leaders and redefine industry landscapes globally. I look forward to contributing to Lift’s strategic vision and growth in this dynamic space.”
As part of its new investment strategy, the company will actively pursue opportunities within the rapidly expanding AI sector. The board has described this as a “generational opportunity” and views investing in AI as a logical evolution of Lift’s current investment policy. The business is currently in advanced discussions with potential investee companies and expects to announce its first AI-sector investment shortly.
Image source: LinkedIn
