Sean Cam
Sean Cam
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Sean Cam *
Meet Sean
At Adjuvo, Sean supports some of the UK’s most promising early-stage startups, helping raise a record £12.9M last year alone. He brings a people-first approach to investing, and channels the same focus into cycling, most recently pushing his body and mind across 4,500km from London to Istanbul.
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What first drew you to the world of venture capital and startups?
What first drew me to venture capital was the unique combination of creativity, strategy, and impact. I was fascinated by the process of turning ideas into scalable businesses, and the opportunity to work alongside founders who are challenging assumptions, solving real-world problems, and shaping the future was something I found incredibly interesting. Having previously worked in large companies, I also wanted to understand what happens at the earliest stages, to see how startups are built from the ground up and to be part of that journey. I believed that by studying and supporting how successful startups grow, you gain insight into the fundamental principles that underpin any great company, regardless of its size. I still believe that today.
What’s something that’s surprised you about working in venture capital compared to what you expected before starting?
One of the biggest surprises has been how human the work really is. Before entering venture capital, I imagined it would be heavily analytical, focused on financial models, market sizing, and deal structures. While those aspects are certainly important, the reality is that so much of the job revolves around people: building trust with founders, understanding their motivations, and supporting them through the ups and downs of building a company. At Adjuvo, we often say that the most important criteria for investing in a company is whether we can back the founder, which really encapsulates how personal this industry actually is.
Adjuvo is also a syndicate, not a fund, so the same applies to the other side of the table with our investors, it’s incredibly high-touch and personal. Our members aren’t just a name on a list of LPs, they are personal connections who we meet regularly throughout the year, and many of our members take it a step further, becoming actively involved with our portfolio companies on their boards or as advisers.
What has truly surprised me is that the emotional intelligence and empathy required to be effective in venture capital are just as vital as the analytical skills.
Your role involves analysing and supporting start-ups, what’s one quality you’ve noticed that the most successful founders share?
The most successful founders I’ve worked with share an exceptional level of resilience. They’re adaptable, calm under pressure, and have an almost stubborn belief in their mission, but balanced with a willingness to listen and pivot when needed. It’s that combination of conviction and humility that really stands out. Startups inevitably face challenges, but founders who can absorb setbacks, learn from them quickly, and keep their team motivated tend to be the ones who build something enduring.
Tell us about a project or moment in your career so far that you’re particularly proud of.
One of the moments I’m most proud of was last year, when our team at Adjuvo broke our record for total funds raised in a single year, securing £12.9M for early-stage British start-ups. It was a real team effort, and a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built with our investor community and the quality of the companies we support. Seeing the tangible impact of that capital, helping founders scale, create jobs, and bring innovative ideas to market, was incredibly rewarding. What makes it even more exciting is that we’re on track to surpass that milestone again this year, which reflects the momentum and trust we’ve continued to build in the ecosystem.
What advice would you give to people who are curious about getting into venture capital but don’t come from a finance background?
Firstly, I’d reiterate that you do not need a finance background to enter venture capital. Most of the team at Adjuvo hold humanities degrees (I read History at university, and our CEO read English!). If you come from a non-finance background, you likely bring a fresh perspective that can be invaluable.
My advice would be to lean into your curiosity and build your own edge. Venture capital isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding markets, technology, and people. Start by immersing yourself in the startup ecosystem: attend conferences and pitch events, read investment memos, and reach out to founders or investors to learn about their journeys. The ability to form independent opinions about emerging trends and founders’ potential is often more valuable than any specific financial credential.
You recently cycled 4,500km from London to Istanbul, an incredible achievement! What first drew you to cycling, and what keeps that passion going?
I remember when my brother encouraged me to get back on a bike a few years ago, and I was immediately hooked on the combination of adventure, endurance, and reflection in a way few other activities do. What started as a weekend hobby quickly became a way to explore new places around London, then further out in the country, and eventually abroad, all whilst challenging myself both physically and mentally. The London-to-Istanbul ride was the manifestation of the ultimate adventure across the continent, but it was as much about mindset as mileage, learning to stay present, push through discomfort, and enjoy the simplicity of life on the road. That’s what keeps me coming back, that sense of freedom and clarity that comes with being on the bike. It’s a space where I can think if I want to or completely zone out, reset, and reconnect with what drives me.
Balancing a role in the fast-paced world of venture capital with long training rides can’t be easy, how do you make time for cycling alongside work, and what does it bring to your day-to-day life?
It definitely requires some planning, but I’ve learned to treat cycling as an essential part of my routine rather than a luxury. It also takes a very understanding partner at home who accepts my noisy early mornings and hours of weekend disappearances! Early morning rides before work focus that daily push into the pedals and sets me up for the day with a positive mindset, and long weekend rides have become a form of active meditation, a time to clear my head and reset. In fact, some of my best thinking happens on the bike. And sometimes I enter a flow and think of absolutely nothing which encourages a different but equally potent clarity. These are the rides I enjoy the most, when I can switch off my brain and tune out the noise, it brings balance and reminds me to pace myself and stay grounded. Ultimately, cycling doesn’t take time away from work; it gives me the focus and energy to perform better in every other aspect of my life.