Poppy Gustafsson, co-founder and ex-CEO of Darktrace, has been appointed as the UK’s new investment minister, indicating the government’s intention to strengthen business relations.
- Gustafsson’s role will involve leading the revamped Office for Investment, aiming to enhance the UK’s appeal to global investors.
- Her experience in scaling Darktrace will be crucial in promoting the UK’s business-friendly environment internationally.
- The government is expanding the Office for Investment to streamline collaboration across departments, providing robust support to investors.
- The recent acquisition of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo for £4.2bn marks a significant change in Gustafsson’s professional journey.
Poppy Gustafsson, known for her pivotal role in establishing and leading Darktrace, has been named the United Kingdom’s new investment minister. This appointment is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen ties with the business community, both domestically and internationally. Her new position involves significant responsibilities, particularly in spearheading the revamped Office for Investment.
The Office for Investment, under Gustafsson’s leadership, aims to transform the UK’s investment landscape by making it more appealing to global investors. This transformation will be achieved by consolidating efforts from Her Majesty’s Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, and No10 into a unified unit. Such an approach is expected to enhance governmental support for investors navigating planning and skills-related challenges in the UK.
In assuming her new role, Gustafsson reflected on her journey, stating, “I have first-hand experience of building and scaling a business here in the UK and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with the international investment community what I already know to be true; the UK is a great place to do business.” This perspective is informed by her experience at the helm of Darktrace, where she helped position the firm as a leader in the cybersecurity sector.
Endorsing her appointment, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, remarked, “Poppy has shown she knows firsthand what it takes to start and grow a successful international business. Her private sector expertise will be vital in ensuring we attract more valuable investment into Britain, and these changes show this Government’s growth mission will prioritise what businesses need to thrive in the UK and boost our economy.” Such support underscores the government’s commitment to its economic growth agenda.
Gustafsson’s transition coincides with a notable development for Darktrace: its acquisition by the US private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a transaction valued at £4.2 billion. This move represents a new chapter not only in Gustafsson’s career but also in the evolution of the company she co-founded.
Poppy Gustafsson’s new role as investment minister underscores a strategic shift in the UK’s approach to fostering business and investment growth.
