North Sea deals veteran joins new Aberdeen investment house

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The Aberdeen investment house will focus on climate tech and is looking to run a global portfolio from the north-east, primarily focused on repurposing companies, technologies, skills and experience in the existing supply chain to support the transition to net zero.

It is also investing in early-stage companies with technologies which have significant potential to help solve the climate crisis.

The studio has so far completed two investments, in Aberdeen-based High Performance Robotics (HPR) and decommissioning-focused artificial intelligence firm Rahd ai, which is headquartered in Perth, Australia.

Mr Aitken, previously transaction services director at KPMG in Aberdeen, will be tasked to assess potential portfolio companies for the studio, identify additional opportunities and lead the finance strategy for the business and its portfolio. He will work alongside finance director Lesley Barrie, who also more than 25 years of top-level financial experience.

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He said: “I am delighted to be joining Ventex, which is a forward-thinking business bringing innovative solutions to tackle the climate crisis.

“The current fiscal environment – together with the huge opportunities in new energy – means this sector is ripe for value-driven acquisitions and re-purposing. Ventex is poised to play a huge role in the energy transition and I share its passion for retaining and creating jobs in our energy communities.”

Ventex managing partners Mr Gray and Mr McLeod have successful track records in building global businesses. Mr Gray was the founder and former chief executive of ROVOP, which is now a leading global player in the ROV (remotely operated vehicle) market, while Mr McLeod led oil and gas completions and technology specialist Qedi through to its £33 million acquisition by Amec.