James currently chairs Renovos Biologics, a spin out from the University of Southampton. Renovos is focussed on the commercialisation of a synthetic nanoclay, RENOVITE®, in regenerative orthopaedic medicine.
Whilst a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at Southampton University James founded CommLIT.online, which provides on-line teaching resources to enable academics to understand the basics of business and commercial literacy, as well as the practicalities of setting up a spin-out company.
Over the last 25 years James has focussed on turning around small, science-based businesses through changes to their business model, management and financing. This has given him experience in a wide range of sectors, which include equine MRI, drug delivery, health IT, instrumentation, genomics and nanomaterials.
Other assignments have included being a Chair or NED for Octopus VCT funds and a Director of Spectris plc.
James’ early career includes a range of international management position with Zeneca Agrochemicals, as well as work with Save the Children in francophone Africa and aid work in Nepal.
James has an MBA from INSEAD and BA in Natural Sciences from Cambridge UK.