Paul Atkinson

Partner

Paul is Chairman of the Par Investor Network, working with other Par colleagues to grow, and diversify the range of individual investors that contribute to our funding mix, skills capability and deal origination across the North of the UK. Paul also acts as Lead Partner for par’s Forestry investment activities.

Background

Paul is an entrepreneur and serial angel investor, with a substantial track record of building value for companies in the technology and services sector and taking them to a successful exit. Prior to setting up Par Equity, Paul started three previous businesses: Taranata Group, which was founded in 2001 and now employs around 150 staff, Direct Resources, which was acquired by NASDAQ listed iGate Corporation in 1999; and RecruitmentScotland.com, which was acquired by another NASDAQ listed business, TMP Worldwide, in 2000. Paul has a BSc in Physics from Manchester University and is Visiting Professor at Napier University Business School.

Outside of work, Paul likes fixing things, cooking and music, including playing his guitar collection. Spending time with family, including grandchildren.

Portfolio companies

In the news

Gigged.AI scales team and builds on gig economy expansion with £1.6m investment

17 Jan 2023

We're delighted to welcome Gigged.AI to the Par portfolio as part of its £1.6m Seed round alongside Techstart Ventures LLP , Nile and a number of...

Par Equity invests into NZ-based StretchSense as it launches European operations from Scotland

5 Nov 2022

TechCrunch has picked up our latest investment into NZ-based StretchSense as the company launches its European operations from Scotland. Par Equity...

SICCAR announces partnership to deliver unique emissions reporting solution

27 Oct 2022

SICCAR has announced their strategic partnership with Vysus Group to deliver a complete emissions reporting solution for oil & gas operators and...

Global Surface Intelligence secures seven-figure investment

26 Oct 2022

Congratulations to Par portfolio company Global Surface Intelligence on securing a seven-figure investment from ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORD to drive...

Sunamp strikes new deal with Compremum

3 Oct 2022

Sunamp ramps up its international expansion, signing a multi-million pound deal with Poland’s COMPREMUM S.A. . Sunamp’s innovative heat pump and...

Planting trees to “deliver” for the next generation

26 Sep 2022

Together with our operating partner Scottish Woodlands Ltd , Par Equity has been investing in commercial forestry and new planting opportunities...

Par portfolio company, Verlume, bolsters management team for scale

30 Aug 2022

Par portfolio company, Verlume , has strengthened its leadership team to support growth at scale, appointing Andy Martin as Chief Commercial Officer...

Paul Atkinson discusses ‘why Forestry’ in interview with the Wealth Club

28 Apr 2022

In October 2021, we launched our third commercial forestry investment vehicle for retail investors and, once again, we’ve partnered with Scottish...

Novosound secured seven-figure dental ultrasound deal

21 Dec 2021

Congratulations to novosound on securing a seven-figure R&D licensing deal with Israeli company dSound to deliver 3D ultrasound technology to the...

Par Equity and Aviva aim to capture 1.4 million tonnes of carbon in West Aberdeenshire

20 Dec 2021

We are incredibly excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Aviva Investors and Scottish Woodlands Ltd which has the potential to capture...

Par Portfolio Company Sunamp Signs £50m Deal to Expand into China

10 Nov 2021

Congratulations to Par Portfolio Company, Sunamp, on signing a deal worth up to £50 million over the next 5 years with distribution company Thumos to...

Par Equity Expands into the North East

29 Jul 2021

We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Par Investor Network into the North East. Chaired by Derek Bulmer , the North East network will allow...

Kibosh Wins Backing of Global Energy Giants to Develop Unique Pipe Repair Technology for Industrial Use

16 Jun 2021

A Scottish plumber turned inventor and entrepreneur has secured the backing of OGTC and some of the world’s biggest energy sector companies to...

Sunamp appoints Hank Torbert, prominent US entrepreneur, as chair

18 May 2021

Par Equity portfolio company, Sunamp, is growing rapidly and experiencing a surge in demand for its thermal battery technology.

Censo Biotechnologies and Axol announce merger and £3.8m investment

18 Mar 2021

Par Equity Portfolio Company, CENSO Biotechnologies has announced its successful merger with Axol Bioscience Ltd, provider of iPSC-derived cells,...

Par Equity Delivers a Successful Exit with the Sale of Symphonic Software

13 Nov 2020

Following our latest exit, Symphonic Trust, we caught up with CEO Derick James to review this successful exit and some of the returns our EIS Fund...

Par Equity Launches Investment Network in Aberdeen

5 Nov 2020

Par Equity is incredibly pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Little to bolster Par’s investment activities in the North East of Scotland...

UniKLasers secures Innovate UK project as part of quantum technology research drive

5 Oct 2020

Par Portfolio Company, UniKLasers , has secured an £800,000 project funded by Innovate UK. The firm will use the money to spearhead the commercial...

Uniklasers secures further £750,000 in funding round to continue expansion

26 May 2020

We are very pleased to announce our continued support of UniKLasers in a £750,000 round of investment, supported by Scottish Enterprise. UniKLasers...

Par Partner, Paul Atkinson, gives insight into how Scotland’s academic entrepreneurial community’ is working to eradicate Covid-19

6 Apr 2020

Paul Atkinson gives insight into how the Scottish Entrepreneurial community is being proactive in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic. He speaks...