B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc, an investor specialising in early-stage financial services businesses, has announced an investment in Ventura Risk Partners Holdings Limited, a newly established insurance broker focused on energy risks within the Lloyd’s and wider London insurance markets.
As part of the transaction, B.P. Marsh has taken a 25% fully diluted equity interest in Ventura for a nominal sum and has also provided a £2.0 million loan facility.
Based in London, Ventura is a start-up brokerage concentrating on energy-related risks in the Lloyd’s and London markets. The company was founded by Alex Taylor, who has built his career in the sector, initially with JLT Group and subsequently at Miller Insurance Services, where he specialised in energy placements. His experience has led to established relationships with both London market underwriters and brokers in North America.
The London energy broking market has experienced consolidation in recent years, resulting in a reduced number of independent specialist providers available to North American retail brokers. Ventura intends to address this by operating independently and focusing on technical expertise in risk placement rather than pursuing scale.
The investment is considered by B.P. Marsh’s board to be in line with its strategy of supporting early-stage insurance intermediary businesses with strong potential. It also represents an opportunity to support Alex Taylor in the initial phase of Ventura’s development.
In connection with the investment, Abigail Benson, Investment Director at B.P. Marsh, has joined Ventura’s board.
Taylor commented: “I am delighted to be launching Ventura Risk Partners with the backing of B.P. Marsh. Their long track record of supporting specialist insurance brokers at an early stage, while allowing management teams the independence to build high-quality businesses, made them an ideal partner for Ventura.
“The London energy market has seen significant consolidation in recent years, and we believe there is a clear opportunity for an independent platform that prioritises technical placement expertise and strong alignment with retail brokers. B.P. Marsh’s support provides us with both the financial backing and the strategic insight needed to establish Ventura on a strong footing as we build the business and selectively expand into adjacent energy and power-related lines.”
Dan Topping, Chief Executive Officer of B.P. Marsh, added: “We are pleased to support the launch of Ventura Risk Partners and to back a specialist platform focused on placing North American energy risks within the Lloyd’s and London markets.
“This investment aligns well with our strategy of partnering with talented management teams at an early stage and providing both capital and strategic support as they build high-quality, specialist insurance businesses.”
