Susannah Nicklin has been appointed as Frog’s new non-executive Chair, succeeding Martin Hauge after 7 years with the team. As a non-executive director at Frog since early 2022, she has intimate knowledge of Frog’s Positive Growth Equity focus – our purpose-driven software scale-up investment strategy, our portfolio and Operating Partner model.
Susannah is a seasoned industry expert with a distinguished track record, and has a unique blend of skills and experiences gathered from her time at Goldman Sachs, Pantheon International Plc, Schroders BSC Social Impact Trust plc, Baronsmead Venture Trust amongst others as well as having co-led her own software start-up.
Mike Reid, Senior Partner commented, “We are delighted to have Susannah as our new Chair and would like to convey a huge thank you to Martin for all his advice and guidance over the last seven years. With extensive LP, GP, wealth management and entrepreneurial experience, Susannah is a major asset. Her values and energy align very well with Frog’s focus on purpose-led scale-up leaders.”
“It has been a privilege to work with Martin over the last two years and his shrewd judgment, investing skill and dedication to the team will remain in Frog’s DNA for years to come,” commented Susannah Nicklin on her appointment. “I am thrilled to take up the mantle as chair for the next stage of growth. Frog has a diverse and talented team, harnessing shared values and deep expertise to fund and build Europe’s next generation of world-class software businesses. I look forward to working with the team and our current and new LPs as we raise our third growth fund, scaling Frog to be a sought-after partner for high quality, high growth companies in our focus sectors. We see very compelling opportunities, bringing capital and collaboration to back entrepreneurs creating products that help people and businesses thrive in a world of great change and complexity.”
Martin Hauge, the outgoing Chair, expressed his confidence in the firm’s future. Martin has overseen a strong run of 7 profitable exits since 2018 and no write-downs during his tenure, setting the firm up with for their third software growth equity fund targeting the underserved lower end of the growth equity market.
“When I met Mike, Jens and Steven almost 8 years ago, I originally agreed to a maximum of 5 years, but two extra years must mean something was going well. Now it is time for a change. All companies need new ideas, perspectives and I am very happy that Susannah is taking on the role. I have worked with her for the past 2 years and she has already brought great ideas. She has different experiences from me with a private equity background, brings different culture and a new network to Frog,” said Martin, “I am looking forward to remaining a firm Frog friend and investor alongside other funds and companies, and seeing them go from strength to strength.”
Susannah’s appointment is continued progress Frog’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership. 40% of Frog’s investment committee are now women.
