The firm hires two key executives to lead European initiatives

Lazard has hired two Numis executives to launch a new group in Europe. The team will focus on European private companies looking for venture capital and growth equity.

The firm hired Garri Jones and Nick James to head a new division called Lazard Venture and Growth Banking. A 10-person team will operate out of London starting in January.

“The team will build on Lazard’s established public equity franchise and leverage [our] global network to provide companies with greater access to capital markets and financial advisory advice throughout their life cycle,” said Lazard UK Chairman William Rucker. “Garri and Nick will bring a different perspective and set of relationships that will broaden the firm’s access to global capital providers and complement and strengthen our global advisory capability.’’

Lazard Launches New London Team

The Lazard Venture and Growth Banking group will focus on connecting global investors with fast-growing firms. Reuters reports it will aim to connect 100 firms to 400 investors in coordination with Lazard’s M&A teams.

The team will host a three-day conference in April 2020. This event will bring “leading companies and global investors together through a series of panel discussions and bespoke investor and company meetings,” the firm said in a statement.

James and Jones previously ran the venture practice at Numis.

Related: US VC Funding and Fintech Deals Dip In Q3