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Erin Platts
CEO ,
Octopus Ventures
Erin joined Octopus Ventures as CEO in January, 2025.
Previously, she held the role of CEO at HSBC Innovation Banking UK, formerly Silicon Valley Bank UK. Over two decades in leadership roles with the institution, she established Silicon Valley Bank UK as a standalone, regulated subsidiary before leading the organisation through the transition period following its sale to HSBC in 2023, scaling operations to over 800 people, across six countries and into the market leading position across the sector.
With a career spent in the US, UK and European tech ecosystems, Erin is an active and vocal spokesperson, championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through partnerships with organisations including Tech Nation, Founder's Forum and the Newton Venture Program.
She's been celebrated as a Top Woman in Fintech by Innovate Finance, and selected by Computer Weekly as one of the top 200 Most Influential Women in Tech. Erin has also held a seat on the boards of both UK Finance and ScaleUp Institute, and remains a UK Trustee at Founders Pledge and an advisory Board member for London Tech Week.
Previously, she held the role of CEO at HSBC Innovation Banking UK, formerly Silicon Valley Bank UK. Over two decades in leadership roles with the institution, she established Silicon Valley Bank UK as a standalone, regulated subsidiary before leading the organisation through the transition period following its sale to HSBC in 2023, scaling operations to over 800 people, across six countries and into the market leading position across the sector.
With a career spent in the US, UK and European tech ecosystems, Erin is an active and vocal spokesperson, championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through partnerships with organisations including Tech Nation, Founder's Forum and the Newton Venture Program.
She's been celebrated as a Top Woman in Fintech by Innovate Finance, and selected by Computer Weekly as one of the top 200 Most Influential Women in Tech. Erin has also held a seat on the boards of both UK Finance and ScaleUp Institute, and remains a UK Trustee at Founders Pledge and an advisory Board member for London Tech Week.