Peter Cowley dies at 69: A tribute to the celebrated Cambridge entrepreneur and angel investor
By Paul Brackley & Carole Aye Maung Kyles
Peter Cowley, the celebrated entrepreneur and serial investor, died peacefully at his home in Cambridge on Saturday (16 November), surrounded by his family. He was 69.
In his private life, Peter was a loving husband, father and stepfather.
In public, he was best known as one of Europe’s most generous angel investors and a prolific supporter of global entrepreneurship.
Tributes have poured in for Peter, who was diagnosed at the end of 2021 with terminal stage 4 lung cancer and faced it with extraordinary resilience.
Joining the hundreds responding to a post from his family on LinkedIn, entrepreneur Dr Soraya Jones said she was “heartbroken”, adding: “He will be missed terribly but will never be forgotten - a legend who gave his time so selflessly to helping others.”
Prof Andy Neely, professor of manufacturing at University of Cambridge, wrote: “Peter really was an inspiration.”
Sheila Kissane-Marshall, CEO of Boutros Bear, said: “Through his diagnosis and treatment he continued to inspire us, in the way he’s travelled the world fulfilling his bucket list and his relentless drive to the very end – two half marathons in the last two years, whilst on treatment and countless miles under foot and countries travelled.”
And Chris Keen, head of emerging companies at Mishcon de Reya, said: “Most people can only hope to leave any kind of legacy. In my view, Peter has left at least three: that of a remarkable career in industry; the lasting impact of his enormous contribution as an investor, mentor, and advisor to so many entrepreneurs; and the bravery and candour with which he battled his illness.
“Each remarkable in their own right, but together the mark of a life truly well lived and the enduring memory of a man who we shall miss with great sadness.”
Born in Hull on 30 September, 1955, Peter gained a degree from the University of Cambridge and later an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University.
He went on to spend his lifetime generously ploughing his money into 76 technology start-ups and founding a dozen technology companies of his own.
He was president emeritus of the European Business Angels Network (EBAN), having been elected president in June 2018, a board member of the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN), a former chair of the Cambridge Angels; a non-executive director of the UK Business Angel Association and, in 2014, attained the ultimate investor crown: UK Angel of the Year.
Listed among the world’s business elite, Peter featured as one of The Maserati 100, The Sunday Times’ impactful entrepreneur rankings. He sat on the board of 40 companies, was trustee of seven charities and among his many enterprises, was co-founder of Cambridge-based investment firm Martlet Capital.
In 2023, he was handed the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards, where he told the audience about his career as an unstinting mentor to hundreds of fledgling entrepreneurs.
His first book, The Invested Investor, swiftly became recognised as the bible of the start-up community – and it remains so today.
He published 80 podcasts and three books – two of which were for angel investors and entrepreneurs – and, in later life, became an enthusiastic and popular speaker, travelling the world to share his business experiences, good and bad, inspiring entrepreneurs and angel investors alike.
Beyond his triumph in the business world, Peter's personal journey was far from easy.
He battled alcoholism for a decade before reaching and retaining sobriety.
The most devastating blows, however, came in the form of unimaginable personal loss.
He lost two of his three sons to suicide and his younger brother to cancer, which fuelled his relentless drive and ambition as well as his philanthropy.
Choosing to confront his grief head-on, Peter became an advocate for suicide prevention, supporting charities like PAPYRUS, Prevention Of Young Suicide.
He approached his devastating cancer diagnosis with the same resilience and stoicism with which he had faced the earlier unfathomable tragedies in his life.
He channelled his pain into writing his third and final book, Public Success, Private Grief, written and published earlier this year – a testament to overcoming adversity.
He leaves behind a wealth of knowledge imparted to countless business people, which will continue to be handed down from generation to generation.
Peter lived by the motto: “Don't waste your life: Grasp opportunities, contribute to others' lives, but also find time for yourself.”
The philosophy resonated throughout his extraordinary life, which will remain an inspiration to others.
Peter is survived by his wife Liesbeth Blom, his son Matt Cowley, Peter’s stepdaughters Catherine and Miri, and Peter’s former spouse Alison Lloyd (dissolved 2023).
A funeral for family and close friends in late 2024 will be followed by a memorial event in early 2025, allowing a wider circle to celebrate Peter's life. More information and updates about the two events will be posted on petercowley.org/2024-blog.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, Centre 33 and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Tributes to Peter
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Peter, including many on LinkedIn, where his family announced his death. Here are a selection.
Claire Ruskin, executive director at Cambridge Network: “Peter will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude by many. He helped individuals, start-ups and companies and made a difference around the world.”
Ludo Chapman, business mentor: “Peter was a great friend and a huge inspiration to me and many others. I will miss you Peter.”
Steven Wilson, head of innovation, business engagement and inward investment, Freeport East: “Desperately sad news, but what a life lived and advice so generously shared to ensure an enduring, shining legacy.”
Chris Bruce, strategic management consultant: “Peter was as in inspiration right to the end. His recent book signing event in London was so touching and he was so frank about his journey. He will be missed by many.”
Prof Rameen Shakur, founder of Cambridge Heartwear: “Peter was a fighter till the end and his unyielding support for many in the start-up and tech world in the UK especially in Cambridge will be felt throughout.”
Tamara Sword, founder, Thought LDR: “Peter was one of a kind. His legacy will live on through his family, his books and through the literally hundreds of entrepreneurs he supported over the years.”
Martin Clark, CEO, Allia Impact: “Peter was such an inspiration to the last breath. We must all remember him by keeping his legacy and principles alive.”
Tom Britton, co-founder, SyndicateRoom: “Before diving into an analysis of what was going well or poorly and what our plans were going forward Peter always asked about us as individuals. Were we happy, were we coping, were we still motivated? Peter, like most angels, hoped for exits but he invested so much more in the people and at the end of the day he took pride in seeing us succeed as people, with or without the financial returns. Thank you Peter for all you've done for me and for us SyndicateRoom.”
Paul Brackley, editor, Cambridge Independent: “Peter was an extraordinary person, who led an extraordinary life. His impact has been deeply felt by so many in the start-up world and beyond. His legacy is immense.”
