Peter Cowley’s Legacy and Impact on CAMentrepreneurs

A tribute by 

Richard Lucas, Founder

Peter Cowley, co-founder of CAMentrepreneurs, profoundly shaped our community through his example and unwavering support. For a deeper understanding of his remarkable life, please see the bio and links below.

We pay tribute to Peter’s enduring contribution by actively embedding his values in all that CAMentrepreneurs does. Our ongoing commitment is to uphold his standards and principles, making them a living part of our culture.

How Peter’s Values Guide CAMentrepreneurs

  • Early Advocacy and Generous Support
    Peter was instrumental in launching and growing CAMentrepreneurs. He encouraged me prior to the start, generously lent his reputation to a then unknown and unusual initiative, and provided committed support from the very beginning. Peter attended events in cities worldwide at his own expense, gave talks whenever needed, and prioritized mentoring and following up with everyone who requested it.

  • Principled Leadership
    Peter modelled transparency, fairness, honesty, respect, and inclusivity. He always placed entrepreneurs at the center, supported people at all stages, ensured efficiency and reliability, and expected excellent organization. His openness to new connections and willingness to discuss mistakes demonstrated a rare commitment to integrity and learning.

  • Inspiration Through Adversity
    Peter’s life embodied resilience; despite personal tragedy, he continued to inspire and participate fully, showing courage and purpose right to the end.

The Legacy We Commit To

  • Open, inclusive access:
    CAMentrepreneurs is “Cambridge and,” not “Cambridge only.” Our groups welcome everyone, regardless of background.

  • Participant-oriented, structured networking:
    Peter appreciated well-run events, where participants are able to gain tangible value through purposeful networking. We will keep this as a core part of our event structure.

  • Reliable organization and punctuality:
    Excellence in structure and timekeeping is non-negotiable. We aim to be professional.

  • Transparency and honesty:
    Open communication and integrity remain core values.

  • Entrepreneurs first:
    We cherish investors, but founders and entrepreneurs come first. Attracting and empowering great entrepreneurs naturally brings investors to our events.

  • Respect and tolerance:
    “We welcome all, who welcome all”.

  • Support at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey:
    Success is celebrated, but we recognize that every successful person/organisation was once a startup or beginner. Helping others progress is fundamental to our mission.

  • Culture of contribution:
    Peter gave generously to the communities he was involved in. At CAMentrepreneurs, contribution is part of our culture. We ask, “How can I help?”—believing that when we all give more than we take, everyone benefits.

Peter Cowley: A Brief Biography

Public Success

  • Invested in 76 start-ups; UK Business Angel of the Year 2014/15; recipient of the Most Successful Exit of the Year 2021 (EBAN).

  • Served as President of the European Business Angels Network (EBAN) and board member of the Global Business Angel Network (GBAN).

  • Received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University.

  • Chairman of The Cambridge Angels; Investment Director of Martlet Capital; led 30 investment deals; director on over 40 boards; founded fourteen businesses.

Private Grief

  • Persevered through immense personal loss, including the suicide of two children, premature death of his ex-wife, sister, and brother, alongside two decades in recovery from alcoholism and public battle with cancer, from which he died in November 2024.

Links

Peter’s legacy endures in every connection, event, and contribution CAMentrepreneurs makes. By embracing his standards and values, we ensure that his impact will inspire and guide future generations of entrepreneurs and supporters.

Tomi “TD” Davies shared this moving reflection at Peter’s memorial service.