Sherry Coutu is widely recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s most influential business leaders, bringing together a rare blend of entrepreneurial experience, investment insight, and dedication to social and economic growth. Her career spans decades of building companies, advising boards, championing innovation, and leading initiatives that equip the next generation for success. From founding a pioneering online investment platform to influencing national policy on business growth, Coutu’s journey is a testament to her vision, determination, and commitment to the UK’s economic future.
Early Life and Education
Born in Canada in 1964, Sherry Coutu demonstrated academic excellence from an early age. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, graduating with first-class honours in 1986. Recognising her potential for leadership and intellectual rigour, she pursued postgraduate education in the UK, earning a Master’s degree in Economics with distinction from the London School of Economics.
Coutu’s academic journey did not end there. She was accepted into Harvard Business School, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, where she obtained her MBA in 1993. This strong academic foundation equipped her with a sophisticated understanding of economics, business strategy, and global markets—skills she would later put to use in a variety of entrepreneurial and investment ventures.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Interactive Investor International
In 1994, Coutu founded Interactive Investor International, an innovative online investment platform that transformed the way people accessed financial information and traded shares. At a time when the internet was still in its infancy, her foresight into the potential of digital platforms for personal investing was remarkable.
Under her leadership, the company expanded rapidly, becoming one of the UK’s leading financial websites. By 2000, Interactive Investor International was listed on the London Stock Exchange—an impressive achievement for a young tech company. The following year, it was acquired by the Australian financial services giant AMP, a move that allowed Coutu to shift her focus towards mentoring, investing, and philanthropy.
Transition to Angel Investing
Following the sale of her company, Coutu became an active angel investor, providing capital and guidance to over fifty early-stage businesses. Her investment portfolio includes a diverse mix of technology start-ups, high-growth enterprises, and socially impactful ventures.
Her approach to investing goes beyond financial backing—she is known for her hands-on involvement, offering strategic advice and using her network to open doors for founders. Coutu’s investments often target businesses with the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s economy, reflecting her deep belief in entrepreneurship as a driver of societal progress.
The Scale-Up Report and Policy Influence
In 2014, Sherry Coutu authored the Scale-Up Report on UK Economic Growth, a landmark study commissioned by the UK’s Digital Economy Council. The report highlighted the challenges faced by mid-sized companies—those past the start-up stage but not yet global giants—and made recommendations for how to support them.
Her findings emphasised that scale-ups play a disproportionately large role in job creation and economic expansion. By focusing attention on this often overlooked segment, Coutu helped shape national dialogue and influence policies aimed at fostering an environment in which these businesses could thrive.
Founders4Schools and Youth Empowerment
Coutu’s passion for education and opportunity is perhaps most evident in her work with Founders4Schools, a charity she founded to bridge the gap between education and the working world. The organisation connects schoolchildren with successful entrepreneurs, giving them direct exposure to inspiring role models.
The aim is to raise young people’s aspirations, improve employability, and provide them with a realistic understanding of the skills required in the modern economy. Thousands of students have benefited from these interactions, gaining confidence and insight into possible career paths.
Launch of Workfinder
In 2017, Coutu launched Workfinder, a digital platform designed to help young people, particularly those aged 16 to 24, secure placements with fast-growing companies. Workfinder acts as a bridge between emerging talent and scale-up businesses, ensuring that both parties benefit from fresh ideas, energy, and new skills.
The initiative reflects Coutu’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, ensuring that opportunities are available to young people regardless of background, while also helping high-growth businesses access the talent they need.
The ScaleUp Institute
In collaboration with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, Coutu established the ScaleUp Institute in 2015. This organisation focuses on closing the “scale-up gap” in the UK by providing resources, research, and policy advocacy to help businesses expand both domestically and internationally.
The ScaleUp Institute has since become a vital voice in the UK’s economic strategy, working alongside government, academia, and the private sector to identify and address barriers to growth. Coutu’s leadership in this area has ensured that the needs of scale-up businesses remain high on the policy agenda.
Board Memberships and Leadership Roles
Over the years, Sherry Coutu has held numerous high-profile board and advisory roles, lending her expertise to both commercial enterprises and public institutions. These have included positions with:
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Raspberry Pi Trading Ltd
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London Stock Exchange plc
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Pearson plc
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The Royal Society’s Advisory Board
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UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Her governance skills, strategic vision, and commitment to ethical leadership have made her an invaluable asset to the organisations she serves.
In May 2025, she joined the board of Phoenix Group as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, further expanding her influence in corporate governance.
Awards and Honours
Sherry Coutu’s contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades. In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to entrepreneurship.
Her other honours include:
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Induction into the BIMA Hall of Fame
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Winner of the Veuve Clicquot Social Purpose Award
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Named “Most Influential Woman” by Women in UK IT in 2017
These awards reflect both her business achievements and her dedication to social impact.
A Champion for Women in Business
As a successful female entrepreneur and investor in a field historically dominated by men, Coutu has also become an important role model for women in business. She actively supports initiatives that encourage female participation in entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership roles, helping to pave the way for future generations.
Her advocacy work has contributed to a gradual cultural shift in the UK business environment, highlighting the benefits of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and performance.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Coutu’s philanthropic focus extends beyond education and business growth. She has supported a range of causes, from technological literacy and science education to initiatives aimed at reducing inequality in the job market.
Her work demonstrates a consistent belief that sustainable economic growth must be inclusive, with opportunities available to people from all backgrounds and regions.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Today, Sherry Coutu remains deeply involved in the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her influence is evident in the thriving network of start-ups, scale-ups, and charitable organisations she has nurtured. She continues to advise governments, mentor founders, and invest in promising ventures—always with a focus on long-term value creation.
Her legacy will not only be measured by the companies she built or the investments she made, but also by the countless individuals whose lives have been enriched by her vision, mentorship, and advocacy.
Conclusion
Sherry Coutu’s story is one of foresight, resilience, and service. From launching a pioneering digital investment platform to shaping national economic policy and empowering the next generation, she has left an indelible mark on the UK’s business landscape.
Her work serves as a reminder that true leadership combines commercial success with a commitment to societal progress. For aspiring entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors alike, Sherry Coutu offers a powerful example of what can be achieved when vision is matched with action.
