Jill Jones
Jill Jones is a passionate advocate for diversity in investment and entrepreneurship.
As Co-founder of Women Angels of Wales (WAW), Wales’ first female-focused business angel investing syndicate, Jill is dedicated to empowering female-led businesses by providing investment, mentorship, and a supportive network.
Established in 2022 with the backing of the Development Bank of Wales and the British Business Bank, WAW has grown into a thriving community of almost 50 women investors. The syndicate leverages co-investment opportunities, helping to fuel the growth of Welsh female-led ventures.
Jill is an inaugural member of the newly formed WomenINvestEU network, an initiative focused on addressing the lack of gender diversity in the investment space and its impact on the funding of women-led companies. A core aim of this initiative is to build a sustainable community to empower both women and men across the investment and finance supply chain across Europe to collaborate and connect on this important issue.
Jill has a master’s in entrepreneurship and an extensive entrepreneurial background in both optometry and in the property sectors. She has also recently completed a PhD at Cardiff Business School.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led research on the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. She then secured an Economic and Social Research Council Impact Accelerator Award (ESRC IAA) to develop online training workshops in collaboration with Cardiff Business School, equipping female founders with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
A seasoned entrepreneur and business angel investor, Jill has pioneered new models for mission-driven syndicates. She organises regular pitch events, connecting investors with entrepreneurs in a supportive environment, and actively engages in public discourse through webinars, guest columns, and panel discussions on inclusive entrepreneurship.
She has collaborated with Women on Boards, Cardiff Corporate Governance Group, and Cardiff University to host events that spotlight female leadership and innovation. Her contributions have earned national recognition, most notably as a finalist for the Investment in Diversity Champion award at the UK Business Angel Association (UKBAA) Awards 2024.
As a Cardiff Business School alumna, Jill’s deep-rooted connection to the school, combined with her commitment to inclusive investment, makes her a valuable addition to the entrepreneurial community.
Jill was nominated to be an entrepreneur in residence by Dr Katherine Parsons.
