Grant Shapps

Former British Secretary of State for Defence, Grant held five Secretary of State roles, inc. Transport and Business, where he led national initiatives across innovation, infrastructure and energy security. With a deep understanding of how public policy intersects with technology, he brings strategic insight and geopolitical perspective to 7percent.

He has spent two decades shaping UK policy in areas including aerospace, advanced manufacturing and defence innovation, and now helps founders navigate how to scale technologies with global impact.

Grant’s extensive network across government, industry and academia, along with his passion for cutting-edge science and engineering, makes him a valuable sounding board for both investment strategy and portfolio support.

A long-time believer in the UK’s potential to lead in future technologies, Grant joined the team as Advisor and part-time Partner to help us build a new generation of transformative companies.Outside of work, Grant is a keen aviator with a private pilot’s licence. He’s usually happiest at 3,000 feet or can be found exploring aviation tech on the ground!