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Solid Bond

Manchester, UK · Invests in UK · Website

Pre-SeedSeedConsumer Apps & SocialE-commerce & MarketplacesB2B SaaSHealthcare & BiotechEnterprise SoftwareHealthcare & Digital HealthHR Tech & Future of Work

Thesis

Operator-led pre-seed VC for UK B2B SaaS and tech-enabled startups. Steve Caunce (ex-CEO AO.com, floated at $1.5B) and Shaz Sulaman invest before product or revenue model is defined, backing founder potential and fit over sector. Support is hands-on: sales strategy, financial forecasting, and GTM guidance from operators who have built and scaled real businesses.

Likely not a fit for

No life sciences, engineering, deep tech, gambling, or alcohol. Not a fit for founders who don't want active operator involvement.

How they invest

Lead or follow
Usually leads
Typical decision
~2 weeks
Warm intro
Not required
Involvement
Advisor
Fund status
Actively deploying
Decision process
Partnership vote

Partners & team

6 contacts on file

MM

Michael McKeown

PartnerPartner · Primary contact

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m•••@so•••.com

LinkedIn profile

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SS

Shaz Sulaman

General PartnerCo-founder

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s•••@so•••.com

LinkedIn profile

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SC

Steve Caunce

General PartnerCo-founder

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s•••@so•••.com

LinkedIn profile

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DD

Dan Dudley

Platform & OpsFinance and Commercial Director

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d•••@so•••.com

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AD

Andrew Deeley

AssociateAssociate

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a•••@so•••.com

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ZS

Zayn Sulaman

AssociateAssociate

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z•••@so•••.com

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Portfolio

PixelMax
GoJoe
SaledockEnterprise Software

Saledock offers an all-in-one ePOS and eCommerce platform designed for UK retailers, providing seamless inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and actionable retail insights.

Clicksit
This is UnfoldedEcommerce Marketplaces

This is Unfolded is a sustainable clothing brand that focuses on producing garments on demand to eliminate waste. The company involves its community in the design process and uses savings from reduced waste to offer affordable prices while supporting garment workers and funding education for children.

InHausEnterprise Software

The InHaus Group specializes in providing innovative solutions for construction and property development.

Veo WorldEcommerce Marketplaces

VeoWorld.com is a domain for sale, offering a simple and safe way to buy or lease domain names.

Mapmate
HarperHr Tech Work

Harper is an AI-driven recruiting tool that uses internet data to find top engineers and researchers. It offers pricing plans for teams, including Pro and Max.

True PhysioHealthcare Digital

True Physio provides physiotherapy and sports therapy services across the North of England, helping individuals manage pain and recover through personalized treatment plans.

Pharmacy Innovation Lab
ValidifyEcommerce Marketplaces

Validify is a private community for senior retail and consumer brand leaders, focusing on networking, shared insights, and innovation in retail technology and AI. The community hosts events that foster peer-to-peer discussions and connections with vetted retail technology partners.

Recent activity

Solid Bond in the news

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Research briefRead more
Solid Bond Research Investment Thesis Solid Bond is a Manchester-based UK pre-seed venture capital firm founded by operators Steve Caunce and Shaz Sulaman. The firm's core thesis is that the most valuable support a first-time investor can provide is not just capital, but genuine hands-on operational expertise — "support that's as valuable as the capital." The founders bring 20+ years of experience

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