Thoma Bravo opens London office, hires Inflexion's Hemmers

Wahida Ahmed
07 September 2022

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US-headquartered technology investor Thoma Bravo has opened a London office, hiring former Inflexion head of technology Irina Hemmers to lead the office and the GP's efforts in the UK and Europe.

The firm has offices in San Francisco, Chicago and Miami, with its London base marking its first office opening in Europe, according to a press release.

Hemmers, who was formerly Inflexion's head of technology, will aim to strengthen the sponsor's foothold in Europe. Prior to her time at Inflexion, she was a partner at Apax Partners, according to the press release.

On the same day as Thoma Bravo's hiring announcement, Inflexion announced two promotions within its technology team: Sergio Ferrarini has been promoted to head of technology, having joined Inflexion from Hg Capital in 2019; while Edd Lynch, who joined Inflexion in 2015, has been promoted to partner, according to a press release.

Thoma Bravo's new London office will act as the firm's hub for the UK and European deals, allowing the GP to access the region's software and technology companies, according to the press release. In the same statement, founder Orlando Bravo described Europe as a "critical market" for the GP's growth.

Following the new office opening, Thoma Bravo plans to continue expanding its presence internationally, according to the press release.

According to press reports, Thoma Bravo is in talks with Darktrace Plc, a UK-based cybersecurity company [DARK:LON], regarding its takeover. Another recent report suggests that Vista Equity Partners may also make a takeover bid for the British cybersecurity firm.

Any takeover of Darktrace, which listed on the London stock exchange last year, will potentially be in line for national security screening if it secures a private equity suitor. Unquote sister publication Mergermarket reported on the challenges Boris Johnson's successor Liz Truss and her government might face when it comes to foreign investments. This includes having to balance free market thinking with national security protection, and the increasing exit of UK owners from strategic technology businesses, the report noted.