Natalia Blagburn

Natalia is an experienced non-executive director, venture capital investor, and venture board expert. Currently she is a Portfolio Director at Mercia Asset Management PLC, where she supports tech-based high-growth portfolio companies with strategic direction, growth optimization, and board oversight.

Natalia is an internationally recognized researcher and speaker on venture board effectiveness, with a deep expertise in this field. She holds a Doctorate in corporate governance of early ventures and has spoken at conferences, events, and programs, including Goldman Sachs 10,000 SMEs, Bacardi SHE Summit, ScaleUpNation Board Programme, and the Institute of Directors events. She is also a Judge on the Board Impact Awards in the Netherlands.

In addition to her work at Mercia, Natalia is the Chair of North East Women on Boards, a Trustee at Northern Stage Theatre, and has previously served as Vice-Chair and a Governor at GDST Newcastle High School for Girls, as well as a Vice-Chair of the IoD's North East North branch.

Natalia's contributions to governance have been recognized by the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, who named her Governance Champion of the Year in 2022.