Rakesh Murria

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Chief Operations Officer at Ascension

Walton-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Rakesh is the COO at Ascension, a seed-stage venture capital firm. With over 20 years in telecoms and tech at companies like EE and Orange, he has extensive experience in strategy and commercialization. Colleagues describe him as intelligent, commercially aware, and energetic. He holds a BSc from the University of London.

He is actively engaged with the UKs regional tech hubs, such as the growing ecosystem in Belfast. His commentary on social media reveals a humorous and observant perspective on emerging tech trends, particularly the use of AI in daily business communications. He follows publications like WIRED and the Financial Times.

Before entering venture capital, he co-founded the FinTech company Canopy and led a successful strategic turnaround of a major home broadband unit.

Personality Overview

Non-Confrontational

Optimistic

Consensus Focused

They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional.  They are generally friendly, so be careful when relying on their word. Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.

Topics They Care About

Seed-Stage Investing
As COO of Ascension, he focuses on backing and managing investments in the next generation of early-stage technology and impact founders across the UK.
FinTech Innovation
He co-founded and served as CMO for Canopy, a FinTech offering, and was instrumental in its fundraising from firms like Experian and Direct Line Group.
Impact Ventures
Ascension is backed by institutions like Better Society Capital, and Rakesh is involved in investing in startups that aim to create positive social or environmental impact.

Media Appearances

Rakesh has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2019
Chief Operations Officer at Ascension
2-2017 - 4-2018
Co-Founder at Canopy
2-2017 - 4-2018
Chief Marketing Officer at Canopy
5-2010 - 7-2016
Director of Products at EE
4-2007 - 7-2010
Head of Strategy at Orange UK

Education

9-1995 - 6-1998
BSc from University of London

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 21 Location : Walton-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Operations Officer at Ascension
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Insights For Selling To Rakesh

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to interesting customer testimonials and stress on great customer experience
  • Maintain high, positive energy and convey confidence
  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible

DONT's

  • Don’t ask too many questions in one go, weave them into the flow
  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Rakesh is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Rakesh

  • They will hardly ever say a direct no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Rakesh move?

  • Even when they are constantly engaged, they do not reach decisions quickly.
  • Can Rakesh take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And Rakesh

Personality Compatibility


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