Richard Harpin: From Early Entrepreneur to Growth-Stage Investor

Richard Harpin is a British entrepreneur best known for founding HomeServe, the home repair and improvement business launched in 1993. Originally conceived as a subscription-based plumbing cover service, HomeServe evolved into a multinational operation serving over 8.5 million customers across nine countries. The company was taken public in 2004 and eventually sold to Brookfield Asset Management in 2023 for £4.1 billion. At the time of the sale, HomeServe was generating over £1.5 billion in annual revenue with EBITDA exceeding £300 million.

Following the sale of HomeServe, Harpin established Growth Partner, a UK-based investment firm focused on supporting founder-led consumer businesses. Drawing directly from his 30 years of operational experience, Harpin set up the firm with an emphasis on long-term partnerships, minority stakes, and strategic guidance. Backed by personal capital rather than institutional funds, Growth Partner has invested in a range of growth-stage UK businesses including Passenger Clothing, Stubble & Co, and Easy Bathrooms. The investment model prioritizes business fundamentals, sustainable growth, and founder alignment.

Beyond capital, Harpin is also active in promoting entrepreneurship across the UK through initiatives such as the acquisition of Business Leader, a media and peer-network platform, and the launch of the Growth 500 index. His broader mission includes helping double the number of large UK companies by providing mentorship, resources, and exposure to high-growth opportunities. Harpin's work is further supported by philanthropic initiatives like The Enterprise Trust, which promotes youth entrepreneurship and vocational skills.

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