A tribute to Peter Cowley (Born September 1955: Died November 2024)

A restless spirit on behalf of those he set out to help and whose lives he wished to enrich, is finally at rest having died peacefully over the weekend at the age of 69 following a long battle with cancer.

In a recent conversation he told me he was resigned to his death despite being frustrated at being denied the opportunity to do more for others in life and in business. He regretted the many downsides to his life along the way but felt they made him stronger and more determined than ever to continue to help others.

He remained incredibly positive despite regular fights with the fates, not least after the loss of two of his three sons in 2009 and 2022, but also through other adversities.

Peter was one of the most honest people I had the pleasure to meet. He liked to spend time with people he was set to support or work with so that he knew exactly who and what he would be dealing with. I found him incredibly loyal and straightforward to work with – never any bull or flim-flam.

A good business executive in his own right, Peter was also proactive in a broader sphere: He co-founded the VC enterprise Martlet Capital and was also President of the European Business Angels Network – a role to which he brought inspiration and perspiration in equal measure. Brutally honest and exceptionally hard-working, one always knew where one was in dealing with Peter Cowley.

Claire Ruskin, Executive Director at Cambridge Network, put it rather nicely in a tribute on the Cambridge Network website today: “Peter will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude by many.

“He helped individuals, start-ups and companies and made a difference around the world. Peter spoke at an event we held for him in April and continued to publish his thinking as he was treated for cancer.

“You can read Peter’s three books including the recent ‘Public Success, Private Grief’ to understand more about his contributions to the worlds of start-ups, angel investors and entrepreneurship. Our thoughts are with all those who were close to him.”

One suspects, knowing how far the tentacles of his years of influence spread not just around Cambridge but internationally, that “those who were close to him” were widespread and legion.

Despite best intentions and genuine regard, words are hopelessly inadequate at times like this. I have always preferred to lean on memories. And all of mine involving Peter are fond and heartfelt.