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Full Circle Capital

John Ayton

Co-Founder & Chairman

Annoushka

London, UK

Biography

John Ayton MBE co-founded luxury jewellery brands, Links of London and Annoushka, and is an active investor and mentor to new businesses.

As Founder & Chair of Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow since 2007, John has mentored over sixty growing British luxury brands including Bremont, Charlotte Olympia, Me & Em, Wolf & Badger, Otis Battersbee, Field Candy and Business of Fashion.

John’s began his career as a commercial lawyer in Hong Kong and the City of London. In 2012 he was awarded an MBE in HM The Queen's New Years' Honours list for services to the UK jewellery industry.

John Ayton’s Newsfeed

The Telegraph

Ever dreamed of opening your own country pub? This is what you should know

“There’s definitely a sense of giving something back to the community; it’s vital to keep village pubs alive,” says John Ayton. “During lockdown we cooked and delivered free meals to vulnerable people who were isolating locally.

Financial Times

Annoushka looks to resume China growth as lockdown lifts

John Ayton, co-founder of jewellery brand Annoushka, has been mentioned in the Financial Times.

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John Ayton’s Background

Annoushka

Co-Founder & Chairman

May 2008 - Present

London, UK

Annoushka is the eponymous fine jewellery brand created by designer Annoushka Ducas MBE and the leading fine jewellery brand in Harrods Designer Jewellery, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge and Liberty.

Orlebar Brown

Investor & Chairman

May 2009 - Present

London, UK

Founded in 2007 Orlebar Brown is a fast-growing British style-led resort and swimwear brand.

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John Ayton’s Gallery

Other Business Interests

Cass Sculpture Foundation

Chairman

Mar 2015 - Present

Cass Sculpture Foundation is an independent commissioning body dedicated to commissioning new work from emerging and established artists. It was developed as a charitable foundation in 1992 by Wilfred and Jeannette Cass.

GRIND

Investor & Director

Feb 2014 - Present

London, UK

An exciting new retail coffee concept which genuinely differentiates itself from the competition and also transforms into a cocktail bar at night.

Current Board Positions

Artemis Alpha Trust Plc

Non-Executive Director

Jun 2015 - Present

London, UK

Artemis Alpha Trust is an asset management firm based in the United Kingdom that focuses on UK, European and international equities. The business is focused creating long-term capital and income growth by focusing on investments into listed companies.

The Restory Ltd

Investor & Board Advisor

Oct 2019 - Present

London, UK

The Restory offers repair and restoration services for premium leather goods. The business prides themselves in delivering superior service and convenience.

Dash Water

Seed Investor & Board Advisor

Apr 2018 - Present

Dash Water is a healthier and more sustainable substitute for traditional soft drinks. The modern and innovative brand focuses on infusing British spring water with fresh produce in order to ensure their products contain no sugar, sweeteners or calories.

feast it

Seed Investor & Board Observer

Nov 2017 - Present

London, UK

Feast It helps customers discover and book the country’s best suppliers for their event.

Wejo Limited

Seed Investor

Nov 2014 - Present

Tattenhall, UK

Wejo Limited offers online automotive data services to customers around the world. The business provides a trading platform for connected car data as well as analytics.

Mr. Hare

Seed Investor & Chairman

Jul 2012 - Nov 2015

London, UK

Mr Hare was a high-end British shoe brand founded by Marc Hare in 2008. It provided luxury leather shoes to male customers all around the world through online sales and two retail stores in London.

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John Ayton’s Education

University of Oxford

Modern History

1980 - 1983

Oundle School

1974 - 1979