Launching and supporting a technology investment portfolio

Chroma Ventures is the investment arm of technology entrepreneurs Chris van der Kuyl and Paddy Burns, founders of 4J Studios.

Established in 2021, Chroma Ventures consolidates existing investments while providing a structured vehicle for future technology investments. With an international outlook, the firm deploys flexible capital into early-stage and growth businesses with high potential, particularly those developing data-led and those developing and deploying innovative technology.

The Challenge

Chroma Ventures was preparing to launch as a new investment vehicle, timed to coincide with a major product launch from one of its portfolio companies.

The team needed to establish early credibility, build awareness of the venture, and attract the right type of investment opportunities, all under a tight schedule. Launching under this time pressure required careful coordination across internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring that Chroma Ventures’ brand, communications, and operational readiness were fully aligned.

Over the period ahead, several portfolio companies were navigating commercial challenges and needed focused insight to help clarify priorities and accelerate progress.

The Solution

Robertson Collaborate worked alongside the Chroma Ventures team to plan and coordinate the venture’s launch.

Working closely with PR partner Charlotte Street Partners and creative agency Elastic Creative, Robertson Collaborate helped ensure messaging, partners, and communications activity were aligned to establish a clear market presence for the new investment firm.

During this period, John also provided commercial input to a number of portfolio companies facing specific challenges, bringing an experienced commercial perspective. This included advising on sales and marketing strategy, exploring publishing and distribution models in the games sector. Many of these engagements sat within the wider entrepreneurial and technology ecosystem in which Robertson Collaborate operates.

Key Contributions

• Alignment for launch: Helped shape messaging, positioning and communications to establish early credibility for a new investment venture
• Stakeholder coordination: Worked alongside internal team and external partners to ensure a joined-up approach under tight timelines
• Market positioning: Supported the development of a clear and credible presence within Scotland’s technology and investment ecosystem
• Commercial input to portfolio companies: Provided targeted advice to founders on sales, marketing and growth challenges
• Strategic perspective on growth models: Advised on routes to market, including publishing and distribution approaches within the games sector
• Ecosystem insight: Applied experience across the entrepreneurial and technology landscape to support both venture positioning and portfolio development

The Result

Chroma Ventures launched successfully in March 2021, generating widespread media coverage and establishing itself quickly within Scotland’s technology investment ecosystem. Through this work, the venture established a strong market presence, while portfolio companies navigated early growth challenges more confidently, clarified commercial priorities, and accelerated progress toward their strategic goals.