GITA PATEL
Gita Patel, director of Stargate Capital Investment Group and founder of Trapezia, London

Gita Patel graduated from The London School of Economics in 1977 and went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant at Arthur Anderson. Gita then spent five years working with Gulf Oil before moving to the NatWest Banking Group where she held a number of senior management positions over her 15 years with the company. It was here that she witnessed the difficulties that many women faced when trying to gain equity funding to grow and develop their own businesses. In 2004, Gita Patel founded Stargate Capital management and the visionary Trapezia concept was born.

Trapezia is the first equity fund dedicated not only to providing funding for female entrepreneurs, but also extending the business relationship to provide a hands-on support network. It is about harnessing entrepreneurial spirit, removing unnecessary barriers and supporting women focused businesses.

Gita has seeded a number of female entrepreneurial ventures and continues to improve access to funding for women's business through the Trapezia fund. As a result of her contributions to aiding women in business, Gita is listed in the 2005 Asian Power 100 as one of the most influential Asians in Great Britain today.

Gita also serves on the advisory board of the Trestle Group Foundation, which looks to bridge the economic divide between developed and developing countries by promoting women's leadership and entrepreneurial skills in developing countries.

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