Baltic Ventures, a flagship early-stage tech accelerator and investment platform based in Liverpool City Region, has appointed co-founder and chair Carl Wong (pictured, centre) as its new CEO.
The appointment follows a recruitment process that began in November 2025 following the announcement that Claire Lewis (left) is to step down from the role.
Wong is a Liverpool-born entrepreneur and technology founder. Alongside David Woods (right), he co-founded LivingLens, a research technology platform built in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle and acquired by global experience management company Medallia in 2020.
Woods will now also join the executive team, taking on the role of chief commercial & operating officer.
An active investor and advisor, he will work closely with Wong to strengthen commercial delivery and investor engagement as Baltic Ventures expands its impact.
Since launching in Spring 2023, Baltic Ventures’tom Accelerator and Launchpad programmes have supported more than 50 high-growth, early-stage technology companies. Through bootcamps and workshops, over 300 founders across the city region have engaged with its programmes.
The Baltic Ventures angel syndicate has invested more than £1.2 million, with portfolio companies going on to raise over £12m in follow-on funding to date.
As CEO, Wong says he will sharpen focus on commercial sustainability, strengthening capital pathways and scaling the region’s innovation infrastructure.
“Baltic Ventures was created on the belief that world-class technology companies can and should be built from the Liverpool City Region,” he said. “Having experienced that journey first-hand with LivingLens, I know what is possible here.
“Over the past three years, strong foundations have been established and exceptional founders have been backed. The opportunity ahead is significant.
“Our focus now is on deepening commercial strength, expanding access to capital and increasing ambition for founders building globally scalable businesses from this region.”
Lewis said: “Carl is deeply connected to Baltic Ventures’ purpose and mission. No one better understands the journey of building and scaling a technology company from this region.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have built over the past five years and confident that, together with David and the wider team, Carl will lead Baltic Ventures into a bold and commercially focused new phase.”
Baltic Ventures was established following a £4.1m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with a mandate to unlock opportunities for early-stage digital and emerging technology founders.