Carlyle takes on software director

Former analyst Michael Wand brings ‘deep insight into the software landscape' to the group.

Venture capital group Carlyle has appointed Michael Wand director of software infrastructure investments within Carlyle Europe Venture Partners, its technology investment fund.

Wand joins from Deutsche Bank, where he headed a team of six analysts working in European internet research.

Jacques Garaialde, managing director of Carlyle’s Europe Venture Partners fund, said: “Michael's reputation as a talented analyst in the software sector is very high. He is a valuable addition to our team, bringing with him deep insight into the software landscape and a strong network among European technology entrepreneurs. In the current environment I believe it is more important than ever to create teams dedicated to specific sectors of the technology market. By adopting this concentrated focus we will source and execute strong deals in Europe.”

The new director was ranked No.1 by the 2001 Reuters Survey (European Larger Companies) in the new internet software & services category, following the same rating in the Reuters European Smaller Companies Survey (Technology) in 2000 and a No.1 rating by Extel for “Understanding the New Economy”.

Wand said that the move was a logical expansion of his career in technology finance. “I was attracted by Carlyle's professional, hands-on investment approach as well as their sector focus and look forward to working closely with portfolio companies,” he added.

Carlyle Europe Venture Partners is a E730m fund that invests in core infrastructure technologies and services. Wand's appointment comes after a couple of high profile departures from the firm. In February this year, Tim Jackson resigned as managing director of the vehicle following the exit of his colleague Jean-Bernard Tellio two months earlier.