In private, Peter was a loving husband, father and stepfather.
In public, he was better known as one of Europe’s most generous angel investors and a prolific supporter of global entrepreneurship.
Born in Hull on 30th September 1955, he gained a degree from Cambridge University (and later an Honorary Doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University) and spent his lifetime generously ploughing his money into 76 technology startups and founding a dozen technology companies of his own.
He was President Emeritus of the European Business Angels Network (EBAN), having been elected President in June 2018; a board member of the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN); a former chair of the Cambridge Angels; a non-executive director of the UK Business Angel Association; and, in 2014, had attained the ultimate investor crown, UK Angel of the Year.
Listed amongst the world’s business elite, Peter featured as one of The Maserati 100, The Sunday Times’ impactful entrepreneur rankings. He sat on the board of forty companies, was trustee of seven charities and amongst his many enterprises, was co-founder of Cambridge-based investment firm, Martlet Capital.
Perhaps most importantly to Peter, he remained throughout his life and to the end, a sought-after and unstinting mentor to hundreds of fledgling entrepreneurs - and his first book, The Invested Investor, was quickly established, and remains widely recognised, as the bible of the startup community.
He published eighty podcasts and three books (two for angel investors and entrepreneurs) – and, in later life, became an enthusiastic and popular speaker, travelling the world to share his business experiences, good and bad, inspiring entrepreneurs and angel investors alike.
Beyond the business accolades and triumphs, Peter's personal journey was far from easy. He battled alcoholism for a decade before reaching and retaining sobriety to his absolute credit. The most devastating blows, however, came in the form of unimaginable personal loss. He lost two of his three sons to suicide, and his younger brother to cancer, which fuelled his relentless drive and ambition as well as his philanthropy. Choosing to confront his grief head-on, Peter became an advocate for suicide prevention, supporting charities like PAPYRUS, Prevention Of Young Suicide.
At the end of 2021, Peter was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 lung cancer, and he approached this new challenge with the same resilience and stoicism with which he had faced the earlier unfathomable tragedies in his life. He channelled his pain into writing his third and final book, Public Success, Private Grief, written and published earlier this year, a testament to resilience and overcoming adversity.
Peter's legacy extends far beyond his business accomplishments. He leaves behind a wealth of knowledge imparted to countless businesspeople, which will continue to be handed down from generation to generation.
Peter lived by the motto:
"Don't waste your life: Grasp opportunities, contribute to others' lives, but also find time for yourself."
This philosophy resonated throughout his extraordinary journey. His life story, one of triumph in the face of immense tragedy, will remain an inspiration to all who strive to live a life of purpose and meaning.
Peter is survived by his wife Liesbeth Blom, his son Matt Cowley, Peter’s stepdaughters Catherine and Miri, and Peter’s former spouse Alison Lloyd (dissolved 2023).
A funeral for family and close friends late 2024 will be followed by a memorial event in early 2025, allowing a wider circle to celebrate Peter's life. More information and updates about the two events will be posted on petercowley.org/2024-blog.
In lieu of flowers, donations to – PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, Centre 33, and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are encouraged.
