Charles joined SV as a Venture Partner in 2025.
Charles began his pharmaceutical R&D career at Glaxo Group Research in Ware and was the first electrophysiologist to join the company’s neuropharmacology department. His early work on the newly-discovered dopamine D3 receptor contributed to his interest in the field of neuropsychiatry and the potential to develop better antipsychotic medications. Charles spent 20 years at GlaxoSmithKline in a variety of roles in the UK (1989-2000), and Italy (2000-2010) spanning early drug discovery to early clinical development. During this time, Charles coordinated drug discovery strategy in areas of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy and was closely involved with the in-licensing of retigabine (Ezogabine) from Valeant and the exploration of lamotrigine (Lamictal) for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In 2011, Charles co-founded Autifony Therapeutics Limited, a private UK biotech focused on the development of drugs that modulate ion channels, a target class with huge therapeutic potential. Autifony was the first company to run a PhII clinical trial in age-related hearing loss and explore the effects of Kv3 modulators in people with a cochlear implant. Charles remains the Chief Executive Officer of Autifony which has attracted partnerships with Boehringer Ingelheim and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. He is also Chairman of the Board of a Danish biotech, Teitur Trophics Aps that is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Academic Credentials
Charles received his first degree (BSc.) and PhD. from the University of Bristol, UK.
