The former EMAP executive Dharmash Mistry, named by AIM magazine a few years ago as one of the most powerful Asians in British media, has been hired by Balderton Capital.

The venture capital firm has invested in companies including Bebo, Betfair and Setanta.

Mistry has been hired as a partner with a remit to “use his extensive experience building businesses in the media, retail and consumer goods sectors to assist the companies in Balderton’s portfolio and seek out new investment opportunities”.

As head of digital operations, Mistry was once running Emap’s digital operations across brands including FHM, Heat and Kiss FM. Before that he was responsible for running Empire Magazine and its weekly lads mag Nuts.

He left after the german conglomerate Bauer acquired Emap’s consumer magazine and radio businesses for £1.1bn.

“Dharmash has a broad yet deep experience in sectors which particularly complement Balderton’s investments,” said Barry Maloney, a partner at Balderton Capital.