Pub entrepreneur Jim Walsh has established an investment company with a fund of up to £40m for new ventures.
The Commer Investment Fund has already sunk £6m into businesses spanning plasma screens, pubs, technology and marketing.
So far the lion's share of the cash has been pumped into the 20-strong Tadcaster Pub Company and Nucleus Data, companies where Mr Walsh is operationally involved.
But also in the company's portfolio of investments is Screen Network, which puts plasma screens into shopping centres across the UK, Bulletpoint, an IT display business selling to the education sector and The Affinity Partnership, a marketing consultant.
Mr Walsh said with sensible gearing, the company could invest up to £40m. "Obviously Tadcaster Pub Company will be a big part of that and we have set aside a further £2m for Nucleus," he said.
"But we are also looking at an array of other companies. Some are high risk start-ups, others are established, but fairly small, businesses."
Commer has recruited fund manager Sarah Pullan, formerly with Aberdeen Murray Johnstone, and will typically invest between £100,000 and £500,000 per company.
"We are essentially backing people and management teams," added Mr Walsh.
Mr Walsh sold his 75-strong Commer Group pub estate to Punch Taverns in December 2001 for £19m.