UK Firm Known for Discreet Advice Makes Move Into Silicon Valley

Hakluyt & Co., the London-based firm that’s provided advice to companies and buyout firms for nearly 30 years, is now building a presence in Silicon Valley as a startup investor.

Hakluyt Capital, the investment arm of the strategic advisory firm started by former MI6 intelligence officers, has raised its first venture capital fund, surpassing a target of $50 million. Its backers include Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co. and billionaire Yuri Milner, who’s known for his early bets on Facebook and Airbnb Inc.

Other investors that committed money include RIT Capital Partners Plc, backed ...