AIM's or Vin's strengths?

(By Richard Holway 3.00pm 29th May 09) Very interesting comment by Philip Stafford in the FT on Friday 29th May which I reproduce in full below:

Aim bounces back

For all the questions about Aim's corporate governance standards, the past month has been a reminder of the junior market's greatest strength; its ability to raise money.
Perhaps the most interesting comment came from Advanced Computer Software, which raised £43m for its plans to consolidate the software market in the primary care market of the NHS.

ACS could have turned to private investors. After all, it was created by Vin Murria, chief executive, from a series of venture capital firms including Elderstreet Investments. Elderstreet's backer Michael Jackson built Sage, the software group, into an FTSE 100 company. Yet Ms Murria said public markets gave money faster, on less onerous terms, and didn't impose the controls or the due diligence of private equity.

It's a clear statement from a highly experienced executive of why Aim remains an attractive option for budding companies."

Philip Stafford at the FT seems to be in the midst of a love affair with Vin (and why not? Even old analysts like Holway have a soft spot for her too!). In his article on 21st May 09 ACS pulls off exceptional AIM fundraising, Stafford says "Advanced’s exceptionalism, and the reason behind its 65 per cent share price rise to 36½p in the past three months, has been put down to one person – Vin Murria, chief executive. She is a figure well known for her irrepressible enthusiasm, no-nonsense style and impressive record."