Highland Capital Partners, a venture capital firm, has hired Laurence Garrett as a general partner.

Based in Highland's Geneva office, Garrett will work to identify, fund and grow Europe's most promising technology and internet companies.

"We are focused on partnering with leading entrepreneurs with the ambition to build breakthrough companies and market leaders," says Fergal Mullen, general partner with Highland. "Laurence has a proven track record of doing so, and a strong reputation with entrepreneurs and the European venture community. He'll be a terrific addition to the Highland team."

Garrett is a former partner of 3i Ventures and most recently led the 3i European technology team. He spent 14 years with 3i and led investments in several communications and technology companies, producing realised returns of over three times invested capital.

He currently sits on the investment committee for Cambridge Enterprise, endorsing investments made by the Cambridge University venture funds, and is on the board of BlueGnome.

"With their global platform, Highland has an outstanding track record of being a value-added partner to exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams," says Garrett.  "I am truly excited to be working with such a dynamic group of partners committed to nurturing the next generation of market leaders."

Highland's European portfolio includes Autoquake, Glasses Direct, PhotoBox, picoChip, Privalia and Spartoo.com.