Barry Downes has good reason to be happy. One of the earliest investments his venture capital firm Sure Valley Ventures made recently paid off with a sizeable return. Landvault, a London metaverse start-up was acquired in July for $450 million. Sure Valley invested in its seed round six years ago “It’s a good outcome for us,” Downes, who is managing partner, said. “We’re in the business of helping founders grow and develop large companies and be successful, and I think this is a big success for Sam,” Downes said, referring to Landvault founder Sam Huber. “It’ll help Sam access a…