Brent Hoberman

Brent Hoberman is a highly influential figure in the European technology and venture capital landscape, renowned for his entrepreneurial success and subsequent dedication to fostering the next generation of startups. His journey began notably with the co-founding of Lastminute.com, an online travel and leisure retailer that became one of the dot-com era's most significant success stories, ultimately selling for £577 million in 2005. This foundational experience provided him with deep operational insights and a robust network, which he has since leveraged to build a formidable ecosystem for innovation.

Following his entrepreneurial exit, Hoberman transitioned into an active role as an investor and ecosystem builder. He co-founded Founders Forum, a prestigious global community that convenes leading entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors to discuss the future of technology. Building on this network, he also co-founded Founders Factory, a venture studio and accelerator hybrid. Founders Factory has been instrumental in building and scaling over 80 companies, which have collectively raised more than $700 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating a significant impact on the startup landscape.

A cornerstone of Hoberman's investment strategy is Firstminute Capital, a prominent seed-stage venture capital fund he co-founded and serves as a General Partner. The fund has successfully raised substantial capital, including a $100 million fund in 2017 and a $160 million fund in 2021, enabling it to back promising early-stage companies across Europe and the US. Firstminute Capital typically focuses on leading or co-leading seed rounds, with initial cheque sizes generally ranging from $1 million to $3 million. Hoberman’s involvement ensures that portfolio companies benefit not only from capital but also from his extensive operational expertise and access to the Founders Forum network.

Hoberman's investment philosophy is characterized by a hands-on approach, leveraging his experience as a founder to support entrepreneurs through critical growth stages. His strategic vision and deep understanding of market dynamics have made him a sought-after advisor and board member for numerous startups. Through his various ventures, Brent Hoberman continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the global tech ecosystem, identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures that drive innovation and economic growth.