Brent Hoberman

Founder of LastMinute.com, Chair & Co-Founder of Founders Factory, firstminute capital & Founders Forum & Co-Chair Of The Prime Minister’s Business Sector Council

Brent Hoberman’s Biography:

Brent Hoberman is one of the UK’s most accomplished technology entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders. Best known as the co-founder and CEO of lastminute.com, Brent helped build one of Europe’s most recognisable internet businesses before overseeing its sale in 2005 for more than $1 billion. A serial entrepreneur and influential figure in the global technology ecosystem, he has gone on to found and support numerous successful ventures, including Made.com, PROfounders Capital, Founders Forum, Founders Factory and firstminute capital. As a keynote speaker, Brent offers unparalleled insight into entrepreneurship, innovation, scaling businesses, venture capital and the future of technology.

After completing his Master’s degree at the University of Oxford, Brent began founding and investing in businesses during the early 1990s. His breakthrough came in 1998 when he co-founded lastminute.com and led the company as CEO through rapid growth during the dot-com era. Following the company’s landmark acquisition, he expanded his entrepreneurial activities by launching Founders Forum, a global network connecting leading entrepreneurs and investors, before co-founding Made.com and venture capital firm PROfounders Capital. Over the following years, he continued to establish influential organisations designed to support founders at every stage of their journey.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Brent has become a highly respected adviser, investor and advocate for innovation. He serves on the Advisory Board for Google Cloud and has co-founded initiatives including Founders Law, 01 Founders and Founders Makers. His expertise has been recognised through appointments to government advisory groups, The Oxford Foundry and the Royal Academy. In 2015, he was awarded a CBE for services to entrepreneurship and technology. He has also been recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice for his thought leadership and contributions to business and innovation.

Today, Brent remains at the forefront of the technology sector as Chair and Co-Founder of Founders Factory, firstminute capital and Founders Forum. Through mentoring founders, investing in emerging businesses and shaping policy discussions around entrepreneurship, he continues to influence the future of innovation. His ability to combine founder experience, investor expertise and strategic insight makes him one of the most sought-after speakers on business growth, digital transformation and the evolving technology landscape.

Why Hire Brent Hoberman?

Brent Hoberman is hired as a speaker for his rare combination of founder, investor and adviser experience gained at the highest levels of the technology industry. Having built, scaled and exited billion-dollar businesses, he provides audiences with practical lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, fundraising and innovation. As co-host of London Tech Week, the UK’s flagship technology event, he regularly engages with leading global business figures and emerging entrepreneurs. His presentations deliver actionable insights into building high-growth companies, identifying future opportunities and navigating an increasingly competitive digital economy.

Brent Hoberman‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Brent Hoberman’s remarkable career:

  • 2022 – Co-founded Founders Makers, supporting entrepreneurs through innovative venture-building initiatives.
  • 2022 – Co-founded Founders Law, providing legal support and resources tailored to startup founders.
  • 2022 – Became an Advisor for Planet Fund, supporting investment and innovation in sustainability-focused ventures.
  • 2021 – Joined the Advisory Board for Google Cloud, contributing strategic guidance on innovation and technology.
  • 2021 – Co-founded 01 Founders, helping develop the next generation of technology talent and entrepreneurs.
  • 2020 – Became Co-Host of London Tech Week, the UK’s flagship technology and innovation conference.
  • 2018 – Appointed Co-Chair of the Prime Minister’s Business Sector Council for Small Businesses, Scale-ups and Entrepreneurs.
  • 2016 – Named Chair of the Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying for the Duke of Cambridge.
  • 2015 – Awarded a CBE in recognition of his services to entrepreneurship and the technology sector.
  • 2010 – Co-founded Made.com, helping transform the online furniture retail market following the success of lastminute.com.