Ben White is an innovator. He has been disrupting norms in technology for nearly 3 decades, with his knack of founding tech start-ups and turning them into market leaders. Spotting efficiency gaps in how things work and devising or backing the products that fill these gaps is Ben’s specialty. That and driving sales – Ben has a highly successful career in making billions of dollars’ worth of business.
Ben spotted the efficiency gaps in online retail performance through the ideas of Drew Smith and together, supported by Notion Capital VC, they co-founded Upp. in 2019. Upp. is the world’s first decision intelligence software improving marketing channels such as Google Shopping for retailers. Upp. works with brand names such as Charles Tyrwhitt, OnBuy, Nkuku and Poundshop.
Ben is that rare techie who is driven by business needs. He has invested in over 54 businesses through his vehicle Notion Capital, which currently has 5 unicorns. Besides Upp, Ben is currently Executive Chair at Raise. Previous companies founded (and sold) include:
- 2019 – Co-Founded Upp.
- 2009 – Founded Notion Capital VC – investing in European technology start-ups: 159 investments and has 5 unicorns
- 2000 – Founded MessageLabs – a global 1st internet security platform. Acquired by Symantec in 2008 for $696 million (2 days after the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy sent the world’s financial system reeling)
- 1995 – Founded Star Internet as one of the UK’s first BsB ISPs. Acquired by Claranet in 2012 for $75 million
- 1993 – Co-founded RBR Networks, an IT distributor that specialised in Cisco. Acquired by Datatec for $70 million in 1998