Innovation within core business disciplines
Simon Calver, chair of the UK Business Angels Association, founding partner and Head of Investments at BGF Ventures and Chair at NED Moo joins the Invested Investor podcast this week. Simon expresses his story from his early days with large multinationals, his strategy for LoveFilm, the acquisition by Amazon and his time transforming MotherCare. Simon brings us up to-date in his engaging journey by sharing his insights into angel investing and his portfolio of companies.
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Simon Calver grew up in the family supermarket business in Gloucester but, after a degree in Computer Science, followed a career in large blue-chip companies such as Unilever, Pepsi and Dell. He returned to his technology roots leading early stage digital businesses as COO/President of the EdTech business Riverdeep plc in San Francisco and CEO of LOVEFiLM; Europe’s leading online DVD and Digital Entertainment Company, which he managed for seven years up to the ultimate sale to Amazon Inc in 2011. In 2010 he was a finalist of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year representing London and the South East.
He left to become Chief Executive Officer of Mothercare plc leading their transformation and digital turnaround plan. Following this, he Chaired MOO.com and Chemist Direct, leading the latter through a merger and ultimate sale.
In 2015 Simon became a founding Partner of BGF Ventures to launch a new £200m early stage venture company, investing £1 to 6m in leading tech entrepreneurs across the UK. He is now Head of Investments for Venture and early stage and sits on many boards including Gousto, where he was previously Chair, toucanBox and Firefly Learning.
Simon also advises/invests across technology/e-commerce businesses in the UK and is a speaker on business change, the digital revolution and leadership. He was recognised in the Masarati 100 in the Sunday Times as one of the leading UK entrepreneurs helping the next generation
Produced by Mark Cotton, Twitter.
Podcast links:
Article - BGF appoints former LOVEFiLM and Mothercare chief to lead up-and-coming venture capital fund – The Times
UK Business Angels Association
Simon Calver judges National Business Awards