Marcus Whately is a British entrepreneur and executive, known for his leadership in the clean energy and agritech sectors. As the former CEO of GrowUp Farms, Whately played a key role in transforming the company into one of the UK’s leading vertical farming firms. With a background in both technology and sustainability, his career offers valuable insights into scaling businesses in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable food production.
Early Life and Education
Marcus Whately was born in March 1977, making him approximately 48 years old as of 2025. He grew up in the United Kingdom, where he developed an early interest in science and technology. He pursued his academic ambitions at the University of Oxford, where he studied Biological Sciences. This academic background set the stage for his future endeavors, where his knowledge of biology and environmental systems would intersect with his entrepreneurial ventures.
Although much of his early life remains private, his educational foundation and interest in science have played a significant role in shaping his career trajectory. Whately’s scientific background would later influence his approach to business, especially in sectors like energy and agriculture, where sustainability is a key consideration.
Marcus Whately Career Journey
Early Career: Technology and Software
Before making his mark in the energy and agritech sectors, Marcus Whately worked in the IT consulting and software industries. He founded and led a group of IT consulting businesses, which he successfully grew and sold in 2008. This experience gave him valuable skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and capital raising, which would prove invaluable in his later ventures.
His work in IT consulting also helped him develop a keen understanding of technology and how it could be applied to solve complex problems in various industries, including energy and food production. His ability to combine business acumen with a scientific background would prove to be one of the key factors in his success.
Estover Energy: Renewable Infrastructure
In 2009, Marcus co‑founded Estover Energy, a company focused on developing bioenergy and combined heat and power (CHP) plants. Estover Energy aimed to decarbonize industrial sites and provide sustainable energy solutions using biomass and other renewable sources.
Under his leadership, Estover Energy raised significant institutional capital and developed infrastructure projects across the UK, contributing to the country’s renewable energy transition. Whately’s ability to raise funding and manage large‑scale infrastructure projects helped Estover Energy become a leader in the bioenergy sector. The company’s work continues to have a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions in industrial settings.
Transition to Agritech: GrowUp Farms
In 2018, Marcus Whately made a major shift in his career when he became the CEO of GrowUp Farms, a vertical farming company that produces sustainably grown salads using innovative farming techniques. As the CEO, Whately oversaw the company’s growth and development, scaling it into a leading player in the agritech sector.
Under his leadership, GrowUp Farms secured multiple rounds of investment, including a £38 million funding round in 2024, and expanded its production facilities. The company focuses on growing fresh produce in urban environments, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming methods. GrowUp Farms uses renewable energy and innovative farming techniques to produce millions of bags of salad every week, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable and local food production.
While Marcus Whately stepped down as CEO in 2024, he remains involved with the company as a shareholder and board member. His leadership at GrowUp Farms demonstrated his ability to scale operations while maintaining a focus on sustainability and social impact.
Marcus Whately Estimated Net Worth and Salary
While Marcus Whately has not publicly disclosed his exact net worth, estimates suggest it is likely in the range of $10 million to $20 million. His net worth is derived from his successful ventures in both the energy and agritech sectors. This figure reflects his roles in leading Estover Energy and GrowUp Farms, where he was instrumental in raising capital, scaling operations, and driving company growth.
As the former CEO of GrowUp Farms, Whately likely received a competitive salary, in addition to any earnings from investments and equity in the company. However, the exact details of his salary are not publicly available.
Marcus Whately Family, Spouse, and Personal Life
Marcus Whately is married to Helen Whately, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Faversham and Mid Kent. The couple has three children and is often seen supporting each other’s professional endeavors. Helen Whately’s position in the UK government and Marcus’s role in leading sustainable businesses show a shared commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Though Marcus Whately has kept most aspects of his personal life private, his family and career have intersected in meaningful ways. For instance, Helen Whately’s parliamentary work, especially around health and agriculture, aligns with Marcus’s focus on sustainable food production and renewable energy.
Nationality, Religion, and Height
Marcus Whately is British, and much of his professional life has been based in the United Kingdom. His public profiles do not mention specific details about his religion, as this is a private matter that he has not shared publicly. Similarly, there is no verifiable information regarding his height. Given his prominence in the business world, these personal details have not been the focus of his public image.
Conclusion
Marcus Whately’s career is a testament to the power of diversified leadership in emerging industries. From his early days in IT consulting to his transformative work in renewable energy and agritech, Whately has demonstrated an ability to innovate and scale businesses in sectors that are crucial for the future of our planet. His work with Estover Energy and GrowUp Farms has contributed significantly to the UK’s transition to a more sustainable economy, and his continued involvement in the agritech sector shows his commitment to finding solutions to the world’s food and energy challenges.
Though certain details about his personal life, net worth, and height remain private, Marcus Whately’s professional achievements speak volumes. His journey offers inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to make an impact in the fields of sustainability, renewable energy, and food production.