Introduction
Brent Hoberman is a celebrated British entrepreneur known for his leadership in the tech industry. He is best recognized as the co‑founder of lastminute.com, one of the most iconic tech startups in Europe during the dot‑com era. Since then, Hoberman has continued to innovate, launch, and support various tech ventures, shaping the European startup ecosystem. Today, he is a key figure in venture capital and an advocate for entrepreneurship, supporting founders and innovators around the globe.
Early Life and Education
Brent Hoberman was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 25, 1968, into a family with entrepreneurial roots. His family moved to the United Kingdom when he was young, where he grew up in London. Hoberman attended Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the UK, and later studied Modern Languages at New College, Oxford.
His academic background, coupled with his family’s entrepreneurial spirit, laid the foundation for his future career as a serial entrepreneur. During his university years, Hoberman developed a strong interest in business and technology, which would eventually lead him to create some of the most influential tech companies in the UK.
Brent Hoberman The Birth of lastminute.com
Co‑founding lastminute.com
In 1998, Hoberman co‑founded lastminute.com alongside Martha Lane Fox. The idea behind the company was revolutionary for its time: offering consumers the ability to book last-minute travel, holidays, experiences, and leisure activities online at discounted rates. At the time, online travel booking was still a new concept, and lastminute.com quickly captured the market by offering convenience and great deals.
Hoberman served as CEO of the company, leading it through its early stages of growth. Under his leadership, lastminute.com became one of the most well-known internet brands in Europe and expanded across multiple countries, offering services ranging from flights and hotel bookings to restaurant reservations and weekend getaways.
The company went public in 2000, and by 2005, it was sold to Sabre Holdings for $1.1 billion, marking one of the most significant exits in the UK’s early dot‑com history.
Brent Hoberman Post‑lastminute.com: Expanding Ventures and Investments
Made.com
After stepping down from his role at lastminute.com, Hoberman didn’t slow down. In 2010, he co‑founded Made.com, an online furniture and homeware retailer that disrupted the traditional furniture market by cutting out middlemen and selling directly to consumers. By providing stylish, high-quality furniture at lower prices, Made.com became one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in Europe.
The success of Made.com reflected Hoberman’s deep understanding of consumer needs and digital commerce. The company continues to be a major player in the homeware sector, with a focus on modern design and innovation. However, it faced challenges later, but Hoberman’s vision of transforming industries with online platforms remains influential.
Founders Forum and Founders Factory
In addition to his ventures, Hoberman also turned his attention to the wider startup ecosystem. In 2005, he co-founded Founders Forum, an exclusive network of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from the tech and digital sectors. The forum allows members to exchange ideas, collaborate, and gain insights from the most influential figures in business and technology.
In 2015, Hoberman co-founded Founders Factory, a corporate-backed startup accelerator that works with entrepreneurs to develop and scale new businesses. The factory provides resources and expertise to early-stage startups, helping them grow rapidly in a collaborative environment. This initiative has become a hub for innovation, with several successful companies emerging from the program.
Firstminute Capital
In 2018, Hoberman co-founded firstminute capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm that aims to invest in the next generation of tech startups. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage companies with big ideas and disruptive technologies. Hoberman’s vast network of founders and industry experts has allowed firstminute capital to back companies with the potential for rapid growth and global impact.
Brent Hoberman Philanthropy and Advisory Roles
Brent Hoberman has always been committed to giving back to the community. He actively supports various charitable causes and entrepreneurial initiatives. Hoberman has worked with organizations that encourage young entrepreneurs, providing mentorship and resources to help them succeed in their own ventures.
He also advises the UK government on digital innovation and entrepreneurship policy, working to ensure that the tech sector continues to thrive in the country. Through his advisory roles and investments, Hoberman has had a significant impact on the startup ecosystem in the UK and beyond.
Brent Hoberman Personal Life and Family
Brent Hoberman is married and has children, though he is relatively private about his personal life. His family has played a significant role in supporting his career, with Hoberman often mentioning how his family’s values influenced his approach to business and entrepreneurship.
Despite his busy professional life, Hoberman is known to value time with his family, which he often credits as an essential aspect of maintaining balance and focus in his career.
Net Worth and Wealth
Brent Hoberman’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of £100 million to £200 million. Much of his wealth stems from the sale of lastminute.com and his ongoing ventures and investments in the tech and startup sectors. Through his various roles as an investor, co-founder, and mentor, Hoberman has built a significant fortune that reflects his success in the entrepreneurial world.
His investments in Made.com, Founders Factory, and firstminute capital, alongside his public speaking engagements, continue to add to his wealth. His wealth is also tied to his equity stakes in the companies he has founded and supported.
Conclusion
Brent Hoberman’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his vision, resilience, and ability to innovate. From co‑founding lastminute.com in the late ‘90s to supporting the next generation of startups through Founders Factory and firstminute capital, Hoberman has proven himself as one of the UK’s most influential figures in the tech and business world. His work continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs who are following in his footsteps to create the businesses of tomorrow.
As he continues to shape the startup ecosystem through his investments, advisory roles, and mentoring efforts, Hoberman’s legacy as a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist will continue to inspire innovation for years to come.