JS

Jos Smart

Startups, Innovation & Venture Building

London, England

Invests in

Stages:

Locations:

  • Min Investment:

    $25,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $100,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $50,000.00

Education

Work Experience

  • Consultant

    2024

  • Foresight Leader

    2022 - 2023

    Breakthrough Engineering for a Better World

2019 - 2022

  • Venture Scout

    2019 - 2022

    Scouts is an eclectic community of entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, academics, journalists, indie makers and more, brought together to: - Help Backed source great founders & talent - Diversify the landscape of venture and the pool of individuals deciding who gets funded - Learn & grow together toward individual ambitions while supporting each other in surviving the journey If you're building something great, or looking for your next startup role, I'd love to hear from you: http://talent.backed.vc/by/Jos-Smart

2018 - 2021

  • Startup Advisor

    2018 - 2021

    I get fired up by business. From scrappy startups to global enterprises. I love the: ...creative process of solving real world issues that deliver true value ...disruptive nature of innovation, whether taking on incumbents or exploring emerging industries and technology ...challenge and ambition of growth; of taking something from point A to point B and beyond ...working with people that are passionate and purposeful I help companies grow. Historically, I’ve done this in two ways; - Growth / Business Development / Strategic Partnerships [Virgin Media Business, Kontor, Ucreate, Dream Factory] - Startup Growth Services / Programme Delivery [Upscale, Backed VC, Virgin Media Pioneers] My goal is always to add value, whether commercial (growth) or personal (development). I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing entrepreneurs and organisations. From running pitching competitions with Sir Richard Branson at this family home, to holding intimate closed-door discussions with startup unicorns (Monzo, Bulb) to working alongside leading VCs (Balderton, Accel, Index, Atomico, LocalGlobe etc). When it comes to: - Delivery: I’m ambitious, decisive and driven. - Leadership: I’m people-oriented, trusting and supportive. - Solutions: I’m creative, curious and customer-centric.

2016 - 2018

  • Upscale Programme Lead (Series-A tech startups)

    2016 - 2018

    Upscale is a 6-month business growth programme for the UK’s leading Series-A tech startups. Upscale works with companies at the critical ‘scaling’ phase of growth; connecting founders and leadership teams with world class Scale Coaches, through a series of curated workshops and mentoring sessions. Alumni companies include Monzo, Bulb, Improbable, Depop, Boiler Room, Signal and Curve. Responsibilities include: - Programme design and delivery - Content and learning development - Startup growth consultation - Community management - Commercial and strategic partnerships - Public speaking - Leadership and team management - Operations - Marketing Programme information: https://technation.io/programmes/upscale/ Upscale alumni companies: https://technation.io/programmes/alumni/ — We wrote a book! Upscale: What it takes to scale a startup. By the people who've done it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911195867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TnfSDb3NJB9W6

  • Regional Growth Lead

    2015 - 2016

    Regional Growth Lead responsible for launching a new proposition (Business Ethernet) to an emerging customer segment (startups, co-working spaces, multi-tenant offices) in London. Responsibilities include: - Business Development - Strategic Partnerships - Community Engagement - Consumer Insight - Proposition Design - Go-to-market Strategy - Sales Management - Senior Stakeholder Management

Freelance

2013 - 2015

  • Content Marketing and Production

    2013 - 2015

    Content marketing and production specialist creating online video campaigns for global clients such as Virgin and Live Nation. Highlights include filming and creating content with Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy and Sir Richard Branson.

2011 - 2013

  • Content Marketing Manager

    2012 - 2013

    Digital Content Manager for Virgin Media Pioneers; a digital platform championing entrepreneurial talent in the UK.

  • Partnerships Manager

    2011 - 2012

    Seeking out and maintaining partner and influencer relationships creating mutually beneficial collaborations with specific strategic objectives in mind. Strategic planning and practical delivery of events, competitions and campaigns.

2009 - 2010

  • Project Executive

    2009 - 2010