Brent Hoberman

Brent Hoberman is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential digital entrepreneurs, celebrated for co-founding Lastminute.com, launching the international Founders Forum network, and shaping the UK’s tech policy landscape for more than two decades. His journey from a family of South African entrepreneurs to one of the most respected names in European innovation is a story of determination, creativity, and strategic brilliance.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Brent Hoberman was born in Cape Town, South Africa, into a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. His maternal grandfather, Leonard Shawzin, was a legendary figure in African retail, turning a single clothing shop into a chain of over 650 stores across multiple countries. Growing up around business discussions, development plans, and bold decision-making gave Brent an early understanding of ambition and long-term thinking.

When his family moved to the United Kingdom, Hoberman continued his education at the Dragon School and later the prestigious Eton College. Both institutions nurtured creativity, leadership and academic curiosity. At school, he stood out not only for his intellect but also for his innovative mindset. Even then, he had a talent for imagining how industries could evolve and how technology could change everyday life.

He went on to study French and German literature at New College, Oxford, completing an MA in Modern Languages. This degree may not appear connected to entrepreneurship at first glance, but it helped Hoberman develop communication skills, cultural insight and a broad worldview that would later influence his business decisions and team-building philosophy.

A defining moment in his youth was learning from his grandfather’s resilience and risk-taking. Watching someone build a retail empire reinforced Brent’s belief that business success relies on vision, courage and the ability to adapt. These lessons became central as he entered the world of technology and start-ups.

Career Beginnings and the Road to Lastminute.com

After graduating, Hoberman accepted a role at a strategy consultancy firm. This job, however, became a short-lived chapter. Instead of focusing solely on assigned tasks, he spent much of his time developing ideas that excited him — one of which grew into Lastminute.com.
When the firm discovered this, he was fired. Rather than a setback, this event pushed him toward entrepreneurship more confidently, proving that his instincts were stronger than the corporate expectations surrounding him.

In 1998, Hoberman partnered with Martha Lane Fox to create Lastminute.com. At the time, the internet was still emerging as a commercial platform, and many traditional businesses dismissed it as a passing trend. Hoberman saw opportunity where others hesitated.
The company offered discounted last-minute travel and leisure deals online, tapping into a consumer need that had not yet been fully explored.

His vision quickly gained traction. Lastminute.com became one of Europe’s most recognisable digital brands during the dot-com boom. The company went public in just 18 months — a record-breaking timeline that demonstrated the scale and momentum of the idea. As the Lastminute.com CEO, Hoberman became the face of a new generation of tech leaders.

Even when the dot-com crash created uncertainty across the tech sector, Hoberman navigated Lastminute.com through the turbulence. His ability to innovate, adapt and stay focused allowed the company not only to survive, but to grow across multiple European markets. Its eventual sale for approximately £600 million cemented his reputation as one of the UK’s most capable founders.

Major Milestones and Business Achievements

The success of Lastminute.com could have been the peak of many careers, but for Brent Hoberman, it became the beginning of a much larger mission. Over the next two decades, he built a powerful ecosystem of businesses, networks and innovation platforms that continue to shape the global tech landscape.

Founders Forum

In 2005, Hoberman launched Founders Forum, a curated global community of top tech entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors. Unlike typical conferences, the Founders Forum became known for its intimate, high-value discussions where leaders share ideas, solve problems and forge partnerships.
Today, it is one of the world’s most respected tech networks.

Founders Factory

Hoberman then co-founded Founders Factory, an accelerator and incubator supporting early-stage start-ups with mentorship, capital and strategic partnerships. The organisation has backed more than 200 companies, many of which have grown into influential players across fintech, AI, retail and health technology.

Advisory Roles

He has advised four British prime ministers on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and economic development. His voice has shaped national tech policy, education strategy and digital transformation efforts across government.

Cyberbullying Prevention

Under the Royal Foundation, he chaired Prince William’s Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying. His leadership demonstrated his belief that technology must be used responsibly, especially when protecting children and young people online.

Education and Diversity Initiatives

Recognising that the tech industry needed more diverse talent, Hoberman co-launched 01 Founders, an innovative free coding school aiming to train 100,000 software engineers by 2030. The initiative is part of his broader commitment to making the tech world more inclusive and accessible.

Investment Career

Over the years, Hoberman has invested in dozens of start-ups, supporting entrepreneurs across Europe and beyond. His investment portfolio includes companies in AI, retail, education technology, sustainability and consumer services.
Many founders credit him not only with financial support but with strategic insight that helped their businesses scale.

What Is Brent Hoberman’s Net Worth?

Brent Hoberman’s net worth is often estimated between £20 million and £30 million, though some sources suggest the figure may be higher due to private investments and business holdings.
He is wealthy, but his influence reaches far beyond financial measurement.

Sources of His Wealth

His net worth is built from multiple channels:

• Equity and leadership role at Lastminute.com
• Proceeds from the sale of Lastminute.com
• Early-stage investments in high-growth start-ups
• Ownership stakes in Founders Forum companies
• Real estate in London and the south of France
• Advisory roles and speaking engagements
• Joint ventures and consultancy earnings

Unlike many entrepreneurs who rely on a single major exit, Hoberman created a diversified approach. He continues to grow his wealth through a steady combination of business leadership, investment strategy and long-term partnerships.

Lifestyle and Personal Interests

Brent Hoberman is known for his balanced and thoughtful lifestyle. Despite being a major figure in the tech world, he avoids excessive public attention. He splits his time between a home in Kensington, one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, and a peaceful residence in the south of France.
These dual living arrangements reflect two sides of his personality: the energetic innovator and the reflective family man.

He has a passion for travel, culture, innovation and learning. Much of his work involves attending global tech summits, mentoring founders and exploring emerging markets. Yet, he values downtime, particularly time spent with his wife and children.

Hoberman’s lifestyle is admired for its balance — a combination of ambition, adventure and humility. He remains grounded, approachable and intellectually curious despite his success.

Family Life and Heritage

Family has always played a central role in Hoberman’s identity. His marriage to Genevieve Hoberman, an accomplished interior designer, reflects his appreciation for creativity and design. Together, they have three children — two daughters and a son — and they maintain a nurturing, globally minded household.

His family tree is rich with entrepreneurial DNA. The achievements of his grandfather, Leonard Shawzin, shaped his understanding of business and inspired his career path. The values passed down through generations — ambition, resilience, courage and vision — are embedded in Hoberman’s leadership style.

He often says that his children motivate him to work toward a more innovative, fair and opportunity-rich future. This personal motivation is evident in his support for education, diversity and tech equity.

The Success of Lastminute.com

The rise of Lastminute.com remains one of Europe’s most iconic tech stories. Hoberman recognised early that the internet would transform how travel and leisure products were sold. He capitalised on this opportunity with a business model that offered unsold travel deals at reduced prices.

The brand became a cultural phenomenon. Consumers loved the spontaneity and value it offered, while investors appreciated its fast growth. The company’s IPO, launched only 18 months after its founding, was one of the defining moments of the dot-com era.

Even when market conditions became unstable, Hoberman guided the company with resilience and creativity. His leadership through the dot-com crash demonstrated his ability to think strategically under pressure.

Lastminute.com’s eventual sale for around £600 million remains a landmark in UK tech history. It positioned Hoberman as a respected pioneer and opened the door for his future ventures.

Founders Forum and Its Global Impact

Founders Forum is one of Hoberman’s most important contributions to global entrepreneurship. The platform brings together the world’s top innovators, from founders of billion-dollar companies to leading investors and influential policymakers.
Its events foster collaboration, partnerships and bold discussions about the future of technology.

Over time, the organisation expanded into a larger ecosystem that includes:

• accelerators
• advisory firms
• education programmes
• social impact initiatives
• investment funds

Founders Forum has shaped hundreds of start-ups and supported thousands of entrepreneurs. Hoberman’s vision was not simply to build another event series but to create a community that drives innovation and solves real-world problems.

Policy Influence and Advocacy Work

Hoberman’s voice carries weight across the UK business and political landscape. His advisory work for multiple prime ministers demonstrates his understanding of national economic needs, digital transformation and start-up development.

He has been involved in shaping initiatives that support scale-ups, improve digital education and promote ethical technology use.
His chairmanship of Prince William’s cyberbullying taskforce showed his commitment to protecting young people and ensuring that technology contributes positively to society.

He believes that innovation should be accessible to all and that the UK can be a global leader in technology if talent is nurtured and diverse communities are supported.

Social Media Presence

Although not heavily active on social media, Hoberman uses his platforms strategically. His posts often highlight entrepreneurial insights, technology trends, policy discussions, and updates from Founders Forum events.
His approach is thoughtful, purposeful and designed to inform rather than entertain.

His online presence reinforces his reputation as a sophisticated thinker and mission-driven leader.

Awards, Recognition and Influence

In 2015, Hoberman was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to entrepreneurship.
This honour reflects his profound impact on the UK tech industry, education, policy and innovation.

He also regularly appears on lists of the most influential British entrepreneurs and has become a respected global figure in tech ecosystems. His speeches and interviews attract entrepreneurs looking for guidance on building resilient, future-focused companies.

Legacy and Long-Term Success

Brent Hoberman’s legacy is measured not only by financial success but by his ability to build communities, influence policy and empower new innovators. His journey demonstrates that success is not defined by one business but by continuous growth, curiosity and contribution.

His long-term vision focuses on strengthening the UK tech ecosystem, expanding education access, investing in sustainability and supporting founders who want to change the world.

He remains a role model for modern entrepreneurs — someone who leads with purpose, builds with passion and believes in the power of innovation to improve society.

FAQs

1. What is Brent Hoberman known for?
He is best known as the co-founder of Lastminute.com and the creator of Founders Forum, one of the world’s leading tech networks.

2. What is Brent Hoberman’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between £20 million and £30 million, based on investments, equity holdings and property.

3. Is Brent Hoberman married?
Yes, he is married to interior designer Genevieve Hoberman, and they have three children.

4. Where does Brent Hoberman live?
He splits his time between Kensington, London, and the south of France.

5. What companies has Brent Hoberman founded?
His ventures include Lastminute.com, Founders Forum, Founders Factory, SmartUp and 01 Founders, along with investments in numerous start-ups.

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