Brent Hoberman: Visionary Entrepreneur Behind Europe’s Tech Rise
Brent Hoberman is one of Britain’s most influential entrepreneurs — a name that resonates deeply within the European startup and innovation landscape. Best known as the co-founder of Lastminute.com, Hoberman transformed how people book travel and leisure experiences online, long before digital convenience became the norm. His groundbreaking work didn’t stop there; over the past two decades, he has established an empire of initiatives focused on nurturing new talent, building startup ecosystems, and driving digital progress across the continent.
From Made.com to Founders Forum, Founders Factory, and Firstminute Capital, Brent Hoberman’s career is a masterclass in visionary entrepreneurship, collaboration, and long-term impact. This article explores his remarkable journey, values, ventures, and ongoing mission to redefine how Europe innovates.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Brent Shawzin Hoberman was born on 25 November 1968 in Cape Town, South Africa, before his family relocated to the United Kingdom during his youth. Growing up in a family that valued learning, creativity, and ambition, Hoberman developed a curious and analytical mind early on.
Academic Journey
He attended some of Britain’s most prestigious schools, including The Dragon School and Eton College, where he began to display leadership and communication skills that would later define his entrepreneurial career. Later, at New College, University of Oxford, Hoberman pursued Modern Languages, specialising in French and German. His deep appreciation for global culture and communication became a vital asset when he began building international ventures that required cross-border collaboration.
The Birth of Lastminute.com – A Digital Revolution
The late 1990s marked a pivotal era for internet-based businesses. In 1998, Brent Hoberman teamed up with Martha Lane Fox to launch Lastminute.com, a bold idea that would forever change the travel industry.
The platform allowed users to book last-minute flights, hotels, and entertainment experiences online — a revolutionary concept at the time. Hoberman’s insight was simple yet powerful: people wanted convenience and spontaneity, and the internet could deliver both.
Rise and Recognition
Within two years, Lastminute.com became one of Europe’s most recognised dot-com startups, embodying the excitement of the new digital economy. The company went public in 2000 and, despite market turbulence, maintained impressive growth.
In 2005, Hoberman and Lane Fox sold the business to Sabre Holdings (owners of Travelocity) for a remarkable £577 million. Hoberman’s personal share earned him financial success, but more importantly, it established his reputation as one of Britain’s foremost internet pioneers.
Post-Lastminute Era – Building the Next Generation of Innovators
While many entrepreneurs might have stopped after a multimillion-pound exit, Brent Hoberman saw it as just the beginning. He pivoted from founder to ecosystem builder, creating environments where innovation could flourish sustainably.
Founders Forum – Connecting Global Innovators
In 2005, Hoberman co-founded Founders Forum, a private network designed to unite the world’s leading tech entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The forum became a hub for collaboration, where industry leaders shared insights, built partnerships, and influenced the future of digital transformation.
Over the years, Founders Forum expanded internationally, hosting events in London, New York, Berlin, and Singapore. It also inspired a family of related initiatives such as Founders Intelligence, Founders Pledge, and accelerateHER, each focusing on different aspects of innovation, ethics, and inclusion.
Made.com – Reinventing Online Retail
Hoberman continued experimenting with digital business models by launching Made.com in 2010, an online furniture brand offering designer-quality products directly to consumers. The venture disrupted traditional retail by cutting out middlemen and using just-in-time manufacturing.
Although Made.com eventually faced market challenges, it showcased Hoberman’s belief in continuous experimentation and his willingness to disrupt established industries.
Founders Factory – Where Startups Take Flight
In 2015, Hoberman took his ecosystem-building mission further with Founders Factory, a hybrid accelerator and venture studio. Partnering with corporate giants such as L’Oréal, Aviva, and easyJet, the organisation co-creates new startups and supports them through funding, mentorship, and resources.
Under Hoberman’s leadership, Founders Factory has launched and scaled over 300 startups globally. Its focus on deep tech, climate innovation, and consumer technology reflects Hoberman’s evolving interest in sustainable growth and digital inclusion.
Firstminute Capital – Investing in the Future
In 2017, Hoberman co-founded Firstminute Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm headquartered in London. Backed by more than 100 unicorn founders and prominent investors, the fund has raised over $270 million to support early-stage startups in Europe and North America.
Firstminute Capital is particularly known for identifying exceptional founders early and helping them scale globally — further proof of Hoberman’s talent for spotting opportunity and nurturing leadership.
Awards, Recognition, and Social Impact
Honours and Public Service
Brent Hoberman’s contributions to business and innovation have earned him numerous accolades, including the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015 for services to entrepreneurship.
He has also served in advisory roles to the UK Prime Minister’s Business Council, worked with Google Cloud on innovation initiatives, and contributed to the World Economic Forum’s Global Young Leaders program.
Championing Education and Equality
Hoberman co-founded 01 Founders, a free peer-to-peer coding school designed to train 100,000 UK software developers by 2030, promoting digital literacy and employment opportunities.
He’s also deeply involved in accelerateHER, an initiative supporting women entrepreneurs in technology and leadership.
Personality, Vision, and Philosophy
Hoberman is known for his sharp intellect, relentless optimism, and pragmatic approach to business. He often describes successful founders as “driven, obsessive, and sometimes a little dysfunctional” — a reflection of the intensity required to innovate.
His vision revolves around collaboration, reskilling, and inclusion, emphasizing that Europe must continuously adapt to remain competitive in a global tech economy. For Hoberman, innovation isn’t just about profit — it’s about building ecosystems that empower future generations.
Net Worth and Sources of Income
Although exact figures vary, Brent Hoberman’s net worth is estimated between £100 million and £150 million. His income stems primarily from:
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Equity holdings in startups and investment ventures
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Returns from Firstminute Capital and Founders Factory
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Speaking engagements and advisory roles
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Board memberships and strategic consulting
He prioritises long-term value creation over short-term gains, focusing on ventures with meaningful social and economic impact.
Recent Developments and Future Goals
As of 2025, Hoberman continues to expand his influence in the tech industry.
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Founders Factory launched a £100 million climate-tech fund to accelerate sustainable innovation.
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Firstminute Capital has broadened its portfolio into AI, healthtech, and green energy startups.
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01 Founders is scaling across the UK to close the digital skills gap.
Hoberman remains an active voice in global forums like VivaTech, Web Summit, and London Tech Week, advocating for responsible innovation and diversity in entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is Brent Hoberman?
He is a British entrepreneur and investor, best known as the co-founder of Lastminute.com and a leading figure in the European startup scene.
Q2: What is his estimated net worth?
Between £100–£150 million as of 2025.
Q3: What are his major companies?
Lastminute.com, Made.com, Founders Forum, Founders Factory, Firstminute Capital, and 01 Founders.
Q4: What is he working on now?
Scaling Founders Factory, expanding Firstminute Capital, and developing inclusive tech education programs through 01 Founders.
Q5: What is his background?
British entrepreneur, born in South Africa, educated at Eton and Oxford, and of Jewish heritage.
Conclusion
Brent Hoberman stands as one of the few entrepreneurs who have not only built successful companies but also built an entire ecosystem for others to succeed. From the early success of Lastminute.com to the global reach of Founders Forum and Founders Factory, his journey reflects resilience, foresight, and a deep belief in collaboration.
Through his ventures, Hoberman continues to shape Europe’s digital future — empowering startups, driving innovation, and proving that true leadership lies in creating opportunities for others. His legacy isn’t defined by exits or valuations, but by the thousands of entrepreneurs who continue to thrive because he built the platforms to help them rise.
