Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based CTO’ operating in the Telecommunications space. If you think a CTO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Stephen Nundy
Partner & Chief Technology Officer of Lakestar
An experienced Technologist and Engineer with a passion for setting strategy and building commercial solutions for complex and ambitious businesses. Collected over 20 years of global experience, leading new technology innovation, building distributed, high-performance teams, driving significant client engagement, within dynamic and highly competitive businesses. Passionate focus on investing and building companies, and their teams, with hyper-growth solutions and technologies to match.
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About Lakestar: Lakestar is a venture capital firm investing in technology companies led by exceptional entrepreneurs.
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Azeem Akhtar
CTO & Head of Design Team of BT Global Services
An articulate, highly driven and infectiously enthusiastic professional currently serving as the CTO on one of the BT’s largest outsource contracts. Technically and commercially adept with a proven track record of complex solution sales in the most challenging commercial environments globally. A finally astute problem solver with a high degree of commercial acumen focused on delivering bottom-line benefit. Very experienced in formulating market entry strategies, commercial analysis, writing business cases, and contract negotiation. A genuine team player that inspires through thought leadership, challenging the status quo and empowering team members. Multi-lingual and adept at using strong interpersonal skills to develop trusting relationships to drive business benefit. Undertakes a voluntary non-executive director role as Chairman of Active Essex.
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About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Kim Gasson
FFA & FFAvr Product Owner and CTO, Supply Chain of BT Global Services
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About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Ian Pattison
International CTO of Mavenir
As International CTO of Mavenir, Ian is responsible for developing and communicating Mavenir’s technology and product strategy in the EMEA and APAC markets. Ian has more than thirty years experience in mobile, telecommunciations and high availability distributed systems. Prior to joining Mavenir, he was the CTO of 724 Solutions before becoming Chief Architect at Mobixell Networks. Having started his career developing signalling stacks for the 5ESS at AT&T/Phillips, Ian went on to be a member of Tandem’s High Performance Research Center (HPRC). Ian holds an Honors Degree in Computer Science from Heriot-Watt University and multiple patents.
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About Mavenir: Mavenir is an end-to-end network software provider, redefining network transformation and economics for CSPs.
Josef Karthauser
CTO of TrueSpeed Communications
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About TrueSpeed Communications: Innovative fibre optic infrastructure and telecoms company.
David Bestwick
Chief Technology Officer of Arqit Limited
David Bestwick is a Chief Technology Officer at Arqit company.
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About Arqit Limited: Arqit develops a quantum encryption platform.
Yulun Song
CTO of China Unicom
Song is a software engineer scientist. He obtained his PhD from School of Compute Science, University of Glasgow in 2015. Now he serves for China Unicom Corp., as the CTO of China Unicom Big Data LTD. His interests lie on the field of applying software engineering theory into data science implementation, especially mining Telecom data value in terms of understanding people’s livelihood, economy, etc. He was awarded Excellent CTO of the Year 2017 by China Software Industry Association. He was awarded Big data domain expert of China Data Center for Food & Drug ADM Nistration in 2018. He is also active in data science academic and performs as the member of Expert of Big Data Industry Committee, registered in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of P.R.C. He holds CMMI certificate of Data Management Maturity (DMM) Model.
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About China Unicom: China Unicom is a company that provides broadband communications and information services.
Alan Flower
Senior Vice President – CTO EMEA & Global Head, Cloud Native Labs of HCL Technologies
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About HCL Technologies: HCL Technologies is a global IT services company, working with clients in the areas that impact and redefine the core of their businesses.
Andy Odgers
CTO and Founder of Quortus
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About Quortus: Quortus enables flexible, agile mobile communications networks that provide a foundation for innovative services.
Chris Mulley
Principal Architect, CTO Group of ZTE
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About ZTE: ZTE provides telecommunications equipment and network solutions.
Tommy Bjorkberg
Snr. Director – CTO Group of ZTE
Tommy is currently a Snr. Director within the CTO Group at ZTE Corporation focusing on 5G. Tommy has 20 years experience in the Telecommunications industry and has held senior positions covering Technology, Innovation, Operation, Strategy and Planning on both vendor and operator sides. Tommy joined Ericsson in 1997 and after a 15 years career where he worked in numerous countries all over the globe holding a number of positions such as SI Director, Head of Next Generation Networks and Head Of Solutions, in 2012 he joined Telefónica UK in as Head of Network Strategy & Programs just as Telefónica UK got ready to embarked on its 4G journey. In 2015 he once again moved back to the vendor side taking up a position as Director within ZTE’s CTO Group and he is now focusing on 5G and how we build the bridge between the networks of today and tomorrow. Tommy has a very keen interested in new technology and spectrum related matters and have advised operators and regulators in various markets on wireless technology network strategy, spectrum valuation, spectrum policy and the future demand for spectrum. Tommy is an experiences advisor to private equity and have been involved in numerous Telco M&A activities on both buy and sell side.
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About ZTE: ZTE provides telecommunications equipment and network solutions.
Philip Sibson
CTO and Co-Founder of KETS Quantum Security
Philip is arguably the world leader in integrated photonic systems for quantum communications. He is the lead developer behind the world’s first chip-to-chip QKD demonstration and the main inventor on both of KETS’ patents. He is a QTEC alumni fellow and a key contributor to the UK’s Quantum Communications Hub.
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About KETS Quantum Security: KETS Quantum Security is developing a range of future-proof, cost-effective technologies for quantum-secured communications.
Mostafa Afgani
Co-Founder and CTO of pureLiFi
Mostafa is a respected hardware and firmware engineer. A chief architect of VLC hardware platforms over the past three years, Mostafa holds three patents and has filed for two more in the VLC field. Prior to co-founding pureLiFi he developed sensitive signal anomaly detection hardware for Agilent and held a research position at DoCoMo labs, Munich, Germany. Mostafa has BSc and MSc degrees in electronics from Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany and a PhD in communications and signal processing from the University of Edinburgh.
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About pureLiFi: pureLiFi develops technology for communication networks that integrates data and lighting utility infrastructures.
Chris Murphy
Regional CTO, EMEA of Viavi Solutions
Chris has 15 years commercial experience in telecommunications covering network performance measurement, optimisation and SON, particularly in cellular RAN including LTE, UMTS, CDMA and WiMAX. His focus has been on the modelling, simulation and optimisation of next generation technologies to build a revenue stream early in the life cycle of each new generation of telecommunication systems. He has contributed to various industry and standardisation bodies including 3GPP and NGMN for optimisation and SON, and the WiMAX Forum. Prior to Viavi Solutions and Arieso, Chris worked for Motorola and NSN developing new technical capabilities for the service portfolio. Chris holds a degree in Mathematics and Computing and a Ph.D. in the calibration of oceanic remote sensing satellites for improved models of climate change. He has authored numerous journal and conference papers and has filed 10 patents.
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About Viavi Solutions: Viavi software and hardware platforms and instruments deliver end-to-end visibility across physical, virtual and hybrid networks.
Chris Murphy
Regional CTO, EMEA of Viavi Solutions
Chris has 15 years commercial experience in telecommunications covering network performance measurement, optimisation and SON, particularly in cellular RAN including LTE, UMTS, CDMA and WiMAX. His focus has been on the modelling, simulation and optimisation of next generation technologies to build a revenue stream early in the life cycle of each new generation of telecommunication systems. He has contributed to various industry and standardisation bodies including 3GPP and NGMN for optimisation and SON, and the WiMAX Forum. Prior to Viavi Solutions and Arieso, Chris worked for Motorola and NSN developing new technical capabilities for the service portfolio. Chris holds a degree in Mathematics and Computing and a Ph.D. in the calibration of oceanic remote sensing satellites for improved models of climate change. He has authored numerous journal and conference papers and has filed 10 patents.
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About Viavi Solutions: Viavi software and hardware platforms and instruments deliver end-to-end visibility across physical, virtual and hybrid networks.
Bryn Jones
CTO of Three
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About Three: Three is a British telecommunications and internet service provider.
Stephen Carl
CTO of Sliide
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About Emu Analytics, Sliide: Mobile technology company that work with MNO, MVNO and OEM partners globally to increase engagement, drive revenue, and decrease churn.
Steve Clarke
CTO and SVP Engineering (IoT) of Wyld Networks AB
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About Wyld Networks AB: Wyld Networks enables affordable low power IoT connectivity through LEO satellites.
Michael Jervis
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of FourNet
Michael Jervis is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of FourNet.
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About FourNet: FourNet is a cloud and managed communications service company providing cloud, collaboration, and contact center solutions.
Peter Bell
CTO of Openreach
Peter has worked in the telecommunications industry for just over 21 years, during which time has been a major influence on all BT’s deployments of Broadband. Peter designed and developed BT’s ADSL and ADSL2+ network deployments, which culminated in the extensive take up, of service across the whole of the UK. Peter has been instrumental in the successful rollout of the Openreach NGA network (both VDSL and PON) and led the design and development of this platform from its inception. He is currently part of the thought leadership team driving the strategy, design and development of BT’s fourth generation Broadband access technology (G.fast).
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About Openreach: Openreach is a digital network business.
John Naylon
Chief Technology Officer of Cambridge Broadband Networks
A co-founder of CBNL, John is responsible for research and development and holds over 11 years’ experience of developing cutting edge wireless technology. John holds a degree and PhD in computer science from the University of Cambridge.
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About Cambridge Broadband Networks: Cambridge Broadband designs wireless back-haul and access provisions that improve telecommunication network capacity and efficiency.
Ross Spearman
Chief Technology Officer of Tait Communications
Ross Spearman is the CTO for Tait Communications. He has been with Tait Communications since Jan 2016, and has responsibility for directing the company’s technology investment strategy. Mr Spearman joined Tait after returning to New Zealand from the United States where he was the CTO for Ericsson in Seattle. Mr Spearman has 25 years experience in the telecom industry, working with radio, switching and transport technologies in fixed and mobile networks. The first half of his career was spent in Research & Development, and the second half with Customer Units, working with leading Telecom Operators.He was with Ericsson in North America since 1999, most recently as CTO for a Tier 1 mobile operator account, where his team had solution responsibility for all technology provided by Ericsson to the Operator, and also consulted on strategic technology/business initiatives – including their nationwide LTE roll-out.Previously Mr Spearman was VP of Technology, driving Strategic Initiatives with IMS, IP/ATM/SONET transport products, and soft-switching in North America. In Europe he ran Product Management within Ericsson’s Access business, and began his career in New Zealand in HW and embedded SW design. Mr Spearman holds Masters and Bachelors’ degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
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About Tait Communications: Tait Communications is a global leader in designing, delivering and managing critical communication solutions that help utilities.
Bevan Gibson
CTO of Euro Media Group
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About Euro Media Group: Euro Media Group is a provider of broadcast and film facilities on the European market.
Fraser Hardy
CTO of Qudini – Retail Choreography
Fraser Hardy is Founder & CTO at Qudini.
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About Qudini – Retail Choreography: Retail Choreography solutions to transforming customer experience, operations and data for retailers and banks.
Peter Hudson
Chief Technology Officer of Sepura
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About Sepura: Sepura is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of digital radio products
Andrew Lovatt
Chief Technology Officer of Blacktrace Ltd
Andrew Lovatt currently serves Blacktrace Holdings as a chief technology officer. Prior to joining Blacktrace Holdings, Andrew spent three years with the Dolomite Microfluidics as chief technology officer.
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About Blacktrace Ltd: Blacktrace Ltd is a technology company specializing in biology, nanomaterial sciences, chemistry, and microfluidics.
Peter McClelland
CTO of CIQUAL
Peter joined Ciqual in 2016 with responsibility for product architecture and development. Peter brings deep experience of both start-up and corporate software product environments, with particular focus on large scale streaming and BI solutions for telecom. For over 20 years Peter has run his own software companies designing and selling innovative products and consulting services, taking several companies from product concept to repeat sales. With broad experience of designing and delivering solutions to many sectors, including telecom, media and manufacturing, Peter brings a strong product focus to Ciqual.
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About CIQUAL: CIQUAL offers Session Insight, a system that delivers a real-time, dynamic view of mobile broadband service and user experience.
Satinder Ubhi
Chief Technology Officer of TXTImpact
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About TXTImpact: TXTImpact is a New York-based SMS Text Marketing and Business text messaging service provider.
Manveer Mangat
Chief Technology Officer of Sesui – Cloud Communications
Manveer Mangat: For over a decade, Manveer’s built his reputation as an expert in voice communications innovation and design. With a track record in network operations, security management, product development, technical support and partner management, these days Manveer can design his way around the most complex client problems. With two young sons, Manveer’s problem solving at home is no less complicated or rewarding.
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About Sesui – Cloud Communications: Sesui the bright British innovators and creators of award winning call management software.
David Adams
CoFounder and CTO of Chime Advisors
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About Chime Advisors: Disrupting the expert network industry
Mark Hay
Founder, CEO, and CTO of Melrose Labs
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About Melrose Labs: Communication services inception, development and operation. Enabling and optimising communications. #CPaaS #SaaS #UCaaS #APIs
Leo Lundy
Group CTO of Imagine LTE
Leo Lundy is Group Chief Technology Officer at Imagine Communications Group of Europe.
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About Imagine LTE: Imagine LTE is an telecom operator providing switched voice, broadband, and mobile services.
Brian Fuchs
Co-Founder & CTO of The Mobile Collective
Brian Fuchs is a Co-Founder & CTO at The Mobile Collective.
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About The Mobile Collective: The Mobile Collective brings people together to work on exciting new mobile and web projects. We believe in the power of collaboration.
Simon Fletcher
CTO of Real Wireless
Simon takes responsibility for overall technology offering and strategy at Real Wireless. Real Wireless has expert advisors working with clients in the creation of wireless technologies such a Cisco and their deployment and optimal use such as Wembley Stadium . Simon is the Chairman of Cambridge Wireless FWIC for 2016. Prior to Real Wireless, Simon worked at NEC Corporation leading developments of emerging global market product strategies, portfolio alignment, and innovation programmes. The primary focus on infrastructure and network edge technologies led him to represent NEC in joint venture enterprises developing 3G and 4G global market products; working in various systems, consulting and development project management roles. He represented NEC Corporation in the LSTI LTE SAE Trials Initiative steering board and managed co-ordination of 3GPP engagement and associated interdependence to CPRI, and other standards bodies and industry forums. Simon is acting CEO and Director of mVCE a UK research forum leveraging the assets of leading UK communications research groups . In recent times his portfolio level view supported the early development of 2020-Network vision with focus on the evolution of 4Gevo and early 5G development, carrier SDN and virtualisation, open innovation, entrepreneurial society innovation, and ICT for cities and for the benefit of wider society.
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About Cambridge Wireless, Real Wireless: Real Wireless is a leading independent wireless advisory firm, based in the UK and working internationally.
Adrian Taylor
CTO of ITC Secure
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About ITC Secure: ITC Secure Networking provides organisations with assured IT. We design and integrate secure cloud based and on premise IT Network.
Robert Kouba
Chief Technology Officer of Effective Telecoms Limited
Bob heads up the development and maintenance of the specialist software used for all Efftel’s audit and management services. He is also responsible for developing the interfaces into telecoms suppliers’ global billing systems. Bob brings into the company a wealth of specialist software development experience gained from his time in BT, British Gas Research and Mitel Telecom. Past projects include the creation and development of network planning and design software and billing platforms for most of the UK telecom carriers, including Vodafone, Orange, BT Global Networks and Thus. Bob is a graduate Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
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About Effective Telecoms Limited: Efftel are International Telecom and Mobile Expense Management Experts.
