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 Founder operating in the Advertising Platforms space. If you think a Founder 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.
Nick Holzherr
Founder & CEO of Whisk
Whisk helps turn food inspiration into meals on the table, through software that makes the process seamless for users. Nick now leads Whisk at Samsung NEXT, Samsung’s software and innovation division. Before Whisk was acquired by Samsung in March 2019, Whisk had grown from a team of 2 to 32, integrating the world’s largest food ecosystem players in the US, UK, Australia and Germany. As a serial entrepreneur, Nick raised over $2m in VC funding to first found Whisk after pitching Whisk.com to Lord Sugar in the final of the BBC Apprentice 2012, where he achieved the series’ best task-win record. In 2017 Nick was awarded an honorary doctorate from Aston University. Nick and his businesses have been featured in leading publications including Newsweek, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The BBC and The Next Web.
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About Air, Samsung NEXT, Whisk: Whisk powers the creation, discovery, personalization, and monetization of food content online, in-store, and at home.
Calum Smeaton
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TVSquared
For the past two decades, Calum has dedicated his professional life to starting and growing innovative software and e-commerce startups. After being entrenched in the world of data analytics for years and seeing firsthand how data can transform an industry, Calum founded TVSquared in 2012 to bring state-of-the-art analytical capabilities to TV advertising. Calum is recognized for building outstanding global teams; in fact, many of his employees have been with him for more than 10 years. He thrives on taking a company from idea to exit and is regularly tapped by journalists, analysts and event organizers to discuss his unique management strategies and his fervent belief that data-driven decisions need to be at the cornerstone of every business. Before TVSquared, Calum was the CEO of Sumerian, a provider of big data analytics for retail and investment banks. He was also the co-founder and CTO of Orbital Software, which was listed on the London Stock Exchange and merged with Sopheon PLC in 2001. Outside of work, Calum is an avid outdoorsman, who can frequently be found all over the world kite-surfing, snowboarding and sailing.
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About AdNews, TVSquared: TVSquared is the global leader in TV attribution.
James Draper
Founder and CEO of Bidstack
From Bidstack.com: James founded Bidstack in 2015 utilising more than 15 years of commercial experience to launch his own business. Since the initial launch he has seen the company grow from a one man operation to an international business which trades on the London Stock Exchange. Under his stewardship, Bidstack became the first ever Crowdcube funded company to go public and he pivoted the business into gaming in 2017. James leads the business as a whole and is responsible for the company’s direction, growth, development, and vision.
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About Bidstack: Bidstack empowers brands to place advertising into spaces that sit naturally within video games.
Simon Mitchell
Co-Founder of Bidstack
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About Adoptt, Bidstack, Rise, Watford & West Herts Chamber Of Commerce, Wotch.io: Bidstack empowers brands to place advertising into spaces that sit naturally within video games.
Evren Kacar
Founder, CEO of DAN Global
15 years of experience in digital marketing and agency business. Established Synergy, one of the first generation of digital marketing agencies in 2002. In line with the rising trends, Co-founded Boomerang Social Media Agency in 2010. Managed both agencies and supported the development of digital marketing industry in Turkey with DijitalAjanslar.com which began as a local network for digital agencies in 2013. Witnessed the rise of the digital age. Gained deep experience in all areas of digital marketing, working with global brands and Turkey’s most respectable brands since 2002, as the definiton of web agencies became interactive agencies with web 2.0, and digital agencies as of today. Established DAN Global in Turkey to provide online platforms, industry knowledge and various tools to support digital marketing agencies and global community of marketers. Expanded his business to the UK in 2017, and established DAN Global (UK) Ltd. in London which owns and operates the Digital Agency Network (DAN), an all-in-one platform to discover the best digital marketing agencies in the world.
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About DAN Global, Digital Agency Network: DAN Global provides online platforms, industry knowledge and various tools to support digital agencies and global community of marketers.
Stephen Upstone
Co-Founder & CEO of LoopMe
Stephen Upstone is an established figure in the mobile industry, having worked in mobile advertising since 2006, at the world’s leading mobile companies, including Ad Infuse (sold to Velti), LoopMe and many more. He has very strong experience in mobile and an excellent track record in sales, growth and general management in venture capital backed mobile technology companies including two company sales and one NASDAQ listing. Stephen was Managing Director Europe for Ad Infuse (sold to Velti) and then VP Sales and Business Development Europe for Velti after the takeover. Stephen was part of the senior management team that successfully listed Velti on the NASDAQ and was present in New York for the ringing of the opening bell, raising $300 million USD and reaching over $1 billion USD in valuation. Whilst at Ad Infuse and Velti, he opened offices across the globe, helping to build a multi-million dollar business, working with companies such as Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, Sky and Daily Mail. Prior to Ad Infuse Stephen worked at Touch Clarity (sold to Omniture), FirstCapital, Universal McCann and Lowe Howard Spink. As an experienced mobile advertising expert, Stephen founded LoopMe, the world’s largest mobile video advertising platform, reaching over 2 billion consumers worldwide. Since LoopMe’s foundation, Stephen has opened ten offices all over the world and grown its employee base from only a handful to over one hundred in under three years, developing the company from a start-up to a successful medium sized company with a monthly revenue in the high six figures. Stephen is also Chairman of the Mobile Marketing Association UK Advisory Board, a member of the EMEA Board and a supporter of the mobile marketing and advertising initiatives. Stephen was previously Co-Chair of the Global Advertising Committee and was a Member of the IAB Mobile Advertising Committee.
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About LoopMe: LoopMe is focused on brand advertising, using AI, attribution, and analytics to deliver measurable outcomes.
Marco Van de Bergh
Founder & CTO of LoopMe
As LoopMe’s CTO, Marco oversees LoopMe’s product and technology development from the London office. Marco has worked in mobile advertising since 2006, as Director of Technology EMEA at Ad Infuse (sold to Velti) and Director of Products for Velti based in San Francisco. He worked in development & strategy for mobile services as Senior Business Analyst in Vodafone Group R&D Strategy.
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About LoopMe: LoopMe is focused on brand advertising, using AI, attribution, and analytics to deliver measurable outcomes.
Laura Bowen
COO & Co-Founder of Admedo
LAURA BOWEN co-founding a fast-growing adtech startup in 2013 is no mean feat. Laura’s entrepreneurial flair and strong work ethic sees her sit at the helm of operations. Fully immersed in every aspect of the company as well as the adtech space, Laura’s motivation and passion for innovation helps shape and drive forward Admedo’s strategy.
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About Admedo: Admedo is a self-serve online advertising platform that focuses on developing performance-driven tools.
Ted Nash
CEO & Co-Founder of Tapdaq
Ted Nash built his first business aged 12 and eventually became the first teenager in the world to achieve 1 million app installs. He’s slightly crazy. FUN FACTS Ted is a talker, but he doesn’t get everything his own way. Ted currently holds the record for the fastest fail in a UK motorbike test – 3 seconds (he crashed into the starting gate).
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About Liquid5, Liquid5, Tapdaq: Tapdaq helps mobile developers to maximise their revenue with unbiased ad mediation, and retain their most valuable users.
Nick Reffitt
Co-Founder & CTO of Tapdaq
Nick has been coding since a young age. He picked up programming aged 12, and started consulting a year later. He met Ted at a similar time, and they both hacked on various projects over the years. Nick is in charge of all the technical aspects to Tapdaq. CS grad from University of Kent.
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About Tapdaq: Tapdaq helps mobile developers to maximise their revenue with unbiased ad mediation, and retain their most valuable users.
Dom Marmont
CTO & Co-Founder of FIXR
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About FIXR: FIXR is a leading ticketing and event management platform built for fans and organisers.
Hugh Hudleston
Commercial Director & Co-Founder of FIXR
Hugh is a founding Director of FIXR. He most recently spent a year doing his MBA at Cambridge University before joining FIXR full time in June 2014. Hugh started his financial career at Matrix Corporate Capital in equity sales. Following Matrix, Hugh became a partner of a corporate advisory boutique, Hawkwood Capital, raising money for private companies. He is also Director of a fast growing visual recognition company, WeSee. Past exploits included launching 2 magazines. He is a keen sailor.
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About FIXR: FIXR is a leading ticketing and event management platform built for fans and organisers.
Sean Riley
Founder & CEO of Ad Dynamo
Sean Riley is founder and CEO at Ad Dynamo. Prior to this, he was managing director at Entelligence Ltd. and had worked one at E-Data Solutions and Credit Suisse.
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About Ad Dynamo: Ad Dynamo is Africa’s largest digital media sales house. Ad Dynamo manages sales in Africa for Twitter, Oath, Snapchat & Spotify.
Shashank Sripada
Founder and CEO of Bubblo (BubbleScene Ltd.)
Shashank Sripada is the Founder and CEO of Bubblo and is currently associated with Marcena Capital Ltd as the company’s Vice President. He is also a former Associate at Oak Investment Management Group. He earned hos Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc), Economic History at London School of Economics and Political Science and had his Master’s Degree in Science, Management at the same school.
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About Bubblo (BubbleScene Ltd.), Marcena Capital Ltd: Bubblo is an artificial Intelligence based virtual reality discovery app and marketing platform.
Damian Collier
Founder & CEO of Blend Media
Damian Collier is a British producer, entrepreneur and business consultant for music, film, TV and stage. Collier has produced both independently (through Damian Collier Entertainment) and has collaborated with major record labels including Sony BMG, EMI, Universal Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing and major film and TV studios such as Paramount Pictures, Fox, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation. He has experience in film, television, music recording, music publishing, licensing, merchandising, theatre, novels and comics. He also holds the position of managing director of the Jeff Wayne Music Group.
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About Blend Media: Blend is the world’s leading 360˚ VR video solution for Brands, Agencies and Publishers.
Jigar Patel
CEO & Co-Founder of The Ticket Fairy
COO & Founder at The Ticket Fairy. CEO & Founder at Desinex Group International.
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About Desinex Group International, The Ticket Fairy: Full-stack event marketing, ticketing, analytics and advertising platform
Henry Hyder-Smith
Founder and CEO of Adestra
Henry has been working within the email marketing industry since its inception. As co-founder, Henry leads the board of Adestra and has a unique understanding of different clients’ needs, industry issues and development. Henry has a hands-on approach, and is devoted to keeping Adestra’s products, services and staff at the cutting edge of email marketing.
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About Adestra: Adestra is a trusted provider of First-Person Marketing solutions for global and growing brands.
Steve Denner
Founder and COO of Adestra
Steve is highly experienced in developing and delivering email solutions, having led teams responsible for bringing five email applications to market. Since co-founding Adestra, Steve is focused on ensuring Adestra’s platform continues to be today’s best email marketing system and that Adestra’s clients receive the best support.
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About Adestra: Adestra is a trusted provider of First-Person Marketing solutions for global and growing brands.
Glyn Powditch
CTO & Co Founder of Dream AI Ltd T/A Dream Agility
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About Dream AI Ltd T/A Dream Agility, Pre-PIM AI, SBG Bury: Multi-award winning, AI company with proprietary Visual AI and Machine Learning, specialising in Retail
Peter Mason
Co-Founder & CEO of Illuma
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About Illuma: Leading the way in contextual scaling for online advertising campaigns. Privacy friendly, without using cookies or personal data.
Mark Hain
Founder and CEO of DingIt.tv
Mark Hain is the founder and CEO of DingIt.tv.
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About DingIt.tv: DingIt is a leading destination for premium eSports and Gaming content
Armaan Mehta
Co-Founder of Odore
Armaan Mehta is the Co-Founder at Odore.
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About Odore: We bring digital and data to sampling, providing data driven sampling solutions so brands get to know their customers better.
Karan Gupta
Co-Founder of Odore
Karan Gupta is the Co-Founder at Odore.
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About Odore: We bring digital and data to sampling, providing data driven sampling solutions so brands get to know their customers better.
Charles Sekwalor
Founder of Movemeback
Charles Sekwalor is Founder at MoveMeBack. Entrepreneur, mentor, advisor and investor focused on building startups that drive change and positively influence people’s lives.
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About COS Vetures, Mindsmeet, Movemeback: Movemeback is the community that connecting talented professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Oyin Solebo
Founder of Movemeback
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About Mindsmeet, Movemeback: Movemeback is the community that connecting talented professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Nicholas Aldrich
Founder of Only The Brave
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About Only The Brave: Only The Brave is a marketing and advertising firm that assists in the development and implementation of brands.
Lee Cassingham
CEO and Founder of Viewex
Founder at Viewex
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About Viewex: Find hidden ad revenue on your website
Pierre Figeat
CEO and Co-Founder of Admo.tv
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About Admo.tv: Admo.tv is the best TV analytics platform that helps TV & radio advertisers to measure and optimise the online impact.
Tino Nombro
Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Ambergreen Internet Marketing
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About Ambergreen Internet Marketing: Ambergreen Internet Marketing is a well-renowned digital marketing agency in the UK, creating bespoke internet marketing solutions.
Sana Lakhani
Co-Founder & Account Manager of Archer Media
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About Archer Media: Archer Media have offers for all platforms and devices so you can not only monitise your websites but also games and apps.
Olly Robinson
Co-Founder of Maison Sport
Olly Robinson is a former national team athlete, Olly progressed to ski race coaching and then ski instructing, before working as a cyber insurance broker in the city. He is passionate about design .
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About Freely Wellness, Maison Sport: Maison Sport is a marketplace connecting ski instructors with people learning to ski
Michal Marcinik
Founder & Chief Executive Officer of AdTonos
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About AdTonos, E2E: Creating innovative technologies for voice commerce, enabling voice transactions. Bringing the power like Adwords has to audio advertising.
Francis Turner
Co-Founder, CRO & UK Managing Director at Adyoulike , BIMA Hot 100 2015 of ADYOULIKE
Francis Turner is the Co-Founder & CRO at ADYOULIKE.
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About ADYOULIKE, ADYOULIKE, Content Amp: Advertising, Reinvented.
Dale Lovell
UK Managing Director & Co-Founder of ADYOULIKE
Chief Digital Officer at Adyoulike – the European leader in native advertising. Successful track record in online start-ups and one of BIMA’s Hot 100 2015. Prior to Adyoulike Dale was co-founder of Content Amp, a content marketing service that merged with Adyoulike in March 2014. Proven at building creative content businesses, nurturing start-up teams, content development, developing brand content strategy and promoting the benefits of online content to all businesses and brands. An experienced content marketer, online editor, publisher and media professional. Experienced across the entire spectrum of online media with direct hands-on experience in numerous internet start-ups.
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About ADYOULIKE, Content Amp: Advertising, Reinvented.
Mike Harty
Co-Founder, CPO and COO of PowerLinks Media
Mike Harty is Co-Founder and COO of PowerLinks Media, an open technology platform powering the creation, transaction and management of native advertising. Mike has a remarkable talent for technological innovation and entrepreneurial creativity, and a comprehensive understanding of the digital media ecosystem. His insights and expertise have led to PowerLinks’ continued success, with expansion across Europe and into the US. Mike began his entrepreneurial career in February 2012, co-founding PowerLinks with fellow graduate from the University of Leeds, Kevin Flood. Mike began his digital media career at a very young age. He cut his media teeth at just 14 years old by dabbling with affiliate marketing and classified ad sales, and has not looked back since. Mike is based in PowerLinks’ London office. Follow Mike on Twitter @Mike_Harty
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About PowerLinks Media: PowerLinks Media is an advertising platform that enables advertisers to deliver tailor-made experiences through multiple devices.
Giuseppe Licari
Co-Founder and CEO in GreenJinn of GreenJinn
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About GreenJinn: GreenJinn is the leading UK cashback app for grocery shoppers. It helps brands to reach consumers where they live the most: their smartphone
Roberto Amerighi
Co-Founder and CFO in GreenJinn of GreenJinn
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About GreenJinn: GreenJinn is the leading UK cashback app for grocery shoppers. It helps brands to reach consumers where they live the most: their smartphone
Vorapat Pruecksamars
Co Founder of HomeHapp
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About HomeHapp: HomeHapp is a real estate property platform that leverages the power of social media and storytelling to transform how homes are presented.
Jonathan Gan
Founder of Whichit
Founder of Whichit.
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About Whichit: Whichit is an Interactive Commercial Content platform to increase user engagement, open new revenue streams and gain actionable insights
Chris Sahota
CEO and Founder of Ciesco
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About Ciesco: Corporate finance advisors to technology-enabled media and marketing businesses
Si Brown
Founder & CEO of skignz
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About skignz: skignz: A Precise Location AR platform providing an Enterprise API/SDK that is capable of placing digital content anywhere on the planet
Frank Monkam
Co-Founder; CEO of Pyrablu Inc.
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About Pyrablu Inc.: A Dynamic and Interactive Gamified News Platform
Jamie Estrin
Founder of Zapp360
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About Zapp360: The right-time mobile advertising platform
Arshad Sharif
Co-Founder/Business Development of Jeeeni
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About Jeeeni: Jeeeni is a multidimensional lifestyle service that connects users with businesses, services, and communities within one single app.
Philip Sanchez
Co-Founder/COO of Jeeeni
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About Jeeeni: Jeeeni is a multidimensional lifestyle service that connects users with businesses, services, and communities within one single app.
Seb Lyall
CEO / Founder of Locappy
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About Locappy: Locappy helps small local businesses reach out to their local community.
