EP49: "We almost had the NETFLIX of Europe" | Simon Franks, Co-Founder of LoveFilm and Partner at Redbus Ventures

Strategy & Tragedy: CEO Stories with Steph Melodia

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Simon Franks is the co-founder of LoveFilm, the DVD rental company, which sold to Amazon for £200M back in 2011.
This was only one of multiple business exits, as in 2005 he also sold Redbus Film Distribution to Lionsgate for £20M. This business was the UK’s fastest growing company between 2000 and 2004, with a growth rate of 280% - it was also behind famous movies including Bend it Like Beckham!
Simon then went on to start Redbus Ventures, an early-stage venture firm, with investments in the likes of PerkBox, Cleo, Lick, and Wild.
Now Simon is also working on philanthropic projects in South East Asia, focused on international development, foreign aid, and is a strong promoter of entrepreneurialism as a means of addressing economic problems.
Tune in to hear Steph & Simon discuss...
🎥 Lessons from a successful 3X exited founder
🎥 Tips for fundraising founders (and founders about to exit) inc. RedBus Ventures' thesis for pre-seed to seed rounds
🎥 Money attitude and insights into the lifestyles of the wealthy (hint: there's always another level)
🎥 Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship to venture capital & philanthropy. (Simon calls himself "the reluctant venture capitalist").
🎥 How entrepreneurialism can be a force for good
🎥 Plus, of course: how we almost had the Netflix of Europe...
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