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Matt Jonns

Investing in and building tech companies, and digitising offline businesses | Founder & CEO @ Founder + Lightning.

Understanding Matt Jonns' Professional Background

Matt Jonns is a distinguished entrepreneur and investor known for his remarkable contributions to the venture building landscape in the United Kingdom. In 2016, he founded Founder and Lightning, after digitizing his family's business, recognizing a significant opportunity in the venture builder sector. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience, Matt has successfully supported over 40 portfolio companies, navigating the complexities and nuances of creating a thriving tech business in today's competitive market.

Driving Innovation in the UK Economy

Throughout his career, Matt has identified and addressed crucial gaps in the UK economy through his focused investment thesis. His approach to venture building is characterized by several key principles:

  • Digitizing Offline Businesses: Matt is passionate about the potential of transforming traditional revenue-generating offline businesses into digital powerhouses. He refers to these businesses as ‘proper analog businesses’, and believes that by harnessing technology, they can unlock significant growth and sustainability in the digital age.

  • Championing Sustainable Success: Contrary to the prevailing unicorn-hunting mentality prevalent in the tech startup ecosystem, Matt emphasizes the importance of building solid, sustainable businesses. He and his team at Founder and Lightning actively seek out 'horses'—steady, reliable businesses with the potential to thrive rather than chasing aggressive growth at all costs.

  • Empowering Non-Tech Entrepreneurs: A firm believer in the capabilities of non-tech founders, Matt leverages their strong commercial acumen to transition them successfully into tech startup founders. His unique approach nurtures diverse talent, enriching the tech landscape with varied perspectives and expertise.

  • Investing in Diversity: As a staunch advocate for gender equity in entrepreneurship, 50% of Founder and Lightning's investments in 2023 included at least one female founder. Matt's commitment to promoting diversity ensures that innovative ideas from a varied range of voices are given the opportunity to flourish, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive economy and society.

Educational Journey and Early Career

Matt’s educational foundation in English from Loughborough University greatly influences his current role as a communicator and a thought leader in the startup ecosystem. His time at Highams Park also shaped his early perspectives, fostering a love for creative expression and problem-solving.

Before establishing Founder and Lightning, Matt garnered relevant experience that paved the way for his future successes. He served as the Founder & CEO at ucreate.it, a platform that exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for innovation. Additionally, he was a founding member of the London IP Exchange (Lipex), where his work focused on leveraging intellectual property for entrepreneurial growth.

Moreover, as the Founder of Umbrella Music Academy and Umbrella Music, Matt explored and developed the creative and educational prospects within the music industry. This multifaceted background further enhanced his entrepreneurial toolkit, providing him with valuable insights that he now applies to technology startups.

Notable Achievements and Contributions

Matt Jonns continues to make a profound impact on the UK tech scene. His work with over 40 portfolio companies has not only helped startups to avert common pitfalls but has also contributed significantly to the broader industry landscape.

  1. Pioneering Venture Builder: As a leader in the venture builder space, Matt is recognized for his innovative thinking and ability to spot market gaps, as seen in his initial digitization of his family business.

  2. Commitment to Empowerment: His emphasis on supporting non-tech founders and female entrepreneurs underscores his belief in diversity as a critical driver of success, enhancing the vibrancy and resilience of the UK economy.

  3. Sustainability Advocate: By promoting the development of sustainable tech companies, Matt is aligning his ventures with a future-focused vision, ensuring that the enterprises he supports not only thrive today but contribute positively to society and the environment long-term.

Conclusion: The Driving Force Behind Matt Jonns

Matt Jonns stands out as a leading figure in the UK’s venture building ecosystem, driven by an unwavering commitment to empower founders and foster sustainable growth. His unique blend of experience, education, and innovative mindset remains pivotal to his success and that of the companies he nurtures. As he continues to champion the next wave of entrepreneurs and tech innovations, Matt's vision of creating a robust, diverse, and sustainable tech landscape is one that resonates deeply within the industry and inspires many aspiring founders to pursue their dreams with tenacity and purpose.

Related Questions

How did Matt Jonns identify the gap in the venture builder space after digitizing his family's business?
What key strategies does Matt Jonns apply to help emerging non-tech founders transition into successful tech entrepreneurs?
Can Matt Jonns elaborate on his investment approach that emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices?
What are some lessons Matt Jonns has learned from supporting over 40 portfolio companies in the tech startup sector?
How does Matt Jonns advocate for female entrepreneurs within his ventures and the broader tech community?
Matt Jonns
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom