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Tom Richardson

Leading International at Personio | Ex-Stripe | US, EMEA & APAC Experience

Professional Background

Tom Richardson is a dynamic leader in the Software as a Service (SaaS) landscape, recognized for his ability to drive growth and build powerful teams across the globe. With a career that began with an internship at Google, just a year after its IPO, Tom has consistently demonstrated a knack for understanding the intricacies of software startups. His diverse career journey has taken him to some of the world's most vibrant tech hubs, including London, Tokyo, Shanghai, California, Boston, and Sydney.

Tom's notable tenure as Vice President at Acquia is a testament to his strategic vision and operational acumen. Joining the firm at the young age of 29, he spearheaded the development of a Strategic Partner program that catapulted its annual recurring revenue from $300,000 to an impressive $16 million over his five-year term. During this period, Acquia itself experienced explosive growth, scaling from $60 million to over $200 million in revenue before its acquisition for $1 billion in 2019.

Following this success, Tom transitioned into the role of leading the Asia-Pacific (APAC) business for InVision, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth across key markets. With a staggering valuation of $1.9 billion, InVision's SaaS design platform became indispensable to 5 million users globally, including all Fortune 100 companies. Under Tom's leadership, the APAC division expanded to include 6,000 customers and secured prominent enterprise partnerships with industry titans like NAB, Commonwealth Bank, Singtel, and Singapore Airlines.

In April 2021, Tom's exceptional skills found a new home at Stripe, where he took on the role of Head of Startups & SMB for APAC and Japan. As a member of Stripe's APAC Leadership Group, he oversees five teams focusing on Sales, Account Management, and Venture Capital Partnerships. His strategic approach and expertise have made him a valuable asset to the organization as they continue to evolve in the ever-changing digital economy.

Education and Achievements

Tom Richardson pursued his higher education with fervor, earning a Master of Arts (MA Cantab) in History from the prestigious University of Cambridge. His formative years were spent at Uppingham School and the renowned Dragon School in Oxford, where he laid the groundwork for his academic and professional future. Tom's commitment to excellence is further underscored by his selection as a WPP Fellow, which highlights his unique blend of creativity and strategic insights.

Throughout his career, Tom has also engaged in various other prominent roles and ventures. He has served as Vice President International at Personio and acted as an Angel Investor for numerous startups, contributing his wealth of knowledge to budding entrepreneurs. His role as International Communications Manager for the Tokyo 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Bid Committee showcases his versatility and ability to handle high-stakes projects that demand meticulous planning and execution.

Achievements

Tom's extensive list of accolades and achievements is a testament to his expertise in scaling operations, leading teams, and building successful business strategies. He has a proven track record of fostering international growth, particularly in market entry, entity formation, and recruitment strategies tailored for startups and small to medium enterprises (SMBs).

In addition to his corporate achievements, Tom has been an influential mentor and investor within the startup ecosystem, having participated in programs such as Startmate, where his guidance has helped shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. His multifaceted experience positions him as a sought-after expert in areas such as customer success, enterprise sales leadership, sales modeling, and strategic marketing initiatives across the APAC region.

Tom Richardson’s illustrious career is characterized by his unwavering determination to help businesses scale and succeed globally, making him a prominent figure in the SaaS and technology sectors.

Related Questions

How did Tom Richardson help Acquia achieve over $200 million in revenue during his tenure as VP?
What strategies did Tom Richardson implement to expand InVision's customer base to 6,000 in the APAC region?
In what ways does Tom Richardson leverage his extensive experience in SaaS to drive growth for startups in APAC and Japan?
What key insights has Tom Richardson gained from his international work experience in major tech hubs like Tokyo and Silicon Valley?
How has Tom Richardson's education at Cambridge influenced his approach to leadership in the tech industry?
Tom Richardson
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom