Brent Hoberman: The Inspiring Journey of a British Tech Entrepreneur and Visionary Leader
Discover the life, career, business achievements, and lasting influence of Brent Hoberman, the co-founder of lastminute.com and a leading figure in European technology.
Brent Hoberman is one of Britain’s most influential technology entrepreneurs, recognized for transforming online travel and supporting the growth of innovative startups. Best known for co-founding lastminute.com, he helped demonstrate how digital businesses could challenge established industries and change consumer behavior.
His entrepreneurial journey extends far beyond one successful company. Through Founders Factory, Founders Forum, and firstminute capital, he has helped develop Europe’s startup ecosystem.
From launching businesses during the internet boom to investing in emerging technologies, his career reflects ambition, adaptability, and long-term commitment to entrepreneurship.
This article explores Brent Hoberman’s early life, education, professional achievements, business ventures, leadership approach, and influence on the technology industry.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brent Shawzin Hoberman |
| Date of Birth | 25 November 1968 |
| Age | 57 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Investor, Business Leader |
| Education | New College, University of Oxford |
| Famous For | Co-founder of lastminute.com |
| Major Companies | lastminute.com, Founders Factory, Founders Forum, firstminute capital, Made.com |
| Business Industry | Technology, E-commerce, Venture Capital |
| Major Award | Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
| Known As | British Technology Entrepreneur |
Early Life and Education of Brent Hoberman
Brent Shawzin Hoberman was born on 25 November 1968 in Cape Town, South Africa. He later moved to Britain, where he studied and developed interests that would shape his professional career.
Academic Background
Hoberman attended the Dragon School at Oxford from 1979 to 1982 before continuing his education at Eton College. He subsequently studied Modern Languages at New College, Oxford.
His academic background preceded a career defined by international business relationships, technology investment, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Early Interest in Business
Hoberman entered the professional world as digital technology began to transform traditional commercial industries.
Expanding internet access created opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to develop new services and challenge established business models.
This environment became central to his breakthrough venture.
Brent Hoberman and the Success of lastminute.com
In 1998, Hoberman co-founded lastminute.com with Martha Lane Fox. The company offered consumers an online platform for purchasing discounted travel, accommodation, entertainment, and leisure experiences.
Transforming the Online Travel Industry
When many customers relied on travel agencies and telephone bookings, lastminute.com introduced a convenient digital alternative.
The platform connected consumers with available travel and leisure services, helping suppliers reach customers looking to book at short notice.
Its distinctive branding and online-first approach attracted considerable public attention.
Stock Market Flotation in 2000
Lastminute.com became closely associated with Britain’s dot-com boom. In March 2000, the company floated on the London Stock Exchange, drawing significant investor and media attention.
However, the subsequent downturn in the technology market exposed the challenges facing rapidly expanding internet businesses.
Major Acquisition in 2005
Despite periods of financial uncertainty, lastminute.com established a recognized position in European online travel.
In July 2005, Saber Holdings completed the acquisition, valuing its equity at approximately £577 million.
The acquisition became an important milestone in Hoberman’s entrepreneurial career.
Expanding His Business Portfolio
After developing lastminute.com, Hoberman continued exploring opportunities across digital commerce, investment, and technology.
Co-founding Made.com
In 2010, he co-founded Made.com with Ning Li, Julien Callède, and Chloe Macintosh.
The online furniture retailer sought to make contemporary home furnishings more accessible through a digitally focused retail model.
Made.com expanded internationally and eventually listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2021.
Challenges and Business Lessons
The company’s later difficulties highlighted the risks of rapid expansion, inventory management, and shifting consumer demand.
Made.com entered administration in November 2022, with its brand and intellectual property acquired by Next. Hoberman had already left its board before the stock market flotation.
This setback illustrates how even prominent technology ventures remain vulnerable to market conditions and operational pressures.
Founders Factory and Supporting Startups
One of Hoberman’s most important contributions has been helping establish organizations that support early-stage entrepreneurs.
What Is Founders Factory?
Hoberman, Henry Lane Fox, and George Northcott co-founded Founders Factory.
The organization combines startup investment with operational support, helping founders develop products, build teams, establish partnerships, and scale their businesses.
Rather than simply providing financial backing, its model offers practical support to address challenges emerging companies face.
Founders Forum
Hoberman also co-founded Founders Forum, a network that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and influential figures in the technology industry.
Its events encourage relationships, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between established companies and emerging innovators.
The organization has become part of the wider European technology ecosystem.
firstminute capital
In 2017, Hoberman and Spencer Crawley established firstminute capital, a venture capital firm focused on supporting promising early-stage technology companies.
The firm invests in businesses developing innovative products and services, particularly across the United Kingdom and Europe.
Its investment interests include artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and other technology-driven industries.
Brent Hoberman’s Leadership Style
Hoberman’s professional career demonstrates a leadership approach centered on innovation, collaboration, and identifying commercial opportunities.
His ventures frequently connect entrepreneurial talent with established industry expertise.
He has also supported initiatives that expand access to technology careers and improve opportunities for underrepresented founders.
His Influence on Entrepreneurship
Through investment networks and startup programs, Hoberman has helped entrepreneurs gain access to experienced advisers, potential investors, and business partnerships.
His contribution extends beyond creating individual companies to strengthening the infrastructure that supports future businesses.
Awards and Professional Recognition
In the 2015 New Year Honors, Brent Hoberman received a CBE for services to entrepreneurship.
He has also held advisory roles in technology, education, and public-sector innovation.
These activities reflect his involvement in discussions about economic development and technology’s role in modern society.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Brent Hoberman?
Brent Hoberman is a British entrepreneur and technology investor best known for co-founding lastminute.com. He is also associated with Founders Factory, Founders Forum, and firstminute capital.
2. How old is Brent Hoberman?
Born on 25 November 1968, Brent Hoberman is 57 years old as of October 2026. He will turn 58 in November 2026.
3. What companies did Brent Hoberman found?
His best-known ventures include lastminute.com, Made.com, Founders Factory, Founders Forum, and firstminute capital. He has also participated in numerous other technology initiatives.
4. Where did Brent Hoberman study?
He attended the Dragon School and Eton College before studying Modern Languages at New College, Oxford.
5. Why is Brent Hoberman influential?
He is influential because he established digital businesses, supports technology startups, invests in innovative companies, and builds networks that connect entrepreneurs with experienced industry leaders.
Conclusion
Brent Hoberman’s career reflects the evolution of Britain’s technology industry from the early internet era to today’s sophisticated startup investment environment.
His achievements with lastminute.com established his entrepreneurial reputation, while his later ventures expanded his influence across European technology.
Although his business journey has included setbacks, his continued involvement in startup development, venture capital, and entrepreneurial networks remains an important part of his professional legacy.
