Meet Alex van Someren — Successful UK Entrepreneur
* Co-founder of nCipher
* Cambridge Entrepreneur in Residence
* Dealmaker for the UK Global Entrepreneur Programme
About Alex van Someren
Alex grew up near Cambridge, became involved with local firm Acorn Computer as a young teenager and left school at 17 to join the company, where he worked on the BBC Microcomputer and its successor the Acorn Electron.
With his brother, Dr. Nicko van Someren, he established a business selling computer hardware products within their father's company, Aleph One, in 1986. They went on to set up their first independent business ANT Ltd, now ANT plc, in 1990 to produce networking products including Web Browser software which they licensed to the Oracle Corporation. ANT plc was listed on the London AIM market in 2005 and is now positioned in the embedded software market for IPTV.
In 1996 he and Nicko founded nCipher with venture capital backing to develop internet security products using cryptography. nCipher plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2000 and counts major banking, finance and government among its customers around the world. It was sold to Thales SA in 2008 and returned more than £150 million to shareholders.
Alex has authored several books on computer applications and microprocessors, including the first published book on the ARM RISC chips, which was also translated into Japanese.
He still lives in Cambridge with his wife and three children, where he is an active member of the local entrepreneurial community. He is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and a Non-Executive Director of Inkski Limited.
Who should come?
- Anyone keen to hear an entrepreneur's war stories
- Anyone wanting to know more about building in the UK
Topic
Alex will speak about his experiences as a successful UK entrepreneur, lessons learnt and advice to others - from a UK perspective.
What's the UK Global Entrepreneur Programme?
- A group of successful entrepreneurs called Dealmakers, scattered around the globe, each involved in his/her own entrepreneurial activities, and contracted to the GEP part time
- Looking for entrepreneurs, start-ups and later stage companies with exceptional IP and the potential to become global businesses.
- We have extensive networks within the UK, including investors and key business contacts.
- GEP clients must be prepared to establish " a significant presence" (more than a sales office!) in the UK.
- A free service!
- www.entrepreneurs.gov.uk
Structure
2pm sharp - Alex will speak for about 45 mins
2.45pm - Q&A
4pm - Release the hounds
Time and Place
Friday, March 13, 2009
2pm start, until 3.30/4pm
British Consulate-General, Sydney
Level 16, The Gateway
1 Macquarie Place (map)
If you have any questions please email Andrew Corbett-Jones: andrew DOT corbett-jones AT entrepreneurs DOT gov DOT uk
RSVP - Places are limited so please edit and add your name below if you are coming:
- Andrew Corbett-Jones, UK Global Entrepreneur Programme
- Mick Liubinskas, Pollenizer Startup Mechanics
- Deniss Sudak
- Teewoon Tan, CoDefender Anti-keylogging Software
- David Jones, ThreatMETRIX
- Seth Yates, Brandscreen
- Lance Scott, 1 Place Patent Attorneys + Solicitors
- Josephine Inge, 1 Place Patent Attorneys + Solicitors
- Philip Alexander, Director, Hall Capital
- Stuart Horrex Quantum Compass
- Aditya Bates m-Objects Pty Ltd
- Dave Abrahams Organise Internet
- Paul Wallbank, NSW Department of State and Regional Development
- Ryan Cross, [Ryan Cross Consulting]
