Simon Calver

Simon Calver grew up in the family supermarket business in Gloucester but after a degree in Computer Science followed a career in large blue chip companies such as Unilever, Pepsi and Dell. He returned to his technology roots leading early stage digital businesses as COO/President of the EdTech business Riverdeep plc in San Francisco and CEO of LOVEFiLM, Europe’s leading online DVD and Digital Entertainment Company, which he managed for seven years up to the ultimate sale to Amazon Inc in 2011. In 2010 he was a finalist of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year representing London and the South East.

He left to become Chief Executive Officer of Mothercare plc leading their transformation and digital turnaround plan. He currently is on the Board of Moo.com, Gousto, Toucan Box and Network Locum. Simon also advises/invests across technology/e-commerce businesses in the UK and is a speaker on business change, the digital revolution and leadership. He was recognised in the Masarati 100 in the Sunday Times as one of the leading UK entreprenuers helping the next generation. In 2015 Simon became a founding Partner of BGF Ventures with Harry Briggs and Rory Stirling to launch a new £200m early stage venture company, investing £1 to 6m in leading tech entrepreneurs across the UK.