Updated: Aug 18, 2016 Published: Jul 30, 2015
Serial entrepreneur Simon Franks launched his first business Redbus out of his bedroom in 1999, and grew it organically with the help of a bank loan. After selling the company for $42m, he then moved into the video subscription industry, launching Video Island in 2003.
Shortly after, in 2006, Video Island merged with LOVEFiLM which, after organic growth, went on to raise funding rounds backed by Index Ventures, Benchmark Capital, Octopus Investments, and Balderton Capital, and was purchased by Amazon in 2011 for a reported £200m.
At present, Simon is chairman of the Redbus Group which invests in fast-growth businesses and counts Kabbee in its investment portfolio. He also runs not-for-profit charity the Franks Family Foundation.
