Focus: Visual Media
David Williams
Age: 35
Company: Avanti Screenmedia Plc
Avanti could be straight out of an MBA text book. In its eight years, former investment banker Williams has combined bank loans and angel finance with venture capital, and ultimatelya listing on AIM (the Alternative Investment Market). In total the company has raised £5m and grew last year’s turnover of £1.4m to £4.6m in 2004. The 65-person set-up is also doubling profits year-on-year from placing screens in pubs, bars and high-street retailers, and made £564,000 from a £2.6m turnover in the nine months to December 2003, following the acquisition of competitor Translucis.
2016 update:
Williams remains on the board of directors at Avanti as chief executive. The company now provides its services in 118 countries around the world through its 180 partners and claims to deliver internet service to a quarter of the world’s population. The group currently has three satellites in orbit and a further two under construction.
