James Smith
About James Smith
James Smith serves as the Head of Pre Sales at M247, where he has worked since 2022. He has extensive experience in the hosting and cloud industry, having previously held the position of Hosting Solutions Director at M247 and founded several technology-related ventures.
Current Role at M247
James Smith serves as the Head of Pre Sales at M247, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he leverages his extensive technical and commercial experience to drive sales strategies and support client engagements. His focus is on enhancing customer relationships and aligning M247's offerings with market demands. Smith's leadership in pre-sales activities is integral to M247's growth and client satisfaction.
Previous Experience at M247
Prior to his current role, James Smith worked at M247 as the Hosting Solutions Director from 2017 to 2022. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the company's hosting services and played a crucial role in expanding the company's market presence. Smith's efforts were instrumental in the company's growth trajectory, which saw the workforce increase from 8 employees in 2009 to over 60 by 2016.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
At the age of 14, James Smith founded Unique Hardware, an online platform for computer hardware reviews and modifications. This venture showcased his early interest in technology and set the foundation for his future career in the tech industry. Additionally, in 2002, he established UH Hosting with an initial investment of £50, providing web hosting and shell services to small and medium enterprises.
Acquisitions and Financial Expertise
James Smith has a strong background in acquisitions within the hosting and cloud sectors. He negotiated M247's acquisition of UK Web Hosting Solutions in 2014, which was a seven-figure, all-cash deal. Furthermore, he was involved in the acquisition of M247 by Metronet(UK) in 2016, valued at £47.5 million. His firsthand experience with private equity acquisition processes has equipped him with valuable insights into the industry.
Education and Early Life
James Smith attended Icknield High School from 1997 to 2002. His education provided a foundation for his technical and business acumen, which he later applied in various roles within the technology sector. His early entrepreneurial endeavors began during his teenage years, reflecting his long-standing passion for technology and business.