Rob Dobson

Rob Dobson is a highly respected and active angel investor based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, known for his significant entrepreneurial success before transitioning to investment. He founded Actix, a telecoms software company, in 1991. As CEO from 1991 to 2005, he meticulously scaled the business, achieving over $50 million in annual revenue by 2005. His leadership culminated in the successful sale of Actix for approximately £100 million in 2005, marking a substantial return and solidifying his reputation as a successful tech entrepreneur.

Since the sale of Actix, Mr. Dobson has dedicated his expertise and capital to angel investing, primarily focusing on early-stage technology companies across the UK. He is particularly active within the Scottish startup ecosystem, often co-investing with other prominent angels and institutional funds. A distinctive aspect of his investment strategy is his frequent engagement as a Non-Executive Director (NED) in his portfolio companies, providing invaluable strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive operational experience to support growth. As of 2018, he had already invested in 20-30 companies, demonstrating a consistent commitment to nurturing new ventures.

Rob Dobson's investment thesis centers on backing innovative tech firms with strong founding teams. His portfolio spans various sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, and SaaS, with notable exits such as FreeAgent (acquired by RBS), Sensewhere (acquired by HERE Technologies), ZoneFox (acquired by Fortra), and Smarter Grid Solutions (acquired by Mitsubishi Electric). His typical first cheque size for these early-stage ventures ranges between £50,000 and £250,000, reflecting his preference for seed and pre-seed rounds where his operational insights can have the most profound impact. His track record of successful exits and active involvement makes him a sought-after investor for nascent companies.