Charles' experience has been in building businesses in a number of industry sectors including: financial services, media, media tech, edtech and healthtech. He co-founded IBIS Capital in 2003 in order to create a flexible, boutique investment bank that could both invest in, and advise companies and their shareholders. 21 years on and IBIS Capital has evolved into three distinct businesses; investment banking, venture capital and hedge fund management. Charles also sits on the Boards of a range of entrepreneurial companies in the media and education sectors.Charles began his career with the investment banking arm of Apax Partners, one of the world's leading independent private equity firms where he helped build the company’s media franchise. In 1998, together with other senior management, Charles spun off the investment banking arm of Apax Partners. Over the next two years the business was built up into a pan-European investment bank operating with offices in 7 countries. Charles successfully exited the business in 2001 following the sale of the company for $200mIn 2003, he launched IBIS Capital. Now in its 21st year IBIS Capital has established itself as a leading investment banking boutique focused on media, education, healthcare and the digital disruption impacting these sectors. The company is also able to act as a principal investor both in the public and private markets. In 2013, Charles co-founded EdTechX which runs a series of global conferences that bring together the key influencers in the education technology sector. These events are now run across the globe with flagship event happening in London.2017 saw the launch of HeathTechX to help build and develop the ecosystem around the digital transition occurring in healthcare. Our inaugural HealthTechX summit was a sell out event.In 2018, Charles co-led the Nasdaq IPO of EdTechX Holdings, the first special purpose acquisition company focused on the education, edtech and training sectors. Charles is Executive Chairman and CIO for EdTechX Holdings which in March 2020 completed the acquisition of the leading adult English Language Training business in China for $535m.In December 2020 Charles co-led for a second time the successful IPO of a SPAC for the world of work and education. EdtechX Holdings II is set up to combine with business with an EV between $400m and $2bn. Business Deals in the Media, Media Tech, EdTech and HealthTech Sectors
Listed skills include Venture Capital, Strategy, Mergers And Acquisitions, Entrepreneurship, and 24 others.