Ed Barker
Ed Barker

Corporate strategy and ventures executive

I help drive growth for companies in a market where the edge of innovation is more important than ever. I have a passion for discovering new markets and technologies, and connecting change to value capture. I have worked for giant corporates, medium sized organisations and, as a former founder, I deeply understand the benefits of bringing startup innovation into the corporate world for long-term value creation. Experienced across tech, media, telecoms, and fintech sectors.

Corporates

VP VENTURES, FIS [2022 - ]

FIS is one of the world’s largest fintechs. The CVC arm helps drive big ideas at the forefront of fintech and differentiate through inorganic investment in Seed to Series A startups. Focused on AI, data, blockchain, crypto and payments sectors. 10 investments made in 2022 and more than 50 patent claims filed.

VP STRATEGY, GSMA [2010 - 2020]

Strategy consulting leader working with Chief Strategy Officers and their teams at the world’s largest telcos to find long-term collaborative growth and invest in new markets. This included leading an innovation unit building bridges between telco CVCs and Silicon Valley and an emerging-markets investment fund.

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Startups

212 NORTH VENTURES, ADVISORY [2021 - ]

Strategic advisory and fundraising, including clients in consumer AI, edTech, b2b Saas, retail analytics, satellite connectivity, venture studios, alternative assets.

MARKETING DIRECTOR, BRIDGEWATER SYSTEMS (AMDOCS) [2009 - 2010 ]

EMEA communications and marketing lead prior to acquisition by Amdocs

ADVISOR/INVESTOR, THE VILLAGE HABERDASHERY [2012 - 22]

London-based premium omni-channel retailer serving the craft and maker market

FOUNDER, BIG SMALL [2002 - 2006]

Digital marketing agency, delivering technology and campaigns for startups and corporates

DIRECTOR, MOBILESQUARED [2008 - 2009 ]

Market entry and financial strategy across telecoms and tech markets

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Areas of Expertise

 
 

Corporate Strategy Leadership

Strategy leadership and consulting with a focus on growth: enterprise, consumer, go-to-market, new markets, product and operations. I led a strategy practice for a decade and have worked closely with CXOs at some of the world’s largest companies in telecoms, media, tech and fintech.

Venture Capital Leadership & Ops

Fund leadership, strategy and operations. I worked at a fintech corporate fund (2022-23) with a focus on data and AI; I founded a telco accelerator (2015-20) focusing on 5G growth; and I created sector-agnostic emerging markets growth fund (2017-20).

Advisory & Consulting

I have worked with startups as an investor, in an advisory capacity and at the intersection of enterprise and the innovation ecosystem. And have advised corporates on how to successfully work in the startup ecosystem.

Intrapreneurship

I have worked on multiple corporate innovation initiatives, including several venture funds, an accelerator, a skunworks and product development and growth initiatives.

R&D

Primary and secondary research, trend radars, data science, financial modelling. I have more than 50 provisional patents filed.

Scenarios & Foresight

Scenario planning connects the future to the present, uncovering the delta between the two, leading to better executive decisions and far fewer surprises.

Courses & Education

Life-long learner

University of Sheffield - BA (Hons.) Economics

The Power MBA - Business Administration

Erasmus University - Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital

Duke University - Entrepreneurial Finance: Strategy and Innovation Specialization

University of Stirling - MSc. Public Relations

Università Bocconi - Private Equity and Venture Capital

University of Pennsylvania - Fundamentals of Quantitative Modeling

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