Jos Smart
Consultant at Tech Nation
London, England
Overview
Work Experience
Growth & Strategy Consultant
2018 - Current
Innovation and growth strategist dedicated to driving measurable business growth and competitive market positioning for startups and leading service providers. Recent highlights include relaunching the prestigious Upscale Programme at Tech Nation (2024), leading strategic partnerships at Dream Factory (2022) and Founder & Lightning (2020), and spearheading growth initiatives at Seven Legal (2019/20) and Kontor (2018/19). Skilled in building high-impact partnerships and delivering value across dynamic startup ecosystems.
Foresight Leader
2022 - 2023
Growth Hub is the innovation engine of IMI dedicated to solving complex challenges through a dynamic, customer-focused approach. Growth Hub brings together a diverse range of staff from across IMI, fostering cross-functional collaboration via agile sprint cycles and stage-gated processes to create solutions to address real-world problems in sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage. As Foresight Leader, I led a diverse portfolio of innovation projects, balancing short-term results with strategic, long-term initiatives to advance sustainable growth. I championed a “test and learn” culture, securing CEO-level buy-in and effectively aligning resources. In collaboration with cross-functional teams, I embedded Growth Hub solutions across IMI’s core business areas, In 2023 Growth Hub achieved $90m in orders, doubled IMI’s patent registration rate, enabled entry into new markets (e.g., hydrogen electrolysers), and boosted investors confidence positively impacting share price.
Venture Scout
2019 - 2022
Scouts is an eclectic community of entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, academics, journalists, indie makers and more, brought together to: - Help Backed source great founders & talent - Diversify the landscape of venture and the pool of individuals deciding who gets funded - Learn & grow together toward individual ambitions while supporting each other in surviving the journey
Upscale Programme Lead (Series-A tech startups)
2016 - 2018
Upscale is a 6-month business growth programme for the UK’s leading Series-A tech startups. Upscale works with companies at the critical ‘scaling’ phase of growth; connecting founders and leadership teams with world class Scale Coaches, through a series of curated workshops and mentoring sessions. Alumni companies include Monzo, Bulb, Improbable, Depop, Boiler Room, Signal and Curve. Responsibilities include: - Programme design and delivery - Content and learning development - Startup growth consultation - Community management - Commercial and strategic partnerships - Public speaking - Leadership and team management - Operations - Marketing Programme information: https://technation.io/programmes/upscale/ Upscale alumni companies: https://technation.io/programmes/alumni/ — We wrote a book! Upscale: What it takes to scale a startup. By the people who've done it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911195867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TnfSDb3NJB9W6
Regional Growth Lead
2015 - 2016
Regional Growth Lead responsible for launching a new proposition (Business Ethernet) to an emerging customer segment (startups, co-working spaces, multi-tenant offices) in London. Responsibilities include: - Business Development - Strategic Partnerships - Community Engagement - Consumer Insight - Proposition Design - Go-to-market Strategy - Sales Management - Senior Stakeholder Management
Content Marketing and Production
2013 - 2015
Content marketing and production specialist creating online video campaigns for global clients such as Virgin and Live Nation. Highlights include filming and creating content with Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy and Sir Richard Branson.
Content Marketing Manager
2012 - 2013
Digital Content Manager for Virgin Media Pioneers; a digital platform championing entrepreneurial talent in the UK.
Partnerships Manager
2011 - 2012
Seeking out and maintaining partner and influencer relationships creating mutually beneficial collaborations with specific strategic objectives in mind. Strategic planning and practical delivery of events, competitions and campaigns.
Project Executive
2009 - 2010