This week we were delighted to interview Alex van Someren, a repeatedly successful entrepreneur in IT software and hardware. Maybe you got to meet Alex last month when he spoke in Edinburgh, but if not, you should know he’s a very cool dude. Having founded nCipher and ANT Software, he’s now helping loads of other folks get their companies soaring. One of the most amusing personal challenges, we’re cheering for him!
What’s your startup/business? Right now I’m an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Cambridge, and Dealmaker for UK Trade & Investment’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, and I’m also consulting for several IT industry clients!
Give us your company culture in 3 words: My personal culture is about Action, Instinct and Informality.
What’s the next big challenge or hurdle the company needs to overcome? My next big challenge is to get a proper job and prove to my wife I’m not unemployable!
What’s the personal dream (in one sentence)? To see my three kids become happy & independent.
And the professional dream (in one sentence)? I’m pretty happy with having had two of my businesses go public on the London Stock Exchange.
What do you do for stress relief? Run 5km.
Your favourite ’skint’ meal? Baked potatoes.
How do you celebrate milestones or awards? With champagne!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure? Drinking too much champagne.
And the coolest event you’ve been to? Besides my own wedding 😉 a friend’s wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, outside under the stars on a warm June evening.
Name a quirky fact about yourself: I haven’t needed to visit a barber for more than 25 years, on account of my low-maintenance pony-tail.
Give the choice, would you prefer…
i) Truth or Dare? Truth.
ii) Carrot or Stick Radish.
iii) Tea or Coffee? Double Espresso!
StartupCafe 
Leave a Reply