Kelston Smith

Founder, Investor & Technology Strategist

LinkedIn

About

A commercially driven technologist and seasoned investor with over a decade of strategic sales and partnership-building experience, managing accounts exceeding £15M across Europe. Expert in corporate development, deal origination, and strategic technology consulting, advising startups and enterprises on high-level technical solutions. Currently focused on deepening involvement in investment, leveraging commercial acumen, extensive network, and cross-sector exposure to drive deal origination, capital deployment, and transformative partnerships.

Work Experience

Investor

Bolt

Mar 2024 - Present

London, England, UK

Provided strategic investment and growth advisory, leveraging deep industry expertise to support portfolio companies.

  • Advised early-stage and growth companies on market entry, scaling strategies, and operational efficiencies to accelerate growth.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities and conducted due diligence, contributing to informed capital deployment decisions.
  • Mentored founders on business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Leveraged extensive network to connect startups with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Investor

Devyce

Dec 2022 - Present

London, England, UK

Provided strategic investment and growth advisory, leveraging deep industry expertise to support portfolio companies.

  • Advised early-stage and growth companies on market entry, scaling strategies, and operational efficiencies to accelerate growth.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities and conducted due diligence, contributing to informed capital deployment decisions.
  • Mentored founders on business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Leveraged extensive network to connect startups with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Investor/Fractional Growth Advisor

Incard

Nov 2022 - Present

London, England, UK

Provided strategic investment and growth advisory, leveraging deep industry expertise to support portfolio companies.

  • Advised early-stage and growth companies on market entry, scaling strategies, and operational efficiencies to accelerate growth.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities and conducted due diligence, contributing to informed capital deployment decisions.
  • Mentored founders on business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Leveraged extensive network to connect startups with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Fractional Growth Advisor

Ryft

Aug 2022 - Present

London, England, UK

Provided strategic investment and growth advisory, leveraging deep industry expertise to support portfolio companies.

  • Advised early-stage and growth companies on market entry, scaling strategies, and operational efficiencies to accelerate growth.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities and conducted due diligence, contributing to informed capital deployment decisions.
  • Mentored founders on business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Leveraged extensive network to connect startups with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Founder & Principal

Plantec

May 2022 - Present

London, England, UK

As Founder & Principal, established and led a venture studio providing creative software expertise, advisory services, technical builds, and direct investment/fundraising support to clients.

  • Orchestrated strategic advisory and technical development for diverse clients, enabling concept-to-delivery solutions across multiple industries.
  • Secured and managed active fundraising and deal origination mandates, facilitating investment sourcing, evaluation, and structuring for venture capital firms and family offices.
  • Developed and executed growth strategies for early-stage companies, leveraging deep expertise in B2B SaaS, Fintech, and next-gen technologies.
  • Cultivated a robust network of global partners and founders, enhancing deal flow and collaborative opportunities for portfolio companies.

Fractional Technology Growth Officer

IconDesk

Nov 2023 - Jun 2025

London, England, UK

Served as a Fractional Technology Growth Officer, driving strategic product development and technological innovation for growth-stage companies.

  • Defined and executed product roadmaps, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives to enhance market competitiveness.
  • Led cross-functional teams in product ideation, design, and development, ensuring successful delivery of high-impact solutions.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies for product optimization, leveraging analytics to inform decision-making and improve user experience.
  • Advised on technology architecture and infrastructure, ensuring scalability and robustness for evolving business needs.

Fractional Growth Advisor

Access Magic

Sep 2023 - Oct 2024

London, England, UK

Provided strategic investment and growth advisory, leveraging deep industry expertise to support portfolio companies.

  • Advised early-stage and growth companies on market entry, scaling strategies, and operational efficiencies to accelerate growth.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities and conducted due diligence, contributing to informed capital deployment decisions.
  • Mentored founders on business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Leveraged extensive network to connect startups with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

Fractional Chief Product Officer

Aesthetik

Feb 2022 - Aug 2024

London, England, UK

Served as a Fractional Chief Product Officer, driving strategic product development and technological innovation for growth-stage companies.

  • Defined and executed product roadmaps, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives to enhance market competitiveness.
  • Led cross-functional teams in product ideation, design, and development, ensuring successful delivery of high-impact solutions.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies for product optimization, leveraging analytics to inform decision-making and improve user experience.
  • Advised on technology architecture and infrastructure, ensuring scalability and robustness for evolving business needs.

Fractional Technology Growth Officer

ListMe

Sep 2021 - Feb 2022

London, England, UK

Served as a Fractional Technology Growth Officer, driving strategic product development and technological innovation for growth-stage companies.

  • Defined and executed product roadmaps, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives to enhance market competitiveness.
  • Led cross-functional teams in product ideation, design, and development, ensuring successful delivery of high-impact solutions.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies for product optimization, leveraging analytics to inform decision-making and improve user experience.
  • Advised on technology architecture and infrastructure, ensuring scalability and robustness for evolving business needs.

Industry Director N. EMEA Region

SAP

Jan 2012 - Oct 2020

London, England, UK

Directed industry-specific sales and partnerships across Northern EMEA, managing significant client accounts and driving strategic growth initiatives.

  • Managed a portfolio of major client accounts, generating over £15M in revenue across Europe for enterprise technology solutions.
  • Orchestrated strategic sales and partnership-building initiatives, successfully engaging C-level stakeholders to secure complex commercial deals.
  • Provided expert strategic technology consulting, advising large enterprises on high-level technical solutions and corporate development.
  • Developed and implemented regional growth strategies, expanding market presence and achieving consistent sales targets.

CoFounder

TAGPAY

Jul 2016 - Oct 2019

London, England, UK

Co-founded a technology venture, leading early-stage development and strategic direction.

  • Co-led the strategic planning and initial development phases of a new technology venture, establishing foundational operations.
  • Secured early-stage partnerships and engaged stakeholders to build market traction and validate product-market fit.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to bring innovative solutions from concept to initial market launch.
  • Contributed to the overall business model and go-to-market strategy, positioning the company for future growth.

Sales Executive

Sybase

Oct 2009 - Dec 2012

London, England, UK

Drove sales and client relationships for enterprise software solutions, contributing to regional revenue growth.

  • Achieved sales targets by developing and managing client relationships within the enterprise software market.
  • Identified new business opportunities and executed strategic sales presentations to C-level executives.
  • Collaborated with technical teams to tailor solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and successful product adoption.
  • Contributed to market expansion efforts by analyzing industry trends and competitive landscapes.

Partner Account Manager

Fujitsu Technology Solution

Jul 2007 - Aug 2008

London, England, UK

Managed key partner accounts, fostering relationships and driving sales of technology solutions.

  • Cultivated strong relationships with technology partners, ensuring effective collaboration and channel sales growth.
  • Managed the end-to-end sales cycle for partner-driven opportunities, consistently meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
  • Provided strategic guidance to partners on product positioning and market opportunities for Fujitsu solutions.
  • Coordinated with internal sales and technical teams to support partner enablement and client success.

Senior Business Associate

RBS International

Sep 2006 - Jul 2007

London, England, UK

Supported senior business initiatives within the financial sector, contributing to strategic projects and operational efficiencies.

  • Assisted in the analysis and execution of key business projects, contributing to operational improvements and strategic objectives.
  • Conducted market research and financial analysis to support decision-making for senior management.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance client service delivery.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders, detailing project progress and outcomes.

Education

Information Communication Technology

Nottingham Trent University

Sep 2005 - Jun 2009

Nottingham, England, UK

Skills

Venture & Investment

  • Deal Origination
  • FO Mandates
  • VC Mandates
  • Investor Outreach
  • Investment Rounds
  • Capital Deployment
  • Investment Sourcing
  • Investment Evaluation
  • Investment Structuring
  • Angel Investing
  • Fundraising

Business Strategy & Development

  • Corporate Development
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Commercial Deals
  • C-level Stakeholder Engagement
  • Business Intelligence
  • Growth Strategy
  • Market Entry
  • Scaling Businesses
  • Innovation Identification
  • Business Model Development
  • Go-to-Market Strategy

Technology & Product Management

  • Ideation
  • Discovery
  • Design
  • Development
  • Delivery
  • Interoperability Services
  • Analytics
  • Strategic Technology Consulting
  • Product Roadmapping
  • Product Optimization
  • Technology Architecture
  • Infrastructure Scalability

Industry Expertise

  • Telecommunications (Telco)
  • Enterprise Technology
  • B2B SaaS
  • Fintech
  • Consumer Tech
  • D2C
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Web3

Professional Skills

  • Commercial Acumen
  • Networking
  • Public Speaking
  • Founder Support
  • Due Diligence
  • Cross-functional Leadership
  • Problem-Solving
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Sales Strategy

Interests

Personal Interests

  • Family Time
  • DJing
  • Hiking
  • Music Appreciation
  • Exploring Nature