Interesting point from David Woodward – the Lynch Legend grows… He probably is the founder running the biggest company in the FTSE 100. In fact, apart from Autonomy and WPP (Martin Sorrell), I can’t think of any.
“Lynch is still the company’s USP. There are no other founders running UK companies of Autonomy’s size in any industry. The technology sector, in particular, is known for replacing founder-entrepreneurs with more experienced career chief executives on the assumption that their skills are better suited to corporate terrain. The UK tech scene is heavily populated with half-grown companies, anticipating foreign investment to take them to the next level. As investor Sherry Coutu put it at a Business Leaders Network event: “We don’t need more start-ups, we need more finish-ups.”
“Lynch agrees—and disagrees. “Look at ARM. That’s a leader. It’s world-class. There are five or six other firms that are on their way. That pipe is unblocked.” But, he adds, British technology companies could achieve a bigger footprint if they only learnt to appreciate the role of marketing. “We have wonderful technology in the UK. The best place to do R&D is the UK. But we struggle to produce businesses. Marketing is telling a story, presenting it. You almost get the idea at Cambridge that that’s cheating.” David Woodward, Director Magazine, May 2011.
Are there any other companies in the FTSE 100 that are still founder run? Glencore but that was actually founded by Marc Rich.
If you are interested in growing world class technology companies, you should think about getting to the second BLN Growth Forum held on 5th July in Cambridge, England.
You will meet and hear from the leaders of some extraordinary businesses including – Tim Weller, CEO, Incisive Media – Warren East, CEO, ARM – Ariel Eckstein, MD EMEA, LinkedIn – Jonathan Milner, CEO, Abcam – Neil Gaydon, Pace plc – Martin Leuw, IRIS Software. You will hear stories of success – and failure – and walk away with relevant, actionable opportunities to help strengthen your business.
Themes for the day:
You will hear perspectives on starting, growing, scaling and maintaining market leadership from some people who have done just that – and have the scars to prove it.
For more information, and an Early Bird discount until 8th June: http://growthforum2011.thebln.com/