Lee Strafford

RETIRED

2022

Co-founded, built, exited PlusNet ~ now mentor, community worker and collaborator!

2007 - 2024

If you want my help or want to understand what projects I am working on just shout!

Co-founder & CEO

2016 - 2020

Privileged to have been working with great co-founders and fantastic partners ~ looking to help build the next generation of 'scalebig' businesses.

Co-founder and sometimes helping hand

2012 - 2017

Dotforge is a start-up accelerator based on the Techstars model which is based in Sheffield and reaching out to the surrounding region. Developed with some cool angel investors, supported by great mentors, with fantastic backing by Creative England and the talent, passion and energy of great delivery people with additional help from cool folks developing other accelerators in the UK. Currently building interesting partnerships with folks over in Manchester and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region.

Entrepreneur

2007 - 2016

Bringing together interesting people and looking at interesting tech opportunities http://www.thenetstart.org

Investor & Mentor

2011 - 2016

Private sector board member

2010 - 2014

Driving economic development in the city region by facilitating effective collaboration between the private sector, public sector and higher education sector.

Chairman

2009 - 2010

Led the off field turnaround and modernisation of all key functions of the club. Implemented a proper investment process resulting in a change of ownership / control ultimately completing in Dec 2010. Couldn't prevent the relegation of the club to League 1 in season 2009/2010. Like all Wednesdayites hoping the club goes from strength to strength under the new owner. Sorted:- Fan engagement, physical and digital Community engagement Ticketing policy Ticketing systems Merchandise and Kit supply Concourse catering Hospitality experience Football Medical infrastructure Training ground development plan (community driven) Stadium development plan (community driven) Investment process £2.2m operating revenue growth (excluding league and TV monies) Did not sort:- Scouting infrastructure Keeping the club in the Championship :-( Big thanks to the staff for giving their all. Big thanks to my fellow Wednesdayites (aka the fans, aka the customers) for supporting our efforts. Bigger thanks to the missus for letting me be a crazy volunteer worker.

I am a "1 in 10"

2007 - 2007

CEO & Co-Founder

1997 - 2007

Education = Taking PlusNet (www.plus.net) from 7 to 200+ people and from £0 to £100m market cap. Three sale processes, 6 years as a reporting segment of Insight Enterprices Inc (NASDAQ listed Fortune 500 business), one AIM IPO, two and a half years as a PLC. No funding used and generated profits (actual EPS) all the way!!!!