Gratitude

Velocity Black has been acquired by Capital One

The early days of Velocity…

Nine years ago I was travelling at 60mph (probably) down a mountain when an idea struck me.

I arrived at the bottom of the slope and shuffled back to the chalet a friend had kindly lent to me as I considered my quarter-life crisis.

I called the smartest person I knew to discuss my idea.

A few weeks later Velocity (later Velocity Black) was incorporated with my Co-Founder Zia.

We set out on a journey with several friends (Adam, Tarek) to build something unique.

We succeeded.

This week we completed the sale of Velocity Black to Capital One.

I will share details on the journey itself at some point.

Now however I would like to share some gratitude for those who made it happen.

Thank you

Firstly I would like to thank my parents.

Val, my mum, is quite simply an extraordinary woman. The first woman from her school to go to University; she worked her way up from selling air tickets on a desk in Heathrow to become the CEO of the largest health insurer in the UK. My mum taught me by example that while I may not be able to outsmart everyone, I can outwork anyone. I hope to pay you back mum by teaching my kids the same lesson.

My dad, Crawford, who retired early to look after me and my brother. Your constant reminders of the importance of physical health eventually sunk-in and kept me in the right frame of mind at the toughest points of the journey.

I thank my patient, beautiful wife Miriam. A constant rock throughout my journey. She has got me through the most stressful times. Again I wouldn’t be here without you. Your strength through your current health challenges is inspiring.

I’d like to thank my brother Nick and my sister Nancy for always being there if I need them and for looking at me like I’m a lunatic just frequently enough for me to know I’m on the right track.

I’d like to thank my grandfather, Frank. He passed away before I was born. My middle name is a constant reminder of the hardships he endured as a Japanese Prisoner of War in WW2. His escape from working on the Burma death railway is a useful lens through which to consider the relatively small challenges I encounter each day.

I thank my friends; Chris, Sam, Tarek, Jack, Matt, Brandon and all the others who have kept me grounded. There’s nothing like your friends tearing you down to remind you that you’re still a mere mortal…

I thank Peter and Leonard for giving me my first real job. AIAC was a unique training ground which provided me with a priceless education and an uncommon amount of responsibility at a young age.

I thank my brilliant Co-Founder Zia who continues on the journey with Capital One. Without a doubt the smartest person I have worked with.

I thank my board; Jamie, Kaveh - always calm in tense situations and a perfect complement to me and Zia.

I thank the investors who believed in us, the clients who gave us a second chance and the patient partners who worked with us to constantly improve the client experience.

I also thank all those who didn’t believe in us. The doubters and naysayers. Your rejection fuelled me every. fucking. second.

I thank all members of the Velocity Black team, both past and present. Only you know how tough this journey was and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles we overcame. I’d like to particularly thank Adam, Oliver, Dylan, Colleen, Sune, Charles and Ollie - your contributions were especially valuable to me.

I’d also like to thank the team and investors in my new venture. You have been patient throughout the sale process. We will be moving more quickly going forward.

I would also like to thank you. The founders and funders of ground-breaking ideas. You are a constant inspiration to me.

Is this the end? No. There will be a sequel.