Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Ross Williams

Reformed Entrepreneur
London
Ross Williams

Summary

I'm a reformed entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience building and leading a successful online digital subscription and SaaS business from the ground up.

At its peak, the company I founded employed nearly 200 staff, generated revenues of almost $50 million per year, and achieved an EBITDA of $8 million - all bootstrapped without a penny of external investment.

We were a multi-award winning technology business, featured in the Sunday Times Fast Track, Profit Track and International Track over multiple years. I was personally awarded the Institute of Directors Young Director of the Year and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year amongst other awards.

This experience gave me an unparalleled understanding of scaling operations, managing teams and navigating complex challenges. As the industry changed, we experienced challenges which turned out to be insurmountable and the business closed in August 2024.

I bring 20+ years of deep expertise in the online subscription business model, including maximising customer acquisition, optimising pricing and yield, and minimising churn-key drivers of profitability and sustainable growth.

My career has focused on understanding the nuances of consumer behaviour, crafting retention strategies, and delivering exceptional user experiences, tailored to drive engagement and long-term success.

I have a deep understanding of what it takes to engage users, foster retention, and build a thriving subscription business. My insights into consumer behaviour, pricing strategies, and user experience design are tailored to helping companies unlock their potential in competitive online markets.

Now, I'm eager to partner with forward-thinking companies looking to enhance their online subscription strategies.

Whether it's refining business models, unlocking new growth opportunities, or navigating market challenges, I aim to help organisations thrive by leveraging the insights and lessons I've gained over two decades in the industry.

Overview

26
years of professional experience
11
years of post-secondary education
3
Certifications
1
Language

Work History

Guincho Partners

Co-Founder
11.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • After moving with my family to Cascais, Portugal in 2022 I met with a number of other expat entrepreneurs who had built amazing businesses and organisations around the world
  • Together we formed Guincho Partners as a boutique consulting firm formed by reformed entrepreneurs who have first hand experience scaling digital businesses with deep sector knowledge in specific areas
  • Guincho Partners has specific deep experience in the following areas:
  • - Subscription Businesses
  • - Marketplace Business
  • - AI Implementation and Business Automation
  • - Online Marketing Automation
  • - B2B Software
  • - B2C Online Businesses
  • - Digital Products and Services
  • We partner with companies either as retained advisors or equity partners to scale digital businesses
  • Through our related businesses we operate thousands of online websites and have access to a database of millions of consumers that we can leverage to build new brands and digital products

Venntro Media Group

Founder and Chief Executive Officer
08.2003 - 08.2024

Job overview

  • Company Overview: Venntro Media Group was a company I founded in 2003
  • It provided a white label dating platform that powered thousands of online dating sites around the world
  • Effectively it was the 'Wordpress' of the online dating industry
  • At its peak, Venntro Media Group was a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and a remarkable team
  • We employed nearly 200 talented individuals, generated revenues of almost $50 million per year, and achieved an EBITDA of nearly $8 million-all bootstrapped without any external investment
  • Reaching such heights without the backing of angel investors, venture capitalists, or private equity is an incredible achievement
  • This success is a tribute to the strength of our culture and the exceptional abilities of the hundreds of people who were part of our team over the years
  • We were a multi-award-winning technology business, featured multiple times in the Sunday Times Fast Track, Profit Track, and International Track lists
  • I was personally honoured with awards like the Institute of Directors Young Director of the Year and EY Entrepreneur of the Year
  • These accolades were not just mine-they reflected the collective hard work, passion, and brilliance of everyone at Venntro
  • The business failed to successfully make the transition to mobile apps
  • On the web (desktop and mobile), the company's white label model was a massive advantage as it allowed the business to use the same platform with literally thousands of different brands
  • However, this strength was a massive disadvantage in app stores where both Apple and Google would decline dating apps that were similar
  • As the industry evolved, we faced challenges that we couldn't overcome
  • Despite our efforts to adapt and innovate, the business finally closed in August 2024
  • Venntro Media Group was a company I founded in 2003
  • It provided a white label dating platform that powered thousands of online dating sites around the world
  • Effectively it was the 'Wordpress' of the online dating industry

Rawnet Limited

Founder
07.1998 - 05.2014

Job overview

  • I founded Rawnet in July 1998 and grew the business over the next ten years to become one of the largest digital agencies in Berkshire, winning clients such as Honda, Honeywell, Castrol, O2 and many more
  • I left my full-time role in 2007 and agreed an MBO with my business partner so I could focus full time on Venntro Media Group
  • I am delighted to see the business continue to grow and prosper, delivering award-winning projects for amazing clients

Education

Stanford University

Executive Program for Growing Companies
01.2019 - 01.2020

University Overview

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

MBA Essentials

University Overview

Cranfield School of Management

Basic and Advanced Business Growth Programmes from Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

University Overview

University of Plymouth

BSc from Psychology and French
01.1997 - 01.2001

University Overview

Reading Blue Coat School

A Levels / GCSEs
01.1990 - 01.1996

University Overview

Skills

SaaS & Digital Subscription Specialist

Certification

Advanced Business Growth Programme

Awards

Awards
  • Finalist, London and South East Director of the Year Awards, 2015
  • Entrepreneur of the Year, 2016
  • Winner, London and South East Director of the Year Awards, 2016

Languages

French
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Co-Founder
Guincho Partners
11.2024 - Current
Stanford University
Executive Program for Growing Companies
01.2019 - 01.2020
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Venntro Media Group
08.2003 - 08.2024
Founder
Rawnet Limited
07.1998 - 05.2014
University of Plymouth
BSc from Psychology and French
01.1997 - 01.2001
Reading Blue Coat School
A Levels / GCSEs
01.1990 - 01.1996
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
MBA Essentials
01.2019
Cranfield School of Management
Basic and Advanced Business Growth Programmes from Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
01.2019
Advanced Business Growth Programme
LSE MBA Essentials
Business Growth Programme
Ross WilliamsReformed Entrepreneur