Martin Johnson

Specialist in building and developing teams in Business Development, Sales Enablement, Sales Support, Technical Services and Education. Typically bringing North American technology products and services to EMEA, but also adept at shaping and motivating teams involved in innovative projects or going through a transition. Spent 16 years running startup and scaleup projects in Collaboration, Broadband, Wi-Fi, Cloud and SaaS, plus 20 yrs in total at Cisco and HP; creating the necessary blend of agility, innovation, structure and process to help organisations deliver today and grow the business.

After leaving Cisco at the end of 2016, joined Sophia Business Angels (SBA), immediately becoming an investor and advisor to a startup CEO in Perú (Avanzza.io). Supported Avanzza through MVP phase and two pivots; now scaling in 3 countries in South America. Served as an SBA Board Member for 2 years and participated in pitch, coaching and judging activities at SBA and EBAN events.

Currently leading the team delivering Business Growth Coaching, Grants and Equity Services to all SMEs in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) region. This is part of a integrated portfolio of business services, including Skills and Inward Investment.

Previously developed the UK business of a Canadian Venture Debt company, providing SMEs with Non-Dilutive Growth Capital. Establishing business partnerships, promoting services, creating deal flow, and selling £3m of financial services directly to CEOs and Founders in calendar year 2021.

Entire career spent enabling, selling to, and supporting Customers, Direct Sales Teams and Channel Partners, bridging the gap between Product Development, Product Management and the marketplace. Consultative Selling approach and a mindset focused on delivering a superior customer experience. Worked technically with Operating Systems, Workgroup Productivity, Broadband, Wi-Fi, Networks and early Cloud Software.

Located in the heart of the UK’s Innovation Ecosystem. Have also lived and worked in Sophia Antipolis and the San Francisco Bay Area. Certified Project Management Professional conducting business globally and working-from-anywhere for over 25 yrs.