40 Minute Mentor Simon Franks: The truth behind exiting to Amazon and investing in hyper growth Startups with Redbus Ventures
May 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Simon Franks, a multi-exited entrepreneur and the Managing Partner of Redbus Ventures, shares his journey from founding Lovefilm to selling it to Amazon. He opens up about the bittersweet emotions surrounding that exit and contrasts the European startup landscape with its American counterpart. Simon emphasizes the importance of resilience and learning from failures, while also shedding light on his philanthropic work through the Franks Family Foundation, creating impactful projects in underserved communities.
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Character and People Management
- Early entrepreneurship lacked mentorship and resources, so humility and character were as critical as skills.
- Learning to manage people well is key, requiring tough decisions, inspiring leadership, and broad shoulders.
Early Streaming Business Story
- Simon's first business involved buying film rights and streaming technology before broadband was widespread.
- Though it predated Netflix, they sold due to slow broadband rollout and market timing, leading to a successful exit.
Fail Fast and Evaluate Honestly
- Entrepreneurs should "fail fast, not slow" and be open to quitting if the market clearly signals failure.
- Avoid wasting precious time chasing unviable ideas; use mentors and honest self-assessment to guide decisions.