Dr David Cleevely CBE FREng FIET is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and policy adviser who has spent decades proving that serendipity doesn’t happen by accident.

He has founded or supported over 60 companies, including Analysys, Abcam—sold for $6 billion in 2024—and the globally successful Raspberry Pi Foundation, and played a central role in transforming Cambridge into one of the world’s leading technology clusters.

David co-founded Cambridge Angels, Cambridge Ahead, Cambridge Wireless, and the Cambridge Network—organisations built to bring the right people together at the right time. He also founded the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge, now an internationally replicated model for connecting policymakers with researchers.

From launching the Cambridge Science Centre, which has inspired over half a million visitors, to chairing innovation-driven companies like Chemify and Focal Point Positioning, David has consistently created environments where breakthrough ideas flourish.

Appointed CBE in 2013 for services to technology and innovation, he holds honorary doctorates from Bath and Anglia Ruskin universities. His latest work focuses on how to deliberately design the networks, systems, and connections where serendipity thrives.