How a The Den investor lost £35m in the 2000s tech crash

An Australian investor, known for his appearances on the TV show The Den from 2005 to 2007, faced a major financial setback during the early 2000s tech crash. His investment in Arc International, a computer chip company, lost around £35m in value. The blow came after years of high-profile backing for startups and businesses. In 1999, he invested roughly £3m in Arc International. The company’s value soared until the 'tech wreck' struck, wiping out much of its worth. Despite the heavy loss, his cash reserves shielded him from severe financial ruin.

He had earlier turned down a £20m offer for his stake, convinced the company’s stock market listing would push its value higher. However, expansion and fundraising diluted his ownership to about 4%. A 'lock-in' agreement then barred him from selling shares for six months, adding to his stress and frustration.

Beyond Arc International, he built a reputation as a prolific investor. He supported over 100 early-stage companies, including Net-a-Porter. On The Den, he also backed Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae Sauce, further cementing his profile in business and media. The financial hit left him under strain, but his existing funds prevented worse outcomes. The episode marked a challenging period for an investor with a long track record of backing successful ventures. His career, however, continued to span high-profile investments and advisory roles.