Sam Bird

Director of Programmes

2024 - Current

Senior Accelerator Manager

2022 - 2024

Seraphim Space Accelerator supports the most ambitious SpaceTech entrepreneurs seeking to change the world for the better through space. Companies through the first 9 cohorts have raised $350m in seed funding from over 110+ global VC investors Within this role, I am leading on the operations and execution of accelerator related activities, including start-up selection, implementation and stakeholder management. This includes the management of our delivery team to ensure the highest standards throughout the entire end-to-end processes within our programme.

Accelerator Manager

2021 - 2022

Accelerator Manager

2022 - 2024

Generation Space is the US division of Seraphim Space UK Group

Accelerator Programme Manager - Future of Air Mobility

2021 - 2021

Connected Places Catapult is the British government’s innovation agency for the transport and connected cities industries. Responsible for the creation, deployment and delivery of the organisations new aviation-focused accelerator programme.

Venture Manager

2020 - 2021

Portfolio Manager

2019 - 2020

- Provide key investment advice to startups within the L Marks portfolio and alumni. - Help portfolio companies achieve their next round in fundraising. - Enable portfolio companies to achieve their next life cycle stage through continued support. - Manage ongoing relationships with L Marks' support network and partners. - Over 1000 start-ups assessed for commercial viability.

Investment Associate

2019 - 2019

- Analysis and reviewing of startups across all business sectors. - Monitoring startup progress within programmes to ascertain investability. - Compiling investment reports through due diligence activities. - Developing relationships with domestic and international potential co-investors. www.lmarks.com

Programme Associate

2018 - 2018

Programme Associate for British Airways' Hangar 51 Accelerator Programme. - Based out of British Airways HQ for the entire 10-week duration. - Facilitated and managed the day-to-day activities of 11 start-ups with respective corporate partners. - Demonstrated strong relationship building with all parties and stakeholders.

Co-Founder

2017 - 2020

The Berlin Club is a digital magazine aiming to help the next generation of pioneers and creatives. Through the sharing of sharing of stories from talents across a range of industries, we want to highlight how success and the lessons learnt can be applied in any setting. Highlights: - Developed The Berlin Club from concept to commercialisation and launch within 18 months. - Responsible for business development, operational and financial activity. - Grown consistent readership amongst our target audience. www.theberlinclub.co.uk

Project Lead

2017 - 2018

Cheap Flights Club is a new membership platform alerting it's users to the cheapest flight deals as soon as they are made. Simply set the parameters of where you want to go and we take care of the rest, finding the best prices for you. Responsible for: - Leading the growth of our membership platform through dedicated service - Planning and implementation of both the operation and marketing strategies - Development and growth of a committed and passionate team - Holistic market analysis and subsequent response to demands - Long-term forecasting and decision making www.cheapflightsclub.co

Intern

2017 - 2017

Acting UK Sales Manager

2017 - 2017

Being given responsibilities of UK Sales Manager following vacancy of role. Resultantly, duties extended to developing and retaining customers across all verticals within UK and Ireland. Required execution of operational (internal and external projects) and marketing plans continuously, whilst ensuring business is still performing financially. Oversaw national store portfolio rollout for a client in retail sector. Success of project came as a direct result of personal consultation, dedicated effort and subsequent stability placed into account. Acted as link between engineering, software development and sales departments in both UK office and headquarters (based in Berlin). Integration and understanding of departments has enabled provisions for improved levels of service to customers. Abilities were recognised by parent company, with an invitation to work from Headquarters for a month. Following this, a permanent UK Sales Manager role and subsequent relocating to Berlin was offered.

Senior Sales Executive

2016 - 2016

Promoted to Senior Sales Executive after 6 months in previous role, focusing responsibilities towards external side of sales. Involved meeting with existing and potential clients to understand any future requirements. Became lead insight provider for multiple key accounts. Responsible for collection, presentation of reporting and general daily upkeep. Lead to assigning responsibilities and prioritising tasks across both operations and software development teams. Given accountability for developing new vertical within target markets. Involved continuous travel around UK to introduce the concept of systems to a new audience. Ownership of market has evolved strong decision-making skills with regards to budgetary, marketing and operational requirements.

Sales Executive

2016 - 2016

Reporting to Sales Manager Initially working for DILAX with business development being focus. This role revolved around using strong communication skills over the phone to acquire, create and qualify leads for future interest. Pitched and arranged meetings for sales team with major players in both targeted public transport and retail industries. Transitioned to an existing sales role after 4 months with role evolving into providing insights services to key accounts within UK sector.