Computer Weekly UKtech50: Rising stars 2013

Russ Shaw has already been at the forefront of breakthrough decisions like the O2 arena and Skype's sale to Microsoft. Tech London Advocates is his new mould-breaker – combining the best features of an agency, an advocacy body, an activist movement and a service broker – mobilising London's tech avant-garde in an open way that is simply unimaginable for traditional stakeholders.

Russ is founder of Tech London Advocates, a private sector-led coalition of expert individuals from the technology sector and broader community who have been brought together to champion London’s potential as a world-class hub for technology and digital businesses. It strives to support London's technology start-ups and high-growth businesses in finding new investment, new talent and continued success.

Russ is also an angel and venture investor and non-executive director of a number of high growth businesses including Dialog – a publicly traded semiconductor company – AIM listed Cupid plc and Unwire – a Danish, venture-backed mobile commerce business. He is also a limited partner in Ariadne Capital’s ACE Fund and an investor in and advisor to Amazing Media Group. Russ is also a board member of the Tech City Advisory Group.

Previously, Russ was the chairman of the Marketing Group of Great Britain and was vice-president & general manager at Skype, with responsibility for its mobile division globally, responsible for mobile apps as well as carrier and OEM relationships. Russ left when Skype was sold to Microsoft.