Steve Phillips on building ZappiHelm Forum Chair · The Instant Group
Rob Hamilton
Rob Hamilton founded The Instant Group in 1999 and built the world's largest marketplace for flexible workspace. He chairs a Helm Forum.
About Rob
Rob founded The Instant Group in 1999 and built it into the world's largest marketplace for flexible workspace, working across 175 countries. In 2022 it merged with IWG's digital businesses in a £320m deal.
Since then he has invested in and backed other founders, including Grubby, Frameworks and Revvies, and founded Ride25, a not-for-profit that raises money through cycling challenges around the world. He also helps young people start businesses of their own.
Rob chairs a Helm Forum. He is open about the hard parts of selling, including a warranty claim after the sale to private equity, so other members can avoid the same damage.
At a glance
- Founded The Instant Group, 1999
- £320m merger with IWG's digital businesses, 2022
- Founder of Ride25
- Helm Forum Chair
“Helm for me has been a vital support for my whole entrepreneurial journey… And above all else, I've made lots of great friends.”
Read Rob's interview
Rob on building a business, and what they'd tell other founders.
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