Dr Rowbotham has been in the global communications sector for over 40 years and spent much of his career in BT, where he became their Director managing BT Laboratories.
In 2000 he moved into venture capitalism, helping manage funds on behalf of St Paul Venture Capital and Vesbridge Partners. His focus is early stage technology and he has been involved in investing in many start-up companies in UK and USA, often serving on their Boards.
He qualified in Microwave Physics from Belfast, Surrey and Nottingham Universities, and has been a visiting Professor at Nottingham and Kings College London Universities.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the IEEE, and a Fellow of the IET. He received the Frederik Philips Award from the IEEE for his management of R&D.
Dr Rowbotham’s first 9-year tenure on the Board was from 2002 to 2011. Dr Rowbotham returned to the Board to help with commercial ventures in 2013. His insights have been invaluable at guiding the foundation’s strategy for over 15 years.
Sir Christopher Snowden, Chair if the ERA Foundation Board said “Tom has provided immense support to the ERA Foundation Board, particularly in recent years where his commercial venture expertise was instrumental in helping to shape ERAF’s start up investment strategy. We are very grateful for the help he has given us”
