Saul Klein OBE: The Entrepreneur and Investor Who Helped Shape Europe’s Technology Economy

Elevate New Editorial Team7 hours agoLast Updated: July 16, 2026

Saul Klein is a British entrepreneur, venture capitalist and policy adviser whose career reaches from the early internet era to the age of artificial intelligence. He helped build major digital businesses, backed founders at the earliest stage and created investment platforms that support companies from their first idea to global growth.

His name is closely linked with LOVEFiLM, Skype, Index Ventures, Seedcamp, Kano, Platoon, Zinc, LocalGlobe and Phoenix Court. He has also served the UK government through senior advisory roles focused on science, innovation, digital policy and economic growth.

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Saul Klein Early Life and Family Background

Saul Charles Klein was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in October 1970. He is 55 years old as of July 2026 and will turn 56 in October 2026. His exact day of birth has not been disclosed through an official record. He is the son of Robin Klein, an entrepreneur and respected early-stage investor. His family left South Africa when Saul was six years old and moved to Britain during the apartheid era because his parents wanted a safer future for their children.

The move shaped his view of identity and opportunity. He has spoken about the power of people who think differently and challenge established systems. That belief later became central to his work with founders and social ventures. His father became one of his most important professional partners. The two invested together for many years before building a larger institutional platform based on trust, open debate and support for bold ideas.

Saul Klein Education

St Paul’s School

He attended St Paul’s School in Barnes, London, from 1983 to 1988. During his school years, he took part in theatre and cricket.

University of Cambridge

He studied literature at the University of Cambridge from 1989 to 1992 and completed an MA. He was active in theatre and wrote stories and plays. His education gave him strong communication skills and an interest in people, culture and ideas. These qualities later helped him understand how products fit into daily life and why some founders can inspire teams and customers.

Saul Klein Early Career in Media and Technology

Telegraph Media Group

His career began at the Telegraph Media Group in 1992. He worked in new business and helped bring The Daily Telegraph online in 1994, when the commercial internet was still new.

Ogilvy & Mather

He then joined Ogilvy & Mather as Director of Digital Communications, gaining experience in brand strategy, online media and customer relationships.

Firefly Network and Microsoft

In 1995, he joined Firefly Network as Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Strategy. Firefly developed tools linked with digital identity, personalisation and online preferences. Microsoft acquired Firefly in 1997. He became a Group Program Manager and worked on privacy and identity issues. He has been credited with helping establish Microsoft’s Chief Privacy Officer role. This period taught him that trust, privacy and responsible leadership must develop alongside innovation.

Saul Klein and the Rise of LOVEFiLM

One of his greatest business achievements was co-founding LOVEFiLM. He served as its original chief executive from 2002 to 2005. LOVEFiLM began as a DVD rental service that allowed customers to order films online and receive them by post. It later moved into digital streaming and became one of Europe’s leading home entertainment services.

The business grew through expansion and mergers across European markets. Amazon acquired full control in 2011 in a deal valued close to £200 million. His exact ownership and personal proceeds were not disclosed, so the full price cannot be treated as his personal wealth.

Saul Klein at Skype

After LOVEFiLM, he joined Skype’s senior leadership team. He served as Vice-President of Global Marketing, Vice-President of eCommerce and later as a broader Vice-President. Skype changed communication by allowing people to make voice and video calls through the internet. His work supported international growth, customer adoption and commercial development.

The role strengthened his experience as an operator who could help a digital product reach millions of users across different countries.

Saul Klein at Index Ventures

He joined Index Ventures in 2006 and became a General Partner, remaining with the firm until 2015. At Index, he focused on early-stage and growth companies in Britain, continental Europe, Israel and the United States. His work covered software, media, digital commerce, education and consumer technology.

He held investment or board roles connected with Last.fm, MOO, TweetDeck, Songkick, MyHeritage, Chartbeat, Codecademy, Mind Candy, MyOptique, AlertMe, Soluto and OpenX. The position established him as one of Europe’s leading venture investors and allowed him to support founders with hiring, product direction and international growth.

Seedcamp and OpenCoffee Club

Seedcamp

In 2007, he co-founded Seedcamp with Reshma Sohoni. It was created to give European founders access to early capital, guidance and international networks. Seedcamp became one of the region’s most influential seed investors. It backed major companies at an early stage, including UiPath and Revolut, and helped prove that Europe could build a strong technology ecosystem.

OpenCoffee Club

He also founded OpenCoffee Club in 2007. It created informal meetings where founders, engineers and investors could connect without the pressure of a formal pitch.

Kano, Platoon and Zinc

Kano Computing

He co-founded Kano in 2012. The company created computer kits that allowed children to build devices and learn coding through play, encouraging them to become makers rather than passive users.

Platoon

In 2015, he co-founded Platoon, a music technology and artist services company. Platoon supported musicians with funding, distribution, data, creative help and career development. Apple acquired the company in 2018. The purchase price and his personal return remain private.

Zinc

He co-founded Zinc in 2017 with Paul Kirby and Ella Goldner, working with the London School of Economics. Zinc supports founders who want to build companies that address major social challenges, with a focus on health, education, employment and wellbeing.

Saul Klein, LocalGlobe and Phoenix Court

LocalGlobe

He and his father invested together for many years before developing LocalGlobe into a formal venture capital platform. LocalGlobe focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Its portfolio has included Monzo, Wise, Motorway, Cleo, Faculty, Tide, TravelPerk and Zego.

Latitude, Solar and Basecamp

Latitude supports companies preparing for rapid growth. Solar provides longer-term backing for businesses moving towards public markets and global scale. Basecamp supports emerging fund managers and early-stage networks.

Phoenix Court

Phoenix Court brings these platforms together under one organisation. Saul Klein became Co-Founder and Chair after previously serving in a more active managing role. Phoenix Court also includes Phoenix Court Works, its charitable foundation. The group commits part of its profits and carried interest to community and social projects.

Shared Ownership Model

In 2026, Phoenix Court introduced a shared-ownership model. Employees gained access to equity, profit share and carried interest, while Phoenix Court Works became a major shareholder. The change reflected his belief that long-term companies should share value with staff, founders and local communities. It also reduced dependence on the original founders.

Saul Klein Government and Policy Career

Technology Business Ambassador to Israel

In 2012, Prime Minister David Cameron appointed him as the UK’s first Technology Business Ambassador to Israel. The role drew on his links with both countries and his knowledge of investment and international business.

Council for Science and Technology

He has served on the Council for Science and Technology, which advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet. His work has covered scale-up capital, artificial intelligence, sovereign data, semiconductors, photonics and economic growth.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

He became a Non-Executive Director at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in April 2023. He served on its founding board and left in 2024. He has also contributed to the Digital Economy Council, the Government Digital Service advisory board and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport advisory board.

Saul Klein OBE and Public Service

He received an OBE in 2016 for services to business. The honour recognised his contribution to entrepreneurship, investment and the British technology economy. He has served as an Executive Fellow at London Business School and as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

His wider work has included Camden’s Economic Renewal Commission, Comic Relief and the Newton Venture Program, which was created to improve access and diversity within venture capital.

Saul Klein Wife and Children

Saul Klein is married to Daniella Jaff-Klein. She was born in Johannesburg and later moved to Britain. Daniella trained as an attorney in South Africa and has been involved in social justice, charity, education and human rights work. Her values have influenced her husband’s interest in fairness, community development and economic opportunity.

The couple have three children. Family posts identify two of them as Micah Klein and Jessie Klein. The name of their third child has remained private. The family has lived in London, while earlier stages of his career also connected them with Israel. They have kept much of their private life away from media attention.

Saul Klein Net Worth

His exact net worth has not been confirmed by a reliable wealth ranking or official financial document. He has earned money through founder equity, venture capital fees, carried interest, personal investments and company exits. His career includes the sale of LOVEFiLM to Amazon and Platoon to Apple, along with early involvement in many valuable technology companies.

However, fund size, portfolio value and sale prices are not equal to personal wealth. Ownership stakes, tax, shared investment structures and the timing of exits all affect the final amount. It is fair to describe him as a wealthy technology investor, but any precise figure would be speculation.

Saul Klein Companies House Record

Companies House records 29 appointments under the name Saul Charles Klein. His active roles include businesses connected with Phoenix Court, Zinc Ventures, Newton Venture Education, Genome Therapeutics, Olix Computing and other investment projects.

Former appointments include Platoon, Faculty Science, Mind Candy, Seedcamp, Centrica Hive and Index Ventures UK LLP. These roles show a career combining company building, venture investment, education and mission-led enterprise.

Saul Klein Legacy

Saul Klein has spent more than three decades helping ideas become companies and companies become lasting institutions. His career links the first years of the commercial internet with today’s technology economy. He has worked as a founder, operator, investor, board member and government adviser.

His greatest strength is his ability to see value early. He has backed founders before their companies became widely known and helped Europe build a stronger system for innovation. From LOVEFiLM and Skype to Seedcamp and Phoenix Court, his work has influenced a generation of entrepreneurs. His career also shows that investment can create financial value while supporting education, social progress and stronger communities.

FAQs

Who is Saul Klein?

Saul Klein is a British technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist and policy adviser. He is best known for co-founding LOVEFiLM, Seedcamp, Kano, Platoon, Zinc, LocalGlobe and Phoenix Court. He has also held senior roles at Skype, Microsoft and Index Ventures.

How old is Saul Klein?

Saul Klein was born in October 1970. He is 55 years old as of July 2026 and will turn 56 in October 2026.

Is Saul Klein married?

Yes, Saul Klein is married to Daniella Jaff-Klein. She was born in Johannesburg and has worked in law, charity, education and social justice.

Does Saul Klein have children?

Yes, Saul Klein and Daniella Jaff-Klein have three children. Two of their children are named Micah Klein and Jessie Klein, while the name of their third child has remained private.

What is Saul Klein’s role at Phoenix Court?

Saul Klein is the co-founder and Chair of Phoenix Court, a London-based venture capital group. Phoenix Court is home to LocalGlobe, Latitude, Solar and Basecamp, which support technology companies from their earliest stages through long-term growth.