Michael Dent

I am an Oxfordshire-based entrepreneur and investor. I co-founded what3words and founded PropertyData, and have backed early-stage British companies across technology, consumer, property, and manufacturing. Alongside this, I run side projects in data and tax policy, and am involved in charity and governance.

Software

I have started two geospatial technology companies:

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  what3wordsCo-founder. Global addressing system, the simplest way to talk about location. Now in 60+ languages and used in 193 countries daily.
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  PropertyDataFounder. Data and analytics platform covering the UK property market. Largest company in the sector by number of subscribers.

Policy & Data

Interests in data, markets, and tax policy have led me to create a couple of side projects:

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  Property Tax LabData & analysis on UK property taxation policy, with in-depth coverage of Council Tax, HVCTS (Mansion Tax), and Stamp Duty Land Tax.
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  BetDataTracking & visualising political betting odds from major exchanges, building a comprehensive historical archive for academic and market research.

Charity & Governance

Stepping away from the screen and trying to make a positive contribution through charitable giving and governance, mostly in Oxfordshire, where we live:

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  Michael & Megan Dent Charitable TrustGrant-making fund supporting charitable causes in education, relief of poverty/hardship, the Church of England, freedom of speech, and choral & orchestral music.
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  Ripon College CuddesdonI am a Governor and Chair of the Finance Committee at this Church of England theological college near Oxford, which trains men and women for ordained and lay ministry through residential and part-time programmes.
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  St Andrew's Church of England Primary SchoolI am Vice Chair of Governors at this Church of English primary school in Headington, Oxford. "Everyone is Different. Everyone is Special. Everyone is our neighbour."

Property

My interest in property has led to a series of residential and non-residential investments:

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  Wornal ParkOffice and industrial park on the Oxfordshire–Buckinghamshire border, providing flexible workspace for growing businesses in and around Oxford.

Investments

Over the last 15 years I have enjoyed backing British companies across technology, consumer, property, and manufacturing, mostly at the early stage and occasionally later:

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  Industrial Door SystemsInstallation, repair, and maintenance of industrial doors across the UK for over 40 years, with 100+ engineers on call 24/7 for same-day response nationwide.
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  EC ElectronicsElectronics manufacturing services provider since 1984, delivering PCB assembly, cable assembly, and box-build production from the UK, Netherlands, and Romania.
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  LayloPremium boxed wine curated by a Master of Wine, with award-winning packaging that keeps wine fresh for six weeks and cuts carbon emissions by 90% versus glass.
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  LavandaProperty management software providing automated short-stay solutions for multifamily, co-living, and serviced apartment operators to maximise rental income and occupancy.
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  KnoopsLuxury hot chocolate cafe chain with 27+ UK locations where customers craft bespoke drinks by choosing their chocolate percentage, milk type, and natural flavours.
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  BuildPartnerCollaborative pricing software for construction, using live data and machine learning to give architects and developers quick, accurate cost estimates for building projects.
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  Scrub AIIntelligent data cleaning platform helping insurance companies quickly validate and standardise risk data, bordereaux, and underwriting documentation.
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  Freja Bone BrothSlow-simmered bone broth, collagen protein shakes, and natural nutritional supplements made from premium grass-fed ingredients for everyday health and wellness.
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  PlinkFizzy electrolyte drink tablets with essential electrolytes, low sugar, and natural flavours, designed for convenient everyday hydration at home, work, or on the go.
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  OmetriaCustomer data and marketing automation platform built for e-commerce retailers, using AI-driven insights to personalise customer journeys and drive revenue growth.
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  ViewberNationwide network of vetted local viewing agents conducting property viewings, inspections, and open houses on behalf of estate agents, letting agents, and landlords.
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  BidnamicAutomated bidding technology helping e-commerce retailers optimise Google Shopping campaigns using machine learning to maximise revenue and return on ad spend.
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  ZipcubeOnline marketplace for instantly booking meeting rooms, conference venues, and flexible office space by the hour, day, or week in cities around the world.
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  MSK.aiDigital health platform founded by orthopaedic surgeons, supporting patients and clinicians across musculoskeletal care with mobile apps, clinical tools, and data analytics.
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  AUFIAgency matchmaking service connecting businesses with top-tier creative, branding, and digital marketing agencies hand-picked from a carefully curated network.
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  Wedding PlannerFree online wedding planning platform giving couples budgeting tools, curated supplier directories, and customisable wedding websites to help plan their perfect day.