Howard Simms, Co-Founder of Manchester-based mobile technology group Apadmi and CEO of their investment arm Apadmi Ventures, has received an honorary Doctorate in Technology.
25 years after graduating with a Mathematics degree, Howard donned a cap and gown to receive an honorary Doctorate in Technology (DTech) from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), in recognition of his significant contribution to enterprise and the development of innovative technologies.
Howard commented: “When I first began my career in tech, I never would have thought my career path would have led me into the entrepreneurial world and to where I am now, with the chance to stand in front of hundreds of hopeful students and deliver a speech. It was an amazing day for my family and I, a real honour from such an esteemed university as MMU, and an incredibly proud moment in my life.”
Since the company’s conception in 2009, Howard has been a driving force behind Apadmi, overseeing the delivery of some of their most iconic and popular mobile solutions, including those with the BBC, NHS, X-Factor, BT and Range Rover.
In 2016, Howard became CEO of Apadmi Ventures, a strategic technology partner to some of the UK’s most exciting start-ups. This role sees him work with entrepreneurs from many different industries, as well as with a wide investor network.
Howard said: “Being based in Manchester, a booming tech hub in the UK right now – there’s so much opportunity for entrepreneurs. It’s perfect for us, as we get to meet some of the country’s brightest digital talent early on, help them to shape their ideas and nurture their potential.
“RealityMine, Bidooh, JigTalk, these are just a few of the businesses we’ve invested in so far from very different industries. It’s been incredibly fulfilling watching them grow from strength to strength, and we’re excited for what’s to come – partnering with more start-ups and investors who want to shape the future of the technology scene.”
After graduating from the LEAD leadership development initiative, Howard was selected to join the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Ambassadors Programme with Oxford University in 2014 – a programme for key individuals within the UK’s fastest growing organisations. He also sits on the advisory board of a division of the Manchester Growth Company, the Greater Manchester Steering Group, and the Manchester Tech Trust.
Working with MMU, he’s sat on the Degree Apprenticeship Advisory Board since 2015. He’s also spoken in Westminster and at several events aimed at informing the next generation about the value of digital skills.
