James Smith

Doer
DISC Type : ds

Angel Investor at Ante-Bellum Angels

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Overview

A highly accomplished strategic leader with 20 years of experience in the Royal Navy, commanding multi-million-pound assets and large-scale operations. He is currently transitioning into the commercial Defence Technology sector while pursuing an Executive MBA at Warwick Business School.

He is an angel investor focused on defence start-ups and is passionate about helping new ventures develop robust value propositions. His background includes extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and building high-performing teams in high-pressure environments.

Unique fact: He is an active Commander in the Royal Navy, an angel investor in defence tech, and an MBA student simultaneously.

Personality Overview

Risk-Accepting

Fast-paced

Deliberate Doer

Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.  They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Topics They Care About

Defence Start-ups
Works as an angel investor with Ante-Bellum Angels and is focused on helping defence startups convert opportunities and establish strong mission value propositions.
Civilian Career Transition
After a 20-year naval career, he is actively planning his move to a commercial leadership role in the Defence Technology sector for early 2026.
Strategic Leadership
Has two decades of experience leading complex operations, controlling significant budgets, and building integrated teams in high-pressure international environments.

Media Appearances

James has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2025
Angel Investor at Ante-Bellum Angels
9-2024
Commander Amphibious Task Group (LRG) at Royal Navy
8-2022 - 9-2024
Second in Command (Chief Operations Officer) and Chief of Staff - HMS DUNCAN at Royal Navy
3-2022 - 8-2022
Chief of Staff to Commander Surface Flotilla at Royal Navy

Education

3-2024 - 9-2026
Executive MBA from University of Warwick - Warwick Business School
2006 - 2006
Naval Military Training from Britannia Royal Naval College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 3 Location : Bristol, England, United Kingdom Job Level : N/A Designation : Angel Investor at Ante-Bellum Angels
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Insights For Selling To James

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • Focus on the results that your product produces, expect some strategic questions in return
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game

DONT's

  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can James take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And James

Personality Compatibility


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