Active
Visit Network
A network of destination travel sites running on one shared publishing and booking platform.
Building Online Since 1997Digital Pioneer.
Digital Pioneer.
Investor.
Building businesses on the web since 1997. Now creating, operating and investing in ventures through Performous. From founding web agencies to scaling global tech companies, I turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
29+
Years
Years
Now
Article · 30 October 2026Ideas. Investment. Execution.
Performous is my Dubai-based venture vehicle. It creates, operates and invests in businesses, combining nearly three decades of building companies with software developed using AI.
Over the past year AI has changed how I work. I've always been reasonably good at spotting opportunities, strategy, brands and marketing, but never at writing software. Now I build it myself: the CRM that runs Powerworks Garage, and the brand, website, CRM, design studio, proposals and contracts behind The Garage Guys.
“After 30 years as an entrepreneur, I think I've discovered superpowers.”
What a year of building with AI has changed, from Powerworks Garage and The Garage Guys to MagiPort, On the Spot and the other ventures.
Read on performous.comPortfolio
View AllCompanies Past and Present
2025-Present
Active
MagiPort
Branded destination portals that help travel companies earn from the trip after the booking.
Active
Cyclists.com
The global library of great cycling routes, rebuilt and relaunched from the ground up.
Active
Centric Homes
Dubai-based design and renovation company for residential properties.
Active
The Garage Guys
Dubai garage refurbishment specialists turning villa garages into organised, usable spaces.
Active
The Entrepreneur Institute
Independent investment research for globally minded entrepreneurs and investors.
Active
BetterFXRates
Independent FX comparison platform helping people beat bank rates on large international transfers.
Active
On the Spot
A Glasgow internet company since 1997, now being rebuilt as a modular growth platform for small businesses.
Acquired
ResDiary
Restaurant reservation and table management software. Acquired by AccorHotels in 2018.
Acquired
Clicksco Group
Advertising technology and performance marketing group with 200+ people in nine countries.
Closed
Marcat
Pioneering web agency in Glasgow with three Deloitte Fast 50 entries.
Active
Powerworks Garage
British-owned car service and repair workshop in Dubai.
Active
AboutRead Full Story
Nearly Three Decades of Building on the Web
I started building businesses on the web in 1997—long enough that the early days now feel like a different era. What began with Marcat, a web agency in Glasgow, has evolved through multiple ventures, sectors, and continents.
Today I run Performous, my Dubai-based venture vehicle, which creates, operates and invests in businesses. The tools have changed dramatically, and I now build much of the software myself with AI, but the core challenge remains: turning ideas into sustainable businesses.
29+
Years in Business
13
Companies
200+
Domains Acquired
10
Currently Active
Expertise
What I Do
Digital Strategy
Building online businesses since 1997 with proven growth frameworks.
Investment
Active investor in technology, property and premium domains.
Product Development
Full-stack creation from strategy and design through development and growth.
Company Building
Founded and scaled multiple successful businesses across diverse sectors.
29+
Years in Business
13
Companies
200+
Domains Acquired
10
Currently Active
Approach
Principles That Guide Every Decision
After nearly three decades of building businesses, certain principles have proven their worth time and again. These aren't just values—they're the foundation of how I work.
Long-term Thinking
Building sustainable businesses that stand the test of time, not quick wins.
Systems-Led Approach
Creating scalable processes and structures that enable consistent growth.
Hands-On Execution
From strategy to implementation, actively involved at every stage.
Continuous Innovation
Embracing new technologies and approaches while respecting proven fundamentals.
Process
How I Build
01
Step 01
Identify Opportunity
Research markets, analyze trends, and find gaps where real value can be created.
02
Step 02
Strategy & Planning
Develop clear roadmaps with defined goals, milestones, and success metrics.
03
Step 03
Build & Execute
Hands-on implementation with attention to detail and quality at every step.
04
Step 04
Scale & Optimize
Refine systems, expand reach, and maximize value through continuous improvement.
FAQ
Common Questions
What types of investments do you focus on?
Mostly through Performous, I create, operate and invest in businesses across technology, AI-driven services, property and premium domain names. My focus is on opportunities that leverage digital innovation and have strong long-term potential.
Are you available for consulting or advisory roles?
Selectively, yes. I work with businesses where my experience in digital strategy, AI development and marketing, growth, and operations can add meaningful value. The best fit tends to be companies in the early stages of nurturing products and customers.
How did you get started in business?
I founded my first company, Marcat, in Glasgow in 1997 during the early days of the commercial web. That experience of building from scratch, making mistakes, and learning rapidly shaped everything that followed.
What's your approach to new technologies like AI?
Embrace and apply. I've never been much good at writing software, but with AI coding tools I now build it myself, from the CRM that runs Powerworks Garage to the design studio, proposals and contracts behind The Garage Guys. I'm using AI across development, research, marketing and operations.
Ready to Build Something Together?
Whether you're looking for investment, partnership, or just want to connect—I'm always interested in hearing about ambitious projects and ideas.
Let's Get StartedContact
Get In Touch
Interested in collaborating or learning more? Drop me a message and I'll get back to you.