The Business of Creators is a leading resource for the Creator Economy, featuring creators, influencers, managers, investors and unicorn entrepreneurs led by Ian Shepherd.
It dates back to 2016 when Ian saw the huge growth in ‘Influencers’ and created a thriving professional network and event series under the Business of Influencers brand. As the industry has shifted from influencer to creator, the remit has grown.
By day Ian is a Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Electrify Video Partners, a business that invests in and scales established YouTube channels, enabling content creators to maximize their full potential. The business has raised more than $85m in funding and invested into a number of leading channels including Veritasium and Astrum.
Ian is also a Creator Economy contributor for Forbes, where he shares his views and insights on what’s happening within the industry.
Ian previously founded The Social Store, a pioneering consumer products and events business working in partnership with globally renown social media stars, launching the UK’s largest licensed creator brand ‘Hearts By Tiana’ and hosting game changing creator events.
He has more than 20 years commercial experience in roles at the world’s leading media companies including Disney, Universal Music, WarnerMedia, British Telecom and King.
He is also a keynote speaker presenting at events such as Social Day, Brand Licensing Europe, Spring Fair and the Influencer Marketing Expo, and regular guest speaker at London Business School and London College of Fashion.