Michael Acton Smith

Current

CEO at Mind Candy

Past

CEO at Firebox.com

Education

The University of Birmingham

Recommended

6 people have recommended Michael

Connections

468 connections

Industry

Entertainment

Websites

Michael Acton Smith’s Summary

Co-founded Firebox.com (multi-channel retailer of gadgets, games and gifts) in 1998 with Tom Boardman. Had a lot of fun scouring the world looking for new products and ideas. Invented the Shot Glass Chess Set along the way (bizarre fusion of chess and alcohol that was a surprise hit)

Launched Mind Candy in 2004 to create new types of online multi-player games. First project was a puzzle-based Alternate Reality Game called Perplex City - a global treasure hunt played by tens of thousands of people around the world across many different types of media.

Mind Candy's latest product is a multi-player online game for 7-11 year olds called Moshi Monsters (Mix of Virtual Pets, Social MMO, Casual Games, Puzzles, and Virtual World)

In 2006 Co-founded Second Chance Tuesday with Judith Clegg. SCT is a networking event for London’s leading entrepreneurs and investors.

Love working in start-ups alongside smart, creative and passionate people.

Favourite business quote:

“Tech start-ups are the dynamos of our society. They create new wealth, jobs and inventions – and sustain our competiveness on the world stage. Best of all, they shower wealth on the most unlikely people. Start-ups are the engines of human liberation. They’re also scary. They upset the established order. They’re risky. And they attract obsessive, difficult, headstrong people fixated on changing the world” (Wired magazine)

Michael Acton Smith’s Experience

CEO

Mind Candy

(Entertainment industry)

May 2004 — Present (5 years 3 months)

Mind Candy is a games company that specializes in the development of new types of interactive entertainment.

The company's first project was the award winning Perplex City, a global treasure hunt played by thousands of people around the world across many different types of media.

Mind Candy's second project is Moshi Monsters, a new virtual world and online game aimed at children (7-11 year-olds).
CEO

Firebox.com

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Retail industry)

June 1998 — May 2004 (6 years)

Firebox.com is a multi-channel retailer that specialises in the retail, marketing and manufacture of a highly select range of innovative gadgets, games and gifts.

Michael Acton Smith’s Education

The University of Birmingham

1993 — 1996

Additional Information

Michael Acton Smith’s Websites:

Michael Acton Smith’s Interests:

Entrepreneurship, technology, virtual worlds, video games, puzzles, viral marketing, gadgets, photography, football, graphic design, running, games, live music, books, films