Birmingham-based tech boffins Greater Things have handed the keys to their next chapter to fintech and crypto payments pioneer Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, appointing him as CEO

The move comes as the company ramps up plans to build a nationally scalable, AI-powered innovation engine designed to thrive well beyond the UK’s usual tech hotspots.

Von Landsberg-Sadie is best known as the founder and former CEO of BCB Group, the UK-headquartered payments and banking infrastructure firm that became a go-to player for the fast-moving digital assets world.

Balancing tough regulation with rapid expansion

Under his watch, BCB grew into a global operation, balancing tough regulation with rapid expansion – no small feat in one of tech’s most scrutinised and competitive sectors.

Now, the seasoned tech leader is turning his attention to a different kind of infrastructure: the systems that turn bright ideas into real businesses.

Greater Things runs a high-volume venture studio, working with regional government, universities and corporate partners to build and back early-stage tech firms.

Supporting more than 70 fledgling businesses so far

Its programmes blend AI-led product development with hands-on commercial support, all aimed at helping new ventures find their feet, and their markets, faster.

The model is already gaining traction. Programmes have been delivered across the Midlands and Scotland, supporting more than 70 fledgling businesses so far.

Founder Jof Walters will shift into the role of Chief Operating Officer, keeping the engine room running while von Landsberg-Sadie focuses on taking the platform national and beyond.

Founded in Birmingham, Greater Things is betting that inclusive, region-led innovation can deliver both serious growth and long-term economic change, with sights set on a £100 million valuation within three years.

“The UK doesn’t lack ideas,” said von Landsberg-Sadie.

“It lacks scalable systems to turn them into companies and economic impact.”