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At HBD we are passionate, modern, open-minded and dynamic. Headed by CEO Julia Long, our core team's varied experience combine to form a highly competent unit
Julia Long, CEO
Julia has been with HBD since it was established in September 2000 and, as a founding member, supported the setting up of the organisation. She is the CEO of HBD Venture Capital and a member of HBD's investment committee. Julia is also a non-executive director on a number of HBD's investments.
Julia's passion has always been information technology, but she has expanded her business expertise to include general management and financial services. She completed her B.Tech in Information Technology and took up the role of leading the development team at Thawte - a digital certification authority. Here she was instrumental in establishing the WOT (web of trust) concept, assisting in building the architecture for the system and acting as a notary (a role she still performs today). Thawte also provided the platform for managing a business in early stage growth and leading an innovative team.
After the sale of Thawte to a US consortium, Verisign, Julia supported in the set up of HBD Venture Capital, establishing it as one of the few venture capital companies focusing on the funding of early stage businesses in South Africa. She leads a dynamic and driven team which is pioneering venture capital concepts in South Africa.
In addition, Julia launched concepts such as the Big Idea, and is a trustee of the Shuttleworth Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports innovation in education in South Africa and a director of BSquare Communications, which, through the Hip2b2 brand, aims to inspire young South Africans to embrace their education, specifically in maths, science and technology.
Julia is passionate about her family and friends. She has a wide range of interests that keep her energised.
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