Former Google marketing chief launces fintech start-up

Dan Cobley is ending his eight-year stint at Google to launch Brightbridge Capital, a London-based financial technology incubator in partnership with venture capitalists Blenheim Chalcot and QED Investors. 

Cobley, who has served Google well as UK marketing director, European marketing chief and finally UK MD, plans to build a small number of companies offering financial service alternatives to banks.

“The decision to leave Google is a really tough one, and I will miss the place hugely. But I have always wanted to run my own thing, and having secured the support of such amazing backers there will never be a better time to make the leap”, says Cobley.

Google is yet to announce Cobley’s replacement, with his departure sparking fears that the company’s plan to accelerate advertising revenues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa will suffer.

Brightbridge will have initial funding of a committed fund to invest in and build businesses that promise to redefine how financial services are delivered through the smart use of internet technology.