Ned Staple

Cazoo

Ned Staple is an exceptional lawyer in the tech sector who really knows how to grow a unicorn, and at lightning speed.

The former general counsel of Zoopla has achieved several milestones in the two years since he joined start-up Cazoo. He played an instrumental role in its series B, C and D fundraisings, enabling the digital disruptor to become the fastest UK business ever to achieve unicorn status, after just six months of trading. Staple and his lean team made tremendous efforts in ensuring deals were completed fast and effectively, notwithstanding the significant pressure brought by the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

He also went above and beyond to ensure business operations were immediately adjusted according to a fast-moving regulatory landscape, so car sales and delivery services could continue uninterrupted in a Covid-safe way.

As Cazoo’s business thrived, Staple helped deliver several more strategic projects, such as the acquisition of Imperial Car Supermarkets and car subscription service Drover, the signing of three major sports sponsorships with Aston Villa and Everton football clubs as well as the Rugby League World Cup 2021, all while negotiating key commercial partnership agreements as the company expands rapidly across the UK.

2021 is likely to see Staple driving Cazoo on a clear path to flotation and achieving its international growth ambitions in Europe, Asia and the US.