Moment Tech CEO And Former Homeless Man Locks In $1 Billion Deal And Changes His Life

Forbes, a British entrepreneur, has overcome significant challenges in his life, including homelessness at 14 and again at 17, as well as a failed attempt at a professional soccer career.

In an interview with Business Chief in late 2022, Forbes shared his arduous journey: "Both times were very difficult for our family."

"We went into hostel accommodation and the second time, we came out of it by breaking up the family."

"I was of age so I left home and had to go and make my own way." 

He also recounted his early career struggles, saying, "I describe the start of my career journey as a twice homeless failed footballer who found himself doing telesales to service a mountain of debt that he'd accumulated to keep up with football friends."

Despite these hardships, Forbes persevered and eventually became the CEO of Forterro, a major software company. 

His hard work paid off when Forterro was acquired by Partners Group in 2022, boosting Forbes' net worth to an estimated $51 million.

Credit: Instagram / @forbesfamilygroup

The remarkable moment Forbes finalized the billion-dollar acquisition was captured in a viral video. 

In the footage, Forbes can be seen ending a phone call and then celebrating with overwhelming emotion, his hands covering his face. 

A friend, who recorded the video, voices his awe in the background, exclaiming, "Man pulled off a billion-dollar deal, that is so mad. That is so mad," 

Credit: Instagram / @forbesfamilygroup

"That is a unicorn move. A unicorn move. This isn’t even Black success anymore. This is just elite, the elite level."

Reflecting on his success, Forbes credits both the help he received from others and his own relentless work ethic shaped by his challenging past. 

He told Business Chief, "I have been lucky and I've been helped by a lot of people, but I've worked very hard."

"I've done the hours, because I don't want to be back in that situation. It taught me that you get up, you go to work."

"You don't spend time feeling sorry for yourself. I learned to be resilient." 

He added, "Not to stop and ponder bad luck and misfortune and things that happen."

"So I get over difficult situations extremely quickly. I learned that it's a privilege to work."