Nick Halstead — Serial Entrepreneur & Racing Driver

About

25 years building at the
edge of what's possible

Nick Halstead has spent over two decades building companies at the intersection of data and intelligence — from inventing the retweet button to pioneering privacy-first data collaboration.

Four companies. Three major exits. Combined value north of $220 million. Backed by the world's top VCs including Insight Partners, Upfront Ventures, and IA Ventures.

Now based in Dubai, Nick is building AskGVT — the AI that learns from video — while competing in the British Touring Car Championship, the UK's premier motorsport series.

“While most founders talk about moving fast, Nick actually does — at 140mph around Brands Hatch.”

Nick Halstead signing autographs at BTCC

Track Record

Four companies. Three exits.

2008–2010

TweetMeme

Acquired by Twitter

Invented the retweet button. Acquired by Twitter.

Built the original retweet button that became one of Twitter's most iconic features. The technology was acquired by Twitter in 2010, fundamentally changing how content spreads on social media.

2010–2018

DataSift

Acquired by Meltwater

Real-time social data platform. Acquired by Meltwater.

Built the world's leading real-time social data platform, processing 2 billion+ daily interactions. Backed by top-tier VCs including IA Ventures and GRP Partners. Launched at TechCrunch Disrupt. Acquired by Meltwater.

2015–2025

InfoSum

Acquired by WPP

Privacy-first data collaboration. Acquired by WPP.

Pioneered decentralised data collaboration — letting companies work with data without ever moving it. Backed by Insight Partners, Upfront Ventures, and IA Ventures. Acquired by WPP in 2025.

2024–Present

AskGVT

Building Now

AI that learns from video. Current venture.

"While LLMs read the web, AskGVT watches it." Building the visual answer engine — AI that continuously learns from video content. 82% of internet traffic is video, but AI still learns from text. AskGVT fills the visual intelligence gap.

Visit AskGVT

Backed by world-class investors

Insight PartnersUpfront VenturesIA VenturesGRP Partners

On Track

NOT YOUR TYPICAL
FOUNDER

Most tech founders unwind with yoga or golf. Nick races in the British Touring Car Championship — the UK's biggest and most competitive touring car series.

#50

British Touring Car Championship

Racing with Power Maxed Racing

The BTCC is one of the most prestigious touring car championships in the world — a 60+ year series that attracts millions of viewers and the best drivers in British motorsport.

“The same focus that builds companies also wins races. Discipline, preparation, split-second decisions.”

100K on TikTok @nickhalsteadracing