Chris Hodgson (OBT Live)

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Overview

Chris Hodgson is a notable figure in the technology and business sector, widely recognized as the Co-CEO and Founder of OBT Live. OBT Live, based in Liverpool, is renowned for its innovative use of AI and LiveOps to create hyper-personalized digital experiences across various industries including media, sports, retail, and leisure. The platform’s unique approach combines behavioral psychology and game design principles to optimize customer engagement and drive brand loyalty. Chris Hodgson, alongside his business partner Paul Shannon, has significantly contributed to the company’s rapid growth and expansion since its inception in 2023, most notably including an expansion into the Middle East and a recent successful Series A funding round.

Recent Developments

In the past year, Chris Hodgson and OBT Live have been at the forefront of significant business developments and achievements:

  • June 2025: OBT Live secured over £2.25 million in Series A funding, led by NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance. The investment round valued the company at over £10 million and was aimed at expanding the UK team, advancing product development, and accelerating market penetration.
  • 2024: OBT Live opened a regional hub in Dubai, marking a crucial step in its international expansion strategy. This move is aligned with the company's objective to penetrate global markets with their AI-driven solutions.
  • 2023: Founding of OBT Live, where Chris Hodgson transitioned from earlier roles including leadership at ANS Group and OBT Advisory.

The above investments and strategic maneuvers have allowed OBT Live to enhance its service offerings significantly, confirming the company's vision and mission under Chris Hodgson's leadership.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameChristopher James Hodgson
BornInformation not publicly available
NationalityBritish
OccupationCo-CEO & Founder of OBT Live
Known ForCo-founding OBT Live, innovating in AI and LiveOps
Net WorthNot publicly disclosed
EducationAttended University of Reading

Early Life and Education

Chris Hodgson’s early life details are not widely documented in public records. However, it is known that he attended the University of Reading from 1999 to 2001, which laid the foundation for his interest and career in technology and business management. His educational background and early experiences have profoundly influenced his career trajectory, especially his affinity for leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences.

Career and Notable Achievements

Chris Hodgson has had a distinguished career in the tech and business sectors, making notable contributions through his entrepreneurial endeavors:

  • Early Career: Prior to founding OBT Live, Chris Hodgson held significant roles at ANS Group Plc where he honed his expertise in IT service management and business processes.
  • 2023: Founded OBT Live with Paul Shannon, focusing on revolutionizing customer engagement through AI and LiveOps.
  • 2025: Successfully led OBT Live through a significant Series A funding round, enhancing the company's financial stability and expansion capabilities.
  • Awards and Recognition: While specific awards are not detailed, OBT Live’s innovative framework has positioned the company as a leader in the tech industry, particularly in the domain of LiveOps and AI services.

Current Work and Impact

Chris Hodgson currently co-leads OBT Live, where he continues to push the boundaries of digital engagement through the innovative use of AI and real-time technology. The Engage AI platform developed by OBT Live since its inception enables brands to create dynamic experiences tailored to individual user behaviors, thereby transforming customer interaction models in various sectors. Hodgson's work is pivotal in promoting digital transformation and providing scalable tech-driven solutions.

Conclusion

Chris Hodgson's contributions to the technology sector, particularly through the co-founding and leadership of OBT Live, exemplify a significant shift in how businesses engage with their customers in the digital age. His efforts in advancing AI and LiveOps technology set a precedent for future innovations within this space, promising lasting impacts on customer engagement strategies. Under Hodgson's guidance, OBT Live is poised to continue its growth and influence across multiple industries on a global scale.

References

  1. UK Tech Investment News - OBT Live secures £2.25 million Series A Investment
  2. Business Cloud - Liverpool firm OBT Live raises £2.5m to scale globally
  3. LinkedIn - OBT Live Company Overview
  4. Prolific North - Liverpool’s OBT Live raises £2.25m to turbocharge AI-driven customer engagement
  5. Insider Media - Liverpool software firm targets growth after completing Series A funding round