James Isilay

Overview

James Isilay is an angel investor and the Chief Executive Officer of Cognism, a UK-based sales acceleration platform founded in 2015. Under his leadership, Cognism has developed a globally compliant prospecting solution that leverages patented AI technology to provide businesses with real-time company, people, and event data, streamlining prospecting and enabling B2B sales teams to generate new revenue. The company has experienced rapid growth, with annual recurring revenue increasing over fourfold in 2018. Prior to founding Cognism, James Isilay worked at UBS Investment Bank and Axpo Trading AG, gaining expertise in algorithmic technologies, natural language processing, and machine learning. He holds a degree from Imperial College London. As an angel investor, Isilay has been instrumental in securing funding for Cognism, including a $500,000 seed investment in 2017 and a $10 million Series B funding round in 2019, led by PeakSpan Capital. These investments have facilitated Cognism's expansion into international markets, including the United States and Asia. James Isilay's investment philosophy centers on identifying innovative companies that utilize advanced technologies to address complex challenges. His strategic vision and commitment to data compliance have positioned Cognism as a leader in the sales acceleration industry, serving over 1,000 clients across more than 40 countries. Under his guidance, Cognism continues to expand its product offerings and global presence, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for sales and marketing teams seeking efficient and effective prospecting solutions.

Investment Focus

• Innovative technology solutions
• Scalable business models
• Strong leadership teams
• Global market potential
• Commitment to data compliance

Portfolio Companies