The Mentor.
Dean is a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and investor with a proven track record of building and scaling businesses. He began his career in IT recruitment in 1998 at the age of 23, quickly rising to become a top contract biller within just two years. By 25, he was recruited by start-up investors, growing their contract business to 42 staff in its first year. At 27, Dean founded his own company, which he successfully exited at 30 to a PLC for over $20 million, taking over his acquiring business to become the youngest CEO on the UK stock market. Since then, Dean has exited several more businesses, growing his personal wealth by more than 10X. Today, as an SME investor, advisor, and business mentor, Dean has helped over 20 leaders become self-made multi-millionaires. His focus is on empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders to achieve exceptional success.
Dean Kelly
Founder & CEO of Kellstar
More History:
Dean’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by remarkable success and an ability to turn vision into reality. At 27, after a share vesting dispute despite hitting a three-year target in just one year, Dean launched his own company. Within three years, his record-breaking efforts, with thriving overseas offices and a bustling London HQ, led to an acquisition valued at over $20 million, making him a multi-millionaire by the age of 30.
Following the acquisition, Dean took control of the PLC as the youngest CEO on the UK stock market, overseeing 25 global offices and leading a nine-figure enterprise. His entrepreneurial ventures expanded beyond recruitment to include recruitment technology, SaaS platforms, property, food, health, and streaming companies—leading to multiple successful exits and a growing portfolio of investment businesses.
Since his first major exit, Dean has grown his personal wealth over 10X and continues to mentor and invest in entrepreneurs across various sectors. As the founder of the world’s largest recruitment CEO membership network, with a combined turnover nearing $4 billion, Dean remains committed to driving success in his original industry while advising and mentoring leaders from his investment portfolio. He also trains and mentors business leaders across all sectors, helping them craft their own “Wealth Style” for achieving optimal personal and professional success.