Dean Forbes is the chief executive officer of Forterro, a European-focused software group that achieved ‘tech unicorn’ status in February 2022 when it was acquired by Partners Group for €1 billion and was valued at over €2 billion by December 2024. Over a distinguished career he has transformed multiple technology firms into investor successes, delivering more than €2 billion in exit transactions. Dean is also a partner at private equity firm Corten Capital and chairs the Forbes Family Group (FFG), a foundation that supports entrepreneurs through networking, funding and community initiatives. Raised in a single-parent household on a Lewisham housing estate, he is a committed advocate for social mobility and philanthropy. Dean serves on the boards of charity ACLT and venture capital firm Cornerstone and was ranked No.1 on the J.P. Morgan-sponsored Powerlist 2025. His leadership has been recognised with awards including PwC’s Tech CEO of the Year 2022 and inclusion among Lloyds Banking Group and The Daily Telegraph’s 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders.