David de Min: The Visionary Entrepreneur Reviving British Heritage Through Innovation
Who is David de Min?
David de Min is a British-Dutch serial entrepreneur known for transforming ambitious ideas into reality across the technology, real estate, and sustainability sectors. As the CEO of The Citadel, TechFort Group, and Smarter Materials Group, de Min exemplifies the archetype of a modern innovator, intertwining cutting-edge technology with heritage regeneration and sustainable development.
Born in October 1990, David de Min’s age is 34 as of 2025. He brings a unique global perspective to his ventures, having spent his formative years between Oman, the UK, and the Netherlands. His business journey spans over 16 years, encompassing ventures from live video editing apps to transforming military fortresses into high-tech hubs. His early foray into entrepreneurship, through Velapp, earned recognition from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak—a testament to de Min’s forward-thinking approach.
The Citadel: A Monumental Vision
The Birth of a £100 Million Project
David de Min Citadel project stands as one of the most transformative property regeneration schemes in the UK. The Citadel, a vast 250-year-old Napoleonic fortress located in Dover, was purchased by de Min from the Ministry of Justice in 2020 after four years of campaigning and parliamentary engagement.
The site’s scale is staggering: more than 54 buildings spread over 220,000 square feet. Once a prison and military outpost, The Citadel is now being repurposed into a sustainable tech hub, luxury hotel, and creative workspace under the TechFort brand. The first phase of development includes the renovation of subterranean tunnels and chambers for commercial use and is projected to complete by late 2025.
This project is more than a real estate development—it’s a statement of regenerative ambition. With government grants exceeding £1.8 million, support from Historic England, Dover District Council, and Kent County Council, de Min is spearheading a public-private model that redefines coastal urban renewal.
David de Min TechFort: A Haven for Startups
What is TechFort?
David de Min TechFort is the flagship venture anchoring The Citadel transformation. Positioned as a “Silicon Valley by the sea,” TechFort is designed to host start-ups in biotech, wellness, and sustainable construction. These companies benefit not only from modern infrastructure but also from a historical setting reimagined with a green conscience.
TechFort aims to blend luxury living with high-tech collaboration—featuring co-working areas, event spaces, residential apartments, and even underground spas and film studios. The site has already attracted filming by major studios such as Marvel and Netflix, adding a commercial revenue stream even before its full launch.
Smarter Materials Group: Building Sustainably
Innovation in Construction
David de Min’s Smarter Materials Group plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of The Citadel. The company focuses on next-generation building materials and techniques. One of its core innovations includes an interlocking, mortar-free brick system made from expanded clay. This method not only accelerates construction by up to 500% but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
This sustainable focus is deeply rooted in de Min’s vision. He believes modern construction must address housing shortages, climate change, and cost efficiency—all in parallel. Through Smarter Materials Group, he is actively introducing patented technologies to UK markets, shaping the future of eco-conscious development.
David de Min Net Worth and Business Ventures
While there are no publicly confirmed figures for David de Min net worth, it’s evident that his portfolio reflects considerable business activity and investment. His companies have acquired substantial properties, secured government grants, and drawn media attention across the tech and construction industries.
His ventures include:
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Velapp – A pioneering video editing app endorsed by Steve Wozniak.
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Quantum Materials Corp – A Texas-based nanotechnology firm where de Min has been an investor since 2013.
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De Min Holdings – A property firm focused on commercial and residential projects, including owning one of Brighton’s largest hostels.
From tech to real estate, David de Min’s ability to identify high-impact opportunities suggests a growing financial stature in entrepreneurial circles.
David de Min Family and Early Life
Personal Story Behind the Entrepreneur
To understand David de Min family is to appreciate the emotional depth behind his ambitions. His father was a senior engineer at Shell Oil, and his mother worked as a florist for the Omani royal family. De Min was the youngest of three brothers, but a significant turning point came when his brother Jamie passed away from leukemia during David’s teenage years.
This personal tragedy deeply influenced his character and drive. Later in life, his journey into entrepreneurship was partly inspired by a motorbike trip through the Himalayas with another brother. The thousands of hours of footage captured on that journey eventually led to the founding of Velapp, driven by the need for faster video editing.
These experiences have helped shape de Min’s resilience, empathy, and his focus on creating projects that are both meaningful and impactful.
Recognition and Industry Involvement
David de Min is a respected voice in tech and construction circles. He has delivered talks at major expos like the Kent Construction Expo, mentoring young entrepreneurs through the Founder Institute, and is a member of Curve Club, an exclusive founder community in London.
Through these roles, he advocates for sustainability, innovation, and scalable entrepreneurship, and actively promotes collaboration between public institutions and private ventures.
Final Thoughts: David de Min’s Legacy in the Making
David de Min is not just building a company; he is building a legacy. From founding tech start-ups to reimagining 18th-century military infrastructure, de Min is an embodiment of 21st-century entrepreneurship. His projects combine innovation with cultural preservation, all while advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.
The keywords David de Min net worth, David de Min father, David de Min age, and David de Min Citadel are not just search terms—they are entry points into a remarkable story of ambition, adversity, and achievement. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an urban planner, or a sustainability advocate, the story of David de Min offers a blueprint for what visionary entrepreneurship can achieve.
As the Citadel continues its transformation and TechFort opens its doors, the world will undoubtedly hear much more from David de Min in the years to come.
