Solomon Akhtar: The Entrepreneur and Innovator Behind Socialbear®
Solomon Akhtar, also known by his full name Solomon Ohlman-Akhtar, has made a name for himself as an influential British entrepreneur, business leader, and reality TV personality. He gained national attention in 2014 when he appeared as a contestant on the tenth series of The Apprentice, a popular BBC show. Beyond the spotlight of reality television, Akhtar has since built a successful career in business and is recognized as a key figure in customer service and community management. This article will explore his rise to fame, his entrepreneurial ventures, and provide insight into his net worth, background, and future prospects.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1991, Solomon Akhtar hails from London, England. He grew up in an environment that nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit, with a passion for technology and business emerging early on. Akhtar’s parents are of mixed heritage, with his father being of Pakistani origin and his mother being English. This blend of cultural backgrounds has likely influenced his perspectives on global business and customer interaction.
Akhtar attended the University of Exeter, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. His time at university proved pivotal in shaping his future endeavors. During his studies, he launched his first business venture, which set the stage for what would become a series of successful entrepreneurial projects. The experience gained during his university years proved invaluable, and it wasn’t long before he began taking bigger steps in the world of business.
The Apprentice: A Breakout Moment
Solomon Akhtar’s rise to fame came in 2014 when he appeared as a contestant on the BBC’s The Apprentice, hosted by Lord Sugar. The reality show, which pits aspiring entrepreneurs against each other in business challenges, saw Akhtar make it to the final five contestants. His innovative ideas and strong communication skills set him apart, making him a standout figure during the competition.
Although he did not win The Apprentice, the exposure he gained from the show significantly boosted his profile. It provided him with the platform to launch his business career, and he quickly transitioned from reality TV star to a serious player in the entrepreneurial world.
Socialbear®: A Business Empire
After his appearance on The Apprentice, Akhtar focused on building and expanding Socialbear®, a company he founded. Socialbear® specializes in customer service and community management, offering a comprehensive range of services for global brands. From providing 24/7 customer support to moderating online communities, Socialbear® is a leading provider of digital customer care.
The company has quickly grown, now boasting over 250 employees and a global presence with offices in key locations such as London, New York, Sydney, and Dubai. Some of Socialbear®’s notable clients include high-profile companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Shell, British Airways, Nestlé, and HM Government. The company’s focus on transforming traditional contact centers into cloud-based, community-driven support systems has revolutionized the customer service industry.
As the Business Director at Socialbear®, Akhtar has played a central role in scaling the company, expanding its operations into the Americas and the Asia Pacific region. His leadership continues to shape Socialbear® into a global leader in customer service and community management, driving innovations in the way companies engage with their customers.
Honestwill: A New Venture
In addition to his work with Socialbear®, Solomon Akhtar has also been involved in creating and launching Honestwill, an app designed to help millennials create digital wills. Honestwill is part of Socialbear®’s broader strategy to offer innovative products that cater to the needs of modern consumers. The app allows users to easily draft wills online, including provisions for social media and digital assets, with the flexibility to make updates anytime and anywhere.
This cloud-based platform aims to disrupt the traditional will-making process, making it more accessible and convenient for younger generations. Akhtar’s involvement in the development of Honestwill underscores his commitment to driving digital transformation in various sectors.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Solomon Akhtar’s net worth is estimated to be around £1 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his leadership role at Socialbear® and his ongoing entrepreneurial ventures. The company’s success, particularly with big-name clients and its global expansion, has helped Akhtar build substantial financial wealth. Akhtar’s personal brand, bolstered by his appearance on The Apprentice and his active presence in the business world, has only added to his financial success.
Though his exact net worth fluctuates with the success of his ventures, his leadership at Socialbear® and the growth of Honestwill are key factors in his ongoing financial success. Akhtar continues to scale his businesses, positioning himself as an influential figure in the global customer service and digital tech industries.
Solomon Akhtar’s Parents and Background
Solomon Akhtar’s parents have played an important role in shaping his personal and professional outlook. His father, originally from Pakistan, and his English mother, have provided him with a diverse cultural background that has likely influenced his business approach. Akhtar’s mixed heritage has also given him a unique perspective on international business, which is reflected in the global reach of his companies.
Though Akhtar keeps his personal life relatively private, it is clear that his upbringing and family values have been important drivers behind his work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Solomon Akhtar is also a sought-after public speaker. He has delivered talks and lectures at universities and business events across the UK and internationally. Notable speaking engagements include events at Trivago International, Kings University, and several other prestigious institutions. His speeches often focus on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and the future of customer service. Through these speaking engagements, Akhtar continues to inspire aspiring business leaders and young entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Solomon Akhtar’s journey from a The Apprentice contestant to a successful business leader is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and drive. With Socialbear® at the helm of his ventures, Akhtar continues to disrupt the customer service industry and expand his influence across the globe. His net worth, driven by the success of his companies, reflects his commitment to business excellence, while his continued public speaking helps guide the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Akhtar’s story is far from over, and his future endeavors will likely shape the world of business and customer service for years to come. Whether through expanding Socialbear®’s reach or pioneering new technologies, Solomon Akhtar is a name that will continue to make waves in the business world.
