MamiDeb’s husband, Michael Cleave, has revealed how he built a business from scratch and eventually sold his controlling interest for £32 million, sharing lessons from his journey with aspiring entrepreneurs.
Speaking at an event, Cleave explained that his path to financial success began long before he entered the business world. He left school at the age of 15 and started working, first in a bar before pursuing an apprenticeship as an electrician.
Rather than viewing those early jobs as the limits of his ambitions, Cleave said he used the experience and skills he gained, together with savings from his earnings, to prepare himself for future business opportunities.
From an early investment to a £32 million deal
Cleave said an opportunity eventually arose for him to invest in a startup that had no customers, clients, premises or significant capital at the time.
The business later grew substantially, allowing him to sell his controlling interest for £32 million while retaining a stake in the company.
According to Cleave, the business was valued at £70 million five years after the deal, highlighting the scale of its subsequent valuation. However, the available account does not identify the company or disclose the specific terms of the transaction.
His story offers a perspective on entrepreneurship built around identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks and using available resources to establish a foundation for growth.
Why Cleave says university is not the only route to success
Beyond the financial figures, Cleave used his experience to challenge the idea that a university degree is the only route to achieving success.
He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to recognise the value of practical skills, hard work, a positive attitude and financial discipline.
His own journey, from leaving school at 15 to becoming a business investor, illustrates the alternative routes people can take into entrepreneurship. It does not mean formal education has no value, but it underscores the role that experience, preparation and opportunity can play in building a career.
Cleave also stressed the importance of managing money responsibly once earnings begin to grow.
He cautioned against spending recklessly after making money, urging the audience to save and invest wisely instead.
His message was that earning money is only part of the process; preserving it and making thoughtful financial decisions are equally important to long-term success.
The businessman’s remarks offer aspiring entrepreneurs a practical lesson: develop useful skills, prepare before opportunities arise and exercise discipline with the money you earn.
His story also adds another dimension to public interest in the life of MamiDeb, particularly following reports about the couple’s property projects.