Miles Spencer

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Miles Spencer on MoneyHunt

Miles Spencer (born April 30, 1963-Norristown, PA) is a prolific angel investor, media entrepreneur, and explorer. He is best known for his role as co-host ^[1] and co-creator of MoneyHunt,^[2] a reality based show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas ^[3] to a panel of experts ^[4]. MoneyHunt was distributed to PBS stations ^[5] in the US beginning 1997 ^[6] and overseas beginning 1999. Spencer and Co-Host Cliff Ennico ^[7] are known for their direct, fast paced questioning^[8] and constructive criticism of entrepreneurs^[9]. The two developed the program after a classroom experience at a local continuing education class^[10]. The show is considered the original program of the genre ^[11], and has been copied in several markets worldwide, most notably Dragons' Den. Ironically, Spencer readily admits in his book “MoneyHunt[2]” to having been inspired by “Enterprise”, a French show hosted by Bernard Tapie, while he attended school there in the early eighties as an exchange student from Choate Rosemary Hall.

As of 8 May, 2007 The Business Channel (UK) has begun broadcasting ^[12] MoneyHunt and has announced plans to produce a UK version of the show presented by Miles Spencer for the Fall 2008. The show is expected to use the same "investor pitch" format developed by Spencer and Ennico, with some consideration for local audiences. Spencer's co-host for the UK version of the show has not been announced.

Spencer’s investing career has centered on consumer products, media, online and mobile activities ^[13]. Since 2003, these investments have been made together with a small group of angels and through Vaux les Ventures^[14], his personal investment vehicle. Previously, investments were made through Capital Express, a private equity firm based in New York ^[15] where Mr. Spencer was a one of four Members. Capital Express’ ^[16]most notable investment was Register.com. Vaux's most notable investments to date are Operative [3] and Cellufun [4]. Vaux’s investment criteria[5] are published on its website.

Spencer is also well known as the co-founder ^[17] of Kayak for a Cause, an annual charity event ^[18]that raises funds for local and national charities ^[19]. On a dare in 2000, Spencer and Scott Carlin kayaked from Norwalk, CT ^[20] across Long Island Sound to the Huntington area ^[21]. More recently, up to 300 kayakers follow Spencer and Carlin in the “Adventure with Purpose” and over 5,000 people per year donate funds ^[22]. Donations are given away to local ^[23] and national charities.

A second adventure, whereby Spencer and Wellington Jones trek 1,100 miles through the deserts of the Middle East to raise funds for peace is now called “Lawrence on Arabia”. The trek lasted 26 days and retraced T.E. Lawrence's steps as told in “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” The trek is scheduled to be repeated in as part of the promotional run-up for an upcoming West End Play, titled A Line in the Sand by playwriting team Gordon & Grayling and Producer Nelle Nugent.