Nick Bell is a self-made Australian entrepreneur known for founding and scaling some of the most influential digital marketing companies in the Asia-Pacific region. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the top tech investors and digital branding experts in Australia, recognized for his role in building businesses like WME, Removify, and Appscore. As of 2020, Bell was listed among Australia’s richest self-made businesspeople.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised on a rural farm in Victoria, Nick Bell’s upbringing taught him resilience and hard work early in life. He completed his early education at Mowbray High School and briefly attended Victoria University for a business degree. However, he dropped out after six weeks, choosing to pursue real-world experience over academics. His journey included working in bars across London before returning to Melbourne, where he launched his entrepreneurial career.
Nick Bell’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Initial Business Attempt
Nick’s first business venture in 2004 was in skincare retail. Though it ultimately failed due to supply and logistics issues, it became a stepping stone that sparked his entry into digital marketing.
Founding WME: A Digital Milestone
With just $400 in savings, Bell founded WME (Web Marketing Experts), an SEO and digital marketing company, from his home. Within a decade, WME grew into a leading agency, employing over 1,200 people and generating over AU$160 million in annual revenue.
In 2017, Bell sold WME to Melbourne IT for AU$39 million but stayed on to manage its international growth. His leadership helped WME expand into markets such as Asia and North America.
Major Business Ventures and Startups
Nick Bell has founded, co-founded, or invested in over 12 companies across the tech and marketing space, including:
- Appscore – A top mobile app development agency in Australia
- Removify – Launched in 2019 with Andrew Whitford, specializes in removing fake or harmful online content
- Lisnic – A mentoring platform connecting entrepreneurs with experts
- First Page Digital – A global SEO and marketing company
- Primal – An Asia-based digital performance agency
- Outsourcey – Launched in 2024, a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in the Philippines focusing on cost-effective services for businesses
Nick Bell in Media and Television
Nick Bell’s influence reached Australian television in 2022 when he appeared as a boardroom advisor on The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. In 2024, he joined the judging panel of Shark Tank Australia, where he evaluates startup pitches and invests in promising ideas alongside other notable investors such as Jane Lu, Davie Fogarty, Maxine Horne, and Robert Herjavec.
Startup Investments and Portfolio
As an active angel investor, Bell has backed numerous tech startups and platforms including:
- Tribe (influencer marketing platform)
- Frase.io (AI-based content generator)
- Vervoe (hiring automation platform)
- Disputify, Lead Chat, Ideapod, and Greenfields
His investments reflect a keen interest in AI, e-commerce tools, marketing automation, and business efficiency platforms.
Nick Bell Net Worth and Financial Growth
Nick Bell’s financial journey showcases rapid upward momentum. According to the Australian Financial Review Rich List, his wealth increased significantly year after year:
| Year | Net Worth (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $68 million |
| 2017 | $114 million |
| 2018 | $170 million |
| 2019 | $217 million |
| 2020 | $274 million |
Bell’s fortune has been built almost entirely from bootstrapped businesses, making him a standout figure among self-funded Australian entrepreneurs.
Vision and Impact
Beyond wealth and accolades, Nick Bell is passionate about mentoring and empowering aspiring founders. Through platforms like Lisnic and Outsourcey, he aims to provide affordable services and knowledge sharing opportunities for small businesses and startups.
His broader mission focuses on digital growth, ethical reputation management, and fostering innovation across global markets.
Conclusion
Nick Bell’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, adaptability, and innovative thinking can transform a dropout into one of Australia’s leading tech moguls. With a diverse portfolio, a strong media presence, and a growing influence in entrepreneurship, Bell continues to inspire a new wave of business creators across the world.
