Draft:Doron Jacobs
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Doron Jacobs is a British businessman, property investor, and former actor. He is best known as the founder and chair of several UK, LA, and Budapest-based ventures, including Harley Legal & Collections Ltd, a leading B2B collections and legal agency, and KD Web Ltd, where he initially developed secure web solutions for Israeli and Jewish clients facing frequent cyber threats. He is also the founder of Jacobs Projects, a property development company focused on small-scale commercial regeneration in urban areas.[1][2]
Earlier in life, Jacobs worked as a teenage television and film actor.
He is also active in local politics and philanthropy, focusing on youth development into business, mentoring young entrepreneurs—particularly those with ADHD and chronic fatigue—and supporting a small number of Jewish charities worldwide.
Early life and education
[edit]Doron Jacobs was born in London, United Kingdom, in May 1975. He was raised in a culturally traditional Jewish household by a Scottish father and a Yemenite-Jewish mother. From an early age, he showed strong intellectual curiosity and was admitted to Mensa, the high IQ society, though he did not continue membership as an adult due to his ADHD and numerous commitments.
He attended school in North London, where he developed interests in creative arts, computer science, and entrepreneurship. At the age of 10, Jacobs relocated with his mother and younger brother to Ashkelon, Israel, where he attended the Rambam school. After three years, they returned to the United Kingdom.
Following his return, Jacobs studied performing arts, which led to acting roles in British television and independent film productions. He later stepped away from acting to focus on his business ventures.
Career
[edit]Technology and digital services
[edit]In the early 1996 Jacobs founded KD Web and in 2000 KD Web Ltd Ltd, a London-based digital agency specialising in bespoke website development, secure hosting, and SEO consultancy. Under his leadership, the company developed a strong reputation for serving clients with heightened security needs, particularly within the Israeli and wider Jewish communities.[1] KD Web also consulted for institutional clients, including Habib Bank UK.
Between 2000 and 2020, as SEO became central to digital marketing, Jacobs also worked independently as a consultant for high-traffic commercial websites. Notably, he contributed to the online growth of HCA Healthcare UK, helping improve search rankings and establishing it as one of the most visited private hospital groups in the country.
Legal and property ventures
[edit]Jacobs is the founder and non-exec chairman of Harley Legal & Collections Ltd, a B2B debt recovery and legal services company specialising in commercial enforcement and insolvency.[2] Through Jacobs Projects Ltd, he also invests in commercial property and small-scale redevelopment projects, particularly in North West London. Additionally, he invests in early-stage startups across the legal, tech, and marketing sectors.
In recognition of his business achievements, Jacobs was featured in the Who's Who of Britain's Business Elite – Under 40s edition.
Acting career
[edit]Before moving into business, Jacobs trained as an actor and appeared in British television productions and independent short films during his teenage years. Notably, he had a minor role in the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire, which featured Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst.[3]
Jacobs also appeared in an episode of ITV’s Sam’s Saturday, filmed in his childhood neighbourhood of Golders Green. He studied acting under Sharon Harris, founder of the Harris Talent Agency.[4] He was close friends with fellow actor Iddo Goldberg, who continued acting professionally.
Although he ultimately left acting to focus on business, Jacobs credits his early creative experiences with shaping his confidence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills.
Philanthropy and volunteering
[edit]Jacobs has supported various youth and welfare initiatives in both the UK and Israel. He served as Chairman of the UK branch of Betar, a Jewish youth movement affiliated with the Likud political party in Israel, and has supported several Israeli children’s charities, mental health programmes, and housing projects for children of alcoholics. He has also volunteered with Meir Panim UK, a charity providing meals and support to impoverished Jewish communities in Israel.
In 2018, Jacobs stood as a Conservative Party candidate in a traditionally Labour-held ward in the London Borough of Barnet. Although he narrowly lost, he was credited with significantly reducing the Labour majority and modernising the tone of local campaigning. He was the first UK political candidate to feature an official campaign leaflet with a photo of his dog, Lili, kissing his face. The image broke from formal political norms and received positive attention for its relatable tone.[5][6]
“In October 2024, Jacobs ran in the Royal Parks Half Marathon as part of a Kisharon Langdon team, helping raise over £5,500 for local disability charities.”[7][8]
Personal life
[edit]In 2012, Jacobs married Sarah Winstock, an MIT alumna working in the Hollywood film industry. During their marriage, he commuted frequently between London and Los Angeles. Over time, Jacobs developed chronic fatigue and returned to a more settled lifestyle in the UK. The couple divorced amicably and remain friends. They did not have children.
Jacobs was especially close to the family’s French bulldog, Lili, who won several pet competitions, including one hosted by television presenter Jonathan Ross.[5] Lili passed away in August 2023. Deeply affected by her loss, Jacobs became a vocal advocate for pet-owner rights and was involved in lobbying efforts that led to legal changes allowing single dog parents to apply for live-in au pairs or visa-based pet care arrangements, even without children.
As of May 2025, Jacobs resides in a leafy area of North West London, occasionally hosts French bulldogs as a side hobby, and is currently single.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "KD Web Ltd company profile". Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ a b "Harley Legal & Collections Ltd company profile". Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "Doron Jacobs - IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "Harris Talent Agency". Harris Talent Agency. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ a b "Jonathan Ross crowns Jewish Dogs of the Year". Jewish News. 2017-09-25. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "2018 Barnet London Borough Council election". Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ Grant, Ellie (2024-10-16). "London half marathon raises thousands for Jewish Community". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "TEAM KISHARON LANGDON TRIUMPHS AT THE ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON". Retrieved 2025-05-13.