Featurespace CEO to Retire After Transformative Visa Acquisition
Company - People | Mar 31, 2025 | Business Cloud
Martina King, the CEO of Featurespace, a Cambridge-based AI-powered fraud detection firm, is set to retire following its substantial £700 million acquisition by Visa. King, who has led the company for 12 years, has overseen its growth from a startup to a global leader in fraud detection technologies utilized by major financial institutions. Following her departure, Jason Blackhurst will assume the role of Senior Vice President, leading Featurespace under Visa's umbrella. Under Visa's ownership, Featurespace is making strategic commitments to retain its innovative edge by securing a long-term lease at its Cambridge headquarters, strengthening its ties with the University of Cambridge, where its technology was originally developed.
Sectors
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Artificial Intelligence
Geography
- United Kingdom – Featurespace is based in Cambridge, UK, where it maintains its headquarters and strong academic ties.
- United States – Jason Blackhurst, the new head of Featurespace under Visa, is relocating from the United States, highlighting transatlantic involvement in the company's leadership and strategic direction.
Industry
- Financial Technology (FinTech) – The article centers around Featurespace, a company specializing in AI-powered fraud detection for banks and financial institutions, placing it within the FinTech category.
- Artificial Intelligence – Featurespace's core operations involve using AI for fraud detection, aligning the article with the artificial intelligence industry.
Financials
- £700 million – The acquisition price of Featurespace by Visa.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Featurespace | Target Company | Company | An AI-powered fraud detection firm based in Cambridge, acquired by Visa. |
| Visa | Bidding Company / Buyer | Company | A global financial services corporation that acquired Featurespace for £700 million. |
| Martina King | Outgoing CEO | Person | CEO of Featurespace for 12 years, she is retiring following the acquisition by Visa. |
| Jason Blackhurst | Incoming Head | Person | Appointed head of Featurespace and acceptance risk solutions at Visa, with over 30 years of experience in financial services. |
| University of Cambridge | Academic Partner | Institution | Featurespace's technology originated from this university, highlighting its academic roots and ongoing collaboration. |