'A huge loss:' Former technology journalist and Zapp SVP of Strategy and Communications Steve O’Hear passes away

Steve O’Hear, the co-founder and CEO of O’Hear & Co Advisory, has passed away at the age of 49 after a short illness.

In a LinkedIn post, O’Hear & Co said: “This is a huge loss for all of us and it is hard to believe he is gone, especially as it happened so suddenly after a very short illness. Our first thoughts are with his wife and family and we are supporting them in every way we can.”

“Steve played a huge role in the tech ecosystem - from founding companies and being an angel investor to writing about them at TechCrunch. Most recently, he founded O’Hear & Co Advisory, which supports startups, scaleups and VCs wanting to tell their stories to the world.”

“As many in the tech sector will know, he was a fiercely determined journalist who was never afraid to say it how it was or put founders, operators and investors on the spot with probing questions. He treated his interviewees fairly, respectfully and was an empathetic and understanding champion of those trying to make the world better through technology.”

After his time at TechCrunch, O’Hear, who was born with muscular dystrophy and used a wheelchair for most of his life. left journalism to become SVP of Strategy & Communications at London-based rapid delivery specialist Zapp.

Two years ago, he founded O’Hear & Co, which works with Zapp along with various investors, founders and operators.

The aforementioned LinkedIn post added: “He wanted to build an agile operation that functioned like an extension of an in-house communications team and could be a VP of Strategy and Communications for companies in their early stages. He achieved that aim and the business which bears his name has a strong customer base and great reputation for delivering impactful work in his image.”

It concluded: “We know he would want us to continue to run the business he loved. We will do so and we will build on his legacy. Thank you to those who have supported us so far on hearing the news. We are so grateful for every moment we were able to spend with Steve and for his guidance and support.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

On demand delivery is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.