Elfried Samba

Elfried Samba is the CEO of Butterfly 3ffect and Chief Community Officer at Iconic Venture Studio. Originally from D.R. Congo, Samba moved to the UK at 14 and later gained prominence at Gymshark, where he grew their social media from 1 million to 20 million followers. His 2012 thesis on social media's potential for smaller brands proved prescient. In 2023, he co-founded Butterfly 3ffect with Michael Heaven. Renowned for his engaging speaking style, Samba connects deeply with audiences, sharing insights on branding. He has advised top companies like Sky, Apple, and Vodafone, helping them build strong, recognisable brands.

Elfried Samba is the CEO of Butterfly 3ffect and Chief Community Officer at Iconic Venture Studio. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samba immigrated to the UK at the age of 14. His journey from Africa to the UK and subsequent rise to prominence in the social media landscape is a testament to his resilience and vision. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, Samba’s passion for marketing led himto explore the dynamic world of social media.

In 2012, Samba wrote a forward-thinking thesis on how small to medium-sized brands could leverage social media to challenge larger competitors. Though marked down for lacking Harvard references, this thesis would later prove groundbreaking. Joining Gymshark as the Global Head of Social Content and Community, he played a crucial role in growing the brand's social media following from 1 million to 20 million followers over seven years. This massive growth was instrumental in Gymshark achieving a £1 billion valuation, positioning it as a formidable competitor to giants like Nike, Puma, and Lululemon.

In 2023, Samba co-founded Butterfly 3ffect with Michael Heaven, a founding team member of Social Chain AG. Butterfly 3ffect is a creative house dedicated to diverse creators and brands with a challenger mindset. Samba's expertise and innovative approach continue to inspire and guide many in the industry.

As a speaker, Elfried is celebrated for his ability to captivate diverse audiences, from corporate executives to students. His presentations are enriched with personal anecdotes and life lessons, making his insights on branding both relatable and impactful. He has shared his knowledge with esteemed organisations such as Sky, Ernst & Young, Apple, and Vodafone, helping them understand the critical importance of building strong, recognisable brands.

Samba's journey is compelling, marked by a fervent passion for sharing his expertise and inspiring others. His unique ability to connect with audiences and his profound insights into branding make him a distinguished figure in his field.

Elfried Samba's vision is to use advanced social media tactics to enable different firms and creators to take on industry heavyweights. He wants to use Butterfly 3ffect to help companies develop powerful, recognisable brands that have an enormous impact on their target markets and drive substantial growth.