- David Potter, founder of Psion, passed away on June 28, just before his 83rd birthday.
- Psion was a key British tech firm from the 1980s-2000s, known for software for Sinclair computers and pioneering handheld devices like the Organizer and Series 3.
- Potter diversified Psion into applications software and handheld computers, leading to the development of EPOC OS, which later became Symbian and powered early smartphones.
- He had a knack for poorly-timed share deals, such as selling Psion shares before they quadrupled in value, and once predicted Amazon might flop while being bullish on Psion.
- Potter was born in South Africa, studied at Cambridge and Imperial College, and worked as a professor before starting Psion in 1980 with capital from successful investments.
- He received numerous honors, including a CBE and the Mountbatten Medal, and was a philanthropist, co-founding The David and Elaine Potter Foundation and saving openDemocracy in 2013.
- Colleagues praised Psion's innovative culture and Potter's influence, noting he was a deep thinker who inspired a generation of tech leaders.