THE BORN STORY
What began as a childhood fascination with characters grew into a career at the heart of global licensing. After early roles at Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network, David Born went on to build and lead multiple licensing businesses, spending almost two decades working across both brand and agency sides of the industry.
Along the way, he has partnered with some of the world’s most iconic IP holders and global brands, helping them use entertainment IP as a strategic, scalable driver of growth across marketing and commerce. His work and leadership have been recognised by the industry, including being named to License Global’s Top 40 Under 40, featured in Licensing.biz’s Power 50, and included in Brands Untapped’s Top 100.
Today, David is the founder and CEO of a connected group of licensing ventures that combine strategy, execution and education. Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, he shares hard-won insight through his podcast, content and mentorship, and continues to help make licensing more accessible, commercially relevant and understood for the next generation.
2026
Born Legal Launches
Born Legal provides specialist advertising and marketing legal support as well as general commercial advice for brands, agencies and marketing teams running campaigns across Australia.
2025
Learn to License Launches
Learn to License is an online course designed to unlock the power of brand licensing for business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators.
2025
Born to License Podcast launches
Born to License is a podcast hosted by David Born that demystifies the licensing industry. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, David shares real-world stories, expert insights and practical advice to make licensing more accessible and easier to navigate.
2024
Introduced as Expert on Intro
Through Intro.co, David connects directly with founders, brand leaders and aspiring professionals, offering personalised one-to-one video advice drawn from almost two decades at the forefront of global licensing.
2024
Introduced as Licensing Mentor at Daily Mentor
As Licensing Mentor at Daily Mentor, David supports hundreds of fast-growing e-commerce brands, helping members navigate brand licensing and accelerate their growth.
2024
Born to License Launches
Born to License helps brands, businesses and product teams grow through strategic licensing opportunities, education and insight that turn IP into commercial advantage.
2021
FTSE1000 Award
Born Licensing named as 58th Fastest Growing company in Europe by the Financial Times
2019
License Global Forty Under 40 Award
David Born was recognised in License Global’s prestigious 40 Under 40, highlighting his impact and leadership within the global licensing industry. The accolade celebrates rising executives shaping the future of brand licensing and entertainment.
2018
Born Licensing wins first International Licensing Award
Born Licensing won at the 2018 International Licensing Awards, marking an early milestone in the company’s growth and industry recognition. The award reflected its strength in building impactful, commercially successful licensing partnerships.
2014
Born Licensing Launches
Born Licensing provides character and movie clip licensing services for epic advertising campaigns, helping brands and agencies create high-impact partnerships that extend reach and drive commercial growth.
2013 — 2014
Head of Food and Promotions (EMEA) Turner Broadcasting System
Managed the food, beverage, health and beauty, promotions and clip licensing business across EMEA, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, working with brands such as Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and LazyTown.
2009 — 2013
Licensing Manager - FMCG & Promotions, Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies
Drove category revenue through clients including Hot Shots, Marathon Foods, Parmalat and Hercules, and delivered promotional partnerships with brands such as Boost Juice and McDonald’s to support theatrical, television and evergreen properties. Also built deep expertise in clip licensing, working with Bulla, ANZ and Westpac NZ alongside leading creative agencies.
2007 — 2009
FMCG & Promotions Coordinator
Haven Licensing
Worked with leading licensors including Marvel, Twentieth Century Fox, Sesame Workshop, Sanrio, Lucasfilm and Nickelodeon, alongside a strong client portfolio spanning Parmalat, Boost Juice, Colgate, Johnson & Johnson and National Foods.