Jones makes early exit from 3Com

Bob Jones, the UK's most successful hi-tech entrepreneur, walked out of 3Com last week with a year and a half to run on his contract.

Jones, 1995's Venturer of the Year, has overseen the sale of three start-up companies in 10 years, most recently ISDN specialists Sonix which he sold to 3Com for $70m in March 1995.

According former colleague Nick Morse, who left 3Com/Sonix in April to form Acotec, Jones stepped down last Wednesday.

Speculation surrounds Jones' future, but if the non-compete agreement he signed in April 1995 still stands, he will be barred from joining or starting up a direct rival to 3Com for another 18 months.

Jones has been in Munich and was unavailable for comment.

3Com has also declined to comment.