Founderfest 2024

A powerful forum with one objective, a new agenda for inclusive growth.

08 June 2024, 09:00 am | De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London

In a world where inequities are being exacerbated by increases in the cost of living, the climate crisis, and global unrest, we must not only break down barriers to innovation but support the founders, creators and changemakers shaping a more sustainable future.

We are back in 2024, providing an opportunity for industry leaders to encounter cutting-edge ideas, discover new interests, and network. Delve into the possibilities of leveraging AI to sculpt the business landscape of the future. Uncover strategies for hypergrowth through ingenious innovation and discover pathways to level the playing field for overlooked founders.

We would love
to have you
speak at Founderfest

FounderFest 2024 offers an engaging agenda showcasing compelling debates, workshops, fireside chats, and presentations led by inspiring leaders in the entrepreneurial landscape. If you have an intriguing presentation topic or wish to contribute to a panel discussion, we welcome your application to speak at our event!

BECOME A SPEAKER

Get to know our inspiring speakers

Dorothy Chou, Director of Policy & Public Engagement at DeepMind & Angel Investor

Anthony Rose, Co-founder and CEO of SeedLegals

Babita Ambekar, Partner at CMS

John Spindler, Founding partner of Twin Path Ventures

Varun Bhanot, Co-founder & CEO of MAGIC AI

Amardeep Parmar, Co-Founder of The BAE HQ

Mary Martin, Award Winning Designer & CEO of Mary Martin London

Zoe Chapman, Founder & CEO of Kiddiwhizz

Ifeyinwa Frederick, Co-founder of Chuku's, Screenwriter and Playwright

Junior Makame, Founder and CEO of SocialPro

Tommie Edwards, CEO & Co-Founder of Tech1M

Natalie Dinning, Founder of Lesley’s Sauces

Mitchell Fasanya, Co-Founder & CEO of Searchland

Sami Abou Saab, CEO of Zigzag

Joel Gujral, Founder & CEO of MYNDUP

Raphael Sofoluke, Founder and CEO of UK Black Business Show

Elle McIntosh, Co-founder of Twipes 

Peter Monteza, Founder of MyARC

Claudine Reid, Director of PJ's Community Service

Victoria Omobuwajo, Founder of Sunmo

Ifty Nasir, Founder and CEO of Vestd

Maatin Adewunmi, Co-founder of Loud Parade

Elizabeth Ajayi, Director of AI-enabled business Capgemini

Amma Mensah, Founder of Reign Rum

Florence Keelson-Anfu, Senior Manager - Private Markets, London Stock Exchange Group

How much do the events cost?

The Accelerator is free to attend for eligible applicants.
How do I register for an event?

Simply complete the sign up form.
Do I have to attend all five sessions?

Yes, as this programme has been designed as a 5-week course, with each session building on the learnings of the last. We are looking for participants who can commit to attending all the sessions.
Are all the sessions online?

Yes, they are all online. You just need a laptop/iPad with a good internet connection to join any session.
How can I get in touch if I have any other questions?

Feel free to email us at [email protected]

Founderfest Agenda

Your brand as a proud sponsor of Founderfest

Elevate your voice at FounderFest 2024! We invite passionate innovators, thought leaders and industry experts to join us as speakers. Join us on stage at Founderfest – where your story becomes part of the transformative narrative.

BECOME A SPONSOR

"Lloyds Bank are proud headline sponsors of Founderfest for a second year running, testament to the excellence of the event and strength of our longstanding partnership with Foundervine. Through our programmes to support underserved communities, we have long understood how important it is to support, champion and provide equitable opportunities for

under-represented founders to truly see the British entrepreneurial ecosystem flourish. Founderfest is a significant opportunity for founders and influential leaders from across the landscape to connect, network and learn from each other, and foster a more inclusive future for all.”

Elyn Corfield

CEO, Business & Commercial Banking

“CMS is extremely proud to be supporting Founderfest again this year, and to continue our longstanding relationship with Foundervine. We feel very aligned on our mission to help accelerate the growth of early stage businesses and ensure equal opportunities are provided to all founders. We are excited to experience the buzz of Founderfest again and look forward to an incredible day of insights on inclusive growth and innovation.”

Babita Ambekar

Corporate Partner at CMS London

“At Start Up Loans, we’re proud that almost 45,000 of the loans we’ve approved - 40% of the total - have gone to female founders, far exceeding the rate in the market more generally. We see a similar over-performance when it comes to supporting diverse business owners as well. The programme, offering competitive financing alongside post-loan support for applicants, is helping underrepresented business owners with entrepreneurial dreams turn those dreams into reality. Start Up Loans is making a huge difference in all parts of the UK, with over 80% going to business owners outside London. This shows real impact and we’re keen to do ever more in the future.”

Richard Bearman

Start Up Loans – part of British Business Bank

“Vestd makes share schemes and equity management a piece of cake, and the mission that underpins all of our activities is to aid inclusive growth across the business world.

Giving everybody a slice of the action (or a chance to participate) is what our brand values are all about. We are therefore thrilled to be gold sponsors of FounderFest 2024. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable future for all who contribute to the success of your business.”

Ifty Nasir

Founder and CEO of Vestd

“I am passionate about driving inclusive growth and opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and founders. This is why I’m delighted that the London Stock Exchange is sponsoring Founderfest and I’m participating in a panel to discuss our innovative funding solutions and tools to support early stage and scaling businesses to help them accelerate their growth and access capital from either private or public markets.”

Florence Keelson-Anfu,

Senior Manager, Private Markets London Stock Exchange Group

We would love
to have you
pitch at Founderfest

As part of this year's Founderfest event, we are excited to announce a unique opportunity tailored for visionary founders like you: the Founderfest Pitching Competition.

The Pitch competition aims to showcase the entrepreneurial brilliance prevalent within the UK's business landscape. We firmly believe that every great idea deserves a chance to shine, and every founder deserves equitable access to resources and support. That's why we're extending this invitation to growth-stage founders from all industries to present their ventures.