We’re delighted to share that our CEO, Izzy Obeng, has been announced as an AXA Startup Angel for 2026.
Run in partnership with The Standard, the AXA Startup Angel competition has become one of the UK’s leading platforms for early-stage founders. It is designed to support entrepreneurs at a critical stage of their journey as they build and scale businesses with ambition and impact.
In this role, Izzy will join an exceptional cohort of entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors to help judge and mentor this year’s finalists. She will support the selection of winning founders and provide one-to-one mentorship alongside fellow Angels, working closely with early-stage businesses as they navigate their next stage of growth.
This recognition reflects Izzy’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive entrepreneurship and creating stronger pathways for underrepresented founders across the UK.
The AXA Startup Angel competition is a national initiative created by AXA UK to help emerging founders access the support they need in the earliest and often most challenging stages of building a business.
Now in its sixth year, the programme brings together funding, insurance, and hands-on mentorship from experienced business leaders. Two winners will each receive £25,000 in funding, a year of business insurance from AXA, and one-to-one mentorship from the Angels, including Izzy.
Beyond the prize, the initiative is designed to help remove some of the most common barriers faced by startups, particularly access to early-stage funding, practical guidance, and trusted networks.
For Foundervine, the programme sits at the intersection of what we care about most: equitable access to opportunity, founder development and long-term ecosystem impact.
“I’m really excited to be a mentor for the AXA Startup Angel competition this year. This year it’s going to be bigger and better, and I’m looking forward to meeting founders bringing game-changing ideas that can transform our economy.”
At Foundervine, we’re proud to see our CEO take on this role and continue championing early-stage founders across the UK.
Through her involvement as an AXA Startup Angel, we’re encouraging founders in our community to apply and take part in a competition designed to open doors to funding, mentorship, and the kind of support that can genuinely accelerate a business.
Applications for the AXA Startup Angel competition are now open.
If you’re building an early-stage business with ambition and impact, this is your opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and expert support to help bring your idea to life.
The deadline for entries is 21 June 2026.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.axa.co.uk/startup-angel/
