Setting a new agenda for inclusive growth in entrepreneurship

Join us at Founderfest 2025, the UK’s premier inclusive startup event, designed to ignite innovation, build connections, and drive growth for your business.
21 June 2025, Convene 155 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD
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About
Speakers
Sponsors
Tickets

What is Founderfest?

Launched in 2018, Founderfest is where visionaries, builders, and changemakers meet to create tomorrow’s businesses. From expert panels to hands-on workshops, Founderfest provides everything you need to level up your entrepreneurial journey.
With over 500 attendees and 50+ inspiring speakers, Founderfest is a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration. Attendees consistently praise the event, with 100% of surveyed participants recommending Founderfest. On average, each attendee leaves with 8 valuable new connections, making it a must-attend for entrepreneurs looking to expand their network and accelerate their growth.
Designed for every stage of your founder journey
A dedicated space for every founder—whether you're just starting out, scaling up, or ready to accelerate to the next level.

Start

Design your ultimate experience by handpicking your favourites from our dynamic line-up of panels and keynotes.

Grow

Discover how to harness new technologies, innovative funding, and inclusion to drive your business growth.

Amplify

Exceptional speakers, respected experts in their fields, eager to share insights, provide guidance, and mentor founders.

Our speakers

Founderfest 2025 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 Founderfest 2025.
Husayn Kassai
CEO & Founder, Quench.ai
Babita Ambekar
Partner, CMS
Emma Rees
Executive Chair, Deployed
Florence Keelson-Anfu
Senior Manager - Private Markets, London Stock Exchange
Jedidiah Ackah
Founder, Agenly
Raphael Sofoluke
Founder & CEO, UK Black Business Show
Sandra Igwe
CEO & Founder, The Motherhood Group
Sherin Mathew
Founder & CEO, AI Tech UK
Sonia Kaurah
Founder & CEO, Tala Thrive
Varun Bhanot
Co-founder & CEO of MAGIC AI
Panel sessions 2024
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How to Create Powerful Communities in the Startup Ecosystem
How Founders are Transforming the Food & Drink Industry
What Every Female Founder Needs to Know About Building a Lasting Brand
We would love to have you speak at Founderfest 2025
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
What to Expect in 2025
 Inspirational keynotes from top entrepreneurs
Dynamic networking opportunities in an intimate setting
Hands-on workshops and skill-building masterclasses
Pitching competition with grant funding and media exposure on the line

Meet our 2025 sponsors

Interested in being a sponsor?
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Lloyds Bank

For over 250 years, Lloyds Bank has been providing expert support and guidance to households, business and communities of Britain. Our expertise and understanding is built on this experience, providing financial confidence, support and peace of mind for customers of every generation and every community. Lloyds Bank are committed to supporting families and businesses, helping them to take the next step, whatever that may be. Lloyds Bank, by your side. Find out more about the work we’re doing to create a more equitable landscape for Black entrepreneurs.
Black Business Support Hub
Black British in Business & Proud Report 2022
Lloyds Bank Academy
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CMS London

CMS is a future-facing law firm, helping businesses navigate complexity with confidence. With deep expertise across industries and jurisdictions, we provide innovative legal solutions that drive success. Our global network of over 80 offices ensures that clients receive seamless support wherever they operate. At CMS, we go beyond legal advice—we partner with businesses to unlock opportunities, mitigate risks, and shape a better future.
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London Stock Exchange

London Stock Exchange is proud to set the stage for your success, where ideas meet capital and become reality. We connect companies, countries, and investors in the real world to make measurable and positive differences across the globe. Customers look to us for broad access to capital markets and liquidity across multiple asset classes. We deliver a broad range of international equity, fixed income, exchange-traded funds, investment vehicles and foreign exchange markets. Customers can choose from our capital formation and execution venues, London Stock Exchange, AIM and Turquoise. Having contributed to supporting the financial stability and growth of communities and economies globally for more than 300 years, London Stock Exchange is proud to be a catalyst for opportunity.
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Tickets for Founderfest 2025

Tickets give you full access to the conference sessions, competitions with prizes up to £1000, and a goodie bag!
The panel sessions, each and every one of them left me feeling more inspired, educated and encouraged to do more for my business.
Sarah Oladokun, Digital Content Creator & Creative Consultant
Khalia Immerse Programme

Meet the incredible organisations that continuously support Founderfest

Founderfest 2024 in numbers

509
Registered attendees
61%
Female attendees
19
Industries represented including tech, FMCG & Healthcare
38
Expert speakers
49%
Revenue generating businesses

Founderfest went viral on social..

All you need to know
Who is this event for?
Founderfest is perfect for anyone scaling, starting, or exploring the idea of launching a business. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere, especially for those who often feel overlooked in traditional business events.
What can I expect on the day?
A packed schedule of keynotes, panels, and workshops tailored to the challenges and opportunities in startups and small business. Engage with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts in spaces designed to foster connections and opportunities.
What’s included in my ticket price?
Your ticket includes full-day access to all sessions and workshops, a curated Founderfest goodie bag, and the opportunity to apply for our on-stage pitching competition. Terms apply – pitching applications must be submitted before the event.