London, 21 April 2025 – Foundervine is proud to welcome Big Issue Invest as an Ecosystem Partner for Founderfest 2025!
As a leader in social impact investing, Big Issue Invest is committed to empowering diverse founders and supporting enterprises that drive meaningful social change.
“Big Issue Invest is proud to sponsor Founderfest 2025. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive social change, and Founderfest provides a fantastic platform to connect with startups, innovate, and expand social impact across the UK. We’re committed to supporting diverse founders, tackling poverty, and creating lasting impact. By providing the capital and resources they need to scale, we help minority founders build businesses that transform communities and shape a more equitable future. We can't wait to see you there!”
— Lars Hagelmann, Head of Investment, Big Issue Invest
Big Issue Invest invests in Social Enterprises, Social-Purpose Businesses, and Charities creating core solutions to end poverty in the UK. Founded by impact entrepreneurs John Bird and Nigel Kershaw, from the Big Issue Group, it is one of the leaders in social impact investing.
Since 2005, Big Issue Invest has invested £90 million across more than 600 investments, all sharing the Big Issue Group’s mission – to create innovative solutions through enterprise and unlock social and economic opportunity for people affected by poverty.
The organisation emphatically believes that strategic financial investment, combined with wrap-around support, forms the fundamental basis for driving effective social impact. It works to build collaborative, financially sound, impact-generating partnerships with businesses. No matter an entrepreneur’s level of investment experience, a team of dedicated Investment Managers is on hand to understand their unique requirements and support them through their investment journey.
Presently, Big Issue Invest offers a range of repayable and blended finance options, from loans as small as £20,000 to larger investments of up to £4 million.
Find out more about Big Issue Invest.
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.
Find out more about Founderfest and sponsorship opportunities here.
📅 Join us on 21 June 2025 at Convene 155 Bishopsgate, London.
