London, 31st December 2024 – Foundervine is delighted to announce that our CEO, Izzy Obeng, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours List 2025 for her outstanding contributions to UK digital growth and her tireless advocacy for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
This esteemed recognition underscores Izzy’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, championing diversity, and driving social impact both in the UK and globally.
Since founding Foundervine in 2018, Izzy has transformed the organisation into a trailblazing force for entrepreneurial success. Through her visionary leadership, Foundervine has accelerated over 600 businesses and supported nearly 2,000 leaders in raising funding. The organisation’s impact has been pivotal in breaking down systemic barriers, creating opportunities, and amplifying underrepresented voices in the world of business.
In response to this honour, Izzy Obeng said:
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. This award reflects the incredible efforts of the entire Foundervine team, our partners, and the remarkable entrepreneurs we serve. Together, we are proving that innovation and opportunity can thrive in every community.”
Izzy’s relentless efforts to redefine entrepreneurship have paved the way for a more equitable and vibrant business ecosystem across the UK and Ghana. Her leadership serves as a catalyst for change, empowering future leaders to overcome barriers and drive meaningful innovation.
The entire Foundervine team congratulates Izzy on this well-deserved recognition. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive systemic change, creating a fairer, more inclusive economy for all.
Foundervine is an award-winning business accelerator dedicated to removing barriers for diverse founders and enabling them to build sustainable businesses. By providing access to training, mentorship, and investment opportunities, Foundervine is driving change and creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for all.
Izzy Obeng is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foundervine, one of the largest and most active accelerator ecosystems in the UK. Foundervine has contributed to supporting over 540 businesses in starting, scaling, and raising capital. As an Advisor to Lloyds Banking Group, Izzy has worked to address the barriers to growth for founders. As a Member of the Investment Advisory Committee for the £10m Growth Impact Fund, launched in 2022 by Big Issue Invest, she provides valuable insights to the deal team, contributing to the fund's mission of driving positive change.
She serves as a Trustee to Mission 44, a charity founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, and is an Angel Investor for Ada Ventures, a £100m AUM fund focusing on climate, economic empowerment, and healthcare & ageing. Recognised for her impactful contributions, Izzy has been featured in the BBC, The Telegraph, The Times, and The Guardian. In 2022, she was listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact.
Regina Antony, Head of Marketing at Foundervine
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