An Unforgettable Startup Grind London Event
We had the pleasure of hosting an incredible Startup Grind London event focused on creating an inclusive startup ecosystem. It was inspiring to see so many passionate founders, investors, and supporters come together to explore opportunities to empower diverse founders. The atmosphere was electric, filled with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to fostering diversity in entrepreneurship.
Highlights of the Event
The event kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote speech that set the tone for the day. Our keynote speaker inspired everyone with their powerful message and unique perspective. Following the keynote, we had a series of breakout sessions where participants delved deeper into specific topics, fostering meaningful conversations and collaborations.
Engaging Panels
One of the standout moments was the panel featuring leaders across the ecosystem, including Emma Osman, Cecil Adjalo, Gosbert Chagula MBE, and Yewande Odumosu. They shared personal experiences and strategies to make the startup space more accessible and inclusive. Their stories and advice made a striking impact, reminding us all of the work still to be done and the opportunities for growth when we invest in diversity.
We also hosted a second panel with alumni from The ICE Network Propel Accelerator, featuring Ade Omisore, Sade A., Tommie Edwards FRSA, and Afiya Chohollo. They shared their personal experiences from the accelerator and highlighted the support available for underrepresented founders.
Exciting News: ICE Propel Applications Open!
During the event, we also shared exciting news about ICE Propel, a coaching and fundraising programme designed to empower founders from underrepresented groups. Applications for the next cohort opened on the same day! Here’s what you need to know:
- 📅 Applications Open Today!
- 🚀 The FREE Programme Runs from January to March 2025
- 👥 Empowering 10 Founders From Underrepresented Backgrounds
- Link to apply 🔗 https://www.theice.network/ice-propel
What’s Included:
- Access to Investor Networks: Connect with ICE Membership’s extensive network of angels and VCs, setting the stage for potential investments.
- Personalised Coaching: The 1:1 coaching programme covers various aspects of the fundraising cycle, from optimising your business plan to crafting a killer pitch deck.
- Dedicated ICE Mentors: Each founder gets a dedicated ICE member mentor, offering invaluable insights.
- Community Access: Gain access to webinars, panels, and monthly Clubhouse events as part of the vibrant ICE community.
Programme Eligibility:
- Identify as a Black or Mixed Race Founder
- Able to Attend In-Person Events in London
- Business Pre-Seed or Seed Stage (Raised Less than £350k)
- Technology-Focused or Technology-Enabled Business
ICE Propel is here to support underrepresented founders in their fundraising journey, and we hope to see many of you apply!
Acknowledgments
It takes a village to pull off an event like this. A huge thank you to our partners for their support and commitment in making this event possible. This wouldn’t have been achievable without their shared vision of building a thriving, inclusive startup environment.
Special thanks to Howard Kennedy LLP for their incredible support, and to Google Cloud for hosting us in their beautiful space. We are also grateful for community support from HoaQ, Foundervine, Startup Discovery School, and Grone Studio.
Finally, a shoutout to our dream team—Matthew Lamb, Elinor Honigstein, Gabriel Pizzolante, and Petar Savic. It was great to reconnect with Melvin Price, Soma Pirityi, Faris Aranki, Nathaniel Luz, Omotejowho Mentie, and Moriam Odunayo Balogun.
Watch the Highlights
If you missed the Startup Grind London event or want to relive the experience, we have an exclusive video recap that captures all the key moments. From inspiring speeches to engaging conversations, it’s all there!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this Startup Grind London event and made it a success. Here’s to building a future where everyone has the chance to succeed! 💪
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