Izzy Obeng

Power Dresser for Sunday Times Style ✨
‌
‌
Director:
Styling:
Photography:
Make up:
Outfit:

The last few weeks have tested me - emotionally, physically, intellectually
‌
I wanted to share a quick reminder for any startup founder going through change 👇🏽
‌
You will always feel like you're drowning
‌
It feels like this because you are constantly forcing yourself to do something new you haven't had experience in
‌
Do what you can, be gentle with yourself about what you can't
‌
Your mistakes will bring wisdom, it really depends how you decide to deal with them
‌
There are no successful startups that have an easy journey. There are no "overnight successes"
‌
There is just recognising that you've done exceptionally well already - building a company is not easy
‌
Continue to learn, invest in your growth and keep your support circle strong 💪🏽
‌
Any other advice? share below ✨
‌
‌
‌
‌

A little news 🎉
‌
Absolutely honoured to have received the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award at this week’s London Chamber of Commerce & Industry Black Excellence Awards ✨
‌
5 years into our journey building , it’s a celebration of the efforts of our entire team and the impact they have created across the startup ecosystem 🚀
‌
A wonderful, inspiring evening celebrating excellence across our community 👏🏽
‌
Our five year impact report is now live - download now via link in bio
‌
Thank you + congrats to all other winners and nominees 🤍

We're looking for an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) to join us at 👨🏼‍💻
‌
Our resident Entrepreneur will do lots of exciting work with us including providing one-on-one mentorship and coaching to start-up founders, drawing from your entrepreneurial experiences and expertise
‌
You will help these individuals navigate the challenges of building and scaling their ventures through personalised guidance, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment ✨
‌
Sound like you.. or someone you know?
‌
Express your interest via link in bio or via our website
‌
--
‌
P.S. We're also looking for new members to join our Community Advisory Group to shape how we deliver impact at Foundervine
‌
Interested in building your advisory experience? Our Advisors serve as a representative group of founders and professionals at different stages in their journey - whether you're just starting out or you're an established leader, we're keen to hear from you
‌
Express your interest via link in bio or via our website
‌
Please do share in your networks. Thanks! 🚀
‌
‌
—
‌

Financial Times Feature! ✨
‌
Running a business is tough. I’ve heard it described as like “jumping off a cliff and assembling the plane on your way down..”
‌
In order to survive, you need a great team. It’s important to build the kind of culture where even though you’re falling together, you have what it takes to keep the plane steady, going as far as possible. Our team at is testament to that 🚀
‌
In a interview with the FT, I discussed the “right to switch off policy” that was being considered and how startups can balance employee wellbeing with business growth
‌
Article link in FT

I may not have won last week’s Bold Woman Awards but I feel like I’ve won 1000x over by being part of this incredible, powerful community of entrepreneurial women making change ✨
⠀
The awards, which date back to 1972, pay tribute to the pioneering entrepreneurial spirit of Madame Cliquot - a true game changer
⠀
A huge thank you to .yvonnethompson_cbe_wintrade .copes for your belief in me, your encouragement and your support on this journey - you are amazing 🤍
⠀
A huge, well deserved congrats to this year’s winners - Tessa Clarke & Karen Scofield Seal
⠀
In Tessa’s words: “let’s give women less mentoring and more money…”
⠀
Onwards and upwards 🥂

Exciting news ✨
⠀
I am genuinely thrilled to announce that Russ Shaw CBE (), founder of Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates, will be joining us on the main stage of Founderfest 2023 on 20 May 🎉
⠀
Russ has been an active voice in forwarding the technology sector, acting as a Tech Ambassador for the Mayor of London and sitting on the Government’s Digital Skills Partnership. Russ was awards a CBE in 2021 for services to technology and to business in London 🚀
⠀
I first met Russ in 2018, when I joined TLA and it has been absolutely incredible to see the impact in advocating for tech companies in London and globally
⠀
On 20th May, I’ll be sitting down with Russ for a fireside chat on what the future holds for the tech industry - jobs, innovation, inclusion and everything in between…
⠀
Super excited. Would love to see you there!
⠀
Search ‘Founderfest 2023’ or see link in bio
⠀
⠀

📢Exciting Announcement: First
Speakers Revealed!
⠀
We are beyond thrilled to announce the first round of exceptional speakers who will be joining us at , THE event for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders from around the globe! 🌍
⠀
🎤: Our powerhouse line-up includes:
⠀
- Eric D. Collins () - Investor, Serial Entrepreneur & Founding Member at Impact X Capital Partners LLP
⠀
- Sophie Pender () - Founder of The 93% Club
⠀
- Kwame Anku () - CEO & Chairman, Black Star Fund
⠀
- Anthony William Catt () - Founder of Ventures 54 & London Africa Network
⠀
These trailblazers will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for success, covering topics like , , , and more
⠀
Stay tuned for more announcements as we finalise our line-up and prepare to make the best one yet.
⠀
🎟️: Get your tickets via link in bio
🗓️: Mark your calendars: Founderfest 2023, May 20
📍: London SE1
⠀
Join the conversation with the official hashtag:
⠀
Can’t wait to see you there 🚀
⠀

✨ Big News
⠀
I’ll be investing £50k into ventures over the next year 💸
⠀
We’ve been working for the last five years at to increase access to funding for emerging ventures
⠀
In October, closed a £36m in funding for its second fund to invest in early stage startups. Really excited to announce that I’ve become an Ada’s Angel
⠀
For founders raising, I want you to know that there are 20 new Angel investors out there - they are some of the most diverse investors in any European fund & they’re currently writing cheques
⠀
If you’re a , I’ll be sharing more about what I’m investing in shortly
⠀
S/o to and Matt and the Ada Ventures team for building such a pioneering model
⠀
Congrats to the second cohort!
⠀
⠀
Here’s to the journey 🚀

Founderfest is baaaaack... 🥳
⠀
After 4 long years, we're so excited we get to bring back this powerful forum for inclusive growth ✨
⠀
On 20th May, I'm super excited to announce that are bringing together some of the brightest minds in industry to discuss how we can grow new ventures, build a more inclusive business sector and scale access to investment
⠀
At , we'll have brilliant sessions across 3 stages covering - unlocking access to funding, what it takes to scale a multi-million pound venture, Web3, ESG as a force for good, the future of AI and so, so much more...
⠀
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an investor, industry professional, or just starting out - Founderfest 2023 is the event for you
⠀
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other founders, learn from industry experts, and take your business to the next level 🚀
⠀
⠀
General Administration Tickets now available. Secure your ticket before they go: see link in my bio ⬆️
⠀
⠀
—-

Hey - in London tomorrow evening?
⠀
Youre invited to join us for an intimate evening discussing the exciting world of non-alcoholic beverages + hosting an exclusive tasting session 🧊
⠀
are hosting The Non-Alc Revolution in partnership with - the worlds first independent drinks accelerator, who have invested over £100m since 2013 in new drinks brands
⠀
If you’re in the beverage space, an exciting opportunity to meet Distill Ventures + build networks ✨
⠀
Know someone that could benefit? Tag them below👇🏽
⠀
Only a handful of tickets left so.. register now via link in bio. We’d love to meet you ✌🏽
⠀
**SIGN UP VIA LINK IN BIO** ——>>
⠀
⠀

About that night…🤫
⠀
ft. .oa ✨

Announcing the next year of our partnership with WeWork ✨
⠀
I’m super excited to announce the launch our second Diverse Founders Programme in collaboration with
⠀
We first started supporting founders with space during the pandemic, giving founders the right space to grow a team, manage their mental health and scale impact
⠀
At , we know that all founders should have the tools to thrive, regardless of where they’re from
⠀
For the second year, we’re partnering with WeWork to offer 100 brilliant founders 12 months of free space worth £1000s from January 2023.
⠀
Tag a friend who might need it👇🏽
⠀
See link in bio for details 🚀
⠀
⠀

We’re in The Times! ✨[repost]
⠀
I worked in industry for several years - in London no less - before I met another person in a senior leadership role who looked like me, who shared my background
⠀
Growing up where I did, I knew I wanted more for myself. I wanted more for everyone around me
⠀
It’s so important that we serve as a role models for future generations
⠀
Black History Month may have ended, but we need to do more every month and every day to support this community - to support all underserved communities - whether that’s serving as a role model personally, hiring more people from diverse backgrounds, or by providing resources and opportunities for this community
⠀
From the piece:
⠀
“The next generation — her youngest niece is six, the eldest is 13 — know what is possible. “Every time I talk to them I think about how important it is for them to see me doing what I do,” she said.
⠀
“The earlier we can increase representation to provide people with examples of what they can be and expand their network by introducing people that are different from them, the easier it is to build a more inclusive economy.”
⠀
Thank you to The Times for covering my story and our work at . Here’s to all the role models
⠀
Full article in
⠀
⠀
📷 /

We’re in The Times! ✨
⠀
I worked in industry for several years - in London no less - before I met another person in a senior leadership role who looked like me, who shared my background
⠀
Growing up where I did, I knew I wanted more for myself. I wanted more for everyone around me
⠀
It’s so important that we serve as a role models for future generations
⠀
Black History Month may have ended yesterday, but we need to do more every month and every day to support this community - to support all underserved communities - whether that’s serving as a role model personally, hiring more people from diverse backgrounds, or by providing resources and opportunities for this community
⠀
From the piece:
⠀
“The next generation — her youngest niece is six, the eldest is 13 — know what is possible. “Every time I talk to them I think about how important it is for them to see me doing what I do,” she said.
⠀
“The earlier we can increase representation to provide people with examples of what they can be and expand their network by introducing people that are different from them, the easier it is to build a more inclusive economy.”
⠀
Thank you to for covering my story and our work at . Here’s to all the role models 👏🏽
⠀
Full article in The Times
⠀
⠀
📷 /

At this point, I think just about anyone could do a better job at being PM..
⠀
It’s with great excitement that I therefore announce my candidacy to be the next Prime Minister👩🏽‍💼
⠀
More growth! (..and more bank holidays for all!)
⠀
Do I have your vote?
⠀

⠀
p.s. looking for a chancellor. DM me if you’re interested 🤣
⠀
—
⠀
On a serious note, the last few weeks have been a shambles… This week we’ll find out who will be the next leader of our country. The next leader has one last chance to restore confidence + demonstrate real integrity. We’ve simply had enough…
⠀
p.s. I’m hosting a session on generating big ideas this Wednesday. See ‘Wray Forward’ link in bio

Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel 🤍✨

chasing waterfalls 🌊🎣✨

Happy Black History Month ✊🏽✊🏼✊🏾
⠀
This time of year is a reminder to all of us that you should never underestimate the power you have to make change ✨
⠀
If you're in London this October, I'd love to meet you. Are you free?
⠀
--
⠀
1. Networking Evening
⠀
Date: 4th October (tomorrow!)
Time: 6pm
Location: Peckham Levels
⠀
Join Foundervine] for an evening celebrating black music with a keynote from Preye Crooks, A&R at Robots - a Sony Music label. We'll have music performances, business showcases, networking
⠀
Join us for free at Peckham Levels from 6pm
⠀
Save your spot via link in Foundervine] bio
⠀
2. Black Tech Fest
⠀
Date: 13th October
Time: 9.30am
⠀
Interesting in raising fund - exploring alternatives to equity? I'll be speaking alongside , on setting yourself up for raising investment
⠀
Save your spot via
⠀
3. UK Black Business Show
⠀
Date: 22nd October
Time: 1.30pm
⠀
I'll be hosting a fireside chat with former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and social entrepreneur, Samuel Kasumu on the political landscape and how to turn a social mission into a viable business
⠀
Save your spot via
⠀
--
⠀
Shout out to the incredible founders of these platforms for the work they continue to do for the culture - & 👏🏽

Hey London - we're back! ✨
⠀
I'm very excited to announce Foundervine]'s next Community Gathering this Saturday 10th
⠀
Are you free? Come meet us, meet Lloyds Bank + grow your network of leading founders
⠀
I'll be mentoring, coaching + just around for a chat
⠀
**Free to attend**
⠀
🗓️ 10th September, 2pm
📍 The Trampery, Old St
⠀
Sign up via Foundervine] bio: ‘Immerse Community Gathering’
⠀
⠀

Hey, are you in London tomorrow evening?
⠀
We’re excited to be hosting some networking drinks tomorrow evening at Big Chill, Kings Cross in partnership w/
⠀
We’ll be joined by the amazing guys from , some great special guests + a complimentary drink courtesy of Wray
⠀
Join us. I’d love to meet ✨
⠀
Hosted by
⠀
Tickets available now via my bio
⠀
⠀
⠀

Announcing our new partner - ✨
⠀
So incredibly proud to announce this…
⠀
This is a first of its kind initiative in the retail sector - a £1 million investment by Sainsbury's that support Black founder-led brands on their journey from start-up to supermarket shelves
⠀
Our journey at has been one of helping all founders grow, regardless of background
⠀
We’re putting money into the hands of founders + crucially taking steps to support supplier diversity in a £188bn industry. Really special ✨
⠀
Working alongside Sainsbury's + we will give 9 ambitious brands the chance to experience over 150 hours of practical 1:1 support, receive up to £105K in funding/in-kind support and be in with a chance to be listed at Sainsbury's as a result
⠀
An awesome opportunity 🚀
⠀
If you know any brands who could benefit, pls tag below + share. If it sounds like your brand, don’t wait to apply
⠀
⠀
Link in bio
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
-

Could you receive a share of $10,000 for your social impact org? 🚀
⠀
Vine Fund 1 is soon closing for applications!
⠀
is offering social ventures based in Ghana and Nigeria the opportunity to apply for a small grant to help them grow
⠀
Each selected social venture will receive $500 - $1,000 as a one-time contribution of financial support with no-strings-attached
⠀
Applications closing soon. Apply via link in bio ✨
⠀
⠀
⠀
—
⠀

Announcing our latest program in partnership with ✨
⠀
We are incredibly proud to be launching the Wray Forward Music Accelerator for music industry businesses
⠀
This intensive 3-month accelerator helps Black business owners in the music industry increase visibility, scale up your business, and access investment
⠀
We're looking for founders across the following sectors
⠀
* Media (magazine, radio, music tech)
* Publishing/Labels (music publishing, distribution, small independent labels)
* Creative Agencies (booking agents, artists managers, creative studios etc.)
* Live Events (pop ups, festivals, promoters)
⠀
This is a one of a kind program - huge opportunity to refine your model and expand your network. If it sounds like you, we're waiting for you. Tag anyone in your networks who could benefit ✌🏼
⠀
Applications ➡ see link in bio
⠀
**Applications close Mon 18th July**
⠀
Powered by
⠀

out of office x

We’re excited to be growing our international team ✨
⠀
We’re hiring in Ghana - can you join ?
⠀
Role: PMO Manager
⠀
You’ll join our team as a Senior Manager, leading our Project Management Office in London and Accra (PMO)
⠀
Location: Accra (partly remote)
Reports to: CEO / SLT
Salary: competitive (see website)
Requirements: project management experience + qualifications required
⠀
Closing date for applicants: 15 July
⠀
Enquiries: [email protected]
⠀
Apply via link in bio
⠀
No DMs
⠀
⠀

Let’s significantly increase investment in diverse led ventures. £25m? 🚀
⠀
The Growth Impact Fund has launched - a £25m fund to help diverse-led organisations grow
⠀
I’m incredibly proud to sit as a member of the Investment Advisory Committee for the Growth Impact Fund. 18 months of planning has now become a reality
⠀
At every stage, this fund has involved founders just like me to build something that will not just provide patient capital but really targeted support to help founders scale. It’s incredibly exciting
⠀
Announced last week, this fund is led by and . Ambitious founders from underrepresented backgrounds can apply for up to £150k in patient capital
⠀
Seeking funding? I really encourage you to look into the fund: growthimpactfund.org.uk
⠀
⠀
Huge congratulations to the team that made it possible ✨
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀

Hey - here’s our Senior Leadership team at Foundervine - Indie , Cecil , Phil and me ✨
⠀
What we’ve achieved so far has been the sum of all our small efforts, repeated day in and day out. We hype each other up, inspire one another and push each other all the time
⠀
I wasn’t feeling so well recently and the support really brought home how amazing, thoughtful and committed this team is 🥲
⠀
It’s been a week of big wins for our leadership. I’m super proud to see Cecil make the 2022 Empower Role Model List - a global list showcasing outstanding individuals making change in industry
⠀
Super proud to see Indie awarded the Rising Star Award + also awarded a 2022 Future is Female Award by (!!!)
⠀
So much excellence, amazing to see…
⠀
Please join me in congratulations these awesome people!
⠀
⠀
Onwards and upwards 🚀
⠀
⠀
p.s. want to work with us - we’re hiring (foundervine.com/careers)
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
—
⠀
p.p.s some upcoming opportunities for you wonderful people
⠀
> 🧑🏼‍💻 Free Training: How to Make Money from your Side Hustle
⠀
Launching June 18th - 19th in South London (in person) supported by Mayor of London and London Borough of Lambeth
⠀
Register now via Foundervine] link in bio
⠀
> 👩🏽‍💻 Event: Financing your start-up
⠀
Launching 28th June (in person - Lloyds HQ and virtual) in partnership with Lloyds Bank
⠀
Register now via Foundervine] link in bio
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” ✨
‭‭John‬ ‭15:2‬ ‭

Incredibly honored to be included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact 2022✨
⠀
Thankful for the journey has been on these last four years + to everyone that’s helped along the way
⠀
Onwards and upwards 🚀
⠀
p.s. we’ve just launched applications for Barclays Black Founder Accelerator Cohort 3 in partnership with . Early stage founder? Apply now via link in bio ➡️
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀