News / Entrepreneurs
Bristol to host a ‘festival of entrepreneurs’
A new festival promising to bring together entrepreneurs, creatives and investors is set to launch in Bristol.
The one-day event, The FOUNDERS Playground, is organised by the Bristol-based entrepreneur collective for the FOUNDERS.
Designed to bring seasoned business leaders together with aspiring founders, organisers hope the festival will turn networking into a more interactive and accessible experience, without fear or judgement.
The event will take place at Bristol & Bath Science Park on May 14, backed by a number of well-known British entrepreneurs including Simon Squibb, Roger Saul and William Chase.
The event will take place at Bristol & Bath Science Park – photo: Bristol & Bath Science Park
The festival aims to bring founders, creatives, investors and local communities together in a setting focused on collaboration, experimentation and idea-sharing.
Organisers say the goal is to create a space where people can arrive with an idea and leave with new contacts, advice, momentum and potentially investment.
“I wanted to create something that founders would never normally have access to; real conversations with people who can open doors,” said Samantha Hamlin, founder of FOUNDERS Playground – photo: Evoke Pictures
Samantha Hamlin, founder of FOUNDERS Playground, said: “The people of the South-West have always been innovators and pioneers and it feels right that the first ever FOUNDERS Playground is happening here.
“I wanted to create something that founders would never normally have access to; real conversations with people who can open doors.
“The Wheel of Dreams at the event is about turning ‘one day’ into today for so many people.”
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A major feature of the festival will be the “Wheel of Dreams”, a Ferris wheel transformed into a live pitching stage.
Founders will be invited to pitch ideas directly to investors, venture capitalists and experienced business leaders in one-to-one sessions designed to provide immediate feedback and opportunities.
The festival will also include four stages featuring talks, workshops and panel discussions covering entrepreneurship, STEM, community projects and business development.
The event is expected to bring some 70 entrepreneurs for the day.
Speakers include Roger Saul, founder of Mulberry; William Chase, founder of Tyrrells Crisps; Shona Bettany, chief operating officer of Headspace; Helena Hills, co-founder of Truestart Coffee; Ben Dando, co-founder of Uncharted Territory; and serial local entrepreneur Johnny Palmer.
The event is expected to bring around 70 national and local entrepreneurs, including the Bristol-based serial entrepreneur Johnny Palmer – photo: Johnny Palmer
Other contributors include Bobbi-Jo O’Gilvie, designer and developer; Dominic Mills, founder of Yuup; and scientist Jenny Bailey Cooper.
Roger Saul said: “The idea of entrepreneurs and founders getting the chance to mix and meet with other people creates huge learning opportunities which are really important.”
William Chase added: “It’s a place where ideas are tested, risks are welcomed, and founders genuinely connect.”
Angel Investors Bristol, which invested £1.5m in regional businesses last year, will also attend the event looking to support emerging entrepreneurs.
Bristol-based designer and developer Bobbi-Jo O’Gilvie will also take part in the event – photo: Bobbi-Jo O’Gilvie
Alongside the business-focused programme, the festival will feature food and drink stalls, live music, interactive games and a marketplace, with organisers expecting up to 3,000 attendees.
The event is sponsored by The Founder Sales Club, Altrin Systems, HelpBnk, Square Works and Obiwine.
For more information, visit www.thefoundersplayground.com
Main photo: Alec French Architects
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