Founders Forum

Founders Forum Group is a London-based organization that operates a global community and event network connecting technology entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives. The group has hosted over 40 invitation-only forums across more than 20 cities worldwide to facilitate discussions on technological innovation, emerging business models, and industry trends. Beyond its core networking events, the organization supports early-stage and growth-stage companies through professional services, educational programs, accelerators, and venture studios. The entity expands its operational footprint through strategic acquisitions and affiliated investment vehicles, notably acquiring the UK startup network Tech Nation in 2023 and operating alongside firstminute capital, an early-stage venture fund managing $500 million in assets. Under the leadership of CEO Carolyn Dawson, the group recently launched new ecosystem initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. Founders Forum Group was established in 2005 by Brent Hoberman and Jonathan Goodwin.

# High-Level Overview

Founders Forum Group is a global community and network of businesses designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their ventures.[2][3] Founded in 2006, the organization operates as both a peer-to-peer networking platform and an integrated ecosystem of investment and support services.[2][5] The group's mission centers on empowering founders, investors, and CEOs through curated events, education, professional services, capital access, and philanthropic initiatives.[2][3]

The organization's impact on the startup ecosystem is substantial. It functions as a connector between world-class founders, pioneering investors, and corporate leaders, facilitating deal-making, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.[3] Rather than operating as a traditional venture capital firm, Founders Forum Group acts as a consortium that provides access to capital through affiliated entities like firstminute capital (a $500m AUM seed fund) and Founders Factory (a global venture studio and accelerator that has backed 400+ startups since 2015).[4]

# Origin Story

Founders Forum began in 2005 with a deliberate vision: to replicate the collaborative innovation environment of Silicon Valley within Europe.[5] The organization was co-founded by Brent Hoberman and Jonathan (Jonnie) Goodwin, who convened the first 50-person event in London, bringing together founders, investors, CEOs, and government leaders to discuss the future of tech-enabled industries.[5]

Hoberman's background as co-founder of Made.com (2010) and Goodwin's finance and media expertise shaped the organization's trajectory.[5] The group evolved from a simple networking forum into a multifaceted ecosystem. Goodwin went on to co-found PROfounders Capital in 2009 and was recognized with an OBE in 2018 for his contributions to the UK economy.[5] Hoberman expanded the ecosystem by establishing Founders Factory and firstminute capital, creating an integrated network where community members could access capital and operational support.[5]

# Core Differentiators

• Invitation-only community model: Founders Forum operates exclusive forums that unite the world's most successful founders and senior investors, creating a curated peer network rather than an open platform.[3]

• Integrated ecosystem approach: Unlike standalone venture firms, Founders Forum Group connects members to multiple affiliated entities—firstminute capital for seed funding, Founders Factory for venture studio and acceleration services, and Creator Fund for deep tech and life science investments.[4]

• Global reach with European roots: Based in London, the organization maintains a strong European presence while operating globally through Founders Factory's operations across Europe, Africa, and North America.[5]

• Multi-stage support infrastructure: The network provides capital, mentorship, professional services, and corporate connections at every stage from pre-seed through growth, addressing the full founder journey.[4]

• Institutional backing: Silicon Valley Bank's equity stake in the organization signals credibility and provides venture debt expertise to the ecosystem.[6]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Founders Forum Group operates at the intersection of several powerful trends. The organization capitalizes on the professionalization of early-stage venture capital, where seed funding has become increasingly competitive and founders require more than capital—they need operational guidance, network access, and strategic introductions.[4]

The group also benefits from the globalization of tech entrepreneurship, particularly the rise of European founders and the need for alternatives to Silicon Valley-centric networks.[5] By positioning itself as a credible peer network that echoes Silicon Valley's collaborative culture, Founders Forum addresses a structural gap in the European startup ecosystem.

Additionally, the organization influences the broader ecosystem by legitimizing founder networks as investment vehicles. Rather than competing directly with traditional VCs, it creates value by facilitating connections between founders, investors, and corporate partners—a model that has proven resilient across market cycles.

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

Founders Forum Group's strength lies in its ability to operate as a network effect multiplier rather than a traditional investment firm. As the startup ecosystem matures and founder networks become increasingly valuable, the organization is well-positioned to deepen its influence.

The future trajectory will likely involve expanding the affiliated investment vehicles (firstminute capital, Founders Factory, Creator Fund) to capture more of the value created within the community. The organization's focus on deep tech, AI, and life science through Creator Fund suggests it is adapting to emerging founder priorities. Additionally, as corporate partnerships become more central to founder success, Founders Forum's coalition of leading companies could become an increasingly valuable moat.

The key question ahead: Can Founders Forum maintain its exclusivity and peer-to-peer authenticity while scaling its capital deployment and operational support? Success will depend on preserving the trust and candor that members value while expanding access to capital and expertise.