Today, BusinessCloud launches the search for the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced businesses – setting the stage for our inaugural Founder 250 list.
We’ve joined forces with leading audit, tax, and consulting advisory RSM UK, fast-growing law firm CG and property specialist OBI to make it happen.
The list underlines BusinessCloud’s ambition to be the home of founders – and will be followed by a series of UK-wide founder roundtables.
From today, nominations are open for companies to be considered for inclusion in June’s list.
We’re looking for founder-led or founder-influenced businesses that are truly moving the dial – whether that influence comes from a founder as CEO, chairman or in another board role.
To qualify, companies must have a significant UK presence – be cash generative – and have been founded no later than 2024.
While not essential, judges will also favour businesses with a clear purpose – including B Corp status, ESG strategies, or a commitment to charity or social impact initiatives.
The deadline for nominations is April 30th.
BusinessCloud’s executive editor Chris Maguire said: “Being a founder is a lonely place and we want BusinessCloud to be the go-to place for founder content.
“We’re launching our new Naked Founder podcast later this week. It gets its name from the fact that it’s the business podcast where nothing is hidden.
“Several founders have all agreed to share their realities of what it’s really like to be a founder – the ups and the downs.
“The centrepiece of our coverage will be our inaugural Founder 250 list and I’d urge you to get nominating.”
David Blacher, head of media and technology at our main sponsor, RSM UK, said: “Founders are the lifeblood of the economy and we’re delighted to be the headline sponsor of BusinessCloud’s inaugural Founder 250 list.
“Founders drive innovation, create jobs and take risks that others wouldn’t necessarily take.
“However, being a founder can be a lonely place, and we’re looking forward to shining a light on the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced tech businesses.”
Will Lewis, founder of OBI, said: “OBI is proud to be sponsoring BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 list.
“16 years ago, I launched OBI, so I have first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a founder.
“Founders are crucial to our economy, and it’s important to recognise the resilience, vision and determination it takes to build something from the ground up.
“This initiative is about shining a spotlight on those founders who are shaping the future and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Stacey Turner, managing partner of fast-growing law firm CG, said: “When we founded CG we were determined to break away from the perception of how legal services were delivered, developing a bespoke approach to every client, focused on collaboration, transparency, and commercially effective advice.
“The journey of a founder is a rollercoaster, and we understand the pains and gains involved in the growth stage. This is why CG are delighted to be supporting the BusinessCloud search for the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced businesses.”
Nominate by filling in the online form below.