Amazon Web Services and IQ Capital join Cooper Parry to empower next gen of data-driven CEOs
From L to R: Alex Burton at Alchem Technologies (standing left), Robin Brattel at Lab1 (sat below- left), Andy Howard at CSX Carbon (standing), Trent Peek at WeAreFulfilment, Luis Galeas at Ambar, Zoe Bucknell at Kuberno, Sabrina Palme at Palqee, Rob Passmore at Additive.Earth, Miles Bowker at Armadillo Analytics, Ben Whittam-Smith at Deontic Data - and Aba Schubert at Dorae.
- Cooper Parry officially launches the third vertical of VentureCEO, focusing on data.
- Partners of the programme include AWS, IQ Capital and {insert}.
- The curated 10-week collaboration provides direct access to experienced CEOs, specialised content and personalised mentorship sessions with industry experts.
VentureCEO has officially launched its ‘Future of Data’ cohort -the flagship early stage programme by Cooper Parry’s Tech & High Growth team – the leading UK startup and scaleup advisor in the accounting and tax space. It’s the third vertical of VentureCEO; a collaboration designed specifically for early-stage CEOs who have raised up to £8m and are utilising the transformative power of data.
With data driven companies generating an estimated £343 billion in annual turnover (6% of total UK turnover) in 2023 and employing 5% of the total UK employees across the economy, advances in technology and data are reshaping both business and consumer markets. The number of UK based AI companies alone has increased by over 600% over the last 10 years. However, entrepreneurs in this sub sector must overcome major barriers to accelerate mass adoption of these technologies and deliver outcomes that ensure user trust.
Building on the success of previous collaborations, this invite-only group of 20 CEOs is the biggest cohort to date, and has a focus on pioneering innovations in data across various sectors such as software, SaaS, AI and sustainability.
The 20 CEOs located across the UK, are from the following companies: Ambar, WeAreFulFilment, Kuberno, CSX Carbon, IntelligentAI, Lab1, InsightTerra, Dorae, GaiaLens, Meaningful Vision, Osprey Flight Solutions, Deontic Data, Additive.earth, Prospectral, iKue, Palqee, Alchem Technologies, Klarytee, Armadillo Analytics and Infer.
The 10-week collaboration provides a series of deep dive sessions, in person events, panels, and workshops to help the early-stage CEOs get unique insights and support from later-stage CEOs (series B and beyond) and domain experts who have successfully navigated the complexities of scaling businesses, while also creating a powerful network.
Steve Leith, spokesperson for VentureCEO and Partner and Head of Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry, comments on the purpose behind the programme:
“The “Future of Data” cohort represents a group of hugely high potential CEOs who will go on to build another wave of disruptive data-driven businesses in the UK. The ecosystem has seen great success from similar data-led businesses scaling over the past few years, securing significant funding and achieving major exit events.
“This collaboration is designed to equip these early stage CEOs with key insights and learnings from later stage CEOs and leaders who have scaled businesses through adversity and opportunity and ultimately achieved success. We are extremely fortunate to have the support of our incredible partners who will be crucial in the facilitation of learning and community building to help these leaders succeed.”
Supported by commercial partners including Amazon Web Services (AWS), IQ Capital and Fox Williams},expert advice is on topics such as competitive strategy and building a board is also on hand from Daleth and MyNonExec who continue their support for the VentureCEO cohorts, alongside a dynamic array of sector specialists including CharlieHR, Luminous PR and Cooper Parry Wealth. Each brings a unique set of resources and expertise to further enrich the experience for participating CEOs.
The later-stage CEOs involved include Tugce Bulut, formerly of Streetbees, now founder of alchemy A.I, Odera Nonyelu Ume-Ezeoke who successfully exited Viewsy, Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, and Husayn Kassai, formerly of Onfido which was acquired by a US competitor in a deal that marked Oxford University’s largest-ever return on investment for a student-led start-up. The four data visionaries have all been at the helm of some of the UK’s most innovative data scale-ups and during their tenures have raised a combined total of over $300m.
Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, adds: “The current business landscape demands a strong grasp of data to drive growth and innovation. Advice and guidance from seasoned CEOs was invaluable in my own journey, so it was an easy decision to join VentureCEO’s program and support the next generation of data leaders.”
Over the 10-week VentureCEO Future of Data programme, the CEOs and Founders in the cohort will have access to the following program elements:
- CEO Stories: Exclusive sessions where later-stage CEOs (Series B and beyond) share their experiences and insights.
- CO Strategy: Deep dive sessions on topics such as adaptive culture and competitive strategy, led by subject matter experts.
- CEO Circles: Curated communities of CEOs at similar stages, facilitated by experienced coaches and organisational psychologists.
- CEO Wellbeing: Focused on maintaining founder well-being, with strategies for positive leadership and mental health resets.
- VC Office Hours: Sessions with top deep tech investor Jonno Evans from IQ Capital, offering fundraising advice and pitch deck reviews.
For more information about VentureCEO or to express your interest in being part of a future cohort, visit: https://www.cooperparry.com/venture-ceo
