The Startup Leadership Program Calls for Class of 2019
Now with a global network of 3,000 entrepreneurs, the Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its eighth London cohort.
During the six-month program, classes, workshops and simulations are peer led and, face to face with successful applicants being taught the nuts and bolts of running and growing their businesses, often by alumni, investors and mentors from the 3,000 strong network. The emphasis at SLP is on collaborative learning, encouraging fellows to think about how their ventures can support and help their communities. Each cohort selects a different social impact cause to support each year.
Steven Hess – trustee and program lead at SLP – is himself a successful entrepreneur. An ex ad exec, Hess believes there is no single answer to what separates the good from the great in what he describes as a 'real-time explosion' of start-ups:
“Being an entrepreneur is not easy. There is significant risk, uncertainty, huge highs and bigger lows. But there are simple steps you can learn to help improve your chances, and we believe building a strong supporting network is vital to this.”
Hess views good entrepreneurs as ‘among the best problem solvers on the planet’, although he’s also keen to state that the very best also know when and how to give back:
“It’s not a social mission,” he says, “it’s the fact that great entrepreneurs recognise the network effects of giving back. They have ambitions larger than the material and often want to change the world for the better, so SLP focuses much of its efforts here.”
Joysy John – Director of Education at Nesta and fellow trustee – notes “fellows join the program for the educational component – which is world class – but really benefit from SLPs wide-reaching and global network.”
Hess and John might know a thing or two too – last year the NHS tapped the SLP team to support their own entrepreneurial program and SLP alumni continue to make waves both commercially and socially.
2017 alum William McQuillan led a £1.6mm investment round into SLP classmate’s Rajeeb Dey’s start-up, Learnerbly. SLP also scored with alum and co-founders Øyvind Henriksen and Jun Seki of POQ who raised their Series B £9.5mm.
“SLP gave me a great grounding in all aspects of starting a company. The most valuable part for me was the people I met, many of whom I've stayed in contact with for years since.” Melissa Morris, Founder of Lantum and SLP 2012 Alum
Hess is keen to continue SLP’s success for the class of 2018/19 stating
“If your ambition is bigger than just wanting to be the next hotshot on the block, we’d love to help.”
For more information and to apply please visit www.startupleadership.co.uk