Rathbones Inspire

Empowering UK entrepreneurs and founders as they build and scale their businesses

A man and a woman have a discussion on a sofa in a work office

A community for business visionaries

Rathbones Inspire has been created to give business leaders and their senior teams the opportunity to engage with talented peers, gain invaluable insights, access subject matter experts, and build new connections to further strengthen their businesses. 

Our Inspire community members gain access to exclusive content, regular networking opportunities and deep expertise that could help you and your team manage the key growth challenges around capital, clients, and people.

There is no charge, or an obligation to release equity. All we ask of you is your time and a desire to take an active part in the programme.

About the programme

What our community thinks about Inspire

During the preparing for an exit interview, Paola’s comment that when leaving a sales meeting "always make sure that the potential client also has work to do" was my biggest key takeaway.
 
Feedback reviewed 26/06/2024

The most valuable learning or take away from the Fundraising event was the session with founders. They were honest and helpful. Adam Baron was also great.

Feedback reviewed 26/06/2024

In the digital age, sometimes our first action may be to contact investors via LinkedIn etc but nothing can replace real life human interaction, and how people feel after they’ve seen you in person. At an early stage, your passion, your drive and the gleam in your eyes can go a long way.

Feedback reviewed 26/06/2024

A taste of Inspire events

Our community has exclusive access to a regular calendar of events. 

The audience listen to speakers at the Rathbones Inspire 'Journey of a founder' event in November 2025

Journey of a Founder with Steven Hewitt, Former CEO of Gymshark

Date: November 2025
Location: Gresham Street, London

Date: November 2025
Location: Gresham Street, London

We were delighted to welcome Steven Hewitt, Former CEO of Gymshark for a fireside chat. Steve shared his fascinating journey from joining a start-up in Birmingham to leading one of the UK’s fastest growing global fitness brands. He discussed the importance of leadership, culture, and purpose in building a global business.

Key takeaways:

  • People and culture first. Gymshark's rapid growth was based on a value-driven culture built on trust and empowerment.
  • Great leaders must balance humility with decisiveness and showing vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
  • Steve stressed the importance of shifting from a product company to being a community and purpose-led brand.

The event hosted by Paola Cuneo, Lead Entrepreneurial Engagement at Rathbones, catered to founders and business owners at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. 
 

The audience listen to speakers at the Rathbones Inspire 'Journey of a founder' event in November 2025
Sustainability seminar

Sustainability Seminar

Location: Finsbury Circus, London

Location: Finsbury Circus, London

We heard from a panel of experts: Richard Burrett, chief sustainability officer, Earth Capital, Lise Honsinger, chief revenue officer, Notpla and Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO and founder, Pavegen. We discussed a wide range of topics, from net zero, clean tech and sustainable value chain. We also heard from Nicola Day, deputy CEO at Greenbank on her takeaways from attending COP28.

Sustainability seminar
A selection of attendees at the Female Founders' Breakfast

Female Founders’ Breakfast

Location: Finsbury Circus, London

Location: Finsbury Circus, London

We were joined by an amazing panel of female investors, Anastasiya Elfimova, Head of Origination, Hg Capital, Zixin Pan, Associate Director, Gresham House, Lizzie Ryan, Partner, Imbiba and Hannah Tapsell, Invester, Mercia Ventures.

A selection of attendees at the Female Founders' Breakfast
See more events

Meet our team dedicated to entrepreneurs

Paola Cuneo

Paola Cuneo

Lead Entrepreneurial Engagement

Jake Wellesley-Smith

Jake Wellesley-Smith

Client Development Director - North

Matthew Carr

Matthew Carr

Client development director - South

Ramsay Wilson

Ramsay Wilson

Client development director - Scotland