Virgin StartUp Changemakers – Details, episodes & analysis

Changemakers is back - and we're kicking off this new season with a bang - or should we say a dream - welcoming star of social media and serial founder, Simon Squibb.

Find out how Simon went from homeless to selling his business for millions to PWC, and why he's dedicating his time to making other founders' dreams come true.

Want more of Simon? Book an exclusive spot on our AMA with Simon only on the Virgin StartUp Community. Spaces are strictly limited and open to Virign StartUp Premium members only. Once you've had your membership approved, head over to Premium events to sign up. Visit community.virginstartup.org

Hosted by Natalie Pearce.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Founder to Founder, we sit down with Olivia Jenkins, co-founder of D.LOUISE, the sustainable, tarnish-free jewellery brand that’s redefining what it means to build a purpose-led business.

After losing her mother and facing a period of uncertainty during the pandemic, Olivia poured her energy into creating something meaningful. With zero industry experience and just a gut instinct, she bootstrapped D.LOUISE into a fast-growing business rooted in bravery, simplicity, and joy.

We talk about turning grief into purpose, building confidence as a first-time founder, and why sustainable growth—not overnight success—is the mindset shift more entrepreneurs need to hear. Olivia also opens up about mentorship, mental health, and how showing up authentically fuels both community and commercial growth.

If you’re building a product-based brand or need a nudge of inspiration to get started, this one’s for you.

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Hosted by Luke Johnstone, founder of PACK’D, Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and Startup Mentor.

Luke started and scaled his disruptive food business, generating over £15M in sales delivering impactful products to more than 1 million customers. 

PACK'D originally launched with support and funding from Virgin StartUp and now Luke returns to support the next generation of founders as a Virgin StartUp Mentor.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's #WorldEntrepreneurshipDay - and what better way to celebrate than listening to our latest podcast featuring an exclusive conversation between Holly Branson and Simon Sinek. 🌎💬

Recorded at our 10th birthday celebrations in London, Holly sat down with eternal optimist and Ted Talk sensation, Simon Sinek, to recognise the impact that you as founders all have on our society. 

Holly and Simon break down the barriers to uncovering your purpose, and share stories of hope at a time we all need it the most. 🤞🏼

Here's to the next 10 years of helping purpose-driven founders start-up and thrive. 🎉

Are you a new or aspiring founder? Our Community has launched, providing a new home for founders in the UK. Explore membership options here.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Changemakers is back! This week we hear from David Abrahamovitch, CEO and founder of cult coffee brand Grind. Find out how David turned an old phone shop in Soho into 11 coffee shop-come-cocktail bars, a home-delivery empire, and even a contract with British Airways.

Are you a new or aspiring founder? Our Community has launched, providing a new home for founders in the UK. Explore membership options here.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Changemakers is back! This week we hear from Will Pearson, AKA The Bottle Guy, on why a trip to Malaysia led to him co-founding Ocean Bottle to help clean up our seas.

Are you a new or aspiring founder? Our Community has launched, providing a new home for founders in the UK. Explore membership options here.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Host Natalie Pearce was joined by Chance Marshall, therapist and co-founder of mental healthcare startup Self Space.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Host Natalie Pearce was joined by Varun Bhanot, co-founder of AI workout tech startup, MAGIC AI.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Host Natalie Pearce was joined by Brian Walmsley, co-founder of sustainable homeware brand ReBorn.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Host Natalie Pearce was joined by Hugo Douglas-Deane and Thomas Panton, co-founders of home of buying better, Canopey.

The pair discussed how all of us can shop better, and what it takes to build a business taking on the likes of Amazon.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is Ella Goldner, co-founder of ZINC VC.

ZINC VC changed the Venture Capital game when they launched their platform for purpose-first founders looking to partner with investors who shared their vision for a better world.

Apologies for the sound quality in this episode, we had some tech problems on the night. We'll do better next time.

Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.

Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere.

Produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.