Startup Events London: Scaling Beyond Borders: Africa & Emerging Markets

Welcome to the Startup Networks ScaleUp Event — a fresh take on a different journey in the startup world 🚀. Delivered in collaboration with ESCP Business School, this event is designed to explore what happens after the early-stage hustle, when ambition turns into execution and founders begin scaling across borders.

Scaling a company has never been easy — and in today’s global, capital-constrained, and highly competitive environment, it’s arguably harder than ever 🚀📉. Founders face pressure to grow faster, expand smarter, and unlock new markets earlier in their journey. At the same time, more UK businesses are actively looking beyond traditional markets 🌍, with Africa and other emerging regions increasingly seen as engines of long-term growth, innovation, and talent.

This event marks Part One of our ScaleUp Series, designed to spotlight founders and companies scaling across borders and unlocking opportunities in emerging markets 💡🌱. The series brings real-world stories, practical insights, and honest conversations about what it truly takes to grow internationally — from early expansion decisions to navigating risk, culture, and execution at scale.

The session opens with a keynote from Simon Woodroffe, who will share his journey from humble beginnings in Essex to building and scaling YO! Sushi into a global brand 🍣🌍. Simon will speak candidly about the highs, the lows, and the realities of international expansion — including what it really took to reach a nine-figure acquisition.

The second half of the session focuses on Africa and emerging markets, exploring opportunities for African companies entering the UK, as well as UK businesses looking to expand into high-growth markets 🌍📈. We’ll unpack common pain points, real success stories, and the scale opportunities across a diverse and rapidly evolving continent.

The session will be moderated by Alisa Sydow, with an expert panel bringing on-the-ground perspectives from across the ecosystem 🎤🤝.

Speakers:

- YO! Sushi, YOTEL

Simon Woodroffe OBE is a British entrepreneur and the founder of YO! Sushi, YOTEL, and the YO! Company. After starting his career in theatre, rock shows, and television, Simon went on to launch YO! Sushi in Soho in 1997, pioneering conveyor-belt sushi in the UK and building a global hospitality brand. He has since created multiple international ventures across hospitality and lifestyle sectors. Simon was awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 and received an OBE in 2006 for services to hospitality. He is a highly regarded global speaker, known for his candid and inspiring entrepreneurial insights.

- CBIT - Centre for Business and Industry Transformation

Takunda Chingozo is a venture builder and ecosystem architect with over a decade of experience supporting startups and scaling innovation across Africa. He is a researcher with the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation at Nottingham Trent University, where he explores the use of AI for industry transformation. Previously, Takunda led startup and developer skilling programmes at Microsoft, helping to upskill thousands of developers across the continent. He has worked closely with AfriLabs, supporting a network of 500+ innovation hubs, and founded TechVillage Innovation Centre in Zimbabwe, where he designed and delivered multi-sector enterprise support programmes.

- Ventures 54

Anthony William Catt is a startup ecosystem builder and investor with over a decade of experience across Africa, Europe, and emerging markets. He is the founder of Ventures 54, a Pan-Africa advisory firm focused on mobilising global capital into the African tech ecosystem, working with governments, DFIs, VC funds, and ecosystem organisations. Anthony is also co-founder of London Africa Network, the UK’s largest community supporting the UK–Africa tech and investment corridor. Formerly Google for Startups’ first Investor in Residence for EMEA, he now advises the Google Black Founders Fund in Africa and actively champions African tech globally.

- ESCP Business School

Alisa Sydow is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ESCP Business School, London campus. She teaches entrepreneurship and corporate innovation with a strong focus on new technologies, impact, and emerging markets. Her research explores entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa, particularly in Kenya and South Africa. Alisa is also the founder of Nampelka, a platform connecting women entrepreneurs from developing countries with international experts to foster shared learning. She holds a PhD in Management and Innovation from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and is Academic Director of the MSc in Digital Transformation Management and Leadership.

- Launch Africa Ventures

Florence Bavanandan is Head of Platform and Operations at Launch Africa Ventures, where she focuses on delivering value beyond capital to founders and building scalable internal systems. Based in London, she works closely with portfolio companies across Africa to support growth, leadership, and operational excellence. Florence is an accredited Executive Coach and Civil & Commercial Mediator, with prior experience founding a consultancy that worked with organisations including HSBC and Apple. She previously held roles across startups, education, and venture capital, including as a VC Fellow at Included VC. Florence brings a people-first, execution-driven approach to scaling high-growth ventures.

- Briter

Dario Giuliani is the founder of Briter, a data and research platform focused on innovation, investment, and growth across emerging and frontier markets. His work sits at the intersection of socio-economic impact and technological change, spanning Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Through Briter, Dario helps investors, founders, and institutions make sense of complex ecosystems by transforming fragmented information into accessible, actionable insights. His research combines deep local knowledge with data-driven analysis, often relying on on-the-ground intelligence where formal data is limited. Dario is widely recognised for shaping informed narratives around emerging market innovation.

Barclays Rise (London) is a dynamic innovation hub and collaborative workspace designed to support startups, scale-ups, and the wider tech ecosystem. Situated at 41 Luke Street in the heart of Shoreditch, this purpose-built venue brings together founders, industry experts, investors, and corporate partners to connect, create and grow.

Powered by Barclays Eagle Labs and backed by Barclays’ global network, Rise offers flexible workspaces, workshop rooms, curated events, and growth programmes tailored to ambitious early-stage businesses. It fosters collaboration across sectors like AI, fintech, deep tech and beyond — combining access to mentorship, industry insight, investor connections and community support under one roof.

Located in one of London’s most vibrant innovation districts, Rise is a runway for innovation where entrepreneurs can test ideas, scale ventures, and build meaningful connections in a truly entrepreneurial environment.

We’re proud to be supported by an incredible group of organisations that believe in the power of startups, innovation, and bold ideas:

🎓 ESCP Business SchoolA world-renowned institution shaping the next generation of business leaders. ESCP brings academic excellence and entrepreneurial thinking to the heart of the startup ecosystem.

🎓 Goldsmiths, University of LondonKnown for creativity and innovation, Goldsmiths, University of London supports founders who think differently. Their backing reflects a commitment to real-world impact and future-focused business.

📰 Startup MagazineThe go-to publication for startup news, founder journeys, and investment insights. Startup Magazine is where ideas get noticed, and innovation gets amplified.

📱 TikTokThe platform redefining content, creativity, and community. TikTok champions entrepreneurs and disruptors through powerful digital storytelling and visibility.

These sponsors aren’t just logos on a flyer — they’re active supporters of the startup journey, and we’re proud to have them backing this event.

Thanks to our partners and sponsors, attendees get access to exclusive perks through the Startup Networks Affiliate Hub:

💸 10% Off SEIS/EIS ServicesProvided by Founder Catalyst, one of the UK’s most trusted SEIS platforms. Save on your next raise and get investor-ready with expert support.

📋 Free Trial of Notion for StartupsOrganise your startup, streamline your operations, and collaborate better — for free. Notion’s all-in-one workspace is available with a special trial via Startup Networks.

All perks are available in the Affiliate Section on Startup Networks — log in and unlock the tools that take your startup further.

🌐 Join the Startup Community

Startup Networks is more than an event organiser — it’s a thriving online community where founders connect, share, and grow every day.

With1900 members on our platform, 6000+ on socials, 300 000 impressions monthly, 5000 in newsletters, our platform is buzzing with:✅ Real questions from real founders✅ Expert advice from experienced mentors✅ Funding opportunities, grant listings, and job boards✅ Powerful content, pitch decks, and community-led resources

Whether you're at idea stage or ready to scale, there's a space for you here.

All attendees of our events will automatically receive an account on Startup Networks as part of their ticket. Don’t worry — if you’d prefer not to be listed, we’re happy to delete your profile or remove anything you’re not comfortable with. But just a heads-up: these events are built for investors to discover startups — and if you're not on SN, good luck finding one.

Be part of something bigger.Join the forum today at Startup Networks and build your business with a community that’s behind you every step of the way.

🤝🚀 Interested in sponsoring us? 🌟

We're thrilled to offer sponsorship opportunities for our dynamic event. By becoming a sponsor, you'll gain valuable exposure to a vibrant community of founders, investors, and industry enthusiasts. Your support will play a pivotal role in making this event an unforgettable success.

Get in touch today to discuss how we can showcase your brand and amplify your presence within the startup ecosystem. 📧🤝🚀

E -mail Address: [email protected]

We take great pride in the high-quality connections that our events offer. We have a fair number of tickets available for the entire startup community, including founders, startup employees, investors, and others (students, accountants, lawyers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and other companies servicing startups).

Please only book tickets that are applicable to you. We will verify your details and upon the results might cancel your booking.

If Eventbrite runs out of tickets for your category, please join the waiting list or email [email protected], and we may be able to add you.

Just to clarify, when we say startups, we mean scalable businesses looking for investments now or planning to start soon. For example, if you are a self-employed marketing specialist, please register as "Other" rather than as a "Founder".

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Info: An intimate, safe-space discussion for founders to share what they’re really going through — peer-to-peer, confidential, and founder-led.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

41 Luke St, 41 Luke Street, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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