UCL Diverse Founders’ Network (DFN)

The UCL Diverse Founders’ Network is an intersectional community of diverse entrepreneurs in the UK who tangibly support each other on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Overview

The Diverse Founders’ Network aims to help diverse entrepreneurs and aspiring founders break down barriers, create collective and systemic solutions, and provide a support network.

The DFN offers targeted entrepreneurial training, peer support and networking opportunities, and events where you can hear diverse founders sharing the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journeys.

DFN is an expansion of the former UCL Women in Enterprise Network (WEN).

Who it’s for

The network is open to UCL staff, students and alumni, as well as the local community.

The network aims to support entrepreneurs, founders and start-up talents from the following diversity groups:

LGBTQ+
Women, non-binary and all marginalised genders
Ethnic minority groups and first-generation immigrants
Neurodivergent and differently-abled talents
People who have experienced hardship, alienation, injury and loss (HAIL)
People with primary care responsibilities
People from low socioeconomic backgrounds

You could be:

leading a business
someone with a fledgling enterprise idea
working for startups, for example a product manager, UI/UX designer, chief technology officer
a mentor or a coach who wants to help others achieve their potential
anyone interested in diverse entrepreneurship

Events

All our events are free and open to all.

At our events you’ll be able to:

take part in a practical skills workshops (topics will include fundraising for startups, leadership and resilience, and scaling your organisation)
hear from inspirational diverse speakers (someone who’s either achieved success or is starting out with a great story to tell)

To find out about upcoming activities, sign up to our mailing list or join our WhatsApp community.

Upcoming events

Past events

7 March 2024 - Launch event with Dishoom co-founder Amar Radia
13 March 2024 - Workshop: Uncovering your startup's purpose with Nareen Sidhu (Inspirele)
20 March 2024 - Workshop: Pitching for investment for your impact-driven startup with Jia-Lin Yong (Giant Ventures)
20 March 2024 - Startup stories and networking with Chantal Epp (ClicknClear) and Michael Ginzo (Hofy)
24 April 2024 - Workshop: Fundraising strategies for diverse founders with Manish Karani (Yareta)
24 April 2024 - Startup stories and networking with Manish Karani and Dana Al Salem (Yareta)