This marks the third vertical of the VentureCEO initiative, crafted for early-stage CEOs who have raised up to £8 million and are leveraging the transformative potential of data.

In 2023, data-driven businesses contributed an estimated £343 billion to the UK's total turnover, accounting for 6% of the economy’s revenue. These companies also employ 5% of the nation’s workforce, showcasing the substantial impact of data and technology on both business and consumer landscapes. Notably, the number of AI companies in the UK has surged by over 600% in the past decade. Despite these advancements, entrepreneurs in this sector still face significant challenges in scaling data technologies and fostering user trust.

This year’s cohort, the largest in the programme's history, includes 20 CEOs leading innovations in data across sectors such as software, SaaS, AI, and sustainability. Companies represented in the cohort include Ambar, WeAreFulFilment, Kuberno, CSX Carbon, IntelligentAI, Lab1, InsightTerra, Dorae, GaiaLens, Meaningful Vision, Osprey Flight Solutions, Deontic Data, Additive.earth, Prospectral, iKue, Palqee, Alchem Technologies, Klarytee, Armadillo Analytics, and Infer.

Over the course of 10 weeks, this exclusive group will engage in a range of deep-dive sessions, in-person events, panels, and workshops. These activities are designed to provide early-stage CEOs with valuable insights from seasoned CEOs (Series B and beyond) and industry experts who have successfully navigated the scaling process. The programme also fosters a dynamic network of peer support and collaboration.

Steve Leith, spokesperson for VentureCEO and Partner and Head of Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry, comments on the purpose behind the programme: “The “Future of Data” cohort represents a group of hugely high potential CEOs who will go on to build another wave of disruptive data-driven businesses in the UK. The ecosystem has seen great success from similar data-led businesses scaling over the past few years, securing significant funding and achieving major exit events.

“This collaboration is designed to equip these early-stage CEOs with key insights and learnings from later stage CEOs and leaders who have scaled businesses through adversity and opportunity and ultimately achieved success. We are extremely fortunate to have the support of our incredible partners who will be crucial in the facilitation of learning and community building to help these leaders succeed.”

Supported by commercial partners including Amazon Web Services (AWS), IQ Capital and Fox Williams, expert advice is on topics such as competitive strategy and building a board is also on hand from Daleth and MyNonExec who continue their support for the VentureCEO cohorts, alongside a dynamic array of sector specialists including CharlieHR, Luminous PR, and Cooper Parry Wealth. Each brings a unique set of resources and expertise to further enrich the experience for participating CEOs.

The later-stage CEOs involved include Tugce Bulut, formerly of Streetbees, now founder of alchemy A.I, Odera Nonyelu Ume-Ezeoke who successfully exited Viewsy, Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, and Husayn Kassai, formerly of Onfido which was acquired by a US competitor in a deal that marked Oxford University’s largest-ever return on investment for a student-led startup. The four data visionaries have all been at the helm of some of the UK's most innovative data scaleups and during their tenures have raised a combined total of over $300 million.

Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, adds: “The current business landscape demands a strong grasp of data to drive growth and innovation. Advice and guidance from seasoned CEOs was invaluable in my own journey, so it was an easy decision to join VentureCEO’s program and support the next generation of data leaders.”

Over the 10-week VentureCEO Future of Data programme, the CEOs and Founders in the cohort will have access to the following program elements:

• CEO Stories: Exclusive sessions where later-stage CEOs (Series B and beyond) share their experiences and insights
• CO Strategy: Deep dive sessions on topics such as adaptive culture and competitive strategy, led by subject matter experts
• CEO Circles: Curated communities of CEOs at similar stages, facilitated by experienced coaches and organisational psychologists
• CEO Wellbeing: Focused on maintaining founder well-being, with strategies for positive leadership and mental health resets
• VC Office Hours: Sessions with top deep tech investor Jonno Evans from IQ Capital, offering fundraising advice and pitch deck reviews