MEET THE MASTERS:
OUR RESIDENT ENTREPRENEURS
The YEA platform and flagship learning series features our superstar Resident Entrepreneurs who are here to help you crush it in the business world.
We’re beyond grateful for their support. They’re dropping by to share their success stories and even their epic fails, giving you the real deal on what it takes to be a boss.
Don’t miss out on their priceless advice and insider tips that could help launch your future business empire!
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Akshay Ruparelia
Founder,
Doorsteps, AKR, 1C & BrdgeAI
Akshay Ruparelia, founder and ex-CEO of Doorsteps.co.uk, made headlines as the youngest on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2018 after leading his company to sell over £1 billion in houses in just three years. In 2021, he was the youngest honoree, featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. Starting when he was just 17 years old, Akshay expanded his team to over 60 members globally and raised millions in equity funding. In 2022, he became CEO of Impact3.io, a pioneering Blockchain innovation agency.
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Nathan Robinson
CEO,
Gemba
Nathan has developed Gemba which is the go-to workforce learning platform of the enterprise metaverse. Its trailblazing, collaborative, virtual reality training experience delivers powerful ROI for global companies going through digital transformation. As a Co-Founder with over 15 years of experience in executive education, he has made a significant impact in the field. Recognised for his innovative contributions, he was honoured as Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.
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Zora Feraji
Founder & CEO,
AFTERHOURZ
Hungarian-born, now London-based Zora Feraji first started her career in advertising after graduating from the prominent college of Central Saint Martin’s of the University of Arts London. In 2021, Zora founded AFTERHOURZ- an impact-first creative communications agency and content production studio working with high-potential sustainable start-ups and intentional global brands. She has since launched 00.thestore and GroundZero, the global talent management division of AFTERHOURZ.
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Vandana Dass
Managing Director,
Davenport Solicitors
Vandana is the Founder and Managing Director at Davenport Solicitors. She has been practising Employment law and Immigration matters for over 15 years. She helps businesses implement employment contracts and policies. She started Davenport Solicitors in order to make HR and immigration law accessible to employers so they can get advice from solicitors at the right time, right place and at the right price!
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James Averdieck​
Founder,
Gu
James is the founder of the dessert manufacturer Gü and the Coconut Collaborative. He founded Gü back in 2003 which is famous for filling homes with ramekins of restaurant-quality, wickedly indulgent desserts. He now leads Coconut Collaborative which produces ice cream and other desserts using coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy, and sold worldwide.
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Julia Kessler
Co-Founder & CEO,
Nix & Kix
Julia leads a B Corp certified soft drink company that creates refreshingly fruity, naturally zingy, and lightly sparkling beverages with a unique twist of cayenne. Since 2014, she has been on a mission to challenge the status quo in the FMCG industry and offer consumers a healthier, tastier, and more sustainable alternative to conventional soft drinks.
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Lucy Mackenzie
Founder
Lucy's Dressings
Lucy founded Lucy's Dressings, a healthy and innovative range of dressings and condiments that provide tasty solutions for busy people. They can be found in over 600 stores nationwide including Waitrose, Ocado.com, Whole Foods, Selfridges, Harrods. As well as retail brands, Lucy's Dressings work with a number of well known restaurant chains including Bills and GBK.
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Asher Budwig​
Managing Director
Lola's Cupcakes
Starting with just a few concessions in stores like Selfridges and Topshop, Asher has expanded the business to over 30 locations. He has focused on selling more than just cupcakes and has expanded the business to selling gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and refined- sugar free products. You’ll often find Asher serving behind their counters as he has a passion for customer service, working with great people, and delivering exceptional results.
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Joseph Franklin​
CEO and Founder,
Biind
Joe made headlines for turning over £20,000 a week selling exclusive trainers to celebrities when he was just 16 years old. In 2021, he expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by founding Biind Music, a cutting-edge streaming platform. Joe's vision is to empower creatives and disrupt traditional industries with tech-driven solutions.