This session, hosted by the Hult Prize Foundation and The Big Issue will bring together leaders from venture capital, social enterprise, and startup ecosystems to debate pressing questions in impact investment and entrepreneurship.

Note: The format has been updated from a roundtable to a structured debate, giving space for disagreement and new ideas. This debate will not be recorded with the aim to encourage open, candid conversation.

Audience/Speakers:

Speakers for the debate include a curated group of VCs, impact investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of impact investment and entrepreneurship.

Attendees will join via open registration, with an expected mix of founders, operators, and investors from across the UK startup and impact ecosystem.

Key Details

• Date / Time: 10th June 2025, 12 PM to 2 PM
• Location: House of Lords Committee Room G, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0PW
• Capacity: 12 Speakers, 26 Attendees
• Chairs: Zain Hussain, Eleanor Winton
• Sponsor: Lord Bird MBE, Co-founder of The Big Issue

Debate Format

• Two debates, each with 3 speakers per side (pro/con)
• Each speaker delivers a short opening statement (5 minutes max)
• Followed by moderated discussion and audience contributions
• Ends with an open Q&A and networking

Agenda

• Introduction
• Short speech from Lord Bird
• Debate Rules and Overview | | 12:15–12:45 | **Debate 1: ‘**This House believes that the UK is no longer a viable place to build high-growth startups at scale.’

Chair: Eleanor Winton | | 12:45–12:55 | Audience Questions | | 12:55 - 13:00 | Short Break and Refreshments | | 13:00–13:30 | Debate 2: ‘This House believes that the most effective impact in emerging markets comes from local capital and leadership - not foreign investors’

Chair: Zain Hussain | | 13:30–13:40 | Audience Q&A + Closing | | 13:40–14:00 | Refreshments and Light Networking |