Venture Crawl 2023

London

On Wednesday 15 March 2023, the Loughborough Enterprise Network and FutureSpace team ran VentureCrawl- it was a massive success we had 52 students on a walking tour around London to visit the best workplaces and innovation hubs that London has to offer. We heard from inspiring entrepreneurs and discovered London’s entrepreneurial eco-system all in one day, starting with FutureSpace – Loughborough University London’s own space!

The first stop off campus was Plexal, an innovation company that solves societal challenges through collaboration on technology with government, startups, and industry. The second stop was Hackney Bridge, a brand new, canal-side public destination close to campus with a variety of small business food vendors. 
The third stop was The Trampery Fish Island Village, London's newest campus for fashion, innovation, and sustainability, with new studios and facilities now open. The fourth stop was Workable, a vibrant shared workspace located in Stratford with a wonderful view over the Olympic park and London stadium. 
Throughout the day, the students heard from inspiring entrepreneurs and gained valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. The students also had the opportunity to network with peers and real-world businesses, developing their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. 
“As an international student, venture crawl,wasa great opportunity for me to communicate people in several jobs/fields of study. I enjoyed meeting enterpreneurs nearby and hearing their experiences/chalenges. Also pitching the students business ideas was an impressive experience. Above all, going along with the awesome Future Space/LEN team was really inspiring.” - Loughborough University Student 
The mode of transport used for VentureCrawl 2023 was walking, which allowed the students to experience the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of London up close and personal. The event was oversubscribed, and we were delighted with the turnout and the success of the event.
“Being part of Loughborough’s Venture Crawl really is one of my best days at work.  London has a world beating eco-system for entrepreneurs.  Showing this off to our students over a whole day is always a joy.  The fact our crawl all took place within no more than 500 metres of our campus really shows how much of London’s entrepreneurial network has moved Eastwards.  We saw some amazing spaces and met some very cool people.  I know we inspired many conversations and potential collaborations on the day and beyond.  I am already looking forward to next year.” 
 
Ben Cole - Head of Future Space and Strategic Projects 
 
Overall, VentureCrawl 2023 was an incredible success, and it demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in the UK's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The students who participated in the event gained valuable insights and inspiration for their own entrepreneurial endeavors.   
 
“the event provides a platform for the students to learn from successful entrepreneurs, network with peers, and gain inspiration for their own entrepreneurial endeavors. It is for all students those that are entrepreneurially curious or have exsiting ideas. We encourage all students to get involved with practical activities that challenge and excite them.’ - Hayley Jones - Student Enterprise Coordinator 
 
Want to sign up for next year, join one of LENs communities to find out more about all of our upcoming events and details of next year’s VentureCrawlin due course here

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2018 THE Student Experience Survey.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 8th in The UK Complete University Guide 2020.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

Specialising exclusively in postgraduate-level study, Loughborough University London is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers cutting-edge master’s and PhD degrees, as well as business collaboration, research and enterprise opportunities.

The seven specialist institutes at Loughborough University London include: Design Innovation, Digital Technologies, Diplomacy and International Governance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Management, Media and Creative Industries, and Sport Business. Close industry partnerships with a wealth of leading businesses and creative organisations means teaching and learning is informed by real-life challenges and driven by true industry pressures.