Launched by JPMorganChase in 2023, the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme offers a valuable opportunity to connect diverse women-owned businesses in London with mentoring opportunities from JPMorganChase employees. As the partner helping to roll out this programme, we at Newable are committed to understanding and supporting the unique journeys of these businesses.
In 2024, JPMorganChase and Newable delivered the inspiring programme for the second year. With an outstanding total of 60 women entrepreneurs participating, the programme supported their journey to building business goals, enhancing pitching skills, expanding networks and helping secure funding to support investment plans.
Delivered over two cohorts, the programme offered tailored guidance, confidence building and recognition, and equipped the women founders with the tools they need to help build their business.
Over 200 JPMorganChase employees volunteered to offer their business expertise through mentoring sessions. Both cohorts were a huge success, cohort one supported early-stage businesses with no prior pitch training or experience, while cohort two was geared towards growth businesses that were ready to raise investment and had a strong pitch deck.
Following the programme, the women entrepreneurs expressed that they were 100% satisfied with the Founders Forward journey and outcome.
Creating Connections to Expertise and Guidance
The key benefit of the programme is its focus on empowering women entrepreneurs.
Firstly, participants of the programme received one-to-one advice from a Newable Adviser to identify their business objectives and needs. They then had the opportunity to participate in two preparation workshops to help develop and improve their pitch deck, value proposition and pitching skills. Along with strategies to overcome common barriers faced by women in pitching and seeking funding.
The women entrepreneurs then attended a pitching session with the JPMorganChase executives, where they received constructive and valuable feedback and guidance about their business offerings and how they could improve.
Access to experienced professionals, industry experts and workshops was invaluable exposure and helped with refining pitch decks, value propositions and pitching skills.
Here is what one of our 2024 participants said about the support: “The JPMorganChase and Newable programme was a game-changer for me. The support I received was useful, insightful and practical. It helped me refine my pitch, network with amazing female entrepreneurs, learn from invaluable feedback and now feel fully equipped to present my ideas with clarity and impact. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their pitching skills!” Adelina Hristova, growyze.
Confidence Building
Another significant benefit of the programme is the confidence it instils in women entrepreneurs. By providing support and encouragement, the programme helps participants become investment-ready and be conversation starters with investors.
At the 2024 final pitching sessions, all finalists said they were very confident during their pitches. One finalist commented, “I had a lifelong fear of public speaking and this was the first time I’ve been able to overcome that. It has been a barrier for most of my career, so this was an exceptionally proud moment.” Emily Carter of Emily Carter London.
This boost in confidence can be crucial for women entrepreneurs seeking to raise investments, pitch to investors and take their businesses to the next level.
Entrepreneur Recognition
The nine most promising businesses from each cohort that were showcased during the first pitching session advanced as finalists to present to the JPMorganChase senior executive team, an investor and a previous programme winner.
Under each cohort, three winners were announced who received additional support and a cash prize of £5,000 to further their investment journey. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of the women entrepreneurs but also provides them with the resources needed to fuel their growth and success.
One of our winners said: “This programme is action-oriented and delivers outstanding results. I have gained invaluable knowledge about the investment landscape and mastered the art of pitching my business. I am now confident and empowered in my ability to secure investment. Moreover, I have connected with a remarkable community of inspirational women.” Tara Quick, Co-founder of Cheeky Charlie Oven Company.
The 2024 winners were:
Cohort One:
- Cannon Lee | Founder at ExpirX – Developing expiration labels for the cosmetics and skincare industry that indicate when consumers need to recycle and repurchase.
- Dr Chiara Board | CEO & Founder at Happi® – Biotech company that empowers women to stop worrying about recurrent bladder and intimate infections through the use of our novel, non-antibiotic serum called P.Happi.
- Jane Visram | Founder at Mama Dolce – award-winning range of six delicious ice creams inspired by wholesome, high-quality ingredients that do not compromise of taste and are free from dairy, nuts, eggs, gluten, soya and wheat.
Cohort Two:
- Giovanna Vieira Co | Founder & Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneur of The Fashion Blueprint – A community-centred digital agency championing sustainable practices in the fashion industry. It supports fashion entrepreneurs, independent designers and micro business owners, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Nikki Garg – Co-founder of KWERKY – The Good Pea’s off-shoot brand KWERKY is home to the world’s first oat and pea protein powdered plant milks. It’s a purpose-led brand; instilling a message to underprivileged children across the UK and India. Every pouch sold will feed a child in need.
- Tara Quick | CEO & Co-founder of Cheeky Charlie Oven Company – Making luxury outdoor cooking effortless. Its range of outdoor charcoal ovens and kitchen cabinets make light work for pizzas, BBQs, smoking and grilling, and is handmade in Britain.
JPMorganChase and Newable wish all the women entrepreneurs an exciting journey of business growth. Thank you for taking part in the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme.
If you would like to connect with a Newable adviser to help with your business growth plans, please click here.