Boardwave

For years, the UK and Europe have lagged behind the United States in the race to lead the global software industry, due to geographical, cultural, linguistic, and legislative obstacles.    Boardwave’s White Paper, authored by our Co-Founder and CEO Phill Robinson, is aiming to combat these obstacles, by empowering our industry through a collaborative approach. To read the paper, which covers topics such as economic growth, technological sovereignty, and strategic autonomy, aimed at propelling the European software market, please click here: https://lnkd.in/d_t4Wcq8   #Boardwave #Makingwaves

In a world where geopolitical and technological shifts are increasingly intertwined, businesses can no longer afford to ignore global risks. At Boardwave’s exclusive Geopolitical Risk Dinner, hosted by our CEO Phill Robinson and sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Hg, key industry leaders gathered to address these critical challenges. The evening featured insights from Rupert Jones CBE, former Major General of the British Army, and Kenneth Cukier of The Economist, highlighting why geopolitical risks must now be on every board’s agenda. As Rupert Jones put it, "Strategic shocks are hitting us at a previously unthinkable pace." From cyber-attacks to supply chain disruptions, he stressed the urgent need for businesses to take proactive steps in managing these risks and building resilience. Jones also underscored the importance of technological sovereignty in Europe’s future: "The companies that invest in AI and quantum technology today won’t just be market leaders, they’ll become national assets." The evening was a powerful reminder that the line between corporate and sovereign risk is blurring. Leaders must now think beyond traditional risk registers and take a more dynamic approach. Read the full article for actionable insights and discover how businesses can thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world. To read Boardwave's article, click here: https://lnkd.in/encVeWPU #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Steve Garnett has had one of the most distinguished careers of any European executive in the software landscape. Entering this industry when it was in its infancy in the late 1980s, Steve has helped grow some of the tech world’s biggest names: Oracle Corporation, Siebel Systems and Salesforce. In our Leaders’ Lives interview, Steve shares his experiences working for some formidable bosses in high-growth companies. Viewing himself as a ‘door-opener’, Garnett now spends his time helping other leaders in their careers, as well as involving himself in two initiatives aimed at making the STEM world more diverse. Why does he do this? Because “Lack of opportunity and poverty are like a punishment for a crime you never committed. So many lives are not reaching anywhere near their true potential because of poverty, lack of opportunity and lack of confidence. If I can help change that in my own small way, then I’ll be thrilled.” To read Steve’s full Leaders’ Lives interview, please click here: https://lnkd.in/eevgjzaV To purchase a copy of the beautiful Leaders' Lives coffee table book, click here: https://lnkd.in/euvRWne5 #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Attracting high-calibre talent for PE-backed companies is more competitive than ever. In our latest article, Jack Lane, Managing Director of Finatal, shares his expert advice on optimising talent acquisition strategies to align with both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic goals. Jack highlights four key areas for companies to focus on: 1️⃣ Define Expectations: PE-savvy executives want clear success metrics tied to value creation. Communicate these early and often to attract the right talent. 2️⃣ Define Key Competencies: A detailed competency matrix is essential to refine your search and match candidates to the role’s needs. 3️⃣ Consider Immediate & Future Needs: Avoid a short-term hiring approach and balance current operational demands with future growth potential. 4️⃣ Offer Compelling Incentives: Base salaries, performance bonuses, and equity participation are critical components to secure top talent. For PE-backed firms, aligning talent strategies with these principles can be the key to securing the best executives in a competitive market. Read the full article for Jack’s insights and practical actions to take your hiring strategy to the next level: https://lnkd.in/ePrZVKKk #TalentAcquisition #Leadership #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Yesterday, Boardwave joined over 300 investors, acquirers, and founders at #MadTechMoney to explore the latest trends in funding, scaling, and M&A. The event featured an incredible agenda packed with valuable insights, including a panel discussion moderated by our very own Patron Shruthi Chindalur. It was fantastic to see our co-founder and CEO, Phill Robinson discuss the challenges European founders and CEOs have historically faced—and how Boardwave is designed to support these leaders as they grow and scale. Thank you to Rich Ashton and the FirstPartyCapital team for hosting such an incredible afternoon. We’re proud to have sponsored it! #Boardwave #Makingwaves

We continue to be humbled by the willingness of Europe's most successful software leaders, to openly share their stories, experiences and learnings with the Boardwave community. Last night we were in Italy, to hear from the inspirational leader that is Claudio Corbetta. He shared the remarkable journey of team.blue, revealing how they executed a successful buy and build growth strategy, while still placing customer success at its core. The dinner also marked the official launch of our Breakout mentoring programme in Italy, with an incredible cohort confirmed to begin in the New Year, under the guidance of leadership guru Sara Thomas. We'd like to thank our sponsors Upliift and Oakley Capital for making the evening, and all we do at Boardwave, possible. #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Elona Mortimer-Zhika has transformed IRIS Software Group into one of the UK’s leading private equity-backed tech firms, driving its value to over £3 billion. In our Leaders' Lives interview, Elona shares her insights on scaling businesses, the importance of diversity, and the strategies she uses to drive IRIS’s global expansion: trebling earnings and acquiring over 40 companies along the way. Elona’s focus on building strong foundations has been key to her success. "We are a £3 to £4 billion business now, and we need to get to £10 billion. You can’t do that without the right foundations," she says. Her approach extends beyond financial growth - her passion for diversity is reflected in IRIS’s impressive gender balance, with women making up 46% of the workforce and 43% of senior roles. From navigating the complexities of private equity to building a culture where employees can be themselves, Elona’s story is a must-read for leaders and founders aiming for sustainable growth. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eZ5pyY86 Buy your copy of the Leaders' Lives book here: https://lnkd.in/euvRWne5 #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Government research found only 15% of UK businesses are owned or led by women – a steep decline and the lowest that figure’s been since before the pandemic. Valued Boardwave members Emmie Faust and Victoria Peppiatt, alongside Female Founders Rise, YeahNice. and glooh., are looking to change this narrative by launching a mission to inspire more women to start and scale businesses. Like Boardwave, Female Founders Rise break down the barriers to entry, to empower its members through resources, community and support around funding options to succeed. This is an incredible campaign to support, and we’re in awe of these inspirational women. We can’t wait to find Vic on a billboard in London! #Boardwave #MakingWaves

Founders constantly face high stress levels, and at Boardwave Live, Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten shared how mindfulness can build resilience. Thubten, author of A Monk's Guide to Happiness, explained that mindfulness isn’t about relaxation; it’s about mental focus and managing stress effectively - a tactic that is key for founders navigating daily pressures. He introduced the concept of micro-meditations, showing how even 5 minutes a day can create real impact. From practicing awareness while standing in a queue to taking mindful moments between meetings, small habits can transform your mindset and boost resilience. Curious about how these techniques can enhance your leadership? Discover more in the full article: https://lnkd.in/eJ6Q6R7F #Mindfulness #Leadership #Resilience #FounderWellbeing #BoardwaveLive24 #Boardwave #MakingWaves