Founder Growth Lab at Barclays Moorgate
Upcoming · Thursday 26 November 2026 · 5–7.30 pm
Real experience. Practical advice. Shared opportunities.
An evening of practical founder insight, an interactive growth workshop and connection. Created and hosted by Melissa Labiran, the session brings together experienced founders and business perspectives to explore the next stage of growth.
What you’ll take away
Leave with a clearer growth priority, a personal 30-day action and five practical principles from The Founder Playbook. Vote on your biggest challenge, hear the panel tackle the top three, and connect with people who can help you move forward.
Explore early traction, brands that sell, turning relationships into revenue, investment readiness and financial foundations.
Your evening
5:00–5:15pm · Arrival and seating
5:15–5:20pm · Opening remarks, Melissa Labiran
5:20–5:25pm · Barclays welcome, Isya Hanif
5:25–6:10pm · Expert panel: Building a Business Worth Backing
6:10–6:35pm · The Growth Check: interactive workshop
6:35–6:45pm · The Founder Playbook: practical takeaways
6:45–7:00pm · Audience Q&A
7:00–7:05pm · Closing remarks
7:05–7:20pm · Networking and introductions
7:20–7:30pm · Guest departure
Meet the speakers
Melissa Labiran
Host & Moderator · Founder, Marketing Mel Consulting + Agency
Melissa Labiran is a marketing consultant, brand strategist and founder of Marketing Mel Consulting + Agency. With 15 years’ experience across B2B and B2C marketing, she brings a practical perspective on positioning, marketing leadership and building brands.
Isya Hanif
Business Relationship Director, Barclays
Isya brings 25 years of experience across commercial banking, real estate finance, business growth and acquisitions. As Barclays’ Women in Business Ambassador for London, she champions entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and opportunities for underrepresented founders.
Segun Akinwoleola
Founder & CEO, The Gym Kitchen
With over 15 years in sales, marketing and FMCG, Segun has worked with brands including Coty, Revlon, John Frieda and The Black Farmer. He founded The Gym Kitchen, now stocked in major UK supermarkets, combining consumer insight, brand strategy and commercial growth.
Michaela Fearon
Exited Founder and Commercial Growth Leader
Michaela founded and scaled Ascend Global Media, home of the Women in Tech World Series, before its acquisition by Delinian in 2023. Her experience spans commercial growth, strategic partnerships, operations and international events, working with brands including Apple, Google and Amazon.
Ryan Panchoo
Founder & CEO, Borough 22
Ryan built Borough 22 from a home-based business into a seven-figure, award-winning gluten-free and vegan bakery, with a dedicated production facility, a permanent Selfridges London concession and an expanding retail and wholesale presence.
Please note: the venue must be completely vacated by 7:30pm.
