AGENDA
The Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge
Wednesday 23rd September 2026
17.00
Roundtable Discussions Sessions
Explore the discussion topics below
18.45
Drinks reception
19.30
Opening Remarks
Uday Singh
Founder & CEO, Fast Growth Icons
19.35
Welcome Address by our Lead Sponsor
HSBC Innovation Banking
19.40
Dinner Speaker
Philip Belamant
Co-Founder & CEO, Zilch
20.00
Seated Dinner
Enjoy three courses from The Bulgari Hotel's exclusive menu
22.30
Carriages
Roundtable Discussion Sessions
Meaningful conversations and practical insights are at the heart of an Icons event.
We'll be hosting a series of facilitated discussions on the key challenges founders face while scaling, with 8-10 people at each table.
The people around your table are likely to be facing similar challenges. These discussions are most valuable when participants share openly, contribute generously, and learn from one another.
Simply choose the topic that interests you most and take a seat. If you'd like to continue a different conversation, you're welcome to move between tables if space allows.
International Expansion
When are you ready for expansion? How do you choose the right geography? Should you expand by acquisition? How do you manage
and integrate the teams?
The Hidden Cost of Scaling
FX, cash flow and financial risk quietly erode margins as you expand across markets. This session explores where value is lost in international expansion
and how CEOs can regain control.
Exits – Pitfalls and Deal Breakers
What are the things that can turn out to be deal breakers, and how you can mitigate them.
For founders preparing for a future exit.
What to Expect in an Exit
A practical walkthrough of the exit process from preparation to completion. What is diligence really like? What are the common issues that slow or derail deals? Understanding LOIs, SPAs, earn-outs, management presentations and the realities of negotiating with buyers.
For founders who are actively considering an exit.
Funding and Investor Selection
Understanding the differences between VC, growth equity, private equity and strategic investors. How do investor expectations change as businesses scale, and how should founders think about selecting investors based on long-term goals, control, growth ambitions and exit strategy?
Funding beyond VC: Private equity
Evaluating private equity as a partner, including implications for control, governance and long-term strategy.
Getting The Best Personal Return in an Exit
Getting your personal tax planning sorted well before you get into an exit process to maximise your immediate return and long-term income. Understanding tax structures, trusts, and planning your income requirements.
Building and Managing an Effective Board
Everyone has one, but is it a pain or productive? Does it work for you? Building a board that provides strategic value, constructive challenge and the right balance of support, governance and accountability as the business scales.