Launchpad welcomes Entrepreneurs-in-Residence

We're delighted to announce the appointment of our first Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs), who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in a wide range of sectors to Launchpad.

The EiRs will inspire, challenge, guide, and advise our candidates as they work to build and grow their businesses.

The growth that Falmouth has experienced will make this a strong hub for entrepreneurship globally, which attracts the most exciting talent, ideas and founders.

We're excited to welcome ex-scientist, advisory board member and multi-award-winning entrepreneur Dr Salman Malik; Utopy CEO and former Airbnb operations manager Shona Marsh; international trade expert Ben Leonard; independent chair and non-executive director Shimi Shah; and entrepreneur, non-executive director, interim manager, executive coach and mentor Stewart Noakes, into the studio over the next few weeks.

Dr Salman Malik said: "Launchpad provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with creative businesses and next-generation entrepreneurs who receive a package of support unmatched by other Venture Studios in the UK. The growth that Falmouth has experienced will make this a strong hub for entrepreneurship globally, which attracts the most exciting talent, ideas and founders.

"Working with driven teams inside a collaborative studio makes this programme exclusive and unique to Falmouth which is what excites me about being a part of this entrepreneurial community."

Shona said: “I am really passionate about turning ideas into impactful businesses and supporting others in the process. Given my love of Cornwall too, I couldn’t have found a better place to do this than Falmouth University’s Launchpad!

“I’m excited to find out about all of the interesting and entrepreneurial ideas the students have for their businesses, and to be able to share my experience of building start-ups and growing one of the Silicon Valley’s unicorns to find ways to add value to their business building journey.”

Ben added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Launchpad team to support businesses in their crucial early stages. Getting things right at the creation of a business can unlock huge growth opportunities and I’m looking forward to working with the talented entrepreneurs involved to help broaden their horizons and ensure their businesses are truly born global.”

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