What is Helm: A Community for Founders?
Helm is a vibrant community tailored exclusively for founders and CEOs of scale-ups. Originally launched in 2003 under the name The Supper Club, Helm has evolved into a dynamic space where like-minded founders come together to tackle their biggest challenges head-on. It’s a place free from sales pitches and ego, designed to foster genuine connections and meaningful support among high-growth business leaders.
Main Benefits of Joining Helm
Being part of Helm comes with a host of perks that truly make a difference for founders navigating the scale-up journey:
- Members are founders of established, high-growth businesses, typically scaling with revenues between £1-10 million and teams of around 10 staff.
- Helm supports founders at every stage, from scaling their business to life after business.
- Access to in-person events, forums, and expert-led digital sessions that encourage learning and sharing.
- Each member is assigned to a chaired Forum within three months of joining, meeting 10 times a year with six to eight founders.
Events and Learning Opportunities
Helm hosts a diverse lineup of events that keep members engaged and growing. From hands-on workshops and intimate roundtables to online seminars, there’s always something happening to spark new ideas and foster collaboration. These events aren’t just about networking—they’re about real conversations and actionable insights that help founders push their businesses forward.
The Guiding Values Behind Helm
At the heart of Helm is a ‘Give and Get’ ethos. This means members are encouraged to share openly and honestly, creating a culture where everyone benefits. It’s about more than just business growth—it’s personal development too. The community strives to make a positive impact by supporting founders in ways that ripple out beyond their companies.
How the Forum Structure Works
Each Forum within Helm is chaired by an experienced member, acting like a non-executive advisory board. This setup gives founders a trusted space to discuss challenges, brainstorm strategies, and gain fresh perspectives. With six to eight founders in each group, the Forums meet regularly—10 times a year—to build strong, supportive relationships that last.
Helm’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting high-growth businesses and entrepreneurship.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through fostering innovation and collaboration among founders.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by creating a community that thrives on mutual support and shared knowledge.
Getting in Touch and Exploring Membership
Helm is based at St Georges House, 15 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HS. For those curious to learn more or explore membership options, visiting Helm’s website is the best first step. It’s a community that’s all about founders helping founders—no fluff, just real support and connection.
