Athena Festival 2025
Full programme now live:
9am - 9.30am - Arrival & registration
Registration, networking and light refreshments in the Foyer.
Demo booths – an opportunity to browse female founder booths and displays prior to the event commencing.
9.30am - 9.40am - Welcome from Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue
Lifted Ventures co-founders, Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue open the event with the morning plenary.
Reflecting this year’s themes of courage, resourcefulness, and wisdom, they will welcome our community, set the tone for the day and ignite a spirit of confidence and possibility to carry through the festival.
9.40am - 9.50am - A video from The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP
A Message from the Chancellor of the Exchequer
The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Member of Parliament for Leeds West and Pudsey, shares a special video address with Athena Festival 2025 attendees.
9.50am - 10.10am - Keynote - Marverine Cole
Marverine Cole – multi-award-winning journalist and TV presenter joins us for an inspiring Keynote –
Lifted by Courage, Elevate by Bravery: Harnessing Resourcefulness
Marverine Cole delivers a powerful opening address on resilience, determination, and turning challenges into catalysts for growth. A familiar face on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain and craft beer expert on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend, she brings journalistic insight, warmth, and authenticity to every appearance.
10.10am - 10.20am - Dr Emily Nott (Head of Inclusive Innovation at UK Innovate)
Dr Emily Nott – Head of Inclusive Innovation at UK Innovate joins us for:
Championing Diversity and Driving Equality in UK Innovation
Dr Emily Nott will explore how diversity fuels creativity, how equality shapes opportunity, and how inclusive practices drive real impact across the UK innovation landscape.
Emily leads Innovate UK’s work on inclusive innovation, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and making support more accessible. She has championed Women in Innovation, Young Innovators, and No Limits, opening thousands of career pathways.
10.20am - 10.40am - Lisa Clifford - Transformational coach and firewalk instructor
Lisa Clifford joins us for an inspiring talk on the transformative power of self-belief — how trusting in our own abilities can unlock courage, resilience, and growth. An internationally certified empowerment coach, motivational speaker, and founder of The Meant For More Movement, Lisa is passionate about helping people step into their true potential.
Leaving behind a successful corporate career, she trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, coaching, and hypnosis, later leading empowerment programmes for organisations including the BBC, Siemens, and the UK Ministry of Defence.
10.40am - 11.10am - Panel discussion - Unstoppable: Women Founders Forging the Future
Panel discussion:
Unstoppable: Women Founders Forging the Future.
Chaired by Lifted Ventures Jordan Dargue
Panellists:
- Anna Maxwell (Maxwellia)
- Cecil Adjalo (Foundervine),
- Rachel Kettlewell (Fearne and Rosie)
- Jillian Alexander D (award-winning Tech Leader, AI Transformation expert and keynote speaker)
11.15am - 12.15pm - MORNING BREAKOUTS
BREAKOUT 1
Resourcefulness in Finance (Supported by Beth Crozier from CO4CH)
This breakout session will explore practical strategies to maximise financial resources, overcome funding challenges, and make smart, creative decisions for your business.
Beth Crozier will guide participants through tools, tips, and real-world examples to help startups, early-stage, and scaling businesses manage finances resourcefully, unlock growth opportunities, and make every pound count.
BREAKOUT 2
Founder lightning pitches sponsored by Nexus
Get ready for two energising sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) where eight trailblazing female founders pitch their startups in fast-paced 5–7 minute presentations.
Each pitch is followed by a brief Q&A, giving investors and audience members the chance to explore ideas further.
Your participation and scores will help spotlight the most promising ventures, culminating in an afternoon awards ceremony where the top three startups will pitch to the whole audience to compete for first place in the overall competition.
BREAKOUT 3
Athena Labs: The Female Founders’ Guide to AI Superpowers
In this dynamic breakout session, AI Transformation Consultant Jillian Alexander D will demystify artificial intelligence and reveal how female founders can harness its “superpowers” to accelerate growth, sharpen decision-making and unlock new opportunities.
From practical tools to strategic insights, this session will empower entrepreneurs to embrace AI with confidence, resourcefulness, and vision – turning technology into a catalyst for innovation and impact.
12.15pm -12.25pm - Mandy Ridyard (Chief Business Advisor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
Building an Eco-system Where Female Founders Thrive
Mandy Ridyard, Chief Business Advisor at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, leads this session exploring how to create supportive environments where female founders can flourish.
Drawing on her extensive experience in business advisory and regional economic development, Mandy will share strategies, insights and practical steps to strengthen networks, access resources and overcome barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
12.25pm - 12.55pm - Panel discussion Capital & Confidence: Building Women’s Financial and Investment Power
Panel discussion
Capital & Confidence: Building Women’s Financial and Investment Power
Chair – Helen Oldham, Co-founder, Lifted Ventures
Panellists:
- Danielle Dixon (Investor)
- Shkun Chada (Sciences & Technology Impact Investor)
- Beth Crosier (CO4CH)
- Jess Rassmasun (Two Magnolias)
12.55pm - 1.45pm - Lunch
Take a break and have a bite to eat whilst listening to female founder open mic pitches, plus real stories and raw lessons from female entrepreneurs.
1.45pm - 2.15pm - Panel discussion - Lifted together: Celebrating High-Growth Female Founders from across the regions
Panel discussion – Lifted Together: Celebrating High-Growth Female Founders from across the regions
Moderated by Jo Clough from Lloyds Bank
Panellists:
- Lorna Green (LYVA Labs)
- Deb Leeves (DML Solutions)
- Tara Attfield Tomes (East Village PR)
- Lisa Lister (Yorkshire Leadership Group)
2.15pm - 2.45pm - Panel discussion - Innovating for Impact: Building Ventures That Matter - A focus on sectors and industries which female founders are leading the way.
Panel discussion – Innovating for Impact: Building Ventures That Matter – A focus on sectors and industries which female founders are leading the way.
Chair – Helen Oldham, Co-founder, Lifted Ventures
Panellists:
- Alex Fogel (EY)
- Kelli Fairbrother (XigXag)
- Victoria Garcia (Bindethics)
- Elaine Galston (Bettii Ltd)
- Laura Tait (RBC Brewin Dolphin)
2.45pm - 3.50pm - AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
BREAKOUT 1
Growing Your Business Through Export – A fireside chat with Marie Hall from UK Export Finance and Ruby Sheldon from Slime Party.
Join Marie Hall from UK Export Finance and Ruby Sheldon from Slime Party for an insightful fireside chat on expanding your business internationally. They will share practical strategies, real-world experiences, and expert advice on navigating the challenges of exporting, identifying opportunities abroad, and scaling your venture with confidence.
This session is designed to inspire and equip female founders with the tools and knowledge needed to grow their businesses beyond the UK market.
BREAKOUT 2
Founder lightning pitches sponsored by Nexus
Get ready for two energising sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) where eight trailblazing female founders pitch their startups in fast-paced 5–7 minute presentations.
Each pitch is followed by a brief Q&A, giving investors and audience members the chance to explore ideas further.
Your participation and scores will help spotlight the most promising ventures, culminating in an afternoon awards ceremony where the top three startups will pitch to the whole audience to compete for first place in the overall competition.
BREAKOUT 3
Athena Labs
Courage: Lifted to Investment – Strategies to Fund Your Future
Join Amy Pierchod from Gordons LLP and Jordan Dargue from Lifted Ventures for an interactive session designed to empower female founders with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure investment. From understanding investor expectations to crafting compelling pitches and navigating funding options, this session will provide actionable strategies to help you lift your business to the next level.
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to take bold steps towards funding their future and scaling their ventures with courage and clarity.
3.50pm - 4pm - Refreshments
4pm - 4.30pm - Panel discussion - Breaking Barriers: Female Founders & the Future of Funding
Panel discussion – Breaking Barriers: Female Founders & the Future of Funding
Chair – Jordan Dargue, co-founder, Lifted Ventures
Panellists:
- Jenny Tooth (UK BAA)
- Jo Whitefield (FW Capital)
- Dr Elizabeth Young (Par Equity)
- Kara Conway (Bootstrap Europe)
4.30pm - 5.15pm - Lift Off finalist pitches and & Award Ceremony
Three Lift Off pitch finalists pitch to investors
A culmination of morning and afternoon startup pitches as three finalists are chosen to present to all delegates and compete for first place.
Awards presented by Natalie Gasson-McKinley from the British Business Bank
5.15pm - 5.20pm - Closing remarks
To close out the event, co-founders Jordan and Helen will take the stage for final remarks, bringing the community together one last time to reflect on the day’s insights, celebrate the founders and investors who made it possible, and share a vision for what’s ahead.
Their closing words will leave you inspired, connected and energised to carry the spirit of Athena Festival forward.
5.20pm - 6pm - Informal networking and refreshments
Join us for informal networking over refreshments. Celebrate the day’s insights, connect with fellow attendees and reflect on the inspiration, ideas, and connections you’ve gained.
The perfect way to end the festival on a high note.
What to Expect
Inspiring Keynotes – Hear from leading women entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators shaping the future.
Actionable Workshops – Level up your business with tactical sessions on funding, scaling, branding, and leadership.
Curated Networking – Connect with founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders who get it.
Pitch to Win – Step into the spotlight in our high-energy pitch competition – new faces and game-changing visibility.
Why attend Athena?
Practical Insights – Learn from founders, investors, and experts who’ve done it.
Powerful Connections – Build a network that opens doors and drives impact.
Real Visibility – Step into the spotlight and share your story.
Inspiration that Lasts – Leave with fresh ideas and the tools to scale.
Proudly Regional – Backing bold businesses beyond the London bubble.
Named for a Goddess.
Built for Founders.
Athena Festival – a launchpad for visionary female founders
Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic power, Athena champions women redefining entrepreneurship. This one-day festival is a vibrant hub of innovation, connection, and opportunity for female founders and changemakers—especially in the regions.
Research shows women-led businesses are 35% more likely to deliver higher returns on investment, making them not only a socially conscious choice but a smart financial one. Yet northern regions, rich in talent and ideas, remain undercapitalised and underserved by traditional funding channels.
Athena is here to build a thriving investment ecosystem driven by vision, values, and bold ambition.
Who should attend?
Startup founders ready to scale
Early-stage entrepreneurs across tech, consumer, health, and social impact
Aspiring women leaders with bold ideas to change the world
Investors and partners looking to support the next generation of innovation
If you’re ready to shape the future, Athena is for you.
Thanks to our sponsors...
