Leads the Crisis Commerce & Enterprise team and manages its existing business portfolio. Is responsible for the development of the entrepreneurship and innovation culture within the charity and the creation of new ventures to end homelessness. She previously worked with deep tech and science startups at Imperial College London. Whilst there she founded its successful women's entrepreneurship programme 'WE Innovate' and has spoken on her experience of increasing diversity and inclusion in tech internationally including at the World Economic Forum.
Sarah Hopley
Head of Venture Studio
Sarah Hopley
Head of Venture Studio She/Her
"I initially joined the Venture Studio as a Venture Builder during my social innovation fellowship with Year Here. In that time, I have been developing housing-led solutions to homelessness as potential internal ventures and have been leading the growth programme for our investment portfolio. I have recently taken on the role of Commercial Partnership Lead and am most excited about how we embed intrapreneurship more widely within Crisis, and how we build inspiring strategic partnerships that will ensure we realise our mission to end homelessness through entrepreneurship."
Before starting as Programme Manager at Crisis, I co-founded a digital marketing agency. As Head of Operations, I built the structure to support its growth from 3 to 40 employees. Joining the Venture Studio marries my startup experience with having a social impact which excites me! Currently, I am leading the programme of support for our investment portfolio which provides tailored support for ventures’ most pressing challenges. Through connecting ventures with in-house experts, partners, and our lived experience panel, we accelerate their growth whilst having a meaningful social impact!
"Before starting as Venture Analyst at Crisis, I began my professional career as an analyst in traditional corporate and investment banking in emerging markets before transitioning into working in the field of impact investing. Currently, I lead the investment analysis and diligence processes for prospective portfolio companies. I am particularly passionate about ideas and organisations which can foster community and tackle the complex challenges of our time."
I manage our individual grants programme that support Crisis members to develop their career prospects. I’m excited to be exploring how the Studio can harness the education, tools and networks that would support our members to build sustainable businesses and leave homelessness behind for good.
Our advisors
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Chenelle is passionate and fully committed to ensuring diverse founders get access to capital and development that they need to grow. In her role as Head of Cornerstone Partners, Angel Investment Syndicate whose mission is to focus on investing in founders from Black and diverse backgrounds in the U.K., Chenelle ensures that they are leading the charge in investing in founders from Black and diverse backgrounds.
Ezechi is the Co-Founder of Code Untapped the digital skills accelerator and is currently a Principal and Founding Member of Impact X Capital, a £100m VC fund dedicated to funding underrepresented entrepreneurs. Prior to joining Impact X, he was Co-Founder and founding CTO of multi-award-winning financial wellbeing provider Neyber. Before Neyber, Ez spent 10 years in Investment Banking Technology.
Savitri is a former startup operator, angel investor in early stage startups, and currently works at Isomer Capital, investing in early stage venture capital groups in Europe and later stage growth companies. She is particularly passionate about creating a more inclusive society and funding products and services that address, and close, equality gaps.
James has an international background in professional services and joined the Aztec Group in 2020 from leading global real estate firm JLL, where he held senior roles including Head of Consulting and Head of Marketing, Sales and Business Development for the UK. Prior to this he worked with PwC in roles across the UK and Australia.
Frequently featured for her research and inventions in The Financial Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Quartz and the New York Times, Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author. She co-founded Socos Labs, her fifth company, an independent institute exploring the future of human potential. In her free time, Vivienne has invented AI systems to help treat her diabetic son, predict manic episodes in bipolar sufferers weeks in advance, and reunite orphan refugees with extended family members.
Sue is a highly motivated and empathic business leader with a strong track record of growing businesses with a combination of purpose and pragmatism. A global citizen having lived and been educated in multiple countries including Pakistan, Belgium, U.S, UK and France, creating a strong foundation of empathy for cultural differences from an early age.
Tim is a Partner with Ernst & Young LLP United Kingdom in London and is the UK Wealth & Asset Management Alternative Investments Leader. He has over 30 years of industry experience, having previously held CEO and COO roles in global asset managers including Venture Capital - working in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. He has held a number of Director roles on company and fund boards in the UK and around the world.
