The inaugural Rhodes Ventures Forum at Rhodes House on 17-18 June showed Rhodes Scholars how to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. Scholars across the disciplines and backgrounds were welcomed for an event that aimed to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the world. It was an invigorating exchange between those who were new to entrepreneurship and keen to learn, those with ideas for ventures, whether for profit or non-profit, and those who had existing ventures and wanted to gain further insights. 

Saturday 17 June started with a welcome from Charles Conn, CEO and Warden of the Rhodes Trust, followed by sessions on the landscape of innovation and perspectives on working for startups. Participants shared a wealth of experience and knowledge- The Rhodes Incubator- was also launched to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Rhodes Scholar community. It will work to accelerate mentoring, networks and incentives to turn ideas into tangible and impactful ventures. Sunday continued with more debates on topics including the art and science of the business pitch and first hand stories from Rhodes Scholar entrepreneurs. It was a passionate and informative weekend. Highlights are below.

Venture Forum photos can be viewed on the Rhodes Trust Facebook page.

Speaker profiles are available on the Rhodes Ventures Event page.

Google photos showcases all 7 illustrations.

Prince Abudu (Zimbabwe & Balliol 2016) Rhodes Scholar and Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer for Emergination Africa (www.emerginationafrica.org), reflects on what he learnt about start-ups and entrepreneurism during the weekend.