OPUS successfully closes funding round at 150% of target after one week
OPUS appoints further senior leaders to Board of Directors
OPUS commits to amplifying its global impact with support from existing and emerging leaders
2nd June 2023, London – OPUS, the membership network dedicated to the next generation of rising decision makers in the United Kingdom, announced today that it closed its seed funding round in just one week since it launched. The round was 50% over the original target, and was joined by over 40 investors from the OPUS membership base as well as a group of high profile senior business and political leaders from around the world.
The OPUS membership network is a highly vetted network of rising leaders from a diverse set of sectors and roles, either managing a budget, a team or both. Today, OPUS’s opportunity community, the phrase coined to explain the opportunity-driven ethos, has more than 250 members in London and other cities in the United Kingdom, and includes executives, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, civil-servants and creatives. The funding round will enable the OPUS team to continue to develop the value proposition for members, enhancing the ability to meaningfully connect members and to generate opportunity amongst the membership. Additionally, the fundraise will provide further team resources to focus on scaling the membership, bringing more benefit to more rising leaders in the United Kingdom, while also keeping membership at an affordable level for all prospective members.
Kerry Fennell, Managing Director of OPUS, commented: “Leadership can be lonely, but at OPUS we believe that careers and leadership should be a team sport. This funding allows OPUS to invest in our value proposition, bringing more opportunity to our members through the power of connectivity and peer-to-peer development. Additionally, unlike other memberships, it is our priority to ensure that our membership is financially accessible to all, and we have a clear vision around how we can best enable our growing membership to create impact in their individual areas and together. We are excited to bring that vision to the global stage over the coming years.”
Following the fundraise, OPUS continues to bolster its Board of Directors with a number of new appointments over the coming months. The Board is Chaired by OPUS Co-founder, Sam Tidswell-Norrish, and will be responsible for providing governance and strategic counsel, specifically on how to best execute on the scaling and impact of the OPUS community. OPUS now includes the following appointments as members of the OPUS Board, adding significant impact and community building experience:
Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Chair of the Board at OPUS
HRH Princess Beatrice, Board Member at OPUS
Kerry Fennell, Managing Director at OPUS
Adam Marshall CBE, Senior Advisor and Former Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce
Miguel McKelvey, Founder of Nayah and Co-Founder of WeWork
Anthony Murphy, Founder & Managing Director of Prime Advocates
Trent Smyth AM, Chief Executive Officer of The Chief of Staff Association
Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Chair of the Board and Co-founder of OPUS, commented: “It is a privilege to welcome such an esteemed group of leaders to the Board of OPUS, each with critical experience of the public and private sectors, of community building and of impact execution. With the fundraise complete and alongside the Board and OPUS team, I look forward to doubling down on OPUS’s mission – to create the ultimate opportunity community for rising decision makers globally.”
HRH Princess Beatrice, Board Member of OPUS, commented on her appointment: “Having been a part of OPUS since its inception, it is clear that there is an incredibly impactful opportunity to generate scale with this platform. I am excited to deepen my involvement and to work with Sam, the OPUS Board and the brilliant members to create so much more magic over the years to come.”
Miguel McKelvey, Board Member of OPUS, commented on his appointment: “In my experience, communities can be magical places, but to capture the spirit of a community they take huge investment of time, energy and passion. Based on my past experience, the vision for OPUS resonates with me, and building a powerful community of rising leaders who come together with and for each other is an exciting prospect. One that I believe can and will unlock huge opportunity, hopefully creating a better world for all.”
Adam Marshall, Board member of OPUS, commented on his appointment: “I am excited to work with OPUS as it grows its vibrant, diverse leadership community. In business, relationships matter - and OPUS offers a great forum for young leaders to build strong links with each other and achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions.”
Anthony Murphy, Board member of OPUS, commented on his appointment: “The vision for OPUS keeps human community at the centre of all its activities, while excitingly supporting leadership. Leadership and peer-to-peer support are an important driver of innovation and impact and it is a honour to support the OPUS community and its development. I look forward to bringing my experience in governance and impact initiatives to Sam and the OPUS Board of Directors.
Trent Smyth AM, Board Member of OPUS, commented on his appointment: "I am thrilled to join the board of OPUS, an organization dedicated to unlocking the potential of rising decision-makers in the UK. OPUS's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity aligns perfectly with my values. I am honoured to be part of a community that connects exceptional young leaders through its omnichannel platform. As a board member, I look forward to contributing my expertise and experience to help OPUS achieve its mission of creating a dynamic community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive impact. By providing members with the necessary resources, relationships, and opportunities, OPUS has the opportunity to empower these young leaders and collectively create a better world. I am excited to be part of this journey and make a meaningful difference."
