As the new year unfolds, it brings not only a sense of renewal but also an opportunity for reflection and inspiration. In the spirit of embracing new plans and aspirations, Shalini Khemka CBE, the visionary CEO and founder of E2E, takes a moment to look back on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights and lessons learned for 12 years.
In 2011, Shalini embarked on her second entrepreneurial venture that would redefine the landscape of entrepreneurial support, and it was during her time working in a private equity firm, LDC, that the idea for E2E took root.
When encountering entrepreneurs of great strength and wisdom, the penny dropped. Shalini not only realised the things she could have done differently along her journey, but also that the power of mentorship and networking was crucial in shaping entrepreneurial success. This realisation prompted the inspiration behind E2E, a platform designed to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors, fast-tracking their learning curve.
“I felt it was important to set up an organisation, firstly to allow that to happen,” Shalini reflects. “Secondly, because I wanted to have some freedom around introducing them to the right investor consortiums or private investors.”
The motivation behind E2E wasn’t based on financial desire; it was a heartfelt commitment to supporting UK entrepreneurship. Shalini recognised a gap in support for scale-up founders and shifted the focus to the “who’s who” of entrepreneurship, catering to growing scale-ups.
Pivotal Moments and Milestones
The journey from inception to present has been marked by pivotal moments that shaped both Shalini’s personal growth and E2E’s success.
Launching the business at Kensington Palace with iconic figures such as Duncan Bannatyne and Lord Bilimoria to name but a few of the most iconic entrepreneurs as founding board directors stands out as a particular highlight, with people queuing out the door to attend.
E2E’s impactful events programme and speaker series also played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Hosting renowned figures like Arian Kalantari, Ben Francis and many more in rooms full of 300 people created opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn and connect.
“I feel incredibly fortunate with the lineup of fantastic entrepreneurs in our program” Shalini expressed.
Further notable milestones in recent years include the launch of the E2E100 Track receptions in association with IWG and The Independent, with each of the six tracks being celebrated at Parliament in 2023.
E2E’s influence extended beyond business realms, playing a significant role in advocating for the community. This included support for an advanced cancer therapy business, aiding in the appointment of a non-executive director to secure investments.
To add to an already impressive portfolio, Shalini and E2E also successfully campaigned to prevent an increase in capital gains tax in 2020, showcasing the collective strength of E2E’s members, with 2000 signatures garnered.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shalini actively contributed to the introduction of the flexi furlough scheme and the bounce-back loan, further solidifying her commitment to supporting businesses through thick and thin.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As Shalini reflects on her journey, she imparts invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Focus, focus, focus: prioritise and stay committed to your goals.
- Manage cash flow: a strong financial foundation is crucial for sustainability.
- Surround yourself with the right people: seek mentors and non-executive directors who align with your vision.
- Explore financing options: consider various avenues to find the best fit for your business.
- Tenacity is key: embrace challenges with tenacity; nothing is impossible with persistence.
- Recruit carefully: building a small, strong team is often more impactful than a large one.
- Stay innovative and creative: adaptability is essential in a dynamic business landscape.
- Market awareness: keep abreast of market trends and economic shifts for strategic decision-making.
Shalini’s journey and E2E’s evolution serve as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring the transformative power of mentorship, innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurial endeavours. As Shalini succinctly puts it, “Knowledge is the elixir of life in many ways.”