We're thrilled to announce the relaunch of Startup Grind Manchester, led by SG ecosystem legend Phin Mpofu-Masamba II, marking his 5th chapter leadership in 10 years! This exciting event coincides with the launch of Phin's new venture, Ugenie.ai, a groundbreaking next-gen social commerce platform that’s set to revolutionise the way creators, brands and consumers connect and collaborate. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with innovation, celebration, and valuable networking opportunities as we kick off this exciting new chapter (pun intended 😁)!

What’s in store?

Alongside Phin, we’ll be joined by a panel of thought leaders and creators who will delve into the topics shaping the future of the Creator Economy, Social Commerce, and the Future of Work. If you’re keen to understand how creators are transforming brands or how social commerce is driving the next wave of e-commerce, this event is for you.

Our Featured Panelists:

Shoaib Ahmed, Founder of Yello Hippo

Shoaib is the driving force behind Yello Hippo, a leading UK-based LinkedIn ghostwriting and coaching agency. With an outstanding track record of building, scaling, and monetising over 120 personal brands, Shoaib has helped generate over 200M+ impressions, £5.2M+ in revenue, and secured more than 300 PR opportunities for Founders, CEOs, and Creators alike. He is also the host of the REBELS podcast, a mentor at Virgin Startup, and a Strategic Advisor to Limelight (B2B Creator Partnership Platform).

Shoaib's personal experience as a creator is equally impressive, with over 45,000 LinkedIn followers and more than 10 million LinkedIn impressions. His energetic and engaging style, along with his ability to break down complex personal branding strategies with a unique blend of authority and humour, has made him a standout keynote speaker at events worldwide. Shoaib has been recognised by Entrepreneur, IBM, and LinkedIn News and was awarded North West's Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 StartUp Awards.

Lydia Odularu, Founder, Permanent Ink Solutions

Lydia, an accomplished founder at Permanent Ink Solutions a dynamic force in the world of digital marketing. With a results-oriented mindset and a proven track record, Lydia drives measurable business outcomes through data-driven strategies and precisely targeted execution, helping brands cultivate loyal, engaged customer communities and achieve sustained growth.

Based in Manchester, Lydia’s expertise goes beyond her role. She is also a dedicated UGC creator and a creative powerhouse, skilled in crafting captivating content and composing music. Her holistic approach empowers businesses to focus on their core passions while she takes the reins on establishing a vibrant online presence that resonates deeply with audiences. Lydia’s work is fuelled by an authentic connection to the brands she supports, and her commitment to long-term growth makes her a valuable asset for any business looking to expand with impact and integrity.

Partnership with Sedulo

We are honoured to partner with Sedulo, one of the UK’s fastest-growing mid-tier business advisory firms, for this event. Sedulo’s commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem makes them the perfect host for what promises to be a night of insightful discussions and collaboration.

Christmas Toy Appeal

In the spirit of giving back, we will be supporting the Sedulo Foundation’s Christmas Toy Appeal during the event. We encourage all attendees to bring a children’s toy to donate, helping spread some holiday cheer to those in need.