Teesside-born female founder network takes local entrepreneurship story nationwide

A network created in Teesside to support women building businesses is widening its reach after bringing founders, business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs together in Middlesbrough.

Female Founder UK held its second Founder Live event at Teesside University’s The Curve, with conversations covering visibility, authenticity, investment bias and some of the practical barriers women face while growing businesses.

The movement was founded by entrepreneur Max Freer and has its roots in Teesside. A number of Teesside University alumni took part in the event, including Business Management graduate Laura Hall, founder of The LH Group, alongside SASS Media directors Sarah Dale and Sarah Walker.

The organisers say the network is now expanding beyond the region, with events planned in Newcastle, Manchester and London. That gives a home-grown Teesside initiative a growing national platform while keeping local founders connected to the story.

Source: Teesside University, 21 August 2026.