Chapter Zero

Connectd

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Connectd is a London-based platform, launched in 2020, that matches startups with non-executive directors, board advisors and fractional executives. Startups describe what they need and are matched with experts from its network, with matches reviewed within 48 hours. Roles can be pro bono or paid, and many start pro bono before moving to paid, equity or blended terms. For executives building a portfolio career, its Transition to Portfolio offer includes self-paced academies for fractional executive and board advisor roles. Each has five modules, 180 minutes of one-to-one mentoring and a guaranteed pro bono placement, lasting three months on the fractional route and six months on the board advisor route. It suggests members have around 10 years in a senior leadership role, and most train alongside a full-time job. Startups can use the platform free for the first six months. Fees for executives are not published. Connectd states that each academy pathway carries 30 continuing professional development (CPD) points, but does not name an accrediting body. It was founded by Roei Samuel, is operated by LinkExec Ltd, and lists offices in London, Manchester, Poland and Mumbai. Its website says it was ranked sixth in LinkedIn's Top UK startups list for 2024.

Criticaleye

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Criticaleye is a London-based peer-to-peer community for board-level leaders, whose UK company, Criticaleye (Europe) Ltd, was incorporated in 2002. Its members are chief executives, chief financial officers, chief people officers, chairs and non-executive directors (NEDs). Executive Membership gives a senior executive access to the peer network, board mentors and a personal relationship manager. Corporate Membership covers five or more executives from one organisation for at least two years. NED Membership is for chairs, NEDs and senior independent directors, with confidential roundtables and events on governance, risk oversight and boardroom dynamics. The Chair Ready Programme is a 12-month pathway for experienced NEDs and first-time chairs, run through virtual masterclasses and roundtables, and ends with certification. Other formats include pop-up boards, retreats and forums. Membership prices are not published. The website lists more than 110 board mentors, all of whom have led organisations and now work at board level. A second company, Criticaleye (Asia) Ltd, runs an office in Hong Kong and an Asia leaders membership. The chief executive is Matthew Blagg. Logos on the website include Drax Group, Legal & General, NatWest Group, NATS and Rolls-Royce, though it does not say which are members.

Exec-appointments Boards

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Exec-appointments.com is a Financial Times (FT) job board for senior executive and board roles, including non-executive positions. Candidates can search vacancies, set up job alerts and upload a CV so recruiters can match them to roles. The site covers chief executive, chief financial officer, director and other senior appointments, and has a board jobs section that includes non-executive director, chair and trustee roles. Advertisers include executive search firms and employers. FT Career Management, which runs the site, also publishes an Executive Appointments section in the Financial Times newspaper every Thursday. A Standard job listing costs £550 for two weeks or £880 for four weeks, a Premium listing costs £990, and an Enhanced listing costs £1,320 for 14 days or £2,200 for 28 days. Prices exclude VAT (value added tax). The site states that Enhanced listings get 1.75 times the job views of Standard listings. Its recruiter terms name John Wiley & Sons as the company providing the advertising service.

GetBoardwise

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GetBoardwise is a UK non-executive director placement and outreach service. Rather than a passive job board, it runs targeted LinkedIn and direct outreach campaigns to CEOs, chairs and founders on behalf of aspiring NEDs and board advisors, and reports more than 400 paid board placements to date.