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VirtualNonExecs

NED Services

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VirtualNonExecs is a UK membership network for non-executive directors (NEDs), chairs and board advisors, founded by Ian Wright in 2019. It connects members with companies, private equity and venture capital investors, family offices and founders looking for board members. Subscribing for access to posted board roles is free, and a paid Networker Pro upgrade adds a profile review, fee benchmarks and weekly board introductions. Organisations can use its HiringZone search service, which shortlists chairs, NEDs and fractional advisors from the network for a fixed fee agreed up front, and aims to produce a first shortlist in under five days. DealZone shares off-market capital raises and business sales with members. With Cranfield School of Management it offers the Non-Executive Directors Essentials Programme, an online, self-paced course of 8 modules and 24 short lessons covering governance and directors' duties, board finance, board effectiveness, the role of the chair, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. It is stage one of the Cranfield NED pathway, awards a verified Cranfield digital badge on completion, starts on enrolment with no fixed dates, and access does not expire. Membership prices and HiringZone fees are not published on its public pages. The Non-Executive Directors Essentials Programme costs £1,999 plus value added tax (VAT), or £1,499 plus VAT for Networker Pro members, and is provided by Cranfield Management Development Ltd, a subsidiary of Cranfield University. It states it has more than 30,000 members. Leonard Curtis, a professional services group, announced in November 2024 that it had acquired a majority stake. The company, Virtualnonexecs Limited, was incorporated in 2017 and took its current name in July 2019. Ian Wright is founder and chief executive, and Gary Cain is managing director.

The Athena Network

Executive Networks & Communities

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The Athena Network is a UK women-only business networking membership for ambitious women, founded by Jacqueline Rogers in 2005. Members join regional groups across the UK and weekday online meetings, and can access further meetings through its PASS+ platform. Membership also includes a training portfolio, informal Cappuccino Connections networking and a members' community. Prospective members can book a visit to a meeting before deciding to join.

Connectd

NED Services

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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.

The Women's Chapter

Executive Networks & Communities

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The Women's Chapter is an application-only network for senior professionals, business owners and female founders who want to build connections, collaborate and solve business challenges together. It says it has grown through applications and referrals to more than 5,500 members. Membership includes in-person and virtual events, a monthly virtual member meeting and mastermind, a peer accountability partner, a members' WhatsApp group and directory, and profiling opportunities. It is a certified B Corp and donates 5% of membership fees to charities that support women and girls.