THE FOUNDER NETWORK logoBook Tickets – £5
Rooftop networking at Mumbles Yacht Club at sunset
THE FOUNDER NETWORK

Founder stories.
Great people.
Standout venues.

Founder-led events bringing together entrepreneurs and business owners across South Wales.

Book Tickets – £5In partnership with Stripe Community
About

This is not traditional networking.

THE FOUNDER NETWORK is a community for founders, entrepreneurs, business owners and investors across South Wales.

Each month, we sit down with a founder who has started, built or scaled a business and hear the real highs, lows and lessons behind the journey.

Events alternate between Swansea and Cardiff, with a different venue each month.

No presentations. No sales pitches. No referral pressure.

Next event

The next THE FOUNDER NETWORK event

Richard Hibbard, arms crossed, at The Hideout Cafe in Port Talbot
Port Talbot£5

The Founder Network: Port Talbot Special with Richard Hibbard

Richard Hibbard

Beyond the Rugby Pitch: Building Businesses, Brands and Opportunity

Wednesday 14 October 2026
6pm–9pm
Sand Rabbit Bar & Grill, Port Talbot

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby player, CEO of Wales Rugby League and entrepreneur Richard Hibbard joins The Founder Network for a one-off special event in Port Talbot.

Alongside his career in elite sport, Richard has built a significant portfolio of businesses in Port Talbot. He founded South Wales Water three years ago and has grown the company to employ almost 100 people. He is also behind The Hideout Cafe, The Front Bar & Kitchen, Sand Rabbit Bar & Grill and Mortal Bunny Rum.

Together, Richard’s businesses employ hundreds of people, including many former steelworkers. His story demonstrates what can be created through entrepreneurship, leadership and investment in local people.

Book Tickets – £5

Monthly events across Swansea and Cardiff.

Archive

Past Events

Guests at THE FOUNDER NETWORK Swansea launch at Mumbles Yacht Club
SwanseaWednesday 5 August 2026

The Founder Network Swansea Launch

Ross Alexander McKenzie, Founder of Openmoove

Mumbles Yacht Club, Swansea

Our first Founder Network event brought together more than 70 founders, entrepreneurs and business owners at Mumbles Yacht Club.

Ross Alexander McKenzie, founder of Openmoove, joined us for an honest conversation about building, selling and starting again.

What to expect

The right balance of business and social.

A buzzing atmosphere, a strong mix of founders and business owners, and plenty of time to meet people properly.

Come for the founder story, enjoy the food, drinks and music, and leave having made useful new connections.

  • 01Live founder fireside chat
  • 02Welcome drink and canapés
  • 03Music and atmosphere
  • 04A strong mix of founders and business owners
  • 05A standout venue

Event format and inclusions may vary slightly by venue.

Community partner

In partnership with Stripe Community.

Join the local Stripe Community to hear about events, meet other founders and stay connected between THE FOUNDER NETWORK events.

Choose your local community.

Join Swansea CommunityJoin Cardiff Community