At The Diamond Lab, we believe in the power of connection, innovation, and creating spaces where forward-thinking ideas can thrive. On a chilly evening in London, we had the immense pleasure of hosting a truly special event—the first-ever “Leading the Future” gathering. It was a night that brought together incredible women-led founders, funders, and thought leaders from across industries to share their journeys, their challenges, and their visions for a more sustainable and innovative future. While we were honoured to welcome everyone into our space, this event was the brainchild of the remarkable Nela Duke Ekpenyong, Sophia Barhmi, and the entire team at LEGA.C Capital, BuildMorocco, and Obudu Capital. Their vision for this gathering—to celebrate and recognise women-led founders and funders working towards a more sustainable future—was brought to life with passion and precision. We are incredibly grateful to Nela, Sophia, Ryan, and the entire team for their hard work and dedication in curating this unforgettable event.
Pictured - Sophia Barhmi and Nela Duke Ekpenyong | Credit: Dave Benett
The evening was a celebration of bold female leadership, and we were joined by some truly amazing individuals:
- Ingrid Dynna, CEO & Co-Founder of Norwegian Mycelium, transforming fungi into sustainable protein sources.
- Eunice Baguma Ball, Founder of Ishango.ai, advancing AI and data science solutions for global challenges.
- Niloufar Gharavi, Founder of ENFA, ensuring startups and SMEs have access to the funding they need to grow and scale.
- Jamie Amelia Patel and Ruby Patel, Co-Founders of The Diamond Lab, creating lab-grown diamonds for a conflict-free future.
Pictured - Meriem Barhmi, Alex Ikonn, Tony Fadell, Ingrid Dynna, Sophia Barhmi, Ruby Patel, Niloufar Gharavi, Jamie Patel, Nela Duke Ekpenyong, Eunice Baguma Ball
As part of the event, we were fortunate to be invited to share our own journey as female founders of The Diamond Lab. We spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs of building a business in the diamond industry, a traditionally male-dominated space. It was a powerful moment for us to reflect on our own experiences, and to discuss how being women founders has shaped our approach to innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
The event, under the theme "Leading the Future: Women Driving Technology and Sustainability," was more than just a conversation—it was an opportunity for women to connect, share stories, and inspire each other. Throughout the evening, we heard powerful stories from each speaker about how they are not only breaking barriers but creating real change in their industries.
Other notable voices included:
- Tony Fadell, Founder of Build Collective, who shared his insights on the importance of investing in green technologies.
-
Alex Ikonn, Co-Founder of Intelligent Change, whose authenticity and passion for personal growth resonated deeply with the crowd.
This event was about more than just celebrating the women at the forefront of these industries; it was about recognizing the power of women to shape the future. It was about bold innovation, sustainability, and leadership in its truest form.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us—whether in person or in spirit—and to those who supported the event. Special thanks go to the team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including Lindy, Ryan Lee, Gladys Kavuma, Cameron Shorter, and Meriem Barhmi, for making the evening run seamlessly.
As founders of The Diamond Lab, we felt incredibly privileged to be a part of this inspiring event, and we are excited to see where the conversations, collaborations, and connections from this night take us all. "Leading the Future" is just the beginning of a global series of gatherings, bridging continents and fostering a safe space for visionary thinkers to share ideas and support one another.
Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible, and to all the powerful women who continue to push boundaries and create positive change in the world. We are so proud to have hosted such an impactful and unforgettable evening.
And before we sign off, we leave you with one final thought: Who is the woman in your life who has empowered you the most? Let’s continue to lift each other up and support the women who are leading the charge toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
With gratitude
Ruby and Jamie
Co-Founders, The Diamond Lab