Private peer groups for founders and CEOs
Growth Leaders Circle is built around the idea that the most valuable conversations happen in small, trusted groups.
As the community develops, selected members will be invited into Circles — carefully curated peer groups of founders, CEOs and business owners who meet regularly to discuss the strategic challenges of scaling an established company.
Circles are designed to create a confidential space for practical discussion, shared experience and meaningful relationships.
What is a Circle?
A Circle is a small peer group of around 8–12 members.
Each Circle brings together business leaders facing similar levels of responsibility, complexity and growth ambition.
Members meet regularly to discuss real business challenges across areas such as:
- Profitable growth
- Capital strategy
- Acquisitions and M&A
- International expansion
- Investor and board management
The aim is not networking for the sake of networking. The aim is to help members think more clearly, learn from relevant peers and make better strategic decisions.
Why Circles matter
As companies grow, founders and CEOs often face decisions they cannot easily discuss with employees, clients, friends or family.
A Circle gives members access to a trusted group of peers who understand the pressure of leading and scaling a business.
Members can discuss questions such as:
- How are others protecting margins while growing?
- How have other founders approached debt, equity or acquisition finance?
- What should we consider before buying another business?
- What mistakes should we avoid when entering a new market?
- How do other CEOs manage investors, board members and lenders?
- How do we build a leadership team that allows the business to scale?
The value comes from relevant experience, honest discussion and trust built over time.
How Circles are formed
Circles are carefully curated.
Members may be matched based on:
- Revenue stage
- Company size
- Sector
- Geography
- Growth priorities
- Experience with capital, acquisitions or international expansion
- Level of leadership responsibility
Where appropriate, we avoid placing direct competitors in the same Circle, so members can speak openly and constructively.
The goal is to create groups where members are different enough to bring fresh perspective, but similar enough to understand each other’s challenges.
Example Circles
Growth Circle
For founders and CEOs focused on scaling revenue while protecting margins, cash flow and operational discipline.
Capital Circle
For members exploring funding options, investor readiness, debt, equity, acquisition finance or private capital.
Acquisition Circle
For business leaders considering acquisitions, mergers, strategic partnerships or exit preparation.
International Expansion Circle
For founders and CEOs exploring new markets, cross-border growth, partnerships and international operating models.
Investor & Board Circle
For leaders managing investors, board members, lenders, advisers and strategic stakeholders as the business becomes more complex.
How Circle meetings work
Circle meetings are designed to be practical and focused.
A typical session may include:
- Short member updates
- One or two live business challenges
- Group discussion and peer feedback
- Shared experience from members who have faced similar issues
- Practical takeaways and next steps
The format is discussion-led, not presentation-led.
Members are encouraged to bring real challenges, listen carefully and contribute constructively.
Confidentiality and trust
Trust is central to the Circle model.
Circle discussions are private and are built around clear expectations:
- No selling during Circle meetings
- No aggressive pitching
- No sharing confidential discussions outside the group
- Introductions only by consent
- Respectful challenge and constructive contribution
- Practical experience over theory
The quality of the group depends on the quality of the trust between members.
Circles and Roundtables
Circles are different from Roundtables.
Roundtables are topic-led sessions open to selected members of the wider community.
Circles are smaller, ongoing peer groups where the same members meet regularly and build deeper relationships over time.
Roundtables help members explore key themes.
Circles help members build trust, accountability and long-term peer support.
A more valuable way to connect
Most business networks focus on meeting more people.
Growth Leaders Circle is focused on helping members build the right relationships with the right people.
Circles are designed to give founders and CEOs access to relevant peers who can help them think through the decisions that shape the next stage of their business.
As Growth Leaders Circle grows, Circles will become one of the most important parts of the community.