Are you a founder, leader or operator in the thick of scaling your tech business? Curious to hear raw, unfiltered stories from fellow scaleups who've faced - and conquered - the real challenges of growth?
Scaleup Sessions is a founder‑led event by Manchester Digital and DAC Beachcroft, designed to provide honest insight and genuine connections. We’ll dive deep into the journey of scaling, featuring:
- Founder‑driven narratives: No fluff. Straight‑talk accounts of growth, pivots, setbacks and success
- Peer‑focused audience: Join fellow scaleup leaders, operators and ecosystem champions tackling the same challenges.
- Honest learning & networking: Walk away with actionable insights, fresh perspectives and contacts to build alongside.
For this first edition, Chris Air, Partner at DAC Beachcroft, will interview Nick Richardson, Founder of The Insights Family. The Insights Family was founded in 2017, and has since expanded to provide real-time market intelligence on children, young people and parents across 6 continents and 22 countries.
Why should you be there?
- Access real-world lessons: Learn what it REALLY takes to grow from early traction to sustainable scale.
- Build your support network: Connect with other ambitious founders, investors and ecosystem enablers.
- Stay in the loop: This session is the first in a series taking place over a year where we will explore individual journeys and themed insights.
This is for you if you’re looking to:
- Learn from founders who have navigated the path to scale
- Gain insight into fundraising, hiring, pivots, product market fit - and everything in between
- Access a supportive community of scaling leaders
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Speakers
Partner
DAC Beachcroft
Chris is a Partner at national law firm DAC Beachcroft.
He specialises in technology and privacy related law and acts for a number of fintech suppliers and large corporates in the financial services sector.
He regularly speaks on cutting edge legal issues involving AI, DLT and VR, including the emerging regulations and guidance relating to these technologies.
Nick Richardson
Founder
The Insights Family
Nick is a commercially focused innovator who specialises in turning ideas into scalable businesses. Following a successful commercial career in strategic marketing and insights, Nick founded The Insights Family, which has grown to become a pioneer in global market intelligence. As CEO he led the business from £0 to £4.5m in less than 5 years, with a client base that includes: Amazon, BBC, Danone, Disney, Ferrero, LEGO, Paramount, SEGA and Warner Bros. He also succeeded in raising more than £7m in investment from angels, trade and VCs.
Nick continues to be a significant shareholder of The Insights Family and supports the business in a strategic capacity. In addition to his work at The Insights Family, Nick works as a Non-Executive Director to a number of companies and works with GM Business Growth Hub as an Ambassador and Mentor.
In 2025 he was appointed as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Greater Manchester. Nick has received significant recognition, including an honorary Doctorate in Innovation from the University of Greater Manchester, shortlisted as a regional finalist for the coveted EY Entrepreneur of the Year, listed as one of the 50 TechBlast Stars, selected as a member of the inaugural Northern Leaders Futures list and lead The Insights Family to be named MarTech company of the year in 2023.
During his career Nick has voluntary sat on various advisory boards for organisations such as: Information Commissioner’s Office, University of Greater Manchester Business School and Warrington Disability Partnership.
Away from work – he is a keen tennis player, lethargic footballer, frustrated racing driver and super-proud father of Harriet and Ted!
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Scaleup Sessions 2025 is sponsored by DAC Beachcroft.
DAC Beachcroft is a leading international commercial law firm headquartered in London. It’s best known for its market‑leading expertise in insurance, health, and real estate, while also offering strong capabilities in financial services, technology, construction, and public sector work
"DAC Beachcroft are delighted to be hosting Manchester Digital's Scaleup Sessions event on 17th July 2025 in our new office on Oxford Street. Chris Air, who heads up our Manchester Tech practice, will be interviewing a locally based scaling founder hearing about their experiences leading a highly successful local scaling business. This event will be particularly appealing to scaling tech businesses across the region, who will benefit from hearing about the journey, and it offers the opportunity to network with like minded ambitious individuals."
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Bring a Tin
We're encouraging all event attendees to bring a tin of food to donate to Mustard Tree, a Manchester charity supporting people facing poverty and homelessness. It’s a small act that could make a big difference. Donations can also be made on the day.
Let’s make doing good part of what we do—together, and let’s make kindness part of the culture.
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This event is for founders, leaders, or operators of calling tech businesses; if you're curious about partner/sponsor options, including branding, host benefits, private dinners or founder interviews, we’d be delighted to chat - contact us at alice@manchesterdigital.com
To reserve your place, book your ticket today. This event is aimed at founder, leader or operators of tech scaleups only, please email alice@manchesterdigital.com if this does not apply to you but you would like to attend. We reserve the right to cancel any orders.
