Scaling a business is an exciting yet challenging journey, and for female-founded businesses, the path can come with unique challenges. 

To kick off 2025, we hosted an event bringing together leaders from scale-ups and high-growth companies to discuss the realities of scaling—what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the inevitable hurdles. Held at our Soho office, the session was designed to equip ambitious female founders with actionable insights to help them grow sustainably and successfully. 

The panel, moderated by Laila Cunningham (Director of Programmes at National Women’s Enterprise Week & Founder of Kitchin Table), featured: 

  • Dr Rebecca Allam, CEO & Co-Founder, PreActiv – a HealthTech company that develops prehabilitation programs to help patients prepare for major surgery. 
  • Jenny Wordsworth, CEO & Founder, Ovum – a consumer health brand focused on scientifically-backed fertility products. 

Together, they explored the pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities that come with scaling—offering real-world insights from their own experiences. 

Challenges: The reality of scaling 

1. The balance between innovation and execution

For businesses operating in fast-moving industries, constant innovation is essential—but it can also be a distraction from financial sustainability. 

Dr Rebecca Allam highlighted how startups must strike a delicate balance between innovation and execution. “It’s crucial to validate product-market fit early, ensuring there’s real demand and funding availability before dedicating resources to new developments,” she explained. 

Without this, businesses risk building products that customers admire but don’t buy—a challenge many HealthTech founders face when navigating NHS procurement and funding cycles.

2. Securing the right funding without compromising vision

Funding remains a major challenge for female founders, with women still receiving a disproportionately tiny (2%) percentage of VC and debt funding (source: Pitchbook). 

Greg Manson stressed the importance of financial clarity when seeking investment. “The quality of information can make or break a deal,” he said. Many businesses struggle because they don’t track or communicate their key financial metrics effectively. 

His advice? Be clear on your growth goals, your KPIs, and your funding strategy—and ensure any financial partner aligns with your long-term vision rather than pushing for short-term wins.

3. Maintaining culture in rapid growth

As businesses scale, culture can either be an enabler or a casualty. 

Valentina Kristensen spoke about the importance of employee ownership and long-term engagement. At OakNorth, two-thirds of employees have invested the equivalent of a year’s net salary into the business, creating a culture of ownership and accountability. 

But culture isn’t just about financial incentives—it’s about hiring the right people from the start. “We have probably all heard how your first 10 hires are critical,” she said. “They’ll shape the next 50, who will shape the next 500.” 

Building a strong, mission-driven team can be a key differentiator in a competitive market. 

Opportunities: What sets scale-ups apart

1. Scaling sustainably, not just quickly

In the rush to scale, many businesses prioritise valuation over value creation—but this approach can backfire. 

Jenny Wordsworth has seen a shift in how companies approach growth. Startups used to raise millions in VC funding, pour it into paid ads, and hope for conversions. “That’s changing,” she said. “Now, we’re seeing a focus on getting product-market fit right first, before scaling aggressively.” 

Her advice? Take your time—because slowing down now can help you scale faster later.

2. Leveraging AI and digital tools

Technology is reshaping industries, and AI is at the forefront of that transformation. 

While Greg admitted that AI is still a buzzword for many, he acknowledged that it’s a trend businesses cannot ignore. Those that adopt AI-powered efficiencies—even in simple ways, like automating operations—will have a competitive edge over those that don’t.

3. Choosing the right banking partner

A business bank should be more than just a service provider—it should be a strategic partner. 

Valentina Kristensen emphasised the importance of choosing a bank that truly understands the needs of scaling businesses. “Your banking partner should understand your business, be easy to reach, and help you scale—whether you’re at £1m turnover or growing toward £100m,” she said. 

With many businesses now looking beyond traditional high-street banks, there is a clear opportunity for entrepreneurial, flexible banking solutions that cater to scaling companies, not just startups. 

Final thoughts 

Scaling isn’t just about more customers, bigger offices, or higher revenue—it’s about sustainable, strategic growth. The key themes that emerged from the panel were: 

  • Validate demand before scaling innovation 
  • Be strategic about funding—don’t just chase capital 
  • Hire for culture as well as capabilities and competencies 
  • Use digital tools and AI to unlock efficiencies 
  • Choose a banking partner that grows with you 

For founders looking to scale successfully, the path is clear: plan intentionally, grow responsibly, and stay true to your long-term vision.