Ep74: Exiting Fuel10K & The Future of Food: Barney Mauleverer

We're thrilled to welcome back Fuel 10k founder Barney Mauleverer for his third appearance on Brand Growth Heroes. 
Barney's just wrapped up an incredible 13-year journey with Fuel 10K, and he's here to chat about the grit and patience it takes to build and sell a company. Trust us, if you're a founder facing your own hurdles, you'll want to tune in for this one!

Barney's story shows that success isn't always about sprinting to the finish line. Sometimes, it's more like running a marathon. Every experience, good or bad, plays a part in the big picture. His journey is super-inspiring for founders out there, reminding us that there is something to learn from every experience - even the not-so-glamorous stuff like factory floor checks!

But wait, there's more! Barney's also spilling the beans on his latest venture. He's just launched the 'FUTURE OF FOOD competition, a cool competition for entrepreneurs who are shaping what we'll be eating tomorrow (unusually, it's free to enter and attend).

The final round will be held on November 26th at the stunning venue: The Royal Geographic Society - 16 finalists pitch to win in front of food industry luminaries, with an audience of entrepreneurs, investors, buyers and journalists. I'm lucky enough to be a judge on the day, so come and say hello!

Thank you, Barney, for shining a light on the future of the industry/market/how we will feed ourselves. We hope you enjoy this episode and will join us on the 23rd November - register to attend here!

By the way, if you're listening to this on Spotify, you'll find a place where it says ASK A QUESTION.

You can ask Fiona a question, and she will be able to answer you. So, if you have any questions about this episode or anything you thought helpful, please let Fiona know!

Useful links/info:

Future Food Competition info here

Register to attend here

Barney’s LinkedIn

The Future of Food Competition is a free, fully inclusive, not-for-profit event. Amidst significant global changes and rapidly evolving megatrends, this challenge shines a spotlight on opportunities and issues in the food industry. By encouraging debate, entrepreneurialism and innovative thinking, we seek to drive progress and positive change. We hope this event becomes a regular highlight in the calendar for everyone passionate about investing in food entrepreneurship.

Here's the running order:

12am – Attendees arrive and network

12.45 – Doors shut

13.00 – Setting the scene...

• Mike Berners-Lee – author of There Is No Planet B and How Bad Are Bananas & passionate expert in Carbon Footprinting.
• Pen Hadow – Arctic record-breaker and conservationist dedicated to protecting the seas and its wildlife.
• Kevin Dorren is an AI enthusiast and shifting populations specialist.

14.30 - All attendees circulate the Pitch Tables

15.30 - Judges preside & with a Popular Vote, and select 3 of the best

• Miranda Ballard from NielsenIQ uses case study data to explain how entrepreneurial endeavour can impact big business.

16.00 – 3 top finalists invited to pitch in the iconic Ondaatje Theatre + Q&A

16.45 – Judges & Popular Vote (Strictly style!) Gold, Silver, Bronze are announced & prizes awarded

17.00 - It’s a wrap!