The Next Act is a collaborative programme from LSE Generate and GuessWorks, designed for leaders aged 60+ who want to step confidently into new roles as Founders, Investors, or Non-Executive Directors (NEDs).

Across three immersive sprints, participants learn to channel their experience, wisdom, and networks into the entrepreneurial world, unlocking new pathways for impact, purpose, and personal growth.

This is a hands-on, network-driven learning journey rooted in practical application, collaboration, and values-led contribution.

Sign up for the programme here

Programme Objectives

Participants will:

• Define their next chapter: clarifying purpose, strengths, and ambitions.

• Gain practical tools: to navigate angel investing, business creation, and NED opportunities.

• Join a new peer community: of like-minded, purpose-driven leaders.

• Grow modern capabilities: including AI literacy and digital skills delivered through Google-supported modules.

• Connect with LSE’s startup ecosystem: gaining exposure to founders, startups, and deal flow.

Programme Structure

Kick Off: Vision, Purpose & Cohort Building

A deep dive into alignment and personal clarity.

Participants explore:

• Core values, strengths, and legacy goals

• What motivates your “next act”

• How to leverage their experience and networks

• Cohort-building practices that establish trust and collaboration

Outcome: A personalised Next Act Blueprint outlining purpose, areas of impact, and preferred pathways: Founder, Investor, or NED. This foundation supports the three interconnected sprints that follow.

Sprint 1: Angel Investing: From Values to Venture

Build confidence as a values-aligned early-stage investor.

Drawing on Andy Ayim’s extensive experience training angel investors through Angel Investing School sessions cover:

• What makes a great startup, and a great investor

• Early-stage investment mechanics

• Shaping a personal investment thesis

• Finding, evaluating, and due-diligencing opportunitie

• Supporting founders post-investment

Outcome: A clear investment thesis, exposure to LSE Generate deal flow, and readiness to take first steps as an angel investor.

Sprint 2: Entrepreneurship: Founder Mindset & Opportunity Design

Explore opportunities and test ideas through hands-on entrepreneurial practice.

Participants learn:

• How to identify “white spaces” and meaningful problems to solve or invest in

• Ways to connect purpose and expertise with real market needs

• Founder-market fit and modern ideation frameworks

• Early validation tools: interviews, MVP thinking, business design

• How to use AI tools for research, ideation, and prototyping

Outcome: A set of tested ideas or refined lenses for spotting opportunities; useful whether participants intend to build, invest, or advise.

Sprint 3: NED: Shaping and Supporting Ventures

Understand how to bring strategic value to startups and scaleups.

Topics include:

• The modern NED role and expectations

• Governance, ethics, and founder dynamics

• How to spot NED opportunities and articulate value to founders

• How NED experience strengthens capabilities as a investor or founder

Outcome: A practical plan for securing NED roles, strengthening boards, and integrating NED skills into broader entrepreneurial activity.

Programme Design Principles

• Values-Aligned, Value-Adding: Grounding action in purpose to create meaningful, lasting impact.

• Collaboration Over Competition: Cohort-based learning that amplifies collective success.

• A Symbiotic Ecosystem: Founder, investor, and NED pathways reinforcing one another through shared insights and networks.

• Practice Over Theory: Experiential sessions, live startup engagement, real-world application.

Sign up for the programme here

Delivery Format

Two options are available, with Intensive recommended for those who want quick exposure to new paths.

Indicative Coaches & Trainers

A world-class team of facilitators with expertise across innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and inclusion will run the programme.

The lead programme facilitators will be:

Hattie Willis

Founder of GuessWorks; innovation strategist; leadership and values coach. Trained thousands of leaders and founders

Andy Ayim, MBE

Managing Director, Angel Investing School, expert in angel investing education, inclusive capital, and early-stage ecosystem building.

Additional mentors and speakers will join from LSE Generate’s founder network and GuessWorks’ ecosystem partners.

Why Us

This partnership brings together three distinct strengths:

• LSE Generate: A globally recognised entrepreneurship hub offering access to diverse founders, ventures, venues, and institutional credibility.

• GuessWorks: Builders of transformative learning experiences, with a track record of training thousands of founders. Specialists in values-led leadership, cohort design, and innovation strategy.

• Angel Investing School: A trusted provider of angel investing education, turning professionals into confident, purpose-driven investors.

Together, we create a values-led ecosystem that bridges experience, capital, and innovation, helping participants not just learn, but become part of the entrepreneurial world.

Expected Outcomes & Legacy

By the end of Next Act, participants will:

• Have a clear direction for their next chapter

• Be ready to make their first angel investment or refine a thesis

• Have validated one or more venture ideas

• Be prepared to step into NED roles

• Be part of an ongoing peer community sharing opportunities, deals, and insights

Graduates can continue through:

• Quarterly Next Act Circles

• LSE Generate showcase events

• Shared deal flow and founder introductions

Sign up for the programme here