MumsClub member wins financial backing from Sir Richard Branson
Maria Albertsen was runner-up in Virgin Media Pioneers’ nationwide search for top new company. She won the support of Sir Richard Branson after pitching her business to the founder of the Virgin group and one of Britain’s most renowned business leaders at his Oxfordshire family home.
You may remember Maria, we were supporting her bid during the public voting stage, it was amazing to see the support from Twitter and Facebook in giving one of our mums the support she needed to make it to the finals, so thank you to everyone who gave her a vote, each one counted as it was very close at the end!
The 32 year old Mum was one of four entrepreneurs invited to the final of a nationwide search by Virgin Media Pioneers – the online community for entrepreneurs – to find the best budding businesses. It followed a public poll with thousands of people voting to decide who should have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Maria, founder of RagHeroes (www.ragheroes.co.uk), was quizzed by Sir Richard and others in front of an audience of chief executives and managing directors about her plans for their range of rag dolls for boys and what they would do with the money if successful.
Following deliberations between the judges, which also included the co-creator of Innocent Smoothies, Richard Reed and Jamal Edwards, founder of SB.TV, Maria was named runner-up and awarded £750 out of the £5,000 total prize fund plus guidance and support as well as the backing of Sir Richard.
Maria Albertsen, founder of RagHeroes, said: “This has been such an amazing opportunity for me to get my id
Sir Richard Branson, pioneer-at-large of Virgin Media Pioneers and founder of the Virgin Group, said: “My ea out there. Sir Richard Branson is such a lovely man, and was very supportive and encouraging of my business plan, in fact all judges were. I hope to have the dolls on the market sometime in July this year.”
Sir Richard Branson, pioneer-at-large of Virgin Media Pioneers and founder of the Virgin Group, said: “My desire to do something different and take a few risks along the way has been at the heart of the Virgin story from the very beginning. We started with only a little capital and I believe with the right idea and early backing, Britain’s young entrepreneurs can create many outstanding businesses. Maria was very impressive and has an exciting business which I’m pleased to support.”
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk MP said: “They have shown great entrepreneurial skills to get the chance to take part in the competition and I’m sure they will become a great British business to watch in the future. It is encouraging to see projects such as Virgin Media Pioneers creating opportunities for young British entrepreneurs to shine. Small and medium sized enterprises are vital to the growth of the UK economy and it is fantastic that there are so many enthusiastic people looking to start and grow their business idea.”
Virgin Media Pioneers was founded by Virgin Media in 2010. Today, the free peer-to-peer network supports over 2,000 young entrepreneurs, proving mentoring, advice and unique business opportunities.
To find out more about the Virgin Media Pioneers visit: virgin media pioneers or @VMPioneers and you can find out more about Maria at her personal website maria albertsen
