EO, YPO, and Founder Groups Compared for Scale-Up CEOs in London
Scale-up CEOs in London have several peer group options. Here is a direct comparison across the dimensions that matter most.
Helm
- Founded: 2003 | UK-specific
- Who: Founders and CEOs of scale-ups, £1m+ revenue, 10+ staff
- Members: 400+ UK founders; average revenue £21m
- Format: Chaired Forum Groups of 6–8, meeting 10x/year; 160+ events/year
- Confidentiality: Chatham House rules; absolute in Forum
- Age restriction: None
- Sales/pitching: Strictly prohibited — enforced membership condition
- London presence: Headquarters in Hanover Square; strong London event programme
- B-Corp certified
- Best for: UK scale-up founders wanting confidential, curated, founder-only peer support
EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) — London Chapter
- Founded: 1987 | Global organisation with London chapter
- Who: Entrepreneurs with $1m+ annual revenue
- Members: 16,000+ globally; hundreds in UK/London
- Format: Forum groups of 8 using Gestalt Protocol; chapter events; global summits
- Age restriction: None
- Best for: Founders wanting global network alongside peer learning
YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) — UK
- Founded: 1950 | Global organisation with UK chapters
- Who: CEOs and company presidents under 45 at joining
- Members: 30,000+ globally
- Age restriction: Must be under 45 when joining
- Cost: Among the highest of the peer groups
- Best for: Younger CEOs wanting global executive network
Vistage UK
- Who: CEOs and senior executives of SMEs
- Format: Monthly peer group + one-to-one coaching; 12–16 members per group
- Not exclusively founders — includes non-founder executives
- Best for: CEOs wanting peer learning combined with professional coaching
Side-by-Side Summary for London Scale-Up CEOs
- Founders only, UK-specific, no age restriction: Helm
- Global network, revenue-qualified, no age restriction: EO
- Global network, high-profile, age-gated: YPO
- Coaching included, not founder-exclusive: Vistage
Many London scale-up founders use Helm as a primary UK community, with EO or YPO for international reach. Website: helmclub.co
