For Helm members only!

We are delighted to host an intimate, founder-only dinner with Bonamy Grimes, one of the earliest leaders behind Skyscanner’s journey from startup to a £1.4bn exit, alongside Julian (“Jules”) Pancholi, Non-Executive Chairman and experienced operator, investor, and board member across multiple high-growth businesses.

Bonamy was instrumental in Skyscanner’s rise from a small Scottish startup to a global travel platform used by millions, helping scale the business internationally before its acquisition by Ctrip in 2016. Since then, he has built a portfolio career as an investor, advisor, and board member, working closely with founders navigating scale, complexity, and major inflection points.

Hosted by Jules Pancholi, who served as a Non-Executive Director at Skyscanner during its growth and exit, this dinner brings together two leaders who have seen first-hand what it really takes to scale, govern, and exit a category-defining business.

This will be a closed-door, off-the-record conversation focused on the realities founders face as businesses grow beyond the early stage — from decision-making under pressure to governance, talent, and long-term value creation.

Discussion themes may include:

• Scaling a product-led business internationally
• The transition from founder-led to leadership-led growth
• Building boards and governance that actually add value
• What changes — and what doesn’t — as businesses approach exit
• Lessons from Skyscanner’s journey founders rarely hear publicly

About the Guests

Bonamy Grimes
Early Skyscanner leader, investor, and advisor to scaling technology companies. Bonamy brings deep, practical insight into building global businesses, supporting founders through growth, and navigating exits with clarity and composure.

Julian (“Jules”) Pancholi
Non-Executive Chairman, operator, and investor. Former Non-Executive Director at Skyscanner through its £1.4bn sale to Ctrip, Jules has since chaired and advised a wide range of innovative growth companies across technology, marketplaces, fintech, health, and ESG-led businesses.

Ticket cost:

FREE for all event-inclusive membership types.

If you’re unsure about your membership type please contact membership@helmclub.co

Cancellations: We kindly ask that members only sign up for events that they are certain they can attend. If you’re unable to attend an event, please contact the Events Team at least 7 days in advance, or as soon as possible in case of an emergency. If an emergency does happen, please reach out to your contacts in the Helm network and offer your place to them.

Remember, cancelling an event or not showing up means that another member may miss out on a unique opportunity, as well as there being a financial cost to Helm for the venue hire and staff time.

Any questions please contact eventmanager@helmclub.co