Inside Ideas Fest 2025: Founders, Community & the Doorbell of Dreams

From Simon Squibb and the Doorbell of Dreams, to inspiring founder stories. Discover what made Ideas Fest 2025 unforgettable.

Being a founder is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take - but it can also be one of the loneliest. 

When you're building something from scratch, every decision, every risk, and every setback can feel like it's yours alone to carry. The pressure to succeed, the uncertainty of the path ahead, and the sheer number of hats you wear as a startup founder can be isolating.  

That’s why spaces like Ideas Fest matter.  

What is Ideas Fest? 

Ideas Fest is a festival for founders. Think Glastonbury for entrepreneurs, but instead of Beyoncé, you get to see world-class founders, investors, and changemakers taking to the stage. 

It’s where the startup ecosystem comes together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate bold ideas. Past speakers have included Simon Squibb (founder of HelpBnk), Daniel Priestley (co-founder of Dent Global), Grace Andrews (former Editorial and Brand Director at FlightStory Studio), Marisa Poster (co-founder of Perfect Ted), and many more. 

Simon Squibb was the headliner of Ideas Fest 2025. He gave inspiring talks to crowds of founders, even telling the story of how one of his team members pitched the concept of the Doorbell of Dreams to Sir Richard Branson by the toilet on a Virgin Atlantic flight!  

Spoiler alert — it worked. 

The Doorbell of Dreams at Ideas Fest 2025 

This year, Virgin StartUp teamed up with Simon Squibb and the HelpBnk team on the Doorbell of Dreams.  

Here’s how it works: Founders ring the doorbell and deliver a 60-second pitch. In return, they get feedback from some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, including Richard Branson, Simon Sinek, Holly Branson, Daniel Priestley, and more. Some even get featured on the Doorbell of Dreams social channels, and occasionally on the feeds of the entrepreneurs themselves 🤯.  

Every pitch also unlocks a free business advisory call through the Virgin StartUp Community. Because we believe every founder deserves support, no matter where they are in their journey. 

The Dream Machine (which carries the Doorbell of Dreams) rolled into Ideas Fest this year, and our team was there to see it in action. It was incredible to watch founders take that leap - pitching their ideas, sharing their stories, and stepping into possibility.  

We even met For Bake’s Sake, a startup that pitched to the doorbell and was invited to set up camp in Dreamland - Simon Squibb’s dedicated space at the festival. 

Founders Supporting Founders 

One of the best parts of Ideas Fest 2025 was seeing so many familiar faces from the Virgin StartUp Community. 

A standout moment? Meeting Stacey Lombari, founder of The Dreamcatcher Buddy. Our team encouraged Stacey to approach Helen Squibb and gift one of her Dreamcatcher Buddies to Simon’s son. Helen was moved by Stacey’s story and delighted to accept the gift. 

It was a beautiful reminder of what happens when founders show up, share their vision, and lean into community. You never know what doors might open. 

If you’re a founder looking for connection, support, and a community that gets it - join the Virgin StartUp Community today. It’s free, and it’s built to help you take that first step (and every step after). 

Because no founder should have to go it alone. 

Written by Nina Evangeli, Virgin StartUp