​​From mission-driven start-ups supporting veterans’ mental health to developing a world-class defence technology company, this year’s winners demonstrated the extraordinary talent within the military business community.
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We want to thank our sponsors, volunteers and friends of the charity who all came along to support this event, with a special mention to Warwick Business School, who hosted us at their amazing venue in The Shard.
Heropreneur of the Year 2025
Sponsored by Goldman Sachs
Nigel Seaman
Combat2Coffee​
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Setting up Combat2Coffee hasn’t just been a labour of love for Nigel, it has been a key part of his ongoing recovery journey. It was 2018 when Nigel took the leap and launched Combat2Coffee, marking a major milestone in his continuing journey to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nigel first discovered the power of coffee while attending a residential course for treatment of his spiralling mental health, which was significantly impacting his family life. During his stay, he placed a coffee machine in his room and began inviting fellow veterans in for a chat. It quickly became clear: coffee wasn’t just a drink – it was a conversation starter and and his vision to spread this to the masses quickly developed.
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Nigel’s own experiences with PTSD stem from his time serving in the Royal Anglian Regiment, while his time working as a prison officer opened his eyes to the lack of rehabilitation and support available for those in custody.
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Today, Combat2Coffee roasts and sells high-quality Brazilian coffee, reinvesting profits into outreach programmes, training, and education to support veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, their families, and communities.
Start-Up of the Year 2025
Adele Furness
CG Cambridge​
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Although my time in the Army was short, it shaped who I am. I loved the structure, teamwork, and shared respect, values that still guide me today. After a medical discharge, the Army continued to support me, but it was the mentorship from Heropreneurs that truly helped me build something of my own.​
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I started a cleaning business, but it’s not like the rest. My team is made up of highly skilled individuals with backgrounds ranging from degrees to hands on experience. They’re some of the hardest most dedicated workers I’ve ever met.​
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I believe in investing in people. Everyone on my team is supported to grow into a specialist in an area they enjoy, building real careers in an industry full of potential.​
We’re growing naturally and for the right reasons and every time someone wants to be part of this journey, it reminds me why I started.
Product of the Year 2025
Jon Reynolds
The55, developed by Battle Bag Ltd
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Jon is a results-driven leader and entrepreneur with a diverse background in military service, fitness innovation, and digital health. A former Captain in the British Airborne Forces, Jon developed his leadership, organisational, and strategic decision-making skills during six years of active service - experiences that continue to shape his principled and values-led approach.
As the Managing Director of The55, Jon has played a crucial role in achieving significant milestones, including securing a contract with the British Ministry of Defence. His work at The55 embodies his vision for creating resilient and innovative fitness solutions that address the needs of various audiences, from military professionals to fitness enthusiasts.
Jon’s leadership is characterised by integrity, creativity, and a relentless drive for positive change—qualities that position him as a forward-thinking leader in the fitness and health sectors.
Tech Business of the Year 2025
Gus Lersten
Labrys Tech
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Gus received a Master's Degree from Oxford University, then joined and served in the Royal Marines (and was awarded a QCVS for service on operations in 2015) between 2013 and 2017. I then spent 3 years as an Adviser and Contractor to the FCDO and the Stabilisation Unit before founding Labrys Technologies.
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Labrys is a defence technology company building the next generation of command-and-control software for global operations. Founded in 2020, the company has scaled rapidly from concept to Seed to a $20 million Series A funding round. Backed by a team of 15 military veterans and 20 Engineers, Labrys combines frontline experience with cutting-edge engineering to deliver solutions that are trusted, mission-relevant.
Warwick Business School Award
Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE
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Hugo is a Royal Navy Marine Engineering Officer who has spent the past 15 years in the Submarine Service, leading teams to operate and maintain nuclear propulsion and ship systems​.
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In 2018, he founded HMS Oardacious, leading a military team to row across the Atlantic Ocean in 37 days, setting a record for the fastest military crossing. He completed a second crossing in December 2022, becoming one of the few individuals to row an ocean twice.
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Through these efforts, Hugo has raised over £1.3 million for charities such as RNRMC and the Taigh Mor Foundation. In 2022, he established the HMS Oardacious – Submariner Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to support the Submarine community. As the Royal Navy's Head of Human Performance,
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he focuses on enhancing resilience among personnel while promoting mental health and challenging stigma.
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Outside of his military role, Hugo is a devoted father to two daughters and mentors aspiring adventurers. In 2025, he was shortlisted for the WBS Heropreneurs MBA scholarship for his leadership and social impact.
Nathan Flye
shadowlink Ltd
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Nathan is a founder and director at shadowlink Ltd, a UK defence technology startup delivering resilient fibre-optic communications systems. A former British Army officer with 12 years’ service, Nathan specialised in capability planning and integration, most recently developing a modernisation plan that aligned delivery of a £40 billion portfolio with operational outputs.
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​​Since leaving the British Army in June 2025, Nathan has dedicated himself full-time to shadowlink, securing his first Ministry of Defence customer just seven months and seven days after sharing the novel concept with shadowlink's team over WhatsApp. Recognising that shadowlink would benefit from
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structured business expertise and practical insights, he applied for the Heropreneurs WBS Award to sharpen his strategic acumen and give shadowlink every possible competitive advantage. He feels humbled by the opportunity the award provides veterans.
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Nathan is ready to enrich the MBA cohort with his frontline insights and accelerate shadowlink’s impact on defence communications.
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
