Carolyn Dawson OBE – The Visionary CEO Transforming the UK Tech Landscape
Who Is Carolyn Dawson?
Carolyn Dawson OBE is a prominent British business leader, widely recognised for her transformative impact on the UK’s technology and innovation ecosystem. As the Chief Executive Officer of Founders Forum Group and Tech Nation, she stands at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and global collaboration.
With a career spanning over two decades in the technology, media, and digital sectors, Carolyn Dawson has become one of the most influential voices in the UK’s tech community. Her leadership has shaped platforms that empower entrepreneurs, promote digital inclusion, and highlight Britain’s role as a global hub for technological progress.
Carolyn Dawson Age and Early Life
Born in May 1978, Carolyn Dawson is 47 years old as of 2025. Raised in the United Kingdom, she showed an early interest in languages and communication—skills that would later shape her ability to connect people and industries across borders. Her academic foundation reflects both intellectual depth and cultural sophistication.
Education and Academic Foundation
Carolyn Dawson attended RMS for Girls between 1991 and 1996, a school known for nurturing independent and ambitious young women. She then pursued a Master of Arts with Honours in French and German at The University of Edinburgh from 1996 to 2000.
In 2009, she completed the Business Acumen Residential Programme at Henley Business School, which strengthened her understanding of strategic management, leadership, and innovation. This combination of linguistic skill, analytical thinking, and business acumen provided the solid foundation upon which she built her remarkable career.
The Rise of a Tech Visionary
Early Career and Industry Foundations
Carolyn’s professional journey began in 2000 when she joined Informa Telecoms & Media as a Conference Researcher, Senior Analyst, and Reporter. She rapidly rose through the ranks, serving as Senior Researcher, Head of Special Projects, and later Portfolio Director, gaining valuable experience in media, telecoms, and digital transformation.
By 2010, she had become Managing Director of IIR Telecoms, overseeing more than fifty global events and a turnover exceeding £15 million. Her leadership style was defined by strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and the ability to identify emerging trends in a fast-evolving digital world.
Leadership at Informa Tech
From 2016 to 2021, Carolyn Dawson held several senior leadership roles at Informa Tech, a FTSE 100 company, including Managing Director, President of Verticals and ESG, and ultimately President of Informa Tech.
During this period, she became instrumental in shaping global conversations around technology and innovation. She relaunched London Tech Week in 2015, turning it into one of the most influential technology festivals in the world. Under her stewardship, the event expanded its global footprint, launching Tech Festivals in Africa and Asia and amplifying the UK’s position as a global leader in technology.
Her work bridged industry and government, advocating for inclusivity, digital literacy, and sustainable innovation. She was later recognised with the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding services to London Tech Week and the UK tech sector.
Carolyn Dawson Founders Forum – Leading Global Innovation
In October 2021, Carolyn Dawson was appointed CEO of Founders Forum Group, a global community and portfolio of businesses that support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Under her visionary leadership, Founders Forum has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem spanning advisory, executive search, philanthropy, diversity and inclusion, and education.
The group now operates across three continents, employing more than 150 professionals across 14 sub-businesses. Carolyn’s focus has been on connecting founders, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to accelerate global innovation and address pressing challenges in technology and society.
Carolyn Dawson and Tech Nation – Relaunching a UK Growth Engine
One of Carolyn’s major achievements has been leading the relaunch of Tech Nation, the UK’s flagship platform for scaling technology companies. By integrating Tech Nation within the Founders Forum Group, she has ensured continuity for Britain’s most successful tech accelerator programme.
Under her direction, Tech Nation continues to nurture high-growth startups and empower entrepreneurs through mentorship, investment support, and global exposure. Her leadership exemplifies how strategic collaboration can preserve and enhance national innovation infrastructure.
Other Leadership Roles and Contributions
Board Memberships and Councils
Beyond her executive duties, Carolyn Dawson OBE holds several influential board positions, reflecting her deep commitment to education, digital inclusion, and the empowerment of future generations. She currently serves as a Board Member of:
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RM plc, a leading provider of IT products and services to the education sector.
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01 Founders, a free-to-access coding school with a job guarantee that aims to remove financial barriers to digital education.
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Founders Makers, a creative partner to Europe’s leading challengers, scaleups, and major brands.
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Grip, an AI-powered networking platform transforming event engagement.
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Miroma Founders Network, supporting collaboration among founders and innovators.
Additionally, she has contributed her expertise as a Council Member of the Digital Economy Council (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), and as a member of the Digital Skills Council, the Ukraine Tech Bridge Advisory Board, and the Centre for Entrepreneurs.
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
Carolyn Dawson’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment. She believes in creating ecosystems rather than isolated enterprises—networks that empower founders and unlock long-term value for economies and societies alike.
Her work demonstrates how technology can be a force for good, driving not only innovation but also positive social impact. She is a vocal advocate for diversity in tech, ensuring that underrepresented voices are included in shaping the future of innovation.
By fostering an inclusive and dynamic community, she continues to champion Britain’s tech leadership on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Recognition and Influence
Carolyn Dawson’s achievements have earned her widespread respect across both the corporate and policy spheres. Her OBE award is a testament to her contribution to the UK’s digital economy.
Through her work with Founders Forum Group, Tech Nation, and London Tech Week, she has built an enduring legacy—one that positions the United Kingdom as a world leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress.
FAQs
1. Who is Carolyn Dawson?
Carolyn Dawson OBE is the Chief Executive Officer of Founders Forum Group and Tech Nation. She is recognised for her leadership in building the UK’s technology and innovation ecosystem and for spearheading global tech events like London Tech Week.
2. How old is Carolyn Dawson?
Carolyn Dawson is 47 years old, born in May 1978 in the United Kingdom.
3. What is Carolyn Dawson known for?
She is best known for leading the Founders Forum Group, relaunching Tech Nation, and growing London Tech Week into a globally recognised event promoting the UK’s tech excellence.
4. What does Carolyn Dawson OBE stand for?
The title OBE stands for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded to Carolyn for her outstanding services to the UK technology sector.
5. What is Carolyn Dawson’s educational background?
She holds an MA (Hons) in French and German from The University of Edinburgh and completed the Business Acumen Programme at Henley Business School.
Final Thoughts
Carolyn Dawson OBE represents the new face of global tech leadership—strategic, empathetic, and visionary. From her early days at Informa to her current leadership at Founders Forum and Tech Nation, her journey encapsulates the power of dedication, strategic foresight, and purpose-driven leadership.
At 47, she continues to shape the narrative of innovation, ensuring that the UK’s tech ecosystem remains vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive. Her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and advancing technology for good makes Carolyn Dawson not just a leader, but a driving force behind the future of digital progress.
