Shalini Khemka CBE: Championing Entrepreneurship and Scaling Businesses in the UK
When discussing leading figures who have reshaped the entrepreneurial landscape in the United Kingdom, the name Shalini Khemka stands out. Recognised as a driving force behind the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), she has built an extraordinary career dedicated to helping founders scale their ventures. Her leadership of E2E (Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur), combined with her extensive background in finance, mentoring, and public service, has positioned her as a pivotal influence on the UK economy.
Awarded a CBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List for services to entrepreneurship, Shalini Khemka has demonstrated consistent dedication to fostering business growth, mentoring founders, and shaping government policy. This article explores her journey, contributions, and the legacy she continues to build.
The Early Journey of Shalini Khemka
Academic Foundation
Born in the 1970s, Shalini pursued her higher education at the University of Essex, Colchester, where she graduated with a BA Honours in Economics. Her dissertation focused on the “Implications of International Trade for the World Economy”, a subject that foreshadowed her future expertise in trade finance and global markets.
During her time at university, she served as Head of the Student Industrial Society for London and the South East, demonstrating early leadership and a passion for engaging with enterprise initiatives.
Early Career in Finance
Shalini began her professional career in banking and finance, working with renowned institutions such as NatWest Bank, Coopers & Lybrand, and Deutsche Bank. By the late 1990s, she was gaining valuable exposure to international trade and corporate finance.
In 2000, she became Head of Banking Relations at LTP Trade Plc, a pioneering electronic marketplace for international trade finance. Under her leadership, the company grew to connect more than 300 banks worldwide, solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking leader in financial innovation.
Founding E2E: A Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs
The Birth of an Ecosystem
In 2010, Shalini Khemka founded E2E (E2Exchange) with a clear mission: to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and mentoring opportunities needed to scale their businesses. Having faced challenges in her own early ventures, she was determined to build an ecosystem that addressed the pain points of founders.
E2E operates on the philosophy that entrepreneurs learn best from fellow entrepreneurs. Through powerful connections between founders, investors, non-executive directors, and corporate partners, the organisation has created an unrivalled community of business support.
Scale and Impact
Over the past decade, E2E has grown into a formidable organisation, now supporting more than 23,000 founders. Collectively, these businesses contribute approximately £213 billion to the UK economy and employ 1.15 million people.
Shalini’s vision is clear: to elevate the UK from 13th place globally in its support of scale-ups, aiming for the same level of excellence it currently enjoys in nurturing start-ups, where it ranks third.
Events and Thought Leadership
Under Shalini’s stewardship, E2E has hosted hundreds of high-profile events, including many at the prestigious House of Lords. These gatherings bring together world-class entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The organisation’s initiatives have also contributed to white papers on Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS), business rates, and youth employment in SMEs, influencing both government and industry strategy.
Leadership During Times of Crisis
Response to COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the survival of thousands of SMEs, Shalini Khemka took decisive action. By capturing feedback from hundreds of business owners and presenting targeted recommendations to the UK Chancellor, she directly influenced the design of government support packages.
Her work contributed to measures such as the Bounce Back Loans scheme and the Flexi-Furlough initiative, both of which provided essential relief to businesses struggling during the crisis.
Ongoing Advocacy
Beyond crisis management, Shalini has consistently advocated for access to finance and mentoring. She encourages successful entrepreneurs and investors to provide both funding and pro bono advice to the next generation of founders, creating a culture of shared success.
Recognition and Honours
CBE Award
In 2022, Shalini was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty The Queen, recognising her outstanding services to entrepreneurship and the UK economy. This prestigious honour underscores the impact of her lifelong work in empowering SMEs and driving economic growth.
Commendation in the House of Lords
In March 2021, Shalini and E2E were formally commended in the Hansard at the House of Lords for their work on Capital Gains Tax deliberations, further demonstrating the credibility and influence of her contributions at the national level.
Roles Beyond E2E
Public Service and Advisory Positions
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Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board: Since 2016, Shalini has been a member, helping to shape policies that promote London’s economic development.
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UK Export Finance (UKEF): Served as a Non-Executive Director, supporting the mission to ensure no viable UK export fails due to lack of finance or insurance.
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Department for International Trade (DIT): Appointed as a Global Entrepreneur Programme Deal Maker, helping high-growth international businesses establish headquarters in the UK.
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Market Finance: Member of the Supervisory Committee of one of the UK’s leading fintech firms.
Mentorship and Influence
Shalini also supports a wide range of entrepreneurial initiatives, serving as a judge for prestigious awards such as the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Her mentorship and investment activities have empowered countless entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.
The Philosophy of Shalini Khemka
Knowledge Into Wisdom
Shalini often expresses her belief that turning knowledge into wisdom is the elixir of life. This philosophy is reflected in her approach to mentoring, where she emphasises the importance of experience-sharing and practical guidance over theoretical advice.
Building Collaborative Communities
She recognises that entrepreneurship is not a solitary journey. By creating platforms where founders can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another, she has reshaped the entrepreneurial culture in the UK to one of mutual support.
The Legacy of Shalini Khemka
Contribution to the UK Economy
The numbers speak for themselves: 23,000 founders supported, £213 billion contributed, and 1.15 million jobs sustained. These achievements reflect Shalini’s direct influence on the UK’s economic strength and global competitiveness.
Driving Scale-Up Success
Her work addresses one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: helping start-ups evolve into successful scale-ups. By focusing on this transition, Shalini is ensuring that the UK not only fosters entrepreneurial spirit but also builds sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.
Inspiring Future Generations
Beyond her tangible contributions, Shalini Khemka serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and under-represented groups in business. Her journey from trainee accountant to globally recognised business leader demonstrates the transformative power of resilience, vision, and community-building.
Conclusion
Shalini Khemka CBE is more than an entrepreneur; she is a mentor, investor, policy influencer, and tireless advocate for scaling businesses. Through the creation of E2E and her extensive advisory roles, she has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs and strengthened the backbone of the UK economy.
Her legacy is one of collaboration, growth, and resilience. As the UK continues to navigate global challenges and opportunities, Shalini’s mission to elevate scale-ups will remain critical. In every sense, she embodies the qualities of leadership, service, and innovation that define true champions of entrepreneurship.
