Debbie Wosskow: Multi-Exit Entrepreneur, Investor, and Champion for Women in Business
In the world of entrepreneurship, few figures embody resilience, vision, and innovation as clearly as Debbie Wosskow. A multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, she has made her mark not only by building and scaling businesses but also by championing gender equity and women-led ventures. From Sheffield beginnings to becoming a high-profile British entrepreneur recognised with an OBE, Debbie Wosskow’s journey is both inspiring and instructive for business leaders, aspiring founders, and change-makers alike.
This article explores her life, achievements, ventures, and impact — offering a detailed look at why Debbie Wosskow remains one of the most influential figures in UK business today.
Early Life and Education
Debbie Wosskow was born in Sheffield, United Kingdom, in 1974. She grew up in Yorkshire before later moving to Leeds during her formative years. From an early age, she displayed a flair for creativity and business. At just fifteen years old, she participated in the Young Enterprise programme, an experience that first sparked her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her academic path took her to the University of Oxford, specifically New College, where she read Philosophy and Theology. This grounding in critical thought and ethics later informed her approach to leadership, strategy, and innovation.
First Steps in Business: Mantra PR
At only 25, Debbie Wosskow co-founded her first company, Mantra PR, a public relations and marketing consultancy. With strong leadership and innovative campaigns, the firm grew rapidly, and by 2007 it was acquired by the Loewy Group. This was her first major entrepreneurial exit — proof of her ability to spot opportunities, build a business from the ground up, and achieve a profitable sale.
Expanding Horizons: Maidthorn Partners
Following her success with Mantra PR, she co-founded Maidthorn Partners, an investment and advisory firm focused on media, technology, and creative industries. Here, Debbie Wosskow began honing her expertise not only as an operator but also as an investor and mentor to other entrepreneurs.
Love Home Swap: A Game-Changing Venture
The idea for Love Home Swap came to Debbie Wosskow after watching the film The Holiday, in which two women swap homes to change their lives. Recognising the potential of a subscription-based home exchange platform, she launched the company in 2011.
Over six years, she scaled Love Home Swap into a global player, acquiring rivals and attracting a strong user base. In July 2017, the company was sold to Wyndham Destination Networks for $53 million. This was her most high-profile exit and cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s most successful female entrepreneurs.
Founding AllBright: Empowering Women
In 2018, together with Anna Jones, Debbie co-founded AllBright, a global career network for women. Combining digital platforms with physical clubs in London and beyond, AllBright created spaces for women to connect, collaborate, and upskill.
The company hosted events, training, and mentorship, while also acting as a bold statement in support of female empowerment. Debbie’s leadership here extended her influence beyond entrepreneurship into social impact and advocacy.
Leadership in Policy: The Wosskow Report and Sharing Economy UK
In 2015, Debbie Wosskow authored the “Unlocking the Sharing Economy” report for the UK government. This influential piece of work, often called the Wosskow Report, offered insights into how the UK could regulate and encourage the growing sharing economy.
She also became the first chair of Sharing Economy UK (SEUK), a trade body representing over sixty sharing-economy businesses, including Airbnb, Deliveroo, and BlaBlaCar. Her leadership helped shape the policy landscape for one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.
Recent Ventures: The Better Menopause and WJV LLP
Debbie’s more recent focus has been on health, wellness, and economic empowerment. In 2023, she became Executive Chair of The Better Menopause, a company providing science-backed products to support women’s performance and wellbeing in midlife.
Alongside Anna Jones, she also co-founded WJV LLP, a boutique investment and strategic innovation firm. The firm aims to connect diverse and female-run venture capital funds with investors seeking both profit and purpose.
Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce
In 2024, Debbie Wosskow was appointed Co-Chair of the UK Government’s Invest in Women Taskforce, supported by the Department for Business and Trade. The initiative aims to build the largest funding pool in the world for female entrepreneurs, raising over £580 million to date.
This role has positioned Debbie at the forefront of systemic change, ensuring that women-led businesses receive the financial backing they deserve.
Board and Advisory Roles
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Debbie Wosskow serves in multiple high-profile advisory and non-executive roles, including:
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Non-Executive Director at Channel 4
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Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company
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Founding Advisor at Smart Society Ventures
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Board Member of the Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board
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Trustee and Chair of Development Board for the Women’s Prize for Fiction
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UK Advisory Board Member at Omaze
Her breadth of influence spans media, technology, finance, culture, and social impact.
Awards and Recognition
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OBE (Order of the British Empire) awarded in 2016 for services to business.
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Freedom of the City of London, awarded in 2019.
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Recognised as a Top Voice and leading influencer on professional platforms.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Debbie is also a mother of two children. She has spoken publicly about balancing business leadership with family life and is candid about the challenges of achieving work-life balance. While she keeps much of her private life away from the public eye, she has openly acknowledged her experiences of divorce and later marrying again during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Her reflections on motherhood, particularly raising teenagers while running global businesses, highlight her belief in the importance of “the little things” — being present at breakfast, asking about their day, and keeping devices away during family time.
Debbie Wosskow’s Legacy and Impact
Debbie Wosskow represents more than entrepreneurial success; she embodies a vision of business as a tool for systemic change. From her pioneering work in the sharing economy to her leadership in women-focused ventures, she continues to shape industries and inspire new generations of founders.
Her story demonstrates that leadership is not just about financial success but about creating impact, empowering others, and challenging traditional norms. For entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, her journey is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and social responsibility.
Conclusion
Debbie Wosskow is more than an entrepreneur; she is a thought leader, a trailblazer, and a champion for women in business. From Sheffield beginnings to global boardrooms, her career shows the power of determination, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
With her current focus on Invest in Women, The Better Menopause, and WJV LLP, she continues to shape the business landscape in the UK and beyond. Her impact is felt across sectors, and her influence is likely to grow in the years to come.
