Sahar Hashemi — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Awarded an OBE in June 2012 for services to the UK economy and to charity.
Co-Founder at BUY WOMEN BUILT since 2021.
Co-founded Coffee Republic, building it into a recognized high street brand with 110 bars and £30m turnover.
Founded Skinny Candy in 2005, which was sold to confectionery conglomerate Glisten PLC in 2007.
Author of the bestselling "Anyone Can Do It" and "Start Up Forever," a Financial Times Business Book of the Month.
Serves as co-chair of the Government Scale Up Taskforce and Non Executive Director at the ScaleUp Institute.

Biography

Sahar Hashemi OBE is a prominent serial entrepreneur and author, recognized for her significant contributions to the UK business landscape. A former lawyer, she co-founded Coffee Republic with her brother, establishing the UK's first US-style coffee bar chain. Under her leadership, Coffee Republic grew into one of the UK’s most recognized high street brands, boasting 110 bars and achieving a turnover of £30 million.