Launching Board Power Debate series at Cambridge University, March 4, 2026.

Are disciplined, best-practice boards the force multiplier that turns vision into value – or are they distractions that stifle founders’ creativity and momentum? Join Cambridge’s sharpest minds as we explore what really happens when founders stand at the crossfire between brilliance and oversight.

In this first debate, Pascal Levensohn will set the table, highlighting opposing schools of thought on board governance best practices, the utility of corporate boards in emerging and established companies, and common director pitfalls. Scientist and serial entrepreneur DrJason Mellad will bring the founder’s perspective to the debate, Dr Christine Martin, Head of Ventures at Cambridge Enterprise, will speak to the challenges and opportunities of seeding new ventures, and Dr Aga Iwasiewicz-Wabnig Director of the Maxwell Centre will share the challenges facing aspiring first-time founders as academic innovators.