30-Under-30 tech boss searches for fellow entrepreneur for exclusive US Forbes event

Lancaster-based Vibe Group’s founder and chief executive, Luke Massie, is inviting approaches from aspiring entrepreneurs to join him at the Forbes Under 30 Summit, in Boston, USA, on September 30.

The 25-year-old, who sits in Forbes 30 Under 30 for Retail and E-Commerce, has paid for one extra place to the world-renowned entrepreneurs’ summit and committed to offer it to a worthy winner who will make the most of a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

He says the paid trip is “giving back to the start-up community”.

The exclusive event, from September 30, to October 3, sees more than 7,000 young entrepreneurs, visionaries and disruptors come together to hear from headline speakers working in investment, politics, technology, music and sport.

Massie pledged to award the place to “someone aspiring. A person who will make the most of the five-day trip and, who knows, maybe one day make the list themselves.”

He added: “The connections alone made on this trip are incredible.”

Announcing the offer on social media this week, Massie has already received approaches from a number of entrepreneurs keen to join him on his trip at the end of the month.

He said: “It wasn’t too long ago that I was striving to get my idea for Vibe off the ground.

“It takes grit and determination and a willingness to do things differently.

“People have backed me early on in my journey because they’ve seen something worth investing in and I’ve been lucky enough to be recognised by Forbes.

“The Under 30 summits are incredibly valuable – especially so for people like me.

“I came from a council estate in Preston and wasn’t ordinarily exposed to that calibre of entrepreneurialism.

“Being immersed in that community for five days is inspiring and intense and thought-provoking.

“I’m fortunate to be going and to be in the position to extend the invitation. If I can give someone else the opportunity, why wouldn’t I? It’s a no brainer for me.”

Massie’s invitation to the Forbes summit follows his announcement last week of the launch of Vibe Pay – the no-fee, peer-to-peer payment platform headed up by payments veteran, Gary Prince.

He welcomes approaches via LinkedIn and Twitter, by 6pm on Thursday, September 20, and will announce his chosen guest on Friday 21st.