Good Board | Bad Board Debate 2026

Founders at the Crossfire: How Great Boards Build Companies—and Bad Ones Break Them

When vision meets governance, sparks fly. In this inaugural Board Power debate, diverse views collide over the true impact of boards of directors on startup success.

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.

Seasoned venture capitalist 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 Dr Jason 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.

Different perspectives, no safe answers! Join us on the 4 March 3pm – this event is in person only, please visit Maxwell Centre website to get your ticket and receive arrival instructions.

Register here: https://good_board_bad_board_2026.eventbrite.co.uk