About Melissa
Founder, Investor & Speaker
Hi, I'm Melissa - a 29-year-old entrepreneur. My story begins when I was 8 years old, abducted as a child and losing everything I had. Since then, I have used my voice to inspire others, build companies, and back the next generation of founders.
You may know Melissa as
01 · Founding
Building the companies I wanted to exist.
I started my first business at 18 years old - a fashion platform buying and reselling clothing from charity shops. I have always been obsessed with solving some of the biggest problems. Most recently, I founded The Modernists, a tech-enabled marketplace connecting private venues with communities seeking culture, connection and spaces. I led the pre-seed fundraising, grew the team, expanded the business internationally, and built revenue from the ground up with very little funding in the early stages. I am passionate about building values- and faith-based businesses, and often speak about the intersection of the Christian faith and entrepreneurship.
Check out The Modernists
02 · Investing
Backing founders solving the world's biggest problems.
I support founders solving big problems for humanity - from health-tech and med-tech to consumer - with a thesis that spans multiple industries. Alongside pledging my own capital, I offer my time and open up my network, with a particular focus on female founders. I typically make one investment a year, usually in the $1,000 range; my allocation for this year is fully committed. Please get in touch below.
Wayo
Pre-seed stage · $1,000 ticket
03 · Speaking
Sharing to Inspire
In 2024, I had the opportunity to speak at TEDxWoodlane, sharing my childhood story to inspire, motivate and spark new ideas. I use my voice to help create a better future. My areas of interest are entrepreneurship, storytelling, business, community, tech and female leadership - and I am always open to new speaking opportunities.
Book MelissaFeatured Talk
The unfiltered version.
Podcasts & Features
In conversation.
A selection of recent podcast conversations and features on building The Modernists, backing founders, and the story behind the work.
Stages, partners and platforms
04 · Philanthropy
My Advocacy
200k
Family abduction cases prosecuted yearly
4%
Of missing children cases involve family
Miss Universe GB · 2021 & 2024 Finalist
As a delegate in the 2021 and 2024 Miss Universe GB finals, I used my platform to spotlight parental abduction and its impact on children - supporting families through their cases and raising awareness of an issue affecting thousands every year.