The Leasing Foundation
The Leasing Foundation is a UK charitable industry body founded in 2012 that supports the asset finance and leasing sector through five workstreams — NextGen, EDI, Innovation, Sustainability, and Giving — alongside its 30 Under 30 recognition index.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Leasing Foundation does
The Leasing Foundation, legally constituted as The Leasing Industry Philanthropic and Research Foundation Ltd (Company Number 08080720), is a UK-registered charitable organization founded in 2012 that functions as the principal industry body for the UK asset finance, leasing, and SME lending sectors. The Foundation's mission — "to build a diverse, world-class community of business finance professionals and empower them to be a force for good" — is operationalized through five interconnected workstreams: the NextGeneration Network (early-career networking and talent development), Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (with initiatives including London Pride, a women's spotlight series, and a 2026 Gender Programme), the Innovation Initiative (awareness of emerging technologies including AI), the Sustainability Initiative (quarterly ESG webinars and a sustainability glossary), and The Giving Network (charitable partnerships with youth charities such as Coach Core, Beyond, and Wings for Life). It also operates the high-visibility 30 Under 30 talent index, now in its sixth consecutive year, alongside an Industry Insights talent-retention programme and a 2026 Mentoring Programme focused on women's development.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board drawn from across the UK asset finance ecosystem — with representatives from Simply, United Trust Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Shire Leasing, Novuna Business Finance, Alfa Financial Software, Solaris Law, CBC Resourcing Solutions, and Finance Connect — and is currently chaired by Ylva Oertengren of Simply. The "product" is not a software platform but a community-led service: in-person networking events at London and Manchester venues (SAMA Bankside, Fortnum's at the Royal Exchange, KPMG, Cosy Club), free-to-attend online webinars (hosted via Zoom, registered through HubSpot forms), recognition programs, and structured mentoring — with engagement metrics such as 400+ Connect Roulette participants and a 50-strong sector contingent for London Pride 2026. There is no proprietary technology stack, no app, no API, and no AI capability of note; the website runs on WordPress with the Neve theme.
The Foundation is funded through corporate sponsorships, event ticket revenue, and charitable fundraising — it is not a commercial enterprise and does not earn revenue from products or services. Named multi-year sponsors through 2026 include Lendscape (Innovation), Acquis (NextGeneration Network), Funding Xchange (EDI), and FIS Global (Sustainability), with additional Champion/Ally/Partner tier sponsorship for community events. Event pricing is unit-based (single tickets at £50 + VAT with group-invoicing options), most webinars are free, and pass-through fundraising totals £27,610–£41,339 annually (2023–2025). Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the firm is unlikely to monetize commercially given its charitable constitution.
The Leasing Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Leasing Foundation
- Legal name
- The Leasing Industry Philanthropic and Research Foundation Ltd
- Website
- https://leasingfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The Leasing Foundation is a UK charitable industry body founded in 2012 that supports the asset finance and leasing sector through five workstreams — NextGen, EDI, Innovation, Sustainability, and Giving — alongside its 30 Under 30 recognition index.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Leasing Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industry Association Programs
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking (BPAGAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), Advancement Services & Donor Operations (CRM, Gift Processing, Stewardship) (EDALAOAD)
Keywords
Where The Leasing Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Leasing Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Charitable Foundation Operations: The Leasing Foundation operates as a nonprofit charitable organization (The Leasing Industry Philanthropic and Research Foundation Ltd) funded through corporate sponsorships, event revenues, and charitable fundraising activities. The Foundation does not generate commercial revenue from products or services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single event ticket for NextGen Network London networking event |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
The Leasing Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Leasing Foundation is a UK charitable industry body that runs community programs, networking events, and recognition initiatives for professionals in the asset finance, leasing, and SME lending sectors. Its core offerings include the NextGeneration Network for young professionals, Equity Diversity & Inclusion programs, the Innovation Initiative, the Sustainability Initiative, the Giving Network for charity partnerships, the 30 Under 30 talent recognition index, mentoring and talent development programs, and flagship events such as the Summer Party and Connect Roulette.
Product overview
The Leasing Foundation is a professional industry organization (trading as The Leasing Industry Philanthropic and Research Foundation Ltd) that supports the asset finance industry through a portfolio of interconnected programs and events. The core offerings include the NextGeneration Network (networking and development for young professionals), EDI initiatives (diversity, inclusion and wellbeing), Innovation Initiative (emerging technology awareness), Sustainability Initiative (environmental topics and sustainable finance), and The Giving Network (charitable partnerships). Supporting programs include the 30 Under 30 talent recognition initiative, Industry Insights Programme for talent retention, Mentoring Programme for women's development, Gender Programme, and flagship events such as the Summer Party and Connect Roulette. The organization functions as an industry body focused on community-building, education, and positive change rather than a commercial technology product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- NextGeneration Network
Companies that use The Leasing Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Leasing Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Leasing Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, champion, ally and partner.
- FIS GlobalmajorFIS Global sponsors the Leasing Foundation's Sustainability Initiative for 2026, supporting practical action on sustainability across the asset finance industry and helping businesses improve environmental performance.
- AcquismajorAcquis sponsors the Leasing Foundation's NextGeneration Network for 2025-2026. The NextGen Network exists to make business finance a place where young people choose to build long, rewarding careers through relaxed networking and structured events.
- LendscapemajorLendscape, the world's leading technology provider for all forms of secured finance, sponsors the Leasing Foundation's Innovation Initiative in a multi-year agreement running until end of 2026. The programme connects and supports innovation across the asset finance industry.
- Funding XchangemajorFunding Xchange sponsors the Leasing Foundation's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives for 2025-2026. The EDI group works to build a community representing and celebrating all walks of life within asset finance.
- Coach Core FoundationcoreCoach Core Foundation is the Leasing Foundation's charity partner for 2025-2026. Coach Core uses the power of sport and apprenticeships to transform the lives of young adults. The Foundation raised £41,339 for Coach Core in 2025 through events and initiatives.
- Finance ConnectmajorFinance Connect supports the Leasing Foundation 30 Under 30 initiative and is co-sponsored alongside Acquis for the 2026 program.
- ShoosmithschampionShoosmiths is a Champion contributor to the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march and sponsors the pre-Pride gathering event. A law firm providing legal services to the asset finance industry.
- ALFA SystemschampionALFA Systems is a Champion contributor to the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march. ALFA Financial Software provides technology solutions to the asset finance sector.
- Close BrothersallyClose Brothers is an Ally supporter of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 initiative, supporting inclusion and visibility for LGBTQ+ colleagues in the asset finance sector.
- NovunaallyNovuna is an Ally supporter of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march.
- Finance ConnectpartnerFinance Connect is a Pride Partner of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march and has supported the 30 Under 30 program as a supporter.
- LombardpartnerLombard is a Pride Partner of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march.
- PraeturapartnerPraetura is a Pride Partner of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march.
- Solaris LawpartnerSolaris Law is a Pride Partner of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march.
- Liberty LeasingpartnerLiberty Leasing is a Pride Partner of the Leasing Foundation's London Pride 2026 march.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Leasing Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB): UK trade body for commercial finance brokers, including those active in asset finance leasing. Comparable as a membership-driven industry association running professional development and recognition programs for the same ecosystem.
- Asset Finance Connect: UK-focused media, events and community platform serving the asset finance sector. Comparable as a convening and content organization for the same lender and broker audience, and an existing partner of The Leasing Foundation on the 30 Under 30 program.
- Finance & Leasing Association: The UK trade association for the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance industries. Most directly comparable peer because it is the recognized industry body covering the same UK leasing and asset finance ecosystem that The Leasing Foundation supports.
- Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA): UK trade association representing the asset-based finance industry, including invoice finance and asset-based lending. Comparable as a UK industry body operating in an adjacent corner of the same lender community.
Others
- Leasing Life: European trade publication and events brand covering the asset finance and leasing industry. Comparable as a sector-focused media and events operator targeting the same professional audience.
- Leasing Foundation Alumni Network (informal community): No direct external peer at this scale, so listed as a placeholder adjacent community. Other comparable ecosystem participants include smaller regional finance-industry networking groups and accelerator programs that operate in adjacent financial-services verticals.
Broad incumbents
- UK Finance: The overarching UK trade association for the banking and finance industry. Broader incumbent covering many of the same member firms but at the full-industry rather than asset-finance-specialist level.
Regional players
- Commercial Finance Association: US-based international trade association for the commercial finance industry. Comparable in mission (industry body for asset-based and equipment finance) but predominantly serves the North American market.
- Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA): The primary US trade association for the equipment leasing and finance industry. Comparable in mission and structure (industry body serving lessors) but operating in a different geography.
Emerging players
- Finance Connect: UK-based events, awards and content platform for the asset finance sector, founded by Ed Peck who now sits on the Leasing Foundation board. Comparable as a newer community-builder for the same niche audience with overlapping programming.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Leasing Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Leasing Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Leasing Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
The Leasing Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Leasing Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Leasing Foundation
What does The Leasing Foundation do?
The Leasing Foundation is a UK charitable industry body that runs community programs, networking events, and recognition initiatives for professionals in the asset finance, leasing, and SME lending sectors. Its core offerings include the NextGeneration Network for young professionals, Equity Diversity & Inclusion programs, the Innovation Initiative, the Sustainability Initiative, the Giving Network for charity partnerships, the 30 Under 30 talent recognition index, mentoring and talent development programs, and flagship events such as the Summer Party and Connect Roulette.
Is The Leasing Foundation a public or private company?
The Leasing Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Leasing Foundation founded?
The Leasing Foundation was founded in 2012. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is The Leasing Foundation based?
The Leasing Foundation is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does The Leasing Foundation make money?
One revenue line is on record: charitable Foundation Operations.
Who are The Leasing Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), Asset Finance Connect, Finance & Leasing Association and Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA). Others are Leasing Life and Leasing Foundation Alumni Network (informal community). UK Finance is listed as a broad incumbent. Regional players are Commercial Finance Association and Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). Finance Connect is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Leasing Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Leasing Foundation.
What industry is The Leasing Foundation in?
The Leasing Foundation's product category is Industry Association Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAC, Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAB, Community Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8600.