OutBritain

What OutBritain does

OutBritain is a membership-based social enterprise operating as the UK's first LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. Founded in Edinburgh in June 2021 by Matt Dabrowski, with sister brand OutScotland launched in September 2020, the organization functions as the exclusive independent certification body for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) in the UK. The company is registered as OutBritain Ltd in Scotland (SC 657358) and operates a two-sided B2B platform connecting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, corporate procurement teams, and allied organizations across certification, events, and publications.

The company generates revenue through a multi-stream model comprising tiered membership subscriptions (freemium and premium), formal LGBTBE certification fees, corporate partnerships with major institutions, ticketed events and conferences, and the annual Pride Guide publication. Its network claims 250,000+ LGBTQ+-owned businesses representing £106 billion in economic contributions and 750,000+ employees. The organization reports 12+ founding corporate partners including Accenture, Barclays, EY, and HSBC, and was recognized as Global Chamber of the Year by the NGLCC in 2024.

OutBritain has positioned itself as the routing layer between the UK LGBTQ+ business community and corporate procurement ecosystems, with active alignment to the UK Procurement Act 2023 to drive supplier diversity. Upcoming initiatives include the Queer Small Business Fund (2026 launch), monthly charity partnerships, and expanded Pride Guide distribution, alongside global affiliate chamber relationships built on the NGLCC recognition.

Name

OutBritain

Legal name

OutBritain Ltd

Website

https://outbritain.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

OutBritain is the UK's first LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, founded 2021 in Edinburgh. It operates a membership-based social enterprise certifying LGBT-owned businesses, serving a network of 250,000+ LGBTQ+ companies through certification, corporate partnerships, events, and publications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Business Chamber of Commerce

NAICS

Business Associations (81391), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ business chamber
• LGBTBE certification
• Supplier diversity programs
• Business networking events
• LGBTQ+ supplier verification

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: OutBritain offers free and premium membership packages for organisations at all stages of their business journey. Membership provides access to networking opportunities, events, certification, and corporate introductions.
2. LGBTBE Certification Fees: Businesses can apply for LGBTBE certification through the portal. Certification provides competitive advantage and access to the network of corporate and government partners actively seeking certified LGBTBEs.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate partners (Accenture, Barclays, BP, CBRE, Diageo, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Sky, TJX, and others) sponsor and partner with OutBritain to access LGBTQ+ supplier networks and demonstrate supplier diversity commitments.
4. Events and Conferences: Revenue generated from event tickets, including monthly OutNetworking virtual events, in-person meetups, and the annual International Business & Leadership Conference with matchmaking opportunities.
5. Pride Guide Publication: The annual OutBritain Pride Guide serves as a curated showcase of LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Revenue may be generated through guide downloads and featured business listings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

OutBritain is a membership organization and the exclusive UK certification body that grants Certified LGBT Business Enterprise (Certified LGBTBE) designations to LGBTQ+ majority-owned businesses. It operates the country's largest LGBTQ+ business network, offering free and premium memberships, monthly OutNetworking events, mentorship programs, corporate supplier diversity matchmaking, and an annual Pride Guide directory to connect certified LGBTQ+ suppliers with corporate and government partners.

Product overview

OutBritain is the UK's First LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, operating as a membership organisation that provides a unified platform connecting, supporting, and growing the UK LGBT+ business community. The core offerings include LGBTBE Certification (exclusive verification that businesses are majority-owned by LGBT individuals), the annual Pride Guide directory, OutNetworking events, and membership packages ranging from free to premium tiers. Additional services encompass mentorship and internship programs, the Stepping Stones Micro Grant, and the newly launched Queer Small Business Fund. OutBritain also facilitates corporate supplier diversity programs connecting certified LGBTQ+ businesses with corporate partners, supported by a dedicated certification portal for applications and management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) Certification OutBritain's exclusive certification program that verifies UK businesses are majority-owned by LGBT individuals and grants Certified LGBT Business Enterprise (Certified LGBTBE) designation as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
• LGBTQ+ Business Membership Packages Free and premium membership packages (Business Supplier and Business Pro subscriptions) for UK LGBTQ+ businesses and allied organizations, offering networking opportunities, training, event hosting, and access to the OutBritain business community.
• OutNetworking Events Monthly virtual networking events hosted on the Luma platform for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals from across the UK, with regular in-person meetups and an annual International Business & Leadership Conference.
• OutBritain Pride Guide Annual curated showcase publication of LGBTQ+ owned businesses within the OutBritain network, designed to help organisations discover and utilise LGBTQ+ owned businesses for events, activations, and partnerships year-round.
• Mentorship and Internship Programs Programmes offering LGBTQ+ young professionals and students access to mentoring, internships, and career advice, connecting them with volunteer mentors across various industries.
• Stepping Stones Micro Grant Small business grant programme offering £500 financial awards to support LGBTQ+ business owners with investments in their ventures. Four grants available per cycle, reviewed by OutBritain, NGLCC, and business leaders.
• Corporate Supplier Diversity Programs OutBritain's corporate partnership program that connects corporate partners with certified LGBTQ+ owned businesses for supplier diversity initiatives, supporting procurement and business development opportunities throughout the year.
• OutBritain Certification Portal Online portal for LGBTBE certification applications, document submissions, and status tracking. Includes login, registration, password recovery, and email confirmation functionality.
• Business Skills Workshops and Seminars Programmes supporting development of business skills and expertise through workshops and seminars for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 250,000+ LGBTQ+-owned businesses and £106 billion in economic contributions documented through the LGBTQ+ Businesses Count report
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020OutScotland became a global affiliate of NGLCC in September 2020, joining the largest LGBT+ business network in the world. NGLCC has nearly 1,000 Certified LGBTBE companies across the US, 48 local LGBT+ Chambers, and 13+ international affiliate chambers. NGLCC provides best practice guidance, mentorship, cross-exchange of products and services, and access to the global LGBT business community.
• OutScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020OutScotland is a sister organisation of OutBritain, Scotland's premier LGBT+ business network. Both organisations launched on 3rd June 2021 in Edinburgh. OutScotland is also a global affiliate of NGLCC. Together they form the UK's LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce.
• AccenturecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives and corporate procurement programs.
• BarclayscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through financial services and supplier diversity programs.
• Warner Bros. DiscoverycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• PepsiCocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community and supplier diversity programs.
• BPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives.
• CBREcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through real estate and facilities management supplier diversity.
• DiageocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity and community initiatives.
• EYcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through professional services and advisory.
• Goldman SachscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through financial services and investment.
• Johnson & JohnsoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives.
• SkycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through media and entertainment.
• TJXcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Corporate Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives in retail.
• HSBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner of OutBritain. HSBC co-hosts events including 'The Inclusive Advantage: Breakfast Networking' and provides banking insights to the LGBTQ+ business community.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives.
• FidelityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ business community through financial services.
• NestléminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity initiatives.
• MSD (Merck & Co.)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner of OutBritain. Supports LGBTQ+ supplier diversity in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
• CGLCC (Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• Câmara LGBT (Brazil)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• East Meets West (Europe)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• CCLGBTCO (Colombia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• CCDCR (Costa Rica)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• CLOBE Victoria (Australia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• CCLGBTRD (Dominican Republic)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• Cámara LGBT EcuadorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• RWS: India's Diverse Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• IGLBC (Italian GLBT Business Chamber)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• FME LGBT MexicominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• SGLCC (European Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• PLUS South AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• CCNLGBTU UruguayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate Chamber of OutBritain. Part of the global network of LGBT business chambers.
• NetwomenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutScotland partnered with Netwomen to expand opportunities for inclusive and diverse entrepreneurs. The partnership provides masterclass sessions from industry experts, networking events, and supportive mastermind groups for women and LGBT+ entrepreneurs.
• Open Political Economy Network (OPEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with OutBritain to produce the LGBTQ+ Businesses Count report, the UK's first comprehensive economic study of LGBTQ+ businesses. Report authored by Philippe Legrain and Martyn Fitzgerald, providing the hard data on LGBTQ+ business economic contributions.
• Open for BusinessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOpen for Business collaborates with OutBritain on events and advocacy to articulate the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Liz Jacobs, Director of Global Programmes, speaks at OutBritain events.
• DowcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding corporate partner of OutBritain that financially supported the LGBTQ+ Businesses Count report launch. Demonstrates leadership in LGBTQ+ supplier diversity before it was widely recognised.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OutScotland: Sister organization of OutBritain and Scotland's premier LGBT+ business network. Both organizations launched on the same date in Edinburgh (June 2021) and share the same founder; OutScotland holds the NGLCC global affiliate relationship.
• SGLCC (European Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce): Pan-European LGBT+ business chamber providing continental networking and supplier diversity programs. Direct affiliate partner in the same international network as OutBritain.
• IGLBC (Italian GLBT Business Chamber): Italy's LGBT+ business chamber and a member of the same NGLCC global affiliate network. Offers certification, networking, and corporate partnership programs in Italy analogous to OutBritain's UK model.
• CGLCC (Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce): Canada's LGBT+ chamber of commerce and an NGLCC global affiliate. Operates a parallel certification, networking, and corporate supplier diversity model in Canada, directly comparable to OutBritain's UK proposition.
• NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce): The US-based global umbrella organization for LGBT+ chambers of commerce and the originator of the Certified LGBTBE program. OutBritain is a global affiliate of NGLCC and operates an equivalent certification and supplier diversity model in the UK.

Broad incumbents

• Stonewall (UK): UK's largest LGBTQ+ rights charity, with overlapping advocacy, workplace inclusion (Diversity Champions programme), and corporate engagement remit. Comparable audience (LGBTQ+ community and corporate partners) but focused on rights advocacy rather than business certification/networking.
• WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council): US-based certification body for women-owned businesses (WBE) and analogous to the LGBTBE model. Operates a parallel certification, corporate partnership, and supplier diversity architecture that the LGBTBE model explicitly mirrors.
• WeConnect International: Global certification body for women-owned businesses with international affiliate network model analogous to NGLCC/OutBritain. Comparable supplier diversity proposition serving a different underrepresented founder segment.

Emerging players

• Open for Business: Global coalition producing evidence-based research on the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Closely collaborates with OutBritain on events and advocacy; comparable in its data-and-advocacy approach but operates as a coalition rather than a chamber.
• Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK): UK-focused organization developing ethnic minority business enterprise certification and corporate supplier diversity connections. Operates in the same UK supplier-diversity ecosystem and addresses a complementary underrepresented founder segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/outbritain

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about OutBritain