A new initiative is recognizing and honoring an upcoming generation of entrepreneurs who are literally revolutionizing the tech sector, social media content, science, exploration, and the arts. Over two days, a major event in London will give users access to inspiring figures who are changing the face of music, sport, fashion, gaming, and travel. Central to the experience will be an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal in live and interactive sessions with these leading agents of change.
The featured rising stars, who are all pushing the boundaries of innovation, will be celebrated as part of a groundbreaking collaboration between Revolut and WIRED. These talented individuals will be drawn from seven categories: travel, tech, business, the arts, education, sport and entertainment. In total, there will be twenty “honorees” brought together on November 22 and 23, 2024, who will each showcase what they do in a very hands-on manner.
So, for example, users will not only be able to meet TenZ, one of the greatest gamers on the planet, but to play against him—teaming up with fellow fans. Will TenZ be able to fight off multiple opponents? While you pit your wits against the face of Valorant, a running commentary will be provided on Twitch. To be selected as a player, you will have to enter the ballot to compete on the day and then, if chosen, take your position for a five-round contest. This will be followed by a post-match round-up and interview with TenZ. By competing with TenZ, users will gain a greater understanding of this incredibly talented figure via an experiential approach.
Being revolutionary is also about turning adversity into opportunity. Refusing to accept that a life-changing setback is the end. Billy Monger was a race driver involved in a catastrophic accident on July 16, 2017 at Donington Park, resulting in amputations to both legs. Lesser mortals might have thrown in the towel. But Billy was made of sterner stuff—he has become an iconic and award-winning Ironman. At our event, he will guide us along his journey from trauma to greatness, achieving his own personal revolution.
A name guaranteed to provoke a ripple of excitement is Steven Bartlett, founder and host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, where he sits down with some of the world’s most powerful and influential people to find out what makes them tick. Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky and Steven will team up on stage during the event to host a new take on the pitching-show format for startups and budding entrepreneurs. Think if it as an “un-pitching session”, where bright business minds will brainstorm ideas with the hosts on how to take their ideas to implementation. This will evidence the power of collaboration to achieve success. It’s being dubbed “The Growth Tank”, and the audience can participate directly by sending advice from their devices—which will then appear live on a screen for all to see.
The event marks the fifty million customer milestone reached by Revolut, which is partnering with WIRED in this new venture. Revolut has revolutionized personal finance for an audience that demands a full range of digital services and an ethos that promotes innovation and difference. It has been at the forefront of the so-called “fintech” revolution, delivering financial services, fully deploying state-of-the-art technology. The e-money institution has moved beyond simply offering choice, speed, and convenience to a much more nuanced and in-depth understanding of the end customer.
These are young, entrepreneurial, dynamic individuals whose loyalty must be earned through providing a service that is constantly fit for purpose. The company has chosen to partner with WIRED as a brand focused on understanding, in its broadest terms, the societal impact of digital. One of the unforgettable faces at the event will be Charli xcx, whose approach to pop music has been breathtakingly futuristic and experimental. She perfectly embodies the ethos of the whole project.
Each event session in November will have a very distinctive flavor reflecting the talent featured. WIRED will be filming the interactions and providing editorial coverage. The ambition is to create a talent hub—a community of those at the cutting edge in their respective sectors. This growing band of mavericks, trailblazers, and explorers will be encouraged to feed off each other—helping mutual growth and advancement. Four hundred years ago, the poet John Donne wrote that “no man is an island”, and never was that truer than today. Being interconnected and supportive of each other advances the individual and the whole. No one person is a repository of all knowledge, but super-talented individuals can be spurred on to achieve more by this kind of immersive experience.
As one last example of what to expect over the two days, Sophie de Oliveira Barata will be showing how she has blended artistry with prosthetic design to create very personalized limbs that challenge societal stigmas. She skilfully merges the latest technology with traditional crafts to explore the limits of body imagery, and even transcending our idea of what it is to be human, drawing on fields such as 3D modelling and electronics to create these visually compelling designs. At the event, Sophie will put on a fashion show—the likes of which users are unlikely to have seen before. The prosthetic pieces will be exhibited by a performer and athlete to celebrate diversity and empower those denied agency in the past. It promises to be one of the highlights of an event not to be missed.
The “Revolutionaries” event in November 2024 aspires to create a growing body of alumni and a hub to house amazing content for the expanding community of Revolutionaries. Mentioning no names, but this goes way beyond the many talking shops out there or acts of celebration that leave no legacy. The intention here is to create something organic for the band of talents that will grow year on year, providing significant added value—in much the same way that the alumni of certain universities or colleges network, ideas share, and help each other out.
Visit revolut.com to find out more.
