James Buckley-Thorp

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK. James Buckley-Thorp has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, a trait that has confidently guided him through a successful career in the startup world. Growing up in Bath, Somerset, his family often recalls how, as a child, he set up a café in their kitchen, creating menus and serving tea to family friends. “I would sell cups of tea for 20p and use the money to buy whipped cream or chocolate, and then add these to my menu. My family loved it,” he recalls.

Despite his natural inclination for business, James pursued law at the University of Kent, inspired by his mother—who was a Nurse Consultant for the NHS—to help people and make an impact. However, his entrepreneurial drive soon caught up with him. During his final year, James noticed the popularity of brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Jack Wills. This observation sparked the creation of his clothing brand, Rupert & Buckley. “I thought, if they can sell sweatpants for £80, surely I can too.” What started as a dorm room project quickly turned into a thriving business, generating significant revenue, and eventually opening multiple stores across the UK.

Exiting Rupert & Buckley was a more emotional experience than James anticipated. After it was acquired by the buying group for TJ Maxx, he found himself overwhelmed with the realization that he was leaving behind something that had defined his life for six years. “I was driving back home after signing the deal and I just started crying,” James shares. “It was like leaving a part of myself behind.”

Seeking a fresh start, James moved to the USA, immersing himself in the founder world of San Francisco. It was here that he earned the nickname “the flying screwdriver,” for his ability to quickly and effectively help businesses acquire top talent and secure funding. “I felt like I was around people that were like me with ideas, and that’s when I really felt I could call myself an entrepreneur without feeling like an imposter” he reflects.

Returning to the UK, James joined Zego, a leading InsureTech company. It was during this time that he fell in love with the industry and saw immense opportunities in leveraging technology for insurance. Inspired by this new passion, James pitched an idea at Founders Factory that would eventually become Bequest, a life insurance company aimed at simplifying and modernizing the process for a new generation. Bequest, which James exited in 2024, offered quick, hassle-free policies without the need for brokers or tie-in contracts, making it accessible and appealing to young parents and homeowners.

BUILDING WITH THE BEST. James’s journey as a founder is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to surround himself with top talent. He emphasizes the importance of building the right team, a lesson he learned from his early days at Rupert & Buckley. “Surround yourself with people who are far greater and better than you,” he advises. “I’ve never wavered on this. Getting the best people on board is crucial.”

As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, James embraces his identity and recognizes the importance of safe spaces and events for networking within the community. He acknowledges his fortune in avoiding many of the challenges others face growing up gay and uses his platform to support and connect with fellow LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. “I genuinely love being a gay man, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Networking within our community is amazing; it feels like being among brothers and sisters.”

For those about to embark on their own journey, James encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start without hesitation. “You will never think you’re ready to start,” he says. “Just start selling, crafting, making contacts. You only really figure it out by doing it.” His advice reflects his own experiences, from selling homemade café treats as a child to creating successful businesses that have made a significant impact.