De Montfort University & Barclays Eagle Labs celebrate Asian business success
Entrepreneurs from across the UK were recognised at the inaugural Asian Founders Awards in Leicester, celebrating the achievements of Asian-owned businesses in innovation, technology, community impact and growth.
The awards mark a major milestone for the Asian Founders network, created by De Montfort University Leicester and Barclays Eagle Labs. Launched three years ago in Leicester, the network now supports more than 1,000 founders across 10 UK cities.
More than 250 founders, investors and business leaders attended the event at Leicester Marriott Hotel.
Hosted by Eagle Labs Leicester manager Poonam Sharma and Barclays Leicester manager Nimesh Kanani, the awards were attended by 250 people at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester.
Poonam Sharma, co-founder of Asian Founders, said: “This has been such an emotional moment because Asian Founders really did begin as an idea about creating something our community needed.
“What has happened since has exceeded anything I could have imagined. We now have more than 1,000 founders in 10 cities, but what matters most to me is seeing people supporting each other, making introductions, sharing opportunities and opening doors.
“The awards were about stopping for a moment and recognising just how much these founders have achieved. There are incredible businesses being built across our communities and those stories deserve to be seen and celebrated.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have created with De Montfort University and Barclays Eagle Labs, but this belongs to the founders. They are the reason we started it and the reason it has grown.”
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Research by De Montfort University estimates that Asian-owned businesses contribute £25 billion to the UK economy.
Among the winners, Varun Bhanot of MAGIC AI was named Asian Entrepreneur of the Year, while Tahir Group received both the Community Impact Award and Business of the Year. Kara Healthcare won Scale Up Business of the Year, and Ravi Agravat of Berkfield Home took the Excellence in Tech award.
Accepting the Entrepreneur of the Year award, Bhanot said: “I took a chance on a dream. Take the first step and the next step will emerge.”
Fazan Tahir of Tahir Group said: “Business is hard and every day we keep pushing. To get that recognition from your peers and from respected people around you means the world.”
The evening also included a special recognition award for entrepreneur and social media influencer Karishma Vijay, founder of Kishkin and winner of The Apprentice 2026.
Award Winners at a Glance
Asian Entrepreneur of the Year: Varun Bhanot (MAGIC AI)
Business of the Year: Tahir Group
Community Impact Award: Tahir Group
Scale-Up Business of the Year: Kara Healthcare
Excellence in Tech Award: Ravi Agravat (Berkfield Home)
Special Recognition Award: Karishma Vijay (Kishkin)
Standout achievement: Tahir Group was the only double winner, taking home both Business of the Year and Community Impact Award
