As part of our Meet the Founder series, Maurice Ephrati, Partner & Co-Founder of Bedrock, invites our very own Kydd Boyle, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Bedrock, to share his personal journey of establishing Horizons – a millennial network aimed at broadening each other’s horizons, comprising members from significant family offices and leading founders. In this interview, Kydd provides an insightful perspective on the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way.
[Maurice] What role did purpose have in leading you to create Horizons?
[Kydd] Purpose played a central role in the creation of Horizons. In 2018, I co-founded Horizons with a simple yet ambitious goal: to broaden each other’s horizons. Our members, who include significant family offices and leading founders, are united by this shared purpose. What makes Horizons distinct is its independence. We are a private, self-sustaining network, free from sponsorships or financial services affiliations. This independence ensures that everything we do is focused on fostering real, meaningful connections and experiences.
[Maurice] How did the idea for Horizons evolve?
[Kydd] Horizons was never meant to be what it is today. It all started in 2018 with a trip to Silicon Valley, where six investors planned to meet a venture capital firm and its portfolio founders. But something remarkable happened—each investor invited their friends, who in turn brought their networks of connections. By the time we arrived in San Francisco, we were a group of 25, with access to some of the most exciting minds in tech and investing.
We found that traveling as a group of family office principals granted us unparalleled access to world-class speakers and investors, while the diverse perspectives from members of different geographies, industries, and backgrounds allowed us to ask better questions and build an informal but powerful brain trust.
That trip to California taught us that the power of community emerged as founders and investors at similar life stages, all driven to make their mark, formed bonds that transcended business. It was clear we had something special. So, we ran with it.
It was clear we had something special. So, we ran with it.
[Maurice] What has been the most fulfilling part of your journey?
[Kydd] Despite the global expansion and inspiring speakers, the most fulfilling part of this journey has been the friendships and partnerships that have formed. Business deals, new ventures, and investments have emerged, but more importantly, so have deep, lasting relationships. We know as long as we are fostering friendships and designing extraordinary experiences then the community will continue to serve it’s members. The best stories are still being written, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
The best stories are still being written, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
[Maurice] What impact has Horizons had on its members and the broader community?
[Kydd] Since its inception, Horizons has grown remarkably, now boasting 125 influential members, including leaders from significant family offices and founders of major businesses. Collectively, these members represent over £160 billion in assets and have founded seven unicorn companies.
What began as a single trip has evolved into a global movement. We’ve travelled together to San Francisco, New York, Austin, Miami, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Paris, Riyadh, Jeddah—and in the coming year, Nairobi, Seoul, and São Paulo. This extensive travel has allowed us to build a truly global community.
We’ve also had the privilege of hosting over 275 world-class speakers, including Bill Gates, Stephen Fitzpatrick (OVO Energy), Brent Hoberman (Lastminute.com & Founders Forum), Dr. Hermann Hauser (Acorn Computers & ARM), Bill Browder (bestselling author & hedge fund manager), and David Cameron (former UK Prime Minister). These speakers have provided invaluable insights and inspiration to our members.
Our impact extends beyond networking and knowledge-sharing. We have raised over $1 million for charitable causes and co-invested in funds and businesses, proving that Horizons is more than just a network—it’s a force for impact. This commitment to making a difference is something we are incredibly proud of.
We have raised over $1 million for charitable causes and co-invested in funds and businesses, proving that Horizons is more than just a network—it’s a force for impact.
[Maurice] What key elements do you think are needed to stand out in today’s climate?
[Kydd] In today’s competitive environment, especially in a world full of networking groups, conferences, and investment clubs several key elements can help a business to stand out:
Transparency and Integrity: Prioritising the quality of engagement and interaction over commercial interests is crucial. At Horizons, we have no sponsorships, commissions, or hidden agendas which can help us build trust and credibility.
Exclusive and Intimate Gatherings: Focusing on private, small-scale events can foster deep, meaningful conversations and genuine connections. At Horizons, we limit our events to just 25 participants which ensures impactful discussions and a more personalized experience.
Peer-Driven Approach: Organisations led by individuals who understand the unique needs and challenges of their community can create a sense of trust and camaraderie. Horizons is built by peers, for peers. Our leadership team comes from family office backgrounds which helps us to better serve and connect with their members.
Prioritising the quality of engagement and interaction over commercial interests is crucial.
[Maurice] What’s next?
[Kydd] My personal journey has intertwined with Horizons in unexpected ways. In 2020, my family sold our multi-family office business, Sandaire, to Schroders. This transition set off a chain of events that led me to join Bedrock, a firm founded by entrepreneurs who deeply understand the unique challenges founders face. Today, I lead strategic partnerships at Bedrock while continuing to serve as Chairman of Horizons—a role that remains one of my greatest passions. This journey has reinforced the importance of purpose in everything I do, especially in creating and nurturing Horizons. Due to popular demand, we are also expanding our reach by launching in the US and increasing our international membership. This expansion will allow us to connect with even more like-minded individuals and continue to grow our community.
This journey has reinforced the importance of purpose in everything I do, especially in creating and nurturing Horizons.
[Maurice] And finally, as a founder, what are the top three pieces of advice you would give to other aspiring business founders?
[Kydd] As a founder, I’ve learned several valuable lessons along the way. Here are the top three pieces of advice I would offer to others:
Surround yourself with great peers: Whether it’s our members or my amazing co-founders, Horizons is a story of building something with people who share ambitions, passions, and friendship. I truly believe life is too short to do otherwise, and I seek these values in all my relationships.
Don’t reinvent the wheel: In the early days, we had all kinds of crazy ideas, but in the end, we kept our business model super simple. I believe in being responsive to demand and doing fewer things exceptionally well.
Focus relentlessly on client experience: At Horizons, we are curators of our community’s interests. We listen to them and try to deliver what they want while exceeding their expectations.
If you are interested in finding out more about the themes discussed in this article or the Horizons community, please reach out to info@bedrockgroup.ch for more information.
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