Rachel Lowe MBE, born in August 1977, is a highly accomplished British serial entrepreneur and board game developer. Her journey is marked by entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a keen understanding of the entertainment market, particularly in board games. This timeline highlights key moments in her life, showcasing her rise from aspiring businesswoman to an award-winning and influential figure in the world of board games and business.
Main Milestones
Born in Portsmouth, England
August 1977
Rachel Tanya Lowe is born in Portsmouth, England. This marks the beginning of her journey, although her early life details are less publicly known, it sets the stage for her later entrepreneurial endeavors.
Working as a Taxi Driver
Late 1990s
While holding down her initial job as a taxi driver, Rachel conceptualized her first board game, based on the city of Portsmouth. The seed of entrepreneurship was planted. This resourceful and entrepreneurial mindset, using her everyday experience to fuel her creativity, becomes a hallmark of her career.
Creation of Destination Portsmouth
2005
Rachel successfully pitches her Destination Portsmouth game, securing a deal to have it sold in major retailers. This marked her entry into the board game industry and demonstrated her ability to turn a personal vision into a commercially viable product.
The Rise of Destination London
2006
Following the initial success, Rachel Lowe creates Destination London, a more widely appealing version of her original game. This becomes a significant commercial hit and establishes her reputation as a successful game developer.
Appearance on Dragons' Den
2008
Rachel Lowe appeared on the BBC show Dragons' Den seeking investment for her expanding board game business. Although she didn't secure funding from the Dragons, the national exposure significantly raised her profile and opened new doors for distribution and partnerships.
Licensing Deal with Paramount Pictures
2009
Rachel Lowe secured a licensing deal with Paramount Pictures to develop a board game based on the film 'Twilight'. This demonstrates her growing credibility within the entertainment industry and her ability to attract partnerships with major studios. It was a pivotal moment as it showed other licensors the commercial potential of working with her.
Securing Hamleys as an Investor
2010
Hamleys, the world-renowned toy store, invested in Rachel Lowe's company. This validation from a major player in the toy industry helped to further scale her business and enhance her brand recognition.
Awarded MBE
2014
Rachel Lowe was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to business. This prestigious honor recognizes her significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape in the United Kingdom. It solidified her reputation as a leading female entrepreneur and role model.
Ongoing Entrepreneurial Ventures
Present Day
Rachel Lowe continues to innovate and develop new board games and pursue other entrepreneurial ventures. She is an active mentor and speaker, sharing her experiences and inspiring future generations of business leaders. This showcases her enduring commitment to entrepreneurship and her desire to give back to the community.