Sarah Ronald

Published: June 25, 2020, 6 a.m.

Sarah Ronald is a Scottish entrepreneur and angel investor, who is the founder of Nile, a service design company. Sarah had an early interest in psychology and how the mind worked. This led her to study an MSC in Human Computer Interaction, the study of how humans interact with machines. Then in 2006, with 3 others, she founded Bunnyfoot Scotland- a user experience company specialising in technology such as i-tracking. However, different business goals among the founders resulted in Sarah undertaking management buyout. As part of the agreement, Sarah re-branded under the name of ‘Nile’ to focus on service design. An area of design specialising in imagining products and services whilst figuring out what technology and human resources are necessary in delivering them. Nile’s clients include RBS with work including designing the Scottish bank note. Sarah has been active in championing service design including being the Co-chair and founding member of the Service Design Network UK. She also has a passion for investment. Not only does Nile have a venture arm that invests in local entrepreneurs but also Sarah is a syndicate investor for Par Equity. Among other things, Sarah shares her business insights on why investment can activate positive change and why an optimistic outlook is key to running a successful business.