Alumnus Thomas Lambeaux studied Business with International Study at our Penryn Campus, graduating in 2020 and since then has gone on to co-found an events company: Warmer People. In less than two years, the company has grown into one of the biggest electronic music event organisers in London and we caught up with Thomas recently to find out more about what that journey has been like.
Journeying back to Thomas’ university days we learn that Warmer People wasn’t the first venture for Thomas as during his studies in Cornwall he launched a food tech startup called Nakiwi with his flatmate Jean Hercé and friends Julian Weber & Thomas Bastien. The initiative focused on an app which allowed users to buy sustainable and organic products directly from local producers. He also began hosting electronic music events with fellow University of Exeter student Paul Bertrand – Sound Kitchen Collective nights – in Falmouth working with local venues. After graduating, Thomas worked in different locations around the world including Berlin and Asia, for tech startups and more recently as a branding strategist for the American design company Monotype. In parallel to his full time job, he launched Warmer People in July 2022.
As an events company, Warmer People stands out with its unwavering commitment to working alongside a diverse range of talent including successful artists and partners. During the last two years, the organisation has worked with London’s renown venue Village Underground, and with international bookings such as Patrick Mason and Anetha. Moreover, the collective was set up to create a warmer, diverse, and more engaging musical landscape.
Thomas said this holistic commitment is important to him: “I want to actively shape a more inclusive electronic music industry. Our effort’s extend beyond the stage and we want to ensure the entire musical ecosystem is welcoming and vibrant.”
Warmer People’s events are carefully curated to not only deliver exceptional musical performances but also to create a sense of belonging and unity among attendees. The collective’s emphasis on diversity and empowerment remains central, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and celebrated. A notable focus has been set towards creating a safe space at any Warmer People event, for the attendees to dance safely and freely. An example would be their ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign launched earlier this year, in which all guests received a premium Warmer People earplug kit as the entered the venue. One of the unique aspects of Warmer People is their in-house MC, Giacomo XL, (another student from our Penryn Campus) who aims to form a bond between the artists performing and the crowd
When asked what the biggest achievement of the business so far is Thomas shared: “We made the international news in November 2022 by reopening a forgotten nightclub venue inside a Victorian toilet beneath street level in Shoreditch, London. The buzz created around this from Hong Kong to New York was an incredibly fun moment.”
Reflecting on his time at Exeter Thomas shares that: “Looking backwards, I think studying at Exeter gave me the space and flexibility to work on entrepreneurial projects, which led me to where I am today. Some of my best memories of my degree included my year abroad in Hong Kong which will stay with me throughout my life.”
In terms of Thomas’s advice for any alumni or current students who are interested in either setting up a business or working in the music industry Thomas says: “Make the most of what the eco-system has to offer. From the experts in the circular economy, to the fantastic support offered by Cornwall to new businesses. After living abroad following my degree, the entrepreneurial career I have chosen is an example to all alumni and future graduates that different paths exist and starting your own business might be one to consider!”
So what is next for Thomas and the business? For him he says that the journey has been a roller coaster and he is looking forward to the future and “continuing to disrupt the events industry.” In a more immediate sense in January 2024 Warmer People will be curating an event at fabric: London’s home for electronic music and will make their European festival debut next summer. He’s also involved in drafting some plans for a possible day festival in Cornwall!
Interested in finding out more about Warmer People and attending future events? Take a look at their website or watch their short documentary online. Looking for enterprise and entrepreneurship support? Contact studentstartups@exeter.ac.uk to see how we can support you in this area.