CEO of Arable: From Grammar School to Global Impact
Lawrence, CEO of a hydroponic agriculture startup, Arable, is an alumnus of Loughborough Grammar School, having completed his studies in 2018. Now based in Saudi Arabia, he co-founded Arable in early 2024 with the aim of developing sustainable agricultural solutions. Prior to this, at the age of just 22, he became the first Chief Operating Officer of MELD, a $100 million startup.
Reflecting on his time at LGS, Lawrence credits the School with shaping many of the qualities that have driven his success.
The biggest impact I saw in myself from LGS was my confidence and self-esteem. Had it not been for the School, I believe that not only would I have become more introverted, but I wouldn’t have had the belief in myself to take the jumps I’ve taken in life. Teachers treat you with dignity and like an adult, and the whole school demeanour pushes people to be excellent and competitive. The students had big goals and that rubbed off on one another.
That early exposure to an ambitious environment has continued to serve him well. His work today is varied, involving team leadership, recruitment, financial oversight and strategic marketing. A self-described “boisterous, competitive and academic” person, he thrives in fast-paced and high-risk environments, finding satisfaction in solving problems and taking calculated risks to grow his business.
Among his personal milestones, Lawrence counts delivering a TEDx Talk in Amsterdam on personal finance and meeting his partner Serena – also a Loughborough Schools Foundation alum – as key moments in his journey.
His work in the startup world, he says, relies heavily on a few core skills: people and communication, an inquisitive mindset, and a healthy appetite for risk.
“Every business interaction is person-to-person. To manage people, you must understand their motivators, feelings and skillset. You also need to be able to network, even in places where you don’t know anyone. You have to question why things are the way they are and be willing to try a new way. Startups are risky by nature – I’ve failed in at least a dozen ideas before anything stuck.”
Despite his busy professional life, Lawrence keeps grounded with a strong connection to his school friends. A friendship group of twelve from his LGS days still meets regularly, and they remain his closest friends. Outside of work, he enjoys reading non-fiction and playing tennis or padel.
Looking ahead, his ambitions are simple but profound: to continue learning, to live in new parts of the world, and to build Arable into something meaningful and lasting.
