AllBright, the London-based women-only members’ club, has been acquired out of administration by a company linked to Cain International. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, comes just a week after the networking and events business entered administration. A formal report is expected to be filed with Companies House in the coming weeks, revealing further financial details.
A New Chapter for AllBright
Founded in 2017 by Anna Jones, chief executive of Telegraph Media Group, and Debbie Wosskow, co-chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, AllBright was designed as a space to empower and connect professional women. The club operated from a five-storey townhouse in Mayfair, hosting events, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. However, financial struggles led to its recent downfall, with records showing a pre-tax loss of £6 million in the year leading up to March 2022.
Despite these challenges, AllBright’s leadership remains optimistic about the club’s future under new ownership.
“AllBright has always been driven by a clear mission—to empower women and support business growth—and this next chapter marks an exciting evolution of that vision,” said AllBright’s CEO, Viviane Paxinos.
“With the backing of Cain International, we are strengthening our long-term strategy, deepening our focus on learning, networking, and events, and expanding opportunities for our community.”
She also highlighted the upcoming launch of a new co-hosted residence at Old Sessions House, which will serve as a new hub for AllBright members.
The Rise and Fall of AllBright
Inspired by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the club opened its doors on International Women’s Day in 2018, at a time when conversations around feminism and gender equality were gaining global traction. AllBright was positioned alongside similar U.S. ventures like The Wing and Chief, offering an exclusive space for women to collaborate and build professional networks.
However, the business struggled to remain financially viable. Co-founder Debbie Wosskow, who exited the company in 2022, reflected on its legacy in a recent LinkedIn post.
“2017 was a very different time—feminism was in a different place—post-Me Too and the first era of Trump,” she wrote. “Those early rooms of incredible women lit us up, and relationships were built that changed women’s lives. We hope that the amazing AllBright members continue to find inspirational spaces in which to come together in the future.”
While AllBright’s Mayfair club has now closed, its leadership is keen to reposition the brand, focusing more on learning, networking, and digital events. The acquisition by Cain International could provide a much-needed financial reset, allowing the club to continue its mission of supporting women in business.
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