How to design a business that meets your expectations. Meet Mikey, Co founder of Cold Email, a SaaS start-up taking the hassle out of lead generation. Mikey's no stranger to the start-up scene, having co-founded Escape the City. Mikey shares his tips on how to validate your business idea, how to find a mentor and the challenges of running a business with 3 young children. An episode not to be missed. Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderfu...
Jun 07, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Meet Thomas, co-founder of Aisle 3 , who shares his insights into how his start-up propelled itself into the 1% of start-ups that raises funding. We discuss the world of price comparison, how Aisle 3 are a 'shopper obsessed' business, the trials and tribulations of fundraising two rounds of investment and the future of e-commerce. Aisle 3 aims to give shoppers the complete view of all of their buying options on a single screen so that they can make purchase decisions based on their personal valu...
May 25, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 14
" You don't need anyone else to believe in you... other than you ." This episode's guest entrepreneur is Suz: Mum, former accountant, bodybuilder - and founder of The Proper Oats Company. Suz shares her experience of starting a business amid a global pandemic, in her words "launching an on-the go product when the world wasn't going anywhere!" There's the importance of finance, networking and social media - even having an exit strategy despite being a young business. But it's as much about person...
May 03, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 13
The sisters on a mission to change the beauty industry. April and Nikki share their story of why they started Handsome , the app for beauty professionals. We discuss their challenges, what it's like being sisters in business and what the future holds for the beauty industry and Handsome. Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to p...
Apr 12, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Want to turn your passion into a business? Want to know how to you figure out who your target audience is? In Episode 11, hear from Mark, who shares his insights and speaks openly about the challenges he faces a sole entrepreneur. Mark Makin is the founder of Spontza, a marketplace that connects Businesses & Brands directly with Sports Clubs, Athletes, Fan Channels and Events. Check out Spontza below: https://www.spontza.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Pro...
Mar 29, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Episode 10 we catch up with Maud, co-founder of Adapt, a study planner app for students. Adapt was built using Google’s Design Sprint process. After intense testing and quick growth they knew that Adapt had a market however Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works for Maud and her co-founders. This episode covers being an accidental entrepreneur, testing your idea, adapting your business model and setting your goals. https://getadapt.co.uk/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the ...
Mar 15, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Season 2 episode 9 we chat with Helena co-founder of TrueStart Coffee, the feel good coffee company. TrueStart has a strong ethical and sustainable ethos, and the coffee exists to make you feel great! Helena discusses the importance of a positive mindset as a driving force for a successful business, and being brave when repositioning your brand to appeal to a broader audience. Episode 9 also covers topics including trusting your gut instinct and using your unique personality as a strength. As al...
Mar 01, 2021•54 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Episode 8, we catch up with Liam JE Gerada co-founder of Krepling, a centralised commerce platform for entrepreneurs, business owners, and enterprises. Born in South Africa and having moved to Malta, Liam is 21 and running his second successful business. Episode 8 discusses the advantages and challenges that come with being a young entrepreneur. Episode 8 covers topics including working with family, managing growth and testing and validating your business idea. As always, listen for great start-...
Feb 08, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Episode 7 is back in the USA with Paul Yacoubian, founder of copy.ai, “an AI powered assistant for writing and brainstorming marketing copy”. Paul gives us a great insight into AI, founders launching in public, benefits of gaining early adopters and his 7 key lessons for someone looking to start-up a business. These include: Don't focus on optimising Pixel perfect is a waste of time User experience is everything Build for launch speed Launch as fast as possible Find distribution leverage points ...
Jan 18, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Episode 6, we chat with Daniel Snow, co-founder (alongside his brother Jonathan Snow) of The Snow Agency, “a performance-based, digital marketing agency that specialises in scaling e-commerce brands”. Our second US founder on the podcast, provides great advice for e-commerce and discusses the ups and downs that comes with working with family. Other topics include scaling challenges, finding what makes your company different, and working with a support network. https://thesnowagency.com/ Text us ...
Dec 14, 2020•40 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Keri Andriana is the founder of Amschela an affordable, luxury brand specialising in vegan handbags. Since they launched, Amschela has featured in Vanity Fair and British Vogue resulting in rapid growth. Keri is determined to stay strong to what she believes in and to keep the company 100% British. https://amschela.co.uk/ In episode 5 we cover managing growth, adapting and pivoting in challenging times and supporting and collaborating with other businesses. Listen out for Keri's advice, question...
Nov 23, 2020•37 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Episode 4, we chat with Doug Ludlow, co-founder of MainStreet. MainStreet’s mission is 'to empower small businesses, create jobs and opportunities’. Through a shared passion for empowering small business owners, MainStreet was set up to enable founders to learn about and access government credits and incentives. In episode 4 we discuss managing business growth, using your network, coping with challenges caused by remote working, and being realistic and honest with yourself. https://mainstreet.us...
Nov 09, 2020•41 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Rob Hall founded Wriggle, an app which helps people discover local and independent restaurants, cafes and bars. Wriggle offers deals and discounts as well as helping to battle the ongoing issue of food wastage. Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works for Rob and he, along with his team, put their heads together to develop Bristol Pantry. Give season two, episode three a listen to hear Rob’s story. In episode three we discuss adapting business goals, organic growth, testing business ideas and overc...
Oct 19, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Elliott, our second entrepreneur for season 2 set up The Bunch whilst at university. He became frustrated with spending time sorting out bills for student accommodation, and often felt cheated. The Bunch allows its customers to tailor their student bills package to suit, and splits the bill between housemates. Elliott is his own target market, and discusses his approach and business model for The Bunch. We discuss cash-flow and mental health challenges, and the goals and aspirations of Elliott. ...
Oct 05, 2020•34 min•Season 2Ep. 2
How many law firms would describe themselves as a 'flamingo in a flock of pigeons'? That's the mission for the first guest of Founded & Grounded Season 2, Alice Stephenson. In a career that has seen Alice go from in-house to freelance to Founder & CEO of Stephenson Law, we discuss the pros and cons of virtual-working - and keeping a team happy - in the Covid era, the nice dilemma of having infrastructure that can keep up with rapid growth, and why sometimes it's good to let people move o...
Sep 24, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Episode 15 - we catch up with Alex Isenegger, founder of Linkilaw . We hear from Alex first-hand the challenges she faced when starting up. The legal industry is heavily populated by men who have been in the industry for decades. Alex entered the industry, as a young female founder who went in headfirst. Alex faced many initial challenges for her new start-up, like spending money on the wrong things and realising a commission-only model wouldn't scale. Alex shares all her learnings along the way...
Jun 15, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Episode 14 - we speak with Zoe Whitman, founder of But the Books. Zoe shares her story of how she started the business, how it has grown and the many challenges she has faced along the way. Zoe is a mother of two and publisher of a book called Know your numbers. Zoe shares her tips for people thinking of starting their own business. https://www.butthebooks.co.uk/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Securi...
Jun 01, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Episode 13 - we speak to Marie Farmer, founder of Mini Mealtimes. Like most of us, Marie was a concerned first-time parent, but after speaking with other parents, she quickly realised she wasn't alone. Marie found weaning her son a daunting task, she wanted to know he was getting a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet. This was when Mini Mealtimes was born. It is an app to offer parents reassurance, support and ideas for feeding their children. We speak to Marie about how and when the idea came...
May 11, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Episode 12 - we catch up with Luke Lang, one of the co-founders of Crowdcube (founded 2011), which was the world's first equity crowdfunding platform. Luke gives some invaluable insights into how Crowdcube started, their early challenges and growing pains with scaling. Luke passes on what advice he would give start-ups trying to raise funding. https://www.crowdcube.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective...
Apr 27, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Episode 11 - how is your business adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic? Want to know what support is available for your business? We speak to influencers in the region about what support is available businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic . We speak to Sam Holliday from Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) , Ed Boal from Stephenson Law, Zoe Whitman FCCA MICB from But the Books & Calum Doutch from Tapestry Brewery. Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored...
Apr 13, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Episode 10 - we chat with Calum Doutch & Dan Snow, founders of Tapestry Brewery. They discuss their journey from being Brewery employees to owning their own Brewery, with a taphouse and pizza oven. Listen to episode 10 to hear more about their story, work/life balance, networking, challenges and start-up advice. https://www.tapestrybrewery.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - ...
Mar 16, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Episode 9 - we speak with serial entrepreneurs Tom Holder and Gilbert Hill, co-founders of TapMyData. In today's digital age, we're constantly being bombarded with advertising and our data is being used as a currency. Tom and Gilbert are driven by their mission to put data and privacy back in the hands of the people. We find out more about the PrivTech sector, and what it’s like to be a serial entrepreneur. https://tapmydata.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Pro...
Mar 02, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Episode 8 - we catch up with Darrell Irwin, founder of Cre8ion, a brand marketing agency in Bristol. The business had an unusual beginning, it was actually part of a charity, but this element of the charity ended up doing well commercially, therefore Darrell decided to launch Cre8ion as a start-up in 2016. Darrell also launched Genesis, which is automating brand design for start-ups and small organisations. The platform uses machine learning and decision tree structures to produce new brands, qu...
Feb 18, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Episode 7 - we get chatting with James Ewin and Joel Rosen, who have been long-standing friends since their school years. Both took different routes into design. In 2011 they took the decision to go into business together, and started up ORCA. We discuss cash-flow, recruitment, and some great advice on working with a friend. https://onlyorca.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NS...
Feb 04, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Episode 6 - we chat to Tom Willard and Jack Widnell, co-founders of BUNK. Tom, Jack (and friends) were studying at University of the West of England (UWE), when they were about to lose the majority of their £3,000 deposit on their student digs. This frustration ultimately turned into a disruptive business. We find out about why they want to fix the rental sector, discuss disruption, innovative business models, venture funding, mentoring and facing objections head-on. https://rentbunk.com/ Text u...
Jan 21, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Episode 5 - we catch up with Ella Rauen-Prestes, founder of Fitbakes. Ella moved to the UK from Rio de Janeiro. Ella was shocked that there weren't any healthy cake options when she moved to the UK! Ella made it her mission to bring high protein and low-calorie cakes to the masses. This episode covers minimum viable products, selling online, utilising influencers and getting Fitbakes into high profile retailers. https://www.fitbakes.co.uk/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support th...
Jan 14, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Episode 4 - we get chatting with Matt Dyson, one of three co-founders of Rockit. Rockit was born following a conversation around the Christmas dinner table and provides a much need solution for new parents. We discuss how the idea came about, the importance of protecting intellectual property, worldwide distribution and new product development. https://rockitrocker.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective...
Dec 17, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Episode 3 - we speak with Street2Boardroom founder, Clayton Planter. Taking strength from the position of underdog, being ‘the 2%’, and calling upon the most extraordinary network, Clayton says ‘ I always knew I wanted to be someone different’. Through a hugely inspiring chat, what emerges are not just global ambitions but wise words for people from all backgrounds. https://www.street2boardroom.com/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful...
Dec 03, 2019•30 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Episode 2 - we chat with KINGS grooming founder, Blué O'Connor. KINGS is an ethical vegan aftershave, fragrance and grooming brand. We dive into the world of crowdfunding, offering advice & tips on how to launch a crowdfunding campaign. www.kings-grooming.com Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from...
Nov 19, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Episode 1 - we speak with Zero Green co-founders, Stacey Fordham & Lidia Rueda Losada, who pioneered plastic-free shopping in Bristol. We discuss the challenges that come with being a first time start-up founder, the benefits of first-mover advantage and the importance of believing in your business idea. https://www.zerogreenbristol.co.uk/ Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NSPA:...
Nov 05, 2019•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1
