Follow the Gradient The Spark Behind Project Europe: Kitty Mayo on Starting a Pan-Continental Startup Revolution
Nov 13, 2025
Kitty Mayo, CEO and co-founder of Project Europe, discusses her thrilling journey in launching a pan-continental initiative for under-25 founders. She reflects on the cultural barriers young entrepreneurs face in Europe and the need for 'cultural permission' to pursue bold ideas. Kitty emphasizes spotting the superpower of 'earnestness' in talent and shares insights on building a no-HQ founder movement based on trust. Her candid stories of navigating the fast-paced startup world reveal the emotional chaos behind entrepreneurial ambition.
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From A Single DM To A Viral Launch
- Kitty describes receiving a surprise LinkedIn DM from Harry Stebbings that launched Project Europe overnight.
- The offer felt like 'divine intervention' and immediately pushed her into a high-attention public role.
Permission Trumps Capital For Young Founders
- European founders often lack 'permission' to be audacious even when starting companies is accepted.
- Project Europe aims to normalize high-ambition by celebrating young founders and their stories.
Target Early Careers To Change Trajectories
- Focus on founders under ~25 because early interventions reshape long-term trajectories and peer groups.
- Build cohorts where extreme ambition is normal so members can 'go fully into it' without cultural pushback.