This episode, we're joined by Tim Deeson, serial founder and angel investor with over 20 years of experience building companies. He started his first company Deeson, which grew to be a multi-million pound digital agency, at age just 20. Tim successfully exited Deeson to co-found GreenShoot Labs, an innovative conversational AI consulting and product development studio. After exiting that, Tim became an Angel Investor and took up a role at LSE as an entrepreneur in residence, giving advice to students, alumni and staff on their start up ideas and business. Alongside all this work, Tim started to feel the founder itch again, and so it was really lucky that when we met he ignored Hattie's initial attempts to tell him he could not be her co founder, because they were increasingly sharing the same mission of how to make access to the startup ecosystem fairer. Ultimately this led to the beginning of IfWeRaise, a company that Tim and Hattie co-founded in 2022In this episode we discuss:Tim’s journey into entrepreneurship and the surprising difference between selling to bigger and smaller organisationsWhy and how to successfully exit a business that you foundedCo-founder relationshipsBecoming an Angel Investor The importance of focusing on a customer market rather than investor marketHow Hattie and Tim met and the development of IfWeRaiseTim’s Businesses:Deeson:https://www.deeson.co.uk/OpenDialog.ai:https://opendialog.ai/If We Raise:https://www.ifweraise.com/

The podcast features the journey of Amardeep Parmar from tech consultant to full-time creator. They discuss the pressures of being a creator, tips on content creation, angel investing advice, and the importance of treating people as equals. Topics also include navigating investor interactions, challenges of podcasting, prioritizing tasks, and embracing vulnerability in entrepreneurship.

Today I’m joined by Alberta Asafo-Asamoah, a social entrepreneur and educationalist, and co-founder of Liquify, an invoice marketplace that enables SMEs in emerging markets to get quick access to affordable cash.Having started her career building deep expertise in the financial world, Alberta left banking in 2018 to pursue a career in impact investing because she wanted to combine her knowledge and experience in financing, with her passion for social issues and social change. This led Alberta to founding Algebra In The City (AITC), an educational tuition and consultancy business. Having spent some time as a tutor, Alberta had seen a disparity between students that went to private schools and students who went to state schools, including differences in the way students had been taught to process information and problem solve. This led Alberta to wanting to make education more equitable for young people by making tuition much cheaper in order to increase accessibility.However, one of the things we dive into in this episode is Alberta’s desire to build something at scale- and once she realised this wasn’t the business she wanted to be building for the next 10 years, it was time for a pivot to build something more VC backable… one that ultimately led her to liquify.In this episode we talk about:Internships and the importance of taking a step back when you’re starting something newMistakes you make when starting a new businessThe importance of deciding whether you want your business to be scaelableWhat VCs wantThe importance of finding the right co founderPrioritising your personal life whilst running a businessAnd so much moreCheck out Alberta’s company Liquify:https://liquify.digital/Check out Algebra in the City:https://www.algebrainthecity.com/about-us/WMassive thank you to this episode’s sponsor ShipShape. If you want to tailor your search for VCs, check them out at www.shipshape.vc 

This episode is a little bit special. We're doing our second fundraising compilation, taking different tips and hard won lessons from our founders we've interviewed before. In this episode, we're going to focus on five founders:1. Jay Richards: At the time of interview, Jay's company Imagen had 25, 000 community  members across 111 countries, having raised just 400k. Incredible growth. Here Jay talks about how some founders have a grit that means they can just go further with less. Curious about Imagen? Learn more here: https://imageninsights.com/2. Valentina Milanova: Valentina has raised several rounds of funding for her femtech company Daye, including a 10 million series A. In this episode she talks about her experiences fundraising as a female founder as well as some of the things she did but maybe wouldn't do again. Checkout Daye’s website:  https://www.yourdaye.com/3. Lottie Unwin: Lottie is a proud bootstrapper who grew her business to over a million in revenue without fundraising. In this episode she shares her perspective and why she chose a different path. Since recording Lottie’s company have rebranded from CopyClub to Upworld. See more of what they’re up to at https://up-world.co/ 4. Joyeeta Daas: Joyeeta is a serial founder who created five startups and successfully exited three. Since the episode aired, she's fundraised again for her most recent venture, Samudra Oceans: https://www.samudraoceans.com/5. Eliot Brooks: Eliot grew health tech startup Thriva to over 100,000 customers and more than 130 staff before he decided it was time for his next startup adventure. Before he left, Thriva had raised 11 million pounds in funding based on 100 percent year on year growth rates: Thriva | Home Blood Testing & Health ChecksTogether they cover a huge range of business models and industries. From B2B SaaS to HealthTech and FemTech, Community plays, DeepTech and ClimateTech.Want to dive in deeper- checkout each of the guests’ full episodes:Jay Richards: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4o0lQfU69vC8HEYzdfs4wb?si=de2a9f708a864d2bValentina Milanova: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jfFTiaD2hRyiuCHUaproV?si=2c4584b088ce47d3Lottie Unwin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iRxjMLNUXviNhpVPJXmiE?si=293d0b1e872140b4Joyeeta Daas: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NV8fCzOUKaGSU0xeUQwMJ?si=8d3a33cf63334748Eliot Brooks: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bfYSOaUSL9Fxf9xP6IxIZ?si=2df55b95df004a1eFinally, a massive thank you to this episode’s sponsor ShipShape. If you want to tailor your search for VCs, check them out at www.shipshape.vc

Today I’m joined by Jasmin Thomas, Serial Founder & Angel Investor.After a successful career building the first teams of unicorns like Deliveroo, Algemy, Improbable and Dark Trace, Jasmin turned her hand to her own business.Having been diagnosed with MS, Jasmin had experienced the benefits of CBD oil first hand, from relieving period cramps to flare ups she was having.From this, she was inspired to start her own efficacious skincare company, Ohana Health. However, as she soon found out, having a CBD based product brings even more challenges than your regular startup. And once she realised it wasn't a VC backable business, she made an even bolder move to shut the company down.Now, she uses the valuable insights she gained through that experience, along with a deep passion for supporting women in various capacities, particularly early stage founders and those in the tech industry, to fuel this next phase of her career.Her dedication is channeled through her work with angel community Alexandria Angels, where she focuses on investing in exceptional deal flow at the early stages, aiming to diversify cap tables, as well as acting as a venture partner and scout for VCs and as a consultant, collaborating with pre Series A startups.She's also committed to supporting the development of gender diverse tech teams, bridging the gap for women in tech and STEM fields with tech recruitment agency Xena.In case you couldn't already tell, she's a rather remarkable leader in the community and has even been highlighted by Richard Branson as an entrepreneur to watch for her exceptional drive and vision.In this episode we discuss:Thinking out of the box as a core founder skillAsking VCs the right questions while you raiseThe secret value recruiters bring to the tableHow intention and self-awareness lead to successUnearthing hidden hurdles in your industry, earlyAnd so much more!Links:Check out Alexandria Angels - https://alexandriaangels.persona.co/Learn about Angel Investing from Andy Ayim - https://andyayim.comCheck out We Are Xena - https://wearexena.comListen to our episode with Alexia Baron - spoti.fi/3EhjhXhListen to our episode with Jacqui -Check out our new sponsor shipshape.vc - https://bit.ly/43Kq99N

Today I’m joined by Jacqui Patton, Founder of Ink Blot Creative.After training as an actress, Jacqui’s life took some twists and turns, including an eye-watering stint as the lady behind the number dishing out hair removal emergency advice at Veet, before finding her way into the world of marketing.A truly natural and masterful communicator, it’s no surprise that a simple (yet radically candid) conversation with the new CEO accidentally landed her the role of Head of Comms at RBS International.There she honed her craft and when life radically shook up her perspective, she decided to take on a new challenge and left the corporate world to forge her own path by starting Ink Blot Creative.Having been a client of agencies for many years, she spent quite a while trying to do what everyone else was doing in the same way that they were doing it.But she soon realised the clients she and her team got most excited about, were the ones a little bit like them (and us)! People that are building a growing business and want a helping hand to make it the best it can possibly be.In this episode we discuss:How to avoid the content loop procrastination trapRemembering what you actually do, and whyGetting obsessed with your customers, not your competitorsFinding inspiration from other industriesConnecting with your legacyAnd so much more!Links:Checkout Ink Blot Creative - https://www.inkblotcreative.co.ukAttend Jacqui’s Greenhouse Event - https://greenhouse.jeFollow the IfWeRaise Founder Roadmap - https://www.ifweraise.com/#roadmapListen to Business Anchors with Dan & Lloyd Knowlton - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IyamqopNDm8tYhhCsiiUk?si=7fa2d250e19b4dccListen to our episode with Sophie Meislin Baron - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i5DfzfIAW7niBQToRn4LyListen to our episode with Abi Foster - spoti.fi/44lJJK7Checkout our new sponsor shipshape.vc - https://bit.ly/43Kq99N

Today I’m joined by Abi Foster, Founder of Elent.After becoming a qualified ACA Chartered Accountant, Abi began her professional career in the luxury magazine sector at Condé Nast, before moving on to Hearst Publishing's finance department.She enjoyed spending time outside of work supporting colleagues and friends to better understand their own personal finances, though through this experience Abi noticed that many people, specifically women and young people, had low financial literacy and had received little to no financial education in school or at university.From this realisation, Elent was born.With the mission to help eradicate inequalities in our society by making financial education accessible to all from a young age, Abi founded Elent in October 2021 and has since partnered with 24 schools, educating over 20,000 students and counting.In this episode we discuss:Why you never want to be a finished productGrowing from 3,000 to 60,000 followers in a monthFinding the right combination of people to build your dream teamCalling out acronyms as a key life lessonAccepting growth in all aspects of your life as a founder, not just businessAnd so much more!Links:Checkout Elent - https://elent.com/Follow Abi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-elent-finance-education/Follow Elent Finance on Instagram for finance tips - @elent_financeCheckout our new sponsor shipshape.vc - https://bit.ly/43Kq99N

Today I’m joined by Martha Silcott, Founder of FabLittleBag.Martha invented FabLittleBag after she was forced to smuggle her used tampon from the bathroom to her handbag at a friends dinner party when faced without a bin in their downstairs loo. The experience was so awful that she decided to do something about it and the more she looked into it, the more she was horrified at the impact of flushing tampons and pads down the toilet.Determined to bring her invention to market she left the corporate world behind and set out to change the world, one FabLittleBag at a time, with her now patented disposal bag.FabLittleBag exists to protect rivers, oceans and beaches from the pollution caused by flushed period products. With the UK alone flushing 2.5m tampons and 1.4m pads down the toilet each day, it’s a big issue. FabLittleBags are also made of plants (which means they are carbon reducing) and recycled plastics, supporting the circular economy of waste.With FabLittleBag, Martha is on a mission to educate and convert flushers into being binners and help people who menstruate by making an often awkward and uncomfortable experience become one that enables them to feel good, hygienic, and confident.In this episode we discuss:Asking the right person the right question at the right timeNaming your business, under pressureWhy perfectionism is the enemy of progressCreating empathyThe costs of fund raisingAnd much more!Links:Checkout FabLittleBag - https://fablittlebag.comSurfers Against Sewage - https://www.sas.org.ukMarine Conservation Society - https://www.mcsuk.orgHere We Flo - https://www.hereweflo.coListen to our episode with Lottie Unwin - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iRxjMLNUXviNhpVPJXmiE?si=50ycebb2SKy3CuYJcYeVZAListen to our episode with Devin Hunt - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JYwEzyipbroKM59ISB805?si=vAPKNVclS9iiurMKA0oaHw

Today I’m joined by Farah Kabir, Co-founder of HANX.One day, while enjoying a stable career in Asset Management at Goldman Sachs, Farah stood in line at her local Boots ready purchase a box of condoms when she realised her boss was standing behind her.Utterly mortified, Farah felt the very relatable pang of shame rise within her until… she suddenly thought “actually, why should I be embarrassed about this?” and so over a bottle (or two) of wine, she decided to jump into bed with her best friend Sarah (who also happens to be a doctor) and give birth to HANX - a sex-positive, anti-awkward approach to contraception.HANX are on a mission to change the world, and champion unapologetic sexual and intimate health for everyone. Coupled with clever partnerships, creative campaigns and conscious ingredients, they’re taking on the condom industry by banishing stereotypically ‘masculine’, penis-centric messaging, not to mention gross chemicals that shouldn't be anywhere near a vagina.In this episode we discuss:How doing it with the lights off and grazed knees are a sign of great… businessSafe sex at Number 10 Downing StreetCo-existing with competitorsWhy selling yourself in store is still a great way to attract customersBeing open and honest with your teamAnd much more!Links:Get yourself some HANX - https://www.hanxofficial.comListen to our other episode “Fundraising as a diverse founder” featuring Farah and some of our other incredible guests - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LIiOdqRsdUOqy2hu8iXbw?si=kXb2iuMCTKGby58HqOdfTwListen to our episode with Lauren on scarcity mindset - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fesy7fsEVgLLrcOs0BIDK?si=p-xXyVx8SEyaI_OtHzzTRALearn about getting back to basics as a founder with Marcus Exall - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusexall/Check out Kayode Odeleye to learn about financial storytelling - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayodeodeleye/

Today I'm very excited because we are doing a special episode all about fundraising.This is a topic I get asked about all the time from founders wanting to know who they should go to for investment, what investors are really looking for, and what they should be asking investors in turn.It's a topic we've talked about a ton on this podcast. We've had angel investors give their perspective, venture capitalists share theirs, and founders of all different stages talk about their journeys. So it seemed only right that we start to amalgamate some of these.When we came to it, though, we had so much content it couldn't fit in a single episode. So this will in fact be the first in a small series. Don't worry if you love our guest deep dive interviews as well, we promise they'll be back in between. So stay tuned to not miss any of it.In this episode, we dive into five different perspectives with three founders turned investors, and two founders sharing their experience one of crowdfunding and one of going after Angel Investment.We discuss:The Flick Test and other tips from Founder and Angel Investor, Chris HowardLessons on taking it to the crowd with Sophie Meislin Baron, founder of MamamadeHow Venture Capital really works with Zoe Peden, Partner at Ananda Impact VenturesThe most common advice Devin Hunt, Venture Partner at Seedcamp, gives startups he invests inThe magic of never giving up with Amber Probyn, Co-founder of PeequalAnd much more!Links:Startup wrecks, smarter fundraising, and rattling the accelerator model, Chris Howard, founder of The Rattle - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3exPXbxTmqXAWo7ZZKBPZE?si=p-u6rIusSA-m3kCVr6DvBQKitchen to 40k+ community and £1.5m crowdfund, with Sophie Meislin Baron, founder of Mamamade -https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i5DfzfIAW7niBQToRn4Ly?si=feube4F6RyerId9fRNvO0gBehind the venture capital curtain, with Zoe Peden, Partner at Ananda Impact Ventures -https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FiiIpZ6w2LeLvSbtMtgdj?si=UNyrAUfBTPSFly6EWiSNNALessons from Y Combinator, Burnout, Investing and Book Writing, with Devin Hunt -https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JYwEzyipbroKM59ISB805?si=vAPKNVclS9iiurMKA0oaHwFounding the first female urinal with Amber Probyn, Founder of Peequal -https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tifsaBCFwbFSnYiIscIZG?si=PShlSE9CQfium7E0sZMC4QWe also highly recommend listening to Fundraising as a Diverse Founder, with Guests Simi Lindgren, Nick Telson and Farah Kabir, as it’s practically it's own special episode in itself -https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LIiOdqRsdUOqy2hu8iXbw?si=JdLxp-xIRyy6xZai5Bd0cg