Founded & Grounded

7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger. Managing one of the world's biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen's explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public. The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are.Key takeaways

What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans, founder of 18Sixty—an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling.From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention. Key TakeawaysKnowing your audience: The key to a successful podcast lies in deeply understanding your listeners and crafting content that serves their needsFinding Balance: Effective time management, habit stacking, and prioritisation are essential for navigating business demands while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.Business growth strategies:  Differentiating yourself, leveraging word-of-mouth, and building strong connections are crucial for scaling your business. Whether you're an early-stage founder, an aspiring podcaster, or just curious about the future of branded podcasts, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websitehttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/j54mNsooOdH 

From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker. From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant. But Tim's journey is much more than just success.Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work.Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders. Explore the balance between transparency and forward planning, Tim's IPO experience, and the transition from blitzscaling to a lean approach. Learn about the significance of humility, team support, and managing expectations. We conclude the episode by discussing the future of work, embracing AI, and societal changes.Key TakeawaysHigh expectations can undermine resilience, so maintaining realistic goals can help sustain long-term motivation and perseverance.Aligning business strategies and goals among all stakeholders ensures smoother operations and mutual benefits, making it easier to achieve sustainable growth.Adapting to market conditions and being open to changing strategies, even if it means shifting from aggressive expansion to a leaner approach, is crucial for long-term success.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websitehttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/z0Sw0OlIhm1Connect with hosts Ollie and Becky via LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivercollardhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysage

What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common?Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar, co-founder of Brilliant Labs, about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation.From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR adoption, company culture, and hardware startups, offering leadership lessons on humility and communication. Hear Bobak's advice on fundraising, cofounder dynamics, and balancing startup life. Finally, we end with reflections on AI's future, data privacy, and the influence of faith in entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways- AI and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionise memory augmentation, providing perfect recall and proactive insights based on an individual's life experiences.- Building a successful global team requires extreme specificity and over-communication to avoid costly miscommunications, especially in hardware development.- Achieving a balance between openness and data privacy is crucial for tech companies to build trust and positively influence industry standards.Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat nowConnect with hosts Ollie and Becky via LinkedIn.

From academia to entrepreneurship: The remarkable story of Nick Tune and the secrets to converting research into commercial success, with his spinout company Optimise AI. Gain valuable insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate to startup life, the importance of support networks, and how to embrace failures. Uncover the economic impact of Nick's spinout company Optimise AI, their differentiators in the market, and his valuable advice on team growth and work-life balance for early-stage founders.Key Takeaways- Balancing financial management and growth is crucial for startup survival, requiring careful attention to both spending and cash runway.- Utilising fractional experts can provide startups with strategic and operational support without the high costs of full-time roles.- A strong support system and maintaining personal well-being are essential for founders to sustain their passion and resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat nowConnect with hosts Ollie and Becky via LinkedIn. 

From performing magic for prime ministers and billionaires to gracing stages on shows like Britain's Got Talent. Alfie Whattam shares his unorthodox journey from entertainment to launching his own recruitment startup, Alfa Technology. Alfa builds software engineering teams for businesses operating in cutting-edge technologies like AI and Web3.   Uncover Alfie's game-changing insights on cultivating a bulletproof mindset, building effective content strategies, and disrupting outdated industries ripe for innovation. The recruitment industry is broken. Hear how Alfie is challenging the status quo, taking on the incumbent ‘dinosaurs', questioning unethical practices, and doing things differently.  Alfie's insights delve into pressing issues, like the ethical implications of AI, and the exponential speed of development, which could soon reach an irreversible tipping point. Alfie emphasises the need for genuine community-driven approaches in recruitment. Key takeaways- How to build a winning Content Strategy – Alfie shares his blueprint so you can drive inbound demand for your business. He stresses the importance of consistency and a clear strategy to make content work effectively for your goals. - Delegation and Automation - Alfie emphasises the significance of delegating tasks, systematising, and automating to avoid burnout and maximise productivity. - The potential and dangers of AI and Web3 technologies. Hear the immense potential for transforming entire industries and creating new business opportunities. But the rapid evolution also poses ethical and existential questions that we exploreHave questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website Text us your feedback and feature on the showSupport 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 hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

How this entrepreneur overcame ADHD and dyslexia and used these diagnoses as his superpower to build two businesses worth millions.  Hear the inspiring story of Roei Samuel, who discusses the importance of self-belief, transparency, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Roei got an exit with his first business, Real Sport, and has gone on to build the UK's fastest-growing startup community in Connectd. The platform has shaken the early-stage investment landscape by utilising data to ensure transparency, trust, and better connectivity in the investment process. By the end of the episode, you'll be encouraged to think bigger, embrace bold decisions, and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with more confidence and resilience. Key Takeaways- How to create an unstoppable mindset - Roei shares how he has created an intoxicating self-belief to overcome challenges and remove crippling self-doubt.- Develop self-awareness and play to your strengths - How to become more self-aware and focus on your personal strengths. Embrace who you are and prioritise self-care to achieve long-term success and happiness.- Create a big vision - Roei is on a mission to democratise the investment landscape and empower entrepreneurs worldwide. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteText us your feedback and feature on the showSupport 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 hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Meet the power couple who quit their jobs and made Dragons' Den history, by giving away 5% of their business for £5.  Introducing Charlene Mitchell-Hood and Simon Hood, the founders of Sooper Books. Hear their incredible journey, which started as a simple idea to aid their daughter's bedtime routine, which quickly turned into the world's number one bedtime story streaming service and saw all five Dragons invest.  Their journey will inspire you and arm you with valuable insights for your own startup. Don't miss this masterclass on how you can turn your passion into a category-defining leader.Sooper Books is a storybook streaming service offering hundreds of world-class stories and audiobooks to millions of families around the world, completely free of charge.Key Takeaways- Value of relationships over money. Learn why and how they prioritised connections over cash, which has opened doors and fostered significant growth for Sooper Books. This illustrates that sometimes, who you know is as important as what you know.- Authenticity in pitching and brand building. Learn how their genuine approach in the Dragon's Den and beyond has not only differentiated them from competitors but also helped build a brand that's beloved by families worldwide.- Balancing business and personal life. Discover the delicate art of managing a business with your spouse, the importance of delegation, having clear boundaries in place and the pivotal role of learning from failures to ensure both business and personal growth.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteText us your feedback and feature on the showSupport 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 hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

A teaser for Season 5. We deep dive into the minds of early-stage founders, who are only a couple of steps ahead. Our unique podcast format, blending interviews with analysis, brings you closer to the action. Our hosts, Dr Becky Sage and Ollie Tiramuragan Collard unpack the business lessons for you. Join us as we tackle taboo topics and feature a diverse range of guests, with over 1 in 3 being female founders and 1 in 4 being from an ethnic minority background since the podcast was launched in 2019. We delve into Ashleigh Tennent's journey in the coaching industry. We also hear about Andy Welsh's financial struggles. Eric Fulwiler shares his career journey, marketing insights, and experiences with Gary Vaynerchuk. Have questions about our podcasts? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteText us your feedback and feature on the showSupport 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 hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

The untold story of how one woman's mental health crisis led her to create a revolutionary mindset company for women. Meet Kim Palmer founder of Clementine, a company on a mission to free women from unhelpful thoughts, feelings & expectations. Kim's very personal crisis led her to champion mental well-being and create a movement for women. Clementine is reimagining mental health and paving the way for digital therapeutics. Kim risked it all as the main breadwinner, giving up her well-paid job in strategy to follow her dreams.  Key Takeaways- Expansion and growth: Explore Clementine's strategic shift from an App to a mindset company - Founder well-being: Kim discusses the critical role of self-care, the power of trusting one's intuition, and maintaining emotional well-being amid the demands of startup life - The Importance of Customer Discovery: How to effectively use customer insights to validate your business model, fuel growth and build an engaged community Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport 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 hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Get a rare insight into one entrepreneur's remarkable journey to a $1.5B market cap.  Discover John Williams's insider strategies and personal challenges as he co-founded and scaled Kudan from startup through to IPO. John's next chapter is building SCVC, a deep tech VC he and partner Harry Destecroix wished they had as founders. This episode is a must-listen for every entrepreneur and tech enthusiast. Key Takeaways- Insider IPO Strategies: from leading Kudan through to a historic IPO, John shares his untold story of the strategic manoeuvres and personal challenges of scaling a company to achieve a billion-dollar-plus valuation. - Venture Capital Reimagined: discover SCVC's unique approach as a deep tech VC firm that supports early-stage founders, focused on transforming academic research into commercial spinouts. - Technology product fit, learn how a deep understanding of your technology can guide you to the right product and market.Investor mindset -  hear how SCVC is helping early-stage founders navigate the complex and long journey from academic research to spinout success. Hear how John hopes to leave a legacy and go beyond his massive IPO milestone,  by backing the best technical founders who are creating the fourth industrial revolution. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Meet Conal Cunningham, a music industry veteran turned pet food innovator, and discover his remarkable business journey of perseverance and innovation.We deep-dive into the origins of Mr Bug, a company redefining pet nutrition through sustainably bred insect protein. This startup story has everything from kitchen experiments to funding struggles and scaling triumphs. Whether you're a founder, an eco-conscious individual, or simply curious about the intersection of sustainability and business, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways:- Understand how starting small and bootstrapping can be leveraged as a strategic advantage for learning, evolving, and growing your business- How to engage with your customers early on and how this can lead to immediate sales and traction when you launch your startup- The framework for building a stand-out brand in a crowded marketplace- The potential of insect protein to contribute to food security and the circular economy.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Entrepreneurship is a lot like dancing; both require resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.Find out how one startup, SOS Dance Global, is combining these elements to reach the top of the industry. This is a story of empowerment, resilience, and defying the odds.Bonnie Parsons, shares her remarkable journey from professional dancer to pioneering entrepreneur, and how she's empowering a generation of women through the universal language of dance.Key Takeaways- How to confront challenges head-on. Hear the harsh truths behind the obstacles facing female founders and the keys to success in balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. - Empowerment as strategy. For Bonnie, she's clear on her mission to positively impact lives globally, providing strength and confidence to women. - Scaling up requires a transformative mindset, implementing systems, and spreading culture and processes for business growth- Persistence pays off. Building a startup is a long game where patience, strategic planning, and understanding your worth are essential ingredients for success.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Experiencing the collapse of a startup can be devastating, yet for Vasily Alekseenko, it was the catalyst for change.  After witnessing the dark side of fundraising, Vasily took matters into his own hands. Rare Founders was born with a simple mission to connect founders and investors. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of networking, pitching, investment, and the magic that happens when founders come together to uplift one another.We discuss the importance of diversity in the investment landscape, the significance of community, and the future of early-stage funding.Key Takeaways- How to be more resourceful and do more with less. Focus on creative solutions and confidence in your vision - How to overcome your insecurities and pitch with confidence- Fun as a foundation. How to inject fun into your startup and gamify life as a founderHave questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

The innovator turning forgotten spaces into thriving community hubs. Meet Felix Atkin, founder of tech startup Sharsey - the Airbnb for community spaces. What stemmed from a personal problem of trying to book a local venue for his kids' birthday party has blossomed into a business that has already generated over £1million in bookings. Felix delves deep into his journey, unveils the strategic steps behind Sharesy's considered growth, and shares invaluable insights on coping with the demands of startup leadership.Key Takeaways- Self-Care Is Paramount. Amidst the drive for success, remember that personal well-being is crucial for sustaining long-term ambition.- Resilience in Fundraising. Embrace rejections as learning opportunities. Maintain transparency with your investors and lean on your support network during challenging times.- Learn the secret of how to context switch  between high-level strategic planning and the nitty-gritty of day-to-day operations in your business- How to win at founder-led salesHave questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

Meet Kaushal Shah, the impact entrepreneur behind envoPap, who is on a mission to help save the planet while making a profit. He turns agricultural waste into sustainable paper and packaging, and in this conversation, he shares his secrets to success in business and beyond.Key takeaways- Sustainable Innovation: Learn how Kaushal has built out an end-to-end sustainable business model focused on both community development and economic growth- Smart scaling: We peel back the layers to unpick how Kaushal achieves economic growth whilst successfully diversifying the business- Grounded Mindset: How does Kaushal deal with cultural differences and large supply chain issues? By staying grounded through self-care practices like meditation Finally, hear why falling in love with the problem, not just the solution, is vital to entrepreneurial successHave questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

The former MD of Gary Vee's Vayner Media left everything behind to pursue his dream, and the results will leave you inspired.  Tune into a thought-provoking journey with Eric Fulwiler, the visionary co-founder behind the growth marketing consultancy Rival. What was the tipping point that compelled him to take the plunge? In reality, there wasn't one...Eric pulls back the glitzy entrepreneurial curtain and reveals the unfiltered realities of day-to-day startup life. Key Takeaways- Define Your Own Success Metrics: It's not just about growth; in Eric's case, it's about building a business that is so strong that someone else would want to purchase it. Learn his philosophy: don't challenge the market; change it. - Prepare for the Marathon: Entrepreneurship is a journey of endurance. Eric's advice? Build emotional and psychological resilience. It's about ensuring the longevity of both your mental health and your business. Take care of yourself, your team, and truly understand your customers' needs.- More Than Just Profit: Eric sees Rival, and business in general, as a vehicle for positive change. Aim for a social and environmental impact; embody the challenger brand mindset, and drive innovation that matters. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websiteSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don't leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

What comes to mind when you think of the future?

We are living in a public health crisis. This episode will make your entrepreneurial heart race! It's the tale of Andy Welsh, the driven founder of SRSLY Low Carb, who leapt from the corporate world into the battlefield of health-focused entrepreneurship after a wake-up call...

Around one in six adults in the UK are experiencing depression. Antidepressants help many, but not all, and they have side effects. Here's where Flow Neuroscience comes in - by developing a drug-free way of treating depression. Erin Lee - CEO of Flow Neuroscience, joins Ollie and Laura to talk about how the new headset works and what her role as CEO involves.Tune in to hear more about:The tricky balance of pricing the product and finding the right clients.The challenge of building trust and partnerships in the health sector.The importance of being yourself, especially in work. The joy of being at the start of a new business and doing something you're passionate about. The importance of committing to the user experience.How it's OK not to have all the answers.How the headset can be used in tandem with drugs under the supervision of clinicians.To get 15% off your Flow Headset input during check-out: FNG15.  For your chance to win a FREE FLOW headset, simply make sure you subscribe to the Founded & Grounded podcast (if not already), comment on this post (below) and leave a review via Apple Podcasts. A winner will be chosen at random. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/olivercollard_tdcs-mentalhealth-innovation-activity-7079415596110467072-pCZE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Twin brothers Chris and Cam started Unyoked with a couple of cabins in the wild in their homeland of Australia. Today, they are a globally recognised nature brand, closing in on 100 sustainable off-grid cabins in four countries - recently launching here in the UK.  They've had it all thrown at them - bush fires, floods and even coronavirus, but the brothers have tackled these challenges with resilience and positivity.  Find out how they've kept the faith and helped create their own category.Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

"Business is the best way of creating positive change in the world".Buckle up for this unmissable episode where we speak to a passionate business leader and activist, Johnny Palmer, onboard his Boeing 727.  With his multiple ventures in software, renewables, media production, hospitality, property, and manufacturing, we uncover Johnny's secret to being a successful serial entrepreneur. We discuss his core values of disruption, growth, and sustainability, the importance of delegation and trust, building a support network, and dealing with loneliness in business. - The Power of Projects: how to balance business, family, and personal interests-Johnny's blueprint to go from idea to execution- How work and life should interlink- You must take personal responsibility- How to nurture embryonic concepts- The importance of learning and how Johnny's brain is wired not to recognise failure- How discipline and small daily habits can be transformational Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

A magic mirror? Yes, a tech-first personal training solution that's changing how we think about fitness. Founder Varun struggled with unhealthy habits until he discovered personal training.Varun found the traditional personal training process to be inefficient and outdated, leading him to explore a more tech-first approach. Magic was born. We dive into Varun's struggles with investor rejection and how he overcame thisHow to fund and build an MVPWhat sacrifices Varun made in his startup journeyUse the discount code MAGIC100 for £100 off at https://magic.fit Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

This week we hear from Dan Murray-Serter, co-founder of brain care company Heights and host of the Secret Leaders podcast. Dan talks about his experiences with burnout, insomnia and anxiety and how his recovery led him into the world of nutrition and wellbeing and ultimately inspired his latest business. Find out how he used a newsletter to grow his business, the mistakes he made that we can all learn from, and the one piece of advice he'd pass on to anyone building their own business.Use the code  'grounded' for 15% month 1 of a subscription to either of Heights products. Tune into this episode to hear about:-  The role of nutrition in mental health- Dan's experience with burnout, depression, and chronic anxiety - How to create your own lane and USP- How can founders build resilience- Running a business and being a dad- How to invest in people, not businesses - How to get good advice- How do you make social media less like work?- Building an ecosystem for braincare and inviting other brands to compete- Focus on making the best product - Building in public- The importance of a peer-to-peer founder community- The importance of prioritising personal time as an entrepreneur and parent- Dan's investment philosophy of investing in over 50+startups- The importance of gratitude for good health Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

This week we hear from the inspirational Andy Ayim MBE - co-founder of The Angel Investing School, who wants to level the playing field in the world of angel investing. Find out what keeps Andy moving forward with confidence, and how someone becomes a trusted advisor to new businesses. If you're interested in the world of angel investing but don't know where to begin, then this is a conversation not to miss. We explore toxic company cultures, the importance of being true to oneself, and the democratisation of angel investing. Andy shares his experience of realising early on in a job that the company culture was toxic and how stepping aside, even though it meant giving up career opportunities, was the right decision. Andy discusses the value of being a non-conformist and how it can lead to great leaps in learning.  Hear first-hand Andy's journey of creating the Angel Investor School, which aims to make the world of angel investing more accessible to everyday people. Tune in to learn about:- The Angel Investment School's goal of democratising access to opportunity- Toxic company cultures during the interview process- Importance of probation period for both company and employee- Stepping aside from a toxic work environment despite career opportunities- Need for career confidence to say no to job opportunities not aligned with values- The value of being nonconformist- Backpacking in South America at 21 as a catalyst for personal and professional growth- Building a brand in the venture capitalism and angel investing space through sharing experiences- Creating the Angel Investor School to teach people about angel investing- Lack of diversity in venture capital funding and the need for equal access to opportunity for all- Role of angel investors and venture capitalists in providing capital for early-stage startups- Building communities around oneself and the importance of deeper relationships- Networks and the importance of creating one that works for oneself- The founder's experience building and growing Mixtape Madness and working as a product managerSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Piers Linney is an entrepreneur and investor. He's the Founder of Moblox (a technology and tools platform for small businesses) and is well known from his appearances on Dragons Den and Channel 4's Secret Millionaire.On Founded and Grounded, Piers talks about his upbringing and his first money making ventures, shares his mistakes and what fascinates him about starting and growing businesses. The conversation provides a fascinating insight into Piers' entrepreneurial mindset and how he keeps moving forward.Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Some say the best ideas come over a drink.Today we hear from life-long friends who discovered there's more to tequila than 3am shooters, sucking a lemon and licking salt. They sampled their first tequila and tonic - and that was the start of their journey.They quit their day jobs and went on a Mexican adventure, developing their new brand of tequila - El Rayo. How did they do it? It's a great story of having an idea and running with it; making mistakes and learning on the go. It's bonkers and brilliant - and likely to make you ask yourself - what am I waiting for?Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

From tragedy to triumph.  How a sister's life-saving transplant led to the creation of an award-winning skincare business called ‘By Sarah London'. Founded by sisters Sarah and Lauren Murrell, after Lauren was diagnosed with life-threatening leukaemia and Sarah became her stem-cell donor.When Lauren was recovering, Sarah began developing plant-oil formulations to restore Lauren's dry, irritated and sensitive skin, as she reacted to many natural ranges. The result is a range designed to support a variety of different skin issues. This deeply personal story has sparked a strong sense of mission and purpose when it comes to business - which shines through in this conversation.In this episode, Sarah covers:Branding and how sharing your story builds trust with customersThe benefits of selling directly to customers and growing a community to reach new marketsThe importance of keeping true to your values despite commercial and growth pressuresHow to deal with the rollercoaster of running your own businessSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Mark Dowds is a serial entrepreneur and investor, and his latest venture, Responsible, seeks to make the clothing industry more sustainable. Over the years, Mark has made good money, signed six-figure cheques as a super angel investor, and has lost it all - before starting over again.  With all this experience, he really knows his stuff. In this episode, Mark discusses:How to get over mistakesHow your money backstory can influence your attitude to risk and businessThe value of stepping outside your comfort zoneHow listening to your fears can help Why you need to be clear about the problem your business is solvingSupport the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Why your values are key to your business successMeet Steve Mason, former Technical Director at GCHQ (the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency).  Having defended the UK from cyber attacks, he now runs Nova Blue - supporting companies with their digital security needs.But this isn't a tech conversation - in this episode, Steve shares the key ingredients that help him make business decisions, how he attracts clients and deals with setbacks - including the mistake that almost cost him his business. Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

Decent coffee - tick. House plants - tick. Quiet area and community hub - tick. You know what it's like - the feeling of finding a really nice place to work. Since Covid, hybrid working has become the norm, workplaces have evolved and more of us are using co-working spaces. Laura Beales (and her co-founder Jules Robertson) saw the potential to create a platform that makes finding a workspace easy. Wherever, whenever. Tally Workspace was born during the lockdown as a side hustle but the team has grown and they secured funding through Innovate UK and angel investment. As well as on-demand workspace, Tally also has an in-house team of office experts who can find your business the perfect new home - at zero cost.In this episode of Founded & Grounded, Laura Beales shares the challenges and opportunities of constantly evolving to meet customers' needs, advice on getting a new business off the ground, and their co-founder partnership's success. It's a great lesson on how to get your business started. Support the showProudly sponsored by our wonderful partner, Nova Blue, keeping businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastoffer

‘I owed it to myself to leap and look' Rum entrepreneur Edmund Wood quit his job to follow the dream of setting up his own business. He didn't have a clue what it would be but decided he had to ‘leap and look' for an idea he was passionate about - and decided on rum. Belgrove was born. Edmund joins Ollie and Laura on Founded & Grounded to share his inspiring journey. It's a story about being bold, quick to adapt when plans go pear-shaped (thanks to Covid) and learning you have to be kind to yourself. If you have ever dreamt of quitting your day-to-day and doing something else - this is a must-listen for you.  Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners. Nova Blue, keeps businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastofferTally Market, a flexible workspace platform that enables startups to find & instantly book great workspaces across the UK. Claim 20 FREE tokenshttps://www.tallymarket.co.uk/fandg

Rupal Patel, former agent, now serial entrepreneur, shares her honest and personal journey of the challenges she faced and how she kept going in high stakes, high-pressurised environments in the field and in the boardroom. Rupal reveals how the CIA mindset teaches you to be resilient and persistent to achieve your goals. She also shares some great advice on ‘tactical ignorance' and how it can help deal with imposter syndrome and the inner critic.Her book ‘From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder' is out now.Go to www.rupalypatel.com to find out more about Rupal. Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners. Nova Blue, keeps businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastofferTally Market, a flexible workspace platform that enables startups to find & instantly book great workspaces across the UK. Claim 20 FREE tokenshttps://www.tallymarket.co.uk/fandg

Hear from Mark Panay - Co-founder and MD of one of Bristol's most prolific software agencies , Simpleweb.Learn Mark's highs and lows of running a business, and how his natural curiosity and fascination for learning has shaped his career.  Discover what Mark thinks makes a good start-up investment, and what he sees as the biggest challenges of being the boss.Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners. Nova Blue, keeps businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastofferTally Market, a flexible workspace platform that enables startups to find & instantly book great workspaces across the UK. Claim 20 FREE tokenshttps://www.tallymarket.co.uk/fandg

Meet Simon Squibb, serial entrepreneur, investor and founder of The Purposeful Project. Simon's mission is to help and inspire 10,000,000 people to startup and scale a business for free. He believes there should be a Start Up Centre to replace the Job Centre - and as an angel investor and entrepreneur, Simon's got the credentials to make this a reality.In this insightful conversation with Founded and Grounded, Simon reveals how being homeless at 15 made him realise he had what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He shares his journey, failures and lessons learnt, including how to increase your luck and why being clear about your purpose is key to business success.Thanks to our sponsors Nova Blue and Tally Market.Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners. Nova Blue, keeps businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health checkhttps://nova-blue.co.uk/podcastofferTally Market, a flexible workspace platform that enables startups to find & instantly book great workspaces across the UK. Claim 20 FREE tokenshttps://www.tallymarket.co.uk/fandg

Meet Kelli Fairbrother, co-founder and CEO of xigxag.She has the vision to make audiobooks more engaging. xigxgag has taken on a big global player and forged ahead developing a listen-and-read book, called the x-book.Kelli started in the US army, a place she credits with teaching her the grit and determination required to be an entrepreneur and where she first realised she could be a leader. She then spent 20 years in consumer tech before having the confidence to set up her own business. xigxag is her first venture.Kelli joins Founded & Grounded to discuss how you know when you've got a great idea, the value of having an experienced advisor when it comes to making your pitch and signing deals, and the difference it makes both financially and mentally having a network.Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners. Nova Blue, keep businesses safe from cyber security threats, so you can concentrate on growing your startup. Claim your FREE cyber health check Tally Market, a flexible workspace platform that enables startups to find & instantly book great workspaces across the UK. Claim 20 FREE tokens...

In an age where we have a constant stream of personal data on our wrists, and home testing has become second nature, one UK company is nicely poised to ride the crest of a wellbeing wave.Forth is a digital health business pioneering personalised biomarker profiling. Its founder and CEO, Sarah Bolt, caught up with Founded & Grounded to talk about how Forth are on a mission to improve health and wellbeing and, in particular, close the gender health gap.But it's a conversation as much about the less-than-straightforward path to success as Sarah reflects on the challenge of convincing investors outside Forth's target demographic, the success rates of sole founders versus partnerships, and how running a business can sometimes feel like coming at the expense of those closest to you. Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis from Ollie Collard and listener feedback courtesy of Samantha Miles.

“If you do what you don't love, that's stress. If you do what you love, that's passion.”Author, Podcaster, Motivational Speaker...and for good reason. Jeff Dewing has a story to tell. He's seen it all in the world of Facilities Management - good and bad. Restless, and far from content with maintaining the status quo, Jeff founded Cloudfm to disrupt the industry for the better. Over 10 years later, he's CEO of an award-winning company that's blazing a trail for the next decade. But, as with all entrepreneurial journeys, there have been a few twists and turns along the way.In conversation with Founded & Grounded, Jeff talks about finding fulfilment in life, and why the impact of Covid on Cloudfm was transformative for his leadership style - and how showing 'vulnerability' enabled his people to be the best versions of themselves. Overall, there's powerful advice here for life and business in general - including the importance of simply asking yourself the question 'Why?'   Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis and input from Ollie Collard & Samantha Miles.

They started out in 2018 with no business qualifications, marketing experience, or entrepreneurial background - simply a shared passion and a big idea. 4 years on, they're the pioneering start-up taking drinks bottles to a new and truly sustainable level.Through their company S'wheat, Jake Elliott-Hook and Amee Ritchie have created the world's first reusable bottle made from plant-based materials. Now courted by environmentally-conscious consumers and tech giants alike, S'wheat's growth is built on foundations as organic as their products. And in an era of corporate 'greenwashing', they're backing the talk with action, redefining the relationship between business and nature. Speaking with Founded & Grounded, the couple talk about going viral for the first time, the brushes with disaster, and being wary of sharing their business idea with those closest to them. It's an inspiring story - and a reminder that anyone with the right energy and attitude can be a successful entrepreneur. Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis from business start-up specialist Ollie Collard, and Founded & Grounded Community Lead, Samantha Miles. 

What are Venture Capitalists? How do they operate? And what can founders learn from them in the pursuit of backing for their big idea?In this episode, we enter the real dragons' den and put a human face to this influential but little-understood world - in this case, Rob Moffat from Balderton.In a revealing conversation with Ollie, Rob gives us the perspective from the other side of the desk, what founders should be considering when they approach VCs, and the attributes that he and his colleagues look for when deciding who and what to invest in. Rob also gives us his insight on the areas where he anticipates future growth, and has an assuring piece of wisdom for founders wherever they are on their business journey.Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis from Ollie Collard.

"You can't buy culture".In this episode, Founded & Grounded visit the Lost & Grounded brewery and their co-founder Alex Troncoso, as we return to the world of craft beer. With new breweries and their tap rooms popping up on virtually every street corner, it's impossible to ignore the rise in popularity of craft beer.  Equally apparent has been the hit taken by the hospitality industry during the Covid pandemic. So how to position yourself in a crowded market - and futureproof the company also?Alex takes a holistic view, and how having 4 simple values intrinsic to every aspect of the operation, being among a minority of UK brewers to pay the living wage, and sticking to their principles, has helped Lost & Grounded successfully navigate its first 6 years.He also raises two fundamental questions for all businesses and their founders; why should you exist in a crowded market, and how big do you want to be?Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis from Ollie Collard and listener feedback courtesy of Samantha Miles.

The world of insurance is a grey area for many people in more ways than one, so allow Sam White to inject some colour to the proceedings...Setting up in business following a chain of life-changing events, Sam now presides over two successful insurance companies in the UK and Australia who are explicitly putting the consumer at the heart of their proposition.But, as is so often the case, the entrepreneurial journey has been far from straightforward.In a thought-provoking and inspirational episode, Sam discusses why she 'fired' herself as CEO of Freedom Services, the dilemma of protecting people versus saving the business, and the chronic lack of investment in female founders despite being a safer financial bet. And she has some powerful views on the future of the insurance industry, and how businesses need to return to being run by people - for people.Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis and input from Ollie Collard and Samantha Miles. 

Besides climate change, the issue of microplastics is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing society.Passionate to put his engineering talent to use, but unable to find a business that matched the scale of his ambitions, Adam Root founded Matter - a company built on the principle of capturing, harvesting and recycling microplastics.In conversation with Founded & Grounded, Adam talks passionately about the origins of Matter, and also how he didn't seek to be an entrepreneur - but how entrepreneurship found him. He also discusses how developing and nurturing employees can be a golden opportunity rather than a headache, and ultimately why founders need to "back themselves".Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis from start-up advisor Ollie Collard and feedback from our Founded & Grounded community courtesy of Samantha Miles.      

"Information is abundant... wisdom less so."It's no secret that access to knowledge and mentorship is fundamental to success in many aspects of life, not least business. But, on a Diverse Founders Programme, it became apparent to Dayo Akinrinade that these all-important connections were held within privileged circles - so she decided to set up Wisdom.Wisdom has harnessed the social audio phenomenon to connect knowledge seekers to mentors, for the benefit of people from all backgrounds. For this latest episode of Founded & Grounded, Dayo talks about tackling institutionalised prejudice, the challenge of ensuring trust and safety on a still-evolving social platform, and her vision of Wisdom one day rivalling Google as the go-to place for knowledge.Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis from Ollie Collard and listener feedback from Samantha Miles. 

Meet Steve Neil... 'Brand Protector' and director of The Trademark Helpline.Steve's mission is to ensure that business owners look after their intellectual property and the brands they've started from scratch. But he had to balance that with the challenges of becoming a business owner himself - a tale worthy of a reality TV series.It's '2-for-1' in this latest edition as Steve not only shares his expertise and wisdom in the sometimes overlooked area of trademark/brand protection - including the mistakes most commonly made by businesses - but also describes taking on a going concern and the changes required when he realised that the buck stopped with him.Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis from Ollie Collard and reaction from our listener community courtesy of Samantha Miles.   

There are lots of reasons why people become entrepreneurs. Nav Sawhney had three, instilled within him from a young age, and these inspired him to develop a product that would enhance everyday life for the consumers of tomorrow. As our latest guest entrepreneur, Nav explains to Founded & Grounded how the plight of refugees, the central role of women in life, and the intrigue of engineering were the genesis of The Washing Machine Project: producing an off-grid manual washing machine that would alleviate hand-washing. In a unique and inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, there are learnings for all founders as Nav talks through the challenge of resilience, the sacrifices made by families and partners, and to not fear failure,  but instead treat it as a learning.Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis from Ollie Collard and feedback from our Founded & Grounded community courtesy of Samantha Miles.    

After becoming a Mum, Dominique Woolf wanted to take life in a whole new direction and literally bring some spice to the proceedings. So, using her sales background and Thai heritage, and winning over the local farmers' market in North London, The Woolf's Kitchen got cooking.In our first episode of 2022, Dominique talks through the reality of running a business and being a parent (spoiler alert: there are no easy answers), how Covid provided an unexpected opportunity to improve her product branding, and why networking for solo 'foodpreneurs' generated emotional wellbeing as much as business connections. Ultimately, it's a story about entrepreneurship as a personal statement besides bringing the world a little culinary joy.Plus... what did our listeners say when it came to their meat vs vegan preferences (all stimulated by a question from our previous episode's featured business, Oowee Burger)? Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with expert analysis from Ollie Collard & Samantha Miles.