El Rayo: Tequila - it makes me happy

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 founder

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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

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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 sales

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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 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 success

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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 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 website

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

What comes to mind when you think of the future? Flying cars, human-like robots, time travel? But what about quantum computing?

Prepare to have your mind blown.

Join us for an exhilarating journey into the future with Phasecraft, a groundbreaking startup that is pushing the boundaries of algorithmic innovation in the quantum realm.

Get an insider view from Ashley Montanaro - co-founder & CEO - as he unravels the mysteries of quantum computing

Key Takeaways

- Explore the Infinite: Discover the transformative potential of quantum algorithms and witness how Phasecraft will help create breakthroughs in battery development and material science.

- Inspiration: Hear the unvarnished accounts of the co-founders' personal lives that blend life and work, whilst raising young families.

- Shape the Future: Uncover the impact of quantum computing on future technologies and industries

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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

We are currently facing a public health crisis. In this episode, you'll hear the story of Andy Welsh, the ambitious founder of SRSLY Low Carb. After a wake-up call, he left the corporate world to enter the challenging world of health-focused entrepreneurship. 

Picture this: You're trying to offer healthier food options in a market that is dominated by six conglomerates producing ultra-processed food. Quite a challenge, right?  

 What's his secret weapon? It's listening to his customers. Their feedback and loyalty have been his guide and his driving force, reinforcing the power of customer-centric businesses. 

Key Takeaways

- Resilience is at the Heart of Entrepreneurship: Andy's experience reminds us that overcoming obstacles, such as personal financial risk and market resistance, requires a strong support system and an ability to adapt under pressure.

- The Power of Quality and Customer Loyalty: Prioritising product integrity and building close customer relationships can lead to organic growth and brand trust, often reducing the need for heavy marketing investment.

- Financial Literacy is Fundamental: The conversations underscore the essential need for entrepreneurs to understand their financials deeply. Money problems in business can't be ignored and must be managed proactively to ensure stability and growth.

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

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

From advising UK Prime Ministers to spearheading green innovation. Mat Ilic takes us from the corridors of Whitehall to the frontlines of green innovation.

Discover his journey from Belgrade to becoming a UK visionary. Mat spent his career advising the likes of Boris Johnson and Theresa May.

Now, he’s on a mission with Greenworkx to foster environmental change and generate 10 million green jobs

Key Takeaways

- How can small steps lead to massive impact? This conversation holds the answers. 

- Bridging the Green Gap: There's a pressing need to address the skills gap in the green sector. Greenworkx's mission is to empower 10 million individuals with green jobs, fostering a low-carbon, sustainable world.

- Step by Step Innovation: Mat Ilic champions the iterative approach in business, reminding us that significant progress comes from small, consistent steps.

- Diversity Fuels Change: Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's crucial for progression. By aiming to recruit from underserved communities, Greenworkx addresses workforce diversity head-on, ensuring that the transition to a greener economy is wide-reaching.

Join us for an insightful conversation where passion meets purpose, and innovation creates a greener world.

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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 incredible journey of Hexa Finance is not just a tale of success; it's a true story of how being bold and true to yourself can pay dividends.  

From a simple idea in 2016 to launching amidst the global lockdown, co-founders Ben Davies and Stu Mason have navigated it all.

They dive deep into their journey, sharing the sacrifices made, the critical role of timing, and the essence of trust and understanding in their partnership.

Key takeaways

- Back yourself and go for it, as you've started something for a reason and should have complete confidence in your vision.

- The Power of Teamwork: Ben and Stu stress the significance of a team that complements your skills and fosters mutual support. 

- The Art of Saying 'No': Learn the value of simplicity in complexity. Embracing your niche, the bravery in critical decisions, and the wisdom in choosing your battles. 

- Making Finance Relatable: Steering away from traditional corporate norms, Hexa Finance champions an open & comfortable environment, demystifying finance and making it accessible to all. 

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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

As an early-stage founder, the decision to bootstrap or raise capital can make or break your business.

But don't worry, serial entrepreneur Dominic Mills has been there and has the answers you need to succeed.

We uncover the power of community, localism, and entrepreneurship as we follow Dominic's journey from exit to founding his latest startup, Yuup -  a marketplace that connects people with local experiences.

Key Takeaways

- Community as a Catalyst: Learn from Dominic's experience with 'Yuup' about the power of community in accelerating business growth

- Balancing Acts: Hear Dominic's take on the advantages and challenges of bootstrapping versus taking on external funding

- Leadership Mastery: Discover how to become an effective leader

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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

Unlock the secrets to overcoming fear, addressing burnout, and finding happiness with the power of coaching.

Meet Ashleigh Tennent, founder of More Happi - a platform making coaching affordable for all.

Discover how she conquered her fears, recognised burnout, and built a successful coaching business that's changing lives.

Key Takeaways  

- Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs: Learn how Ashleigh tackled her fear of public speaking, which was rooted in her childhood

- Addressing Burnout: Discover how Ashleigh recognised and navigated burnout with the guidance of a coach, emphasising the importance of reflection and gaining perspective.

- The Power of Mentors and Coaches: Understand the difference between mentors and coaches

If you're able to support an amazing cause on behalf of Laura Rawlings, please do kindly donate to Macmillan Cancer, link below

https://coffeefundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/cm23059103

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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