General Business
Discover and share business advice, tips, and resources. Engage with experts and peers for support and insights in the business world.
41 topics in this forum
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Get a clear picture of real estate app development costs, essential features, and factors that shape your projectโs budget. Perfect for startups and entrepreneurs. https://www.apurple.co/real-estate-app-development-cost/
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Why do so many SaaS startups failโand how can you avoid being one of them? In this video, we analyze the most common mistakes that cause nearly 95% of SaaS ventures to crash and burn. You'll learn from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRukO96OnNA
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Why Protecting Your Startup Idea Matters More Than You ThinkYouโve struck upon a bright idea. Maybe a clever service, a gadget or a brand that might disrupt the market. Yet ideas on their own arenโt protected by law. To transform your brainwave into a safeguarded asset, you must arm yourself with the right legal tools. From patents to NDAs and trademarks, startup IP isnโt just legal jargon; itโs your intellectual armour. Think of it this way: without IP protection, your startup is like an unlocked house in a busy neighbourhood. Attractive to others, but vulnerable. With the right protections, youโre not just locking the doors, youโre installing an alarm system, signing an…
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Embarking on a startup journey is one of the most thrilling experiences in business, offering the opportunity to create something new, innovate and potentially disrupt an industry. But with that thrill comes risk and often, the most significant risk isnโt the product or market, but the people you choose to build your business with. Your co-founder relationship is the backbone of your venture. A strong partnership can propel your startup forward, while a misaligned one can create tension, slow progress and sometimes even lead to failure. Many first-time founders underestimate the importance of co-founder compatibility. They focus on finding someone with similar technical s…
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Valuing a startup is often described as part science, part art and part educated guesswork. Unlike established companies with predictable revenue streams, startups live in a world of uncertainty: limited historical data, evolving products and unpredictable markets. Yet, valuation is critical: it sets expectations for founders, informs investors and ultimately determines the equity stake exchanged in funding rounds. In the UKโs vibrant startup ecosystem, understanding the most widely used valuation methods can be the difference between securing investment and missing opportunities. In this article, we unpack three key approaches: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Comparable Comp…
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If youโve spent any time in a pitch meeting, at a startup event or reading a funding announcement, youโve probably noticed the same thing: founders speak a confident, visionary language that sometimes feelsโฆ slightly off. Itโs polished, persuasive and often inspiring. But if you look closely, thereโs usually more to the story. Startups operate under intense pressure. Budgets are tight, timelines are urgent and expectations are sky-high. Founders are trying to sell their vision, attract talent and secure funding, all at once. To navigate this, they often wrap complex truths in polished and optimistic language. Understanding what they really mean can help investors, employe…
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If youโve ever dipped your toes into the world of startups or product development, youโve probably heard the terms PoC vs Prototype vs MVP thrown around a lot. But what do they mean? And more importantly, how are they connected? Sometimes, it feels like everyone uses these words interchangeably โ but are they really that different, or do they share some common ground? Weโll explore the surprising similarities between these three early-stage product concepts. Whether youโre a founder trying to figure out your next step, a developer curious about the process, or just someone interested in how ideas turn into real products, this breakdown will help clear things up. Breaking …
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Are You Really in Control of Your Brand?Imagine investing time, capital and creative energy into launching a startup only to discover that another business has already registered your brand name. Worse still, they're legally entitled to use it and youโre not. This scenario is more common than it should be. And it's not limited to newcomers or hobbyists as even innovative, investment-ready startups fall into this trap every year. At the heart of this issue lies a powerful yet often overlooked legal tool: the trademark. Theyโre too often dismissed as a bureaucratic formality, however trademarks are a core pillar of intellectual property (IP). Not just for compliance, but al…
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Starting a business is an exciting journey, but if youโre new to it, the process of setting up a UK limited company can feel a bit overwhelming. Donโt worry because itโs not as complicated as it sounds. Whether youโre a freelancer ready to go pro, a budding entrepreneur launching your first startup or just curious about what it means to run a limited company, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple steps. Iโll walk you through the key points: what a limited company is, how to register yours, what you need to prepare and your legal obligations once itโs up and running. What Is a Limited Company, and Why Choose It?A limited company is a specific type …
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Startups are high-stakes ventures because you're moving fast, iterating constantly and balancing everything from customer acquisition to fundraising. Amid the chaos, insurance might not seem like a top priority. But the truth is that insurance isnโt just paperwork, it's your safety net. Getting insured doesnโt slow you down, it actually empowers you to take calculated risks knowing youโve got backup if things go sideways and, in the startup world, things inevitably do. So letโs break down what you actually need and why you shouldnโt wait until itโs too late. The Startup Risk FactorLetโs face it, no one launches a startup thinking that they canโt wait to read 45 pages o…
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Once upon a time, raising money for your business meant endlessly chasing banks, pitching to suit-clad investors or borrowing from Aunt Maureen (who'd then want a seat on your board). Fast forward to today and the startup world has a new best mate: crowdfunding. Crowdfunding has gone from niche to necessary in the UK startup landscape. In 2024 alone, British entrepreneurs raised over ยฃ200 million through crowdfunding platforms. This method has turned early-stage investing on its head, giving everyday people the chance to support the next big thing, even before itโs big. Why should you care? Because if youโve got a cracking idea but lack deep pockets or investor connection…
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Letโs be honest, launching a startup with your mates might sound like the beginning of a sitcom. But without a founders agreement? It could end like a courtroom drama. Welcome to the chaotic and occasionally catastrophic world of startups. One minute youโre building an MVP in a basement fuelled by pizza and dreams. The next, youโre sitting across from a VC who wants to know how your equity is structured and youโre staring blankly at your co-founder. Letโs fix that, shall we? What Exactly is a Founders Agreement?Imagine a prenuptial agreement for co-founders, minus the awkward family dinners. A founders agreement is a legal document that outlines the roles, responsibiliti…
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Letโs Talk About the Most Exciting Thing in Startupland: Banking.Hold on. Donโt yawn just yet. We know banking isnโt exactly the reason you decided to build a startup, but choosing the right bank account is one of the first and most crucial steps in giving your business a solid financial footing. And yes, choosing wrong can be like trying to run a marathon in stilettos. Technically possible, but definitely not smart. Why Startup Banking Deserves Your AttentionWhen youโre launching your startup thereโs a lot to juggle: MVPs, pitch decks, figuring out how to explain what you do to your mum. Banking should be easy, not another problem on the pile. A good startup bank accou…
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Tired of Talking to Your Dog About Your Startup?Letโs be honest - building a startup is exhilarating, but it can also be incredibly isolating. The reality for many founders is this: long hours working alone, decisions made without a sounding board, and a constant sense that everyone else is further ahead. You wear all the hats - product, sales, finance, customer support - often without a co-founder, a team, or even a peer to bounce ideas off. And while your dog might be an excellent listener, itโs hard to test product-market fit on a golden retriever. This isnโt just a passing feeling - founder loneliness is a real, documented issue. It impacts mental health, decision-mak…
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Youโve got an idea. Maybe it struck you during a long walk, or after a frustrating moment where you thought, โThere has to be a better way.โ Maybe it started as a scribble in your notebook, a voice note on your phone, or a 3am conversation that wouldnโt let you sleep. Itโs a sparkโsomething you feel could matter. It might be a product that challenges the way we shop. A platform that brings opportunity to people whoโve been overlooked. A tool that solves a very specific, very painful problem youโve lived through yourself. And as you begin talking to othersโfriends, advisors, investorsโthey ask: โSo... is it a startup or a small business?โ You paus…
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Hi founders! At what stage of your start-up journey do you start thinking about investing in PR & Comms? Iโm building a platform to help start-ups navigate Communications more strategically, and Iโd love to hear your thoughts. If youโre open to filling a 2-min survey or a having a quick chat with me, Iโd really appreciate it. The survey link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7T28FF7 Iโm happy to share insights or brainstorm any Comms challenges youโre facing too, drop me a line ๐
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Did you guys create the logo yourself, or did you hire it out? I'm not much for digital artwork, so I'll have to hire a professional to craft it. There's just one major problem -- I have no idea what it should be. I'm not the most creative person. Where could I go to find a designer to come up with a logo idea and create it for me?
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I thought building a healthcare app would be like any other project, I was wrong. Itโs about navigating regulations, earning user trust, and making tech feel human. Ever wondered why so many healthcare apps fail to deliver? Letโs talk about the real challengesโand how to overcome them.
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๐ค Off-the-shelf artificial intelligence solutions often fall short of addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs. The Alan Turing Institute, a partner of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, is excited to introduce their mentoring support offering 'Bespoke advice for SMEs'. Why get involved? Get direct access to experts, collaborating with top experts from The Alan Turing Institute, in addition to specialist support and guidance around your specific AI adoption challenges. Is your business ready to harness the potential of AI for growth and success? ๐ Express your interest by 21 December to be at the forefront of the AI transformation: https://iuk…
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I'm all too familiar with the pitfalls of micromanagement, but since starting a business is so personal, how do you avoid it? I wouldn't say I'm a control freak. I just know what I envisage, and I'm concerned I'll be breathing down the necks of everyone who's working for me to make sure it all goes according to plan.
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Which social media platforms do you use to advertise your startup? Do you have any tips for building a strong community? One quick trick I've learned is to ask a question at the end of a post in order to encourage engagement. It works about 7 out of 10 times.
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Hello amazing members of Startup Networks! As we celebrate surpassing 200 members and receiving thousands of views each week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each one of you for being a vital part of our journey. Your active participation and insights have transformed our platform into a thriving hub for startups in the UK, offering unparalleled access to events, workshops, resources, funding help, and mentorship. But, as with any growing community, we recognise there's always room for improvement. Our mission is not only to sustain but to enhance the value we provide to you. Therefore, we're reaching out to gather your valuable feedback, advice, and …
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I'm fascinated by the show, Dragon's Den, and would love an opportunity to pitch to Sara Davies. Even if you couldn't make a deal, it would still be a good way to get your product in public view. I found a great video about pitching that is worth a look if you're interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDbA5qCZQg Which investor would you be most likely to connect with? I think appealing to their personalities helps with getting a deal. Have you been on the show?
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Creating a product or service without defining and narrowing your niche can make it difficult to define your goals, determine your target audience, and more. I'm finding it hard to do, though. Do you have any tips for narrowing your niche?
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Hiring the right talent is one of the biggest challenges for startups. Sorting through hundreds of applications, screening candidates, and ensuring the best fitโall while trying to scale your businessโcan be overwhelming. ๐น What if AI could streamline your hiring process? ๐น What if you could reduce time-to-hire by 50%? ๐น What if every candidate was assessed objectively, beyond just keywords on a resume? At ByteSpark.ai, weโve built an AI-powered recruitment platform that automates talent sourcing, shortlisting, and screeningโgiving you top-tier candidates in record time. Whether you're hiring your first team or scaling fast, our solution helps you: โ Find the right candid…
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Hello everyone! We've added some amazing mentors to our platform who you can ask for advice, tips, tricks and more - a few of them have setup topics in /mentors-directory/ @Emily Koolen @Babita Devi @Sam Simpson @David Pearce These guys are absolutely amazing and experts at what they do! Please give them a warm welcome on the website! Kind regards, James.
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Hey everyone, Ricardo here! ๐ Weโre excited to announce our next Startup Events London gathering, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs โ and trust me, you wonโt want to miss this! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barclays-x-startup-events-genius-circle-for-entrepreneurs-tickets-1233026498449 ๐ Date: 26th February 2025 ๐ Location: Barclays Eagle Labs, 120 Moorgate, London ๐ค Whatโs Happening? โ Leadership Fireside Chat โ Learn from top experts about scaling, leadership, and navigating startup challenges. โ The Genius Circle โ A high-energy, interactive pitching session where founders get live feedback…
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The countdown is on! โณ Whoโs excited for our TikTok for Business, Open Mic Pitching & Panel event? ๐ Expect high-energy networking, expert insights, and a chance to pitch your startup in front of an engaged audience! Plus, all recordings, pitch decks, and panel discussions will be available on Startup Networks after the event. ๐ฅ Whoโs attending? ๐ 28th January | ๐ London ๐ Event Details & Tickets
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Are You Ready to Fully Commit to Your Business? Overview: Introduction Different Types of Commitment Startup Founders: The Involved vs. The Committed My Startup: Part-Time or Full-Time Commitment? The Long Game: Why Entrepreneurs Need to Commit Are you Suited for a Startup? Final Thoughts Introduction When you think of your startup, whatโs your ultimate vision? Do you dream of building a family legacyโa company that you can pass on to future generations, like Ford or Walmart? Or do you envision launching a high-growth venture, scaling it quickly, and positioning it for acquisition in five years, like Instagram or…
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EAA and WCAG accessibility requirements will become much more acute in June 2025. This means all businesses in the UK and Europe must adhere to these new guidelines, and if they don't, they could face penalties and even jail time if they reside in Ireland. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a pivotal legal directive designed to enhance accessibility by establishing common accessibility rules throughout the EU. Luckily, there is more breathing room than this coming June as the requirements have been handed to the member states to enforce countrywide, allowing them until 2030 as the deadline for removing in-accessible products. So, what digital products and services do…
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