James

8 minutes ago, Nicolas Chea said:

I was in a student society helping startups raising funds - I met Florin Popescu at a networking event. He was super excited to see the startup that I was helping, eagerly wanting a google meeting, saying that he was an angel investor interested in the sector of the startup.

During the call, he proposes his actual service which is introducing startup founders to the right people and guarantees them in getting capital raised in exchange for 10 000 GBP.

When the founder refused his deal, he accused the founder of insulting and belittling him. As you can see in the screenshot below, he was clearly talking about himself.

Never in my professional life have I seen a crybaby so crude and unprofessional even for a scammer.

I would give him a 5/10 scammer rating. I blocked him on linkedin so I don't have the URL here.

Wow it didn't take long to find him on Linkedin haha

Thank you for sharing this and potentially saving another startup from £10,000 worth of bad emails.

Can't speak bad about him myself, never dealt with him - but this is what this sections for.. Stopping alleged scammers!

3 minutes ago, Nicolas Chea said:

Think about it, they are hard to impress with a lot of attitudes and the moment you bring them something to the table, they knock it over !

BEST TEST TOPIC EVER.

Great post, @Charlotte Bragg — well-articulated and refreshingly practical.

Totally agree with your take: when founders use ChatGPT intentionally, it becomes a powerful asset — not a shortcut, but a smart step in the workflow. At Startup Networks, we’re seeing the same pattern. Founders who integrate tools like this into content planning, research, or internal processes are saving serious time without sacrificing quality.

Some examples we’ve come across:

• Turning investor decks into blog outlines

• Drafting grant applications with tight prompts

• Creating internal docs and FAQ sections faster

The key (as you said) is using it well — with clear prompts, human edits, and a focus on amplifying rather than replacing your voice.

Looking forward to more posts like this. A solid read for any founder navigating AI right now.

You’ve done it. You’ve stared at your office wall for the fifth time this week, wondering — not for the first time — if your “World’s Okayest Employee” mug is more of a warning than a joke. Your inbox is full of meetings that should’ve been emails, and your LinkedIn feed is a highlight reel of startup success stories — funding rounds, product launches, job titles that didn’t exist five years ago — while you're just trying to survive your third lukewarm instant coffee before noon.

If it all feels a bit… hollow, you’re not alone.

As writer Paulo Coelho once said, “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” And maybe “it” is no longer climbing the corporate ladder, but building your own.

Career restlessness isn’t a failure — it’s often the first spark of reinvention. And if something inside you is whispering (or shouting) that there must be more, that whisper is worth listening to.

Restart Stories from the Brave and Burnt Out

Changing careers isn’t just a midlife crisis thing anymore — it’s a 2025 survival skill. Whether you’re a corporate warrior longing to ditch KPIs for MVPs, or a burned-out founder flirting with something more… stable (gasp!), Startup Networks is buzzing with folks who’ve jumped (or been pushed) and lived to tell the tale.

Startup Networks’ Failure Hub proves that mucking things up is practically a rite of passage. Think of it as entrepreneurial group therapy — minus the awkward silence. Meanwhile, Founders on Fire is your VIP lounge for phoenix-rising stories: career changers who swapped PowerPoint hell for pitch decks and found joy in starting over.

Reinvent with Purpose (Not Panic)

But here’s the real tea: making a career pivot doesn’t require a dramatic LinkedIn resignation post (though we love those too). It’s about strategic reinvention. Tap into Startup Networks’ Career Advice and Mentor Directory forums. Ask real questions. Get raw answers. No AI-fluff, no “just follow your passion” nonsense. We’re talking money, mindset, mistakes — and everything in between.

Whether you’re eyeing tech, purpose-driven ventures, or just want to work somewhere that doesn’t call Friday 6pm “early finish,” there’s a tribe waiting for you. Don’t just career change — career upgrade.

👉 Join the Startup Networks community. Lurk, post, pitch your transition story.
👉 Hit up the Career Advice zone. Drop your doubts, gather insights.
👉 Thinking about founding? Slide into Founders on Fire or find your co-conspirator in Find a Founder.
👉 And for the love of all things bootstrapped, celebrate your failures. They’ll become your finest punchlines.

Tired of Talking to Your Dog About Your Startup?

Let’s 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, it’s hard to test product-market fit on a golden retriever.

This isn’t just a passing feeling - founder loneliness is a real, documented issue. It impacts mental health, decision-making, and ultimately, the longevity of startups. Studies have shown that isolation can lead to burnout, tunnel vision, and missed opportunities. And yet, so many brilliant minds remain stuck in the echo chamber of their own thoughts.

That’s why connection isn’t a luxury - it’s a strategic asset.

Startup Networks understands this better than anyone. As a leading platform for early-stage founders, entrepreneurs, and investors across the UK and Europe, Startup Networks has earned its reputation as an authoritative voice in the industry. Their events are more than just diary-fillers - they’re carefully curated spaces designed to foster meaningful relationships, strategic introductions, and moments of clarity that simply don’t happen alone in a co-working booth.

Thousands of founders trust Startup Networks not just to keep them informed, but to keep them connected. Whether you’re looking to meet investors, gain insights from other founders, or simply feel less alone on the journey, the events listed at StartupNetworks.co.uk/events are where it happens.

In 2025, make a commitment to step out of your silo. Surround yourself with people who understand the highs, the lows, and the 17 failed pitch decks before your “yes.” Because while solitude may build focus, community builds resilience — and resilience builds great companies.

Unmissable Startup Events of 2025

Below are Startup Networks’ Featured Events for this article — handpicked for their value, relevance, and the genuine opportunities they offer startup founders, investors, and business builders alike.

These events stand out not only for their quality but also for their ability to help you make real connections, accelerate your growth, and tap into new networks that can genuinely shift your startup’s trajectory.

Whether you're launching your MVP or raising your next round, these are the rooms where momentum begins.

1. rev™ London — Tech Week Special

📍 Level 39, London | 📅 11 June 2025
“Reverse pitching” where VCs pitch to you.
Hosted during London Tech Week, this one flips the script — giving founders the spotlight while top investors compete for your attention. Endorsed by the Department for Business and Trade, it’s not one to miss.

2. Startups & Business Founders Networking Soirée

📍 Bonds Mayfair, London | 📅 3 June 2025
Premium vibes with startup substance.
An elegant gathering of sharp minds and sharp suits — ideal for relaxed networking that actually leads to action. Think meaningful introductions, not awkward name tags.

3. Tech & Business Networking London

📍 2 Goldhawk Road | 📅 Fortnightly from 10 June 2025
The most consistent value in your calendar.
A go-to for London’s startup crowd. If you're tired of one-off meetups and crave a rhythm of relationship-building, this is where to start showing up.

🏅 Honourable Mentions: Still Brilliant, Still June

What’s in It for You?

These events aren’t just calendar-fillers — they’re community-driven accelerators designed to help you grow in all the right ways. Whether you’re pre-seed or Series A, solo or scaling, here’s what you’ll gain:

💸 Access to Active Investors

Gone are the days of sending cold emails into the abyss. These events connect you with real VCs, angels, and family offices who are actually looking to fund early-stage startups.

“I met two investors at the rev™ London event who both followed up. One ended up leading my pre-seed round.”
— Emily J., Founder of FemTechFlow

🤝 Real Connections, Not Business Card Exchanges

The goal isn’t volume — it’s value. These are conversations that continue after the event, sometimes all the way to co-founding or partnership deals.

“It felt like being among people who ‘get it’. I left the Soirée with not just contacts, but potential collaborators.”
— Kofi D., CEO at LogiLoop AI

🎤 Stage Time That Doesn’t Feel Staged

Whether it's reverse pitching or speed rounds, you'll get a chance to test your narrative, refine your value prop, and leave an impression on people who can open doors.

“The ESG pitch night was intense but energising. I’d rehearsed a dozen times, but nothing beats live feedback from real startup investors.”
— Sana R., Co-Founder of EcoChain Labs

🧠 Knowledge Drops from Those Who’ve Lived It

From fireside chats to informal mentoring, these aren’t abstract panel discussions — they’re candid, tactical, and brutally honest.

“At the Tech Week special, one founder shared how they failed their first round and still closed a $1M raise six months later. That kind of openness isn’t easy to find.”
— James T., Co-Founder of Playstream

These events are the antidote to isolation. They offer relevance, community, and momentum. And most importantly, they remind you that you’re not building alone.

The Smartest Founders Are Already Going — Are You?

You can read all the founder blogs, watch every TED talk on grit, and even optimise your pitch deck to within an inch of its life — but nothing replaces the energy of showing up.

In-person events still hold unmatched power in 2025. Why? Because the most valuable breakthroughs happen in the in-between moments — during a conversation over drinks, in a shared joke during a fireside chat, or when someone unexpectedly says, "Tell me more about your idea."

By attending the right startup networking events this June, you’re giving yourself more than a chance to connect — you're giving your startup a better shot at survival, growth and funding.

Whether you’re craving investor intros, peer support, or just the feeling of being back in a room of people who get the grind, these handpicked opportunities from Startup Networks are built for that exact purpose. Thousands of entrepreneurs, investors and industry operators already trust us to spotlight the events that move the needle — not just the ones with fancy venues.

So if your calendar’s still blank and your network feels too quiet, it’s time to change that.

Explore this month’s top opportunities at startup events

Make the first move. You bring the vision —

Cold outreach gets a bad rep — and to be fair, a lot of it is bad.
Generic emails. LinkedIn DMs that scream copy-paste. Zero context. Zero creativity.
But when done right? Cold outreach can open doors most people never walk through.

Back when I ran an agency, I wanted to stand out.
So I used to order cheap handheld games consoles from Alibaba, stick our logo on them, and send them directly to key decision-makers.
No long-winded sales pitch. Just a note that said:

"We build brands that people actually play with. Thought you’d like one."

It worked. The console would sit on their desk. People would ask about it.
And suddenly, I wasn’t just “another agency” — I was the guy who sent the games console.
A memorable intro. A lasting impression. A higher response rate than any cold email.

👉 So, what’s the most creative cold outreach you’ve done (or seen)?
Gifts? Custom videos? Crazy LinkedIn strategies?
Let’s start a thread — drop your ideas below. Could inspire someone’s next big client.

There was a time when I felt unstoppable.

Weightlifting was more than a routine — it was identity. I built strength not just in my body, but in my mind. The clang of metal, the beat of music, the rhythm of sets — that was my therapy. It kept me steady. It gave me control. It helped me breathe.

Then came the crash.

A moment. A second. A different life.

The damage to my arm was more than physical. It was personal. I lost the one thing that always helped me cope when things got hard — and things did get hard. Suddenly, I couldn’t train. I couldn’t do the thing I loved. I couldn’t be who I was.

And that messes with you.

You wake up not recognising yourself. You lose routine, purpose, strength — the physical and the mental kind. Recovery isn't linear, and the mind spirals long before the body even gets a chance to heal.

That’s when I found swimming.

I’ll be honest — I hated it at first.

I’m bad at it. One arm pulls harder than the other. I feel lopsided, slow, and painfully aware of what I used to be capable of. Every lap is a reminder that I’m not there yet. That I may never be.

But I go anyway.

Because something surprising started happening.

In that cold, quiet water, with nothing but my breath and the echo of strokes, my mind found peace. Not silence, but space. Space to think, to process, to feel. It became the only place where I wasn’t trying to keep up — just trying to keep going.

And in that space, I started solving problems.

Not just physical ones. Business ones. Personal ones. Emotional ones.

Ideas for Startup Networks. New angles on old challenges. Clarity on what matters and what doesn’t. The pool became my boardroom, my battlefield, my escape. It’s where I’ve had some of my clearest thoughts — and my hardest ones.

Fitness has always helped me work through things. But now I understand it’s not about PRs or looking strong. It’s about feeling strong again. Even when you’re weak. Even when you’re hurting. Even when you’re not ready.

It’s about showing up — messy, tired, unsure — and moving anyway.

So if you’re struggling… with grief, with change, with pressure, with pain…

If you feel like you’ve lost your rhythm, your edge, your old self…

I promise, there’s still power in movement.

Even when it’s ugly. Even when it’s slow.

There’s healing in that effort.

And maybe — just maybe — you’ll find that strength isn’t always about lifting the heavy stuff.

Sometimes, it’s just about keeping your head above water.

1 hour ago, Charlotte Bragg said:

From Prompt to Product: Why Lovable AI Might Be the Most Exciting App & Website Builder for Startups in 2025

Any founder or startup is likely all too familiar with the pressure to turn ideas into products as quickly as possible. In today’s rapidly-evolving digital age, this often means transforming thoughts into visuals, websites, and apps, all of which, of course, traditionally require an in-depth knowledge of code.

That’s where Lovable AI has stepped in to change the game. Lovable AI is a fresh, developer-friendly platform that transforms plain-English prompts into full-stack applications and websites within minutes. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a single line of code or have zero technical background, if you can speak English, this tool can transform your ideas into a website or app in a matter of minutes. 

Lovable AI offers a unique "text-to-app" and "text-to-website" experience, generating real, editable code that you can take with you. It's designed for anybody who wants to accelerate the launch process by skipping the technical and repetitive setup process whilst still maintaining control over their product.

In this article we'll explore what makes Lovable AI stand out, its limitations, and whether it's the right startup app development tool for your journey.   

What is Lovable AI?

Lovable AI is a platform that transforms natural language prompts into full-stack applications and websites. You describe your idea as you would to a friend, and the system generates all the essential parts of your app or website including the frontend (what users see and interact with), the backend (the hidden logic that makes everything work), a database schema (how your data is organised and stored), and essential features like CRUD operations (the ability to Create, Read, Update, and Delete content) and authentication (logins, sign-ups, and user access control). 

Key features of Lovable AI includes:

• Letting you set different user roles and permissions (for example, giving admins more control than regular users), organising related data, and customising the look and feel of your app.

• Generating real, editable code, meaning you fully own and can customise everything it builds.

• Connecting to GitHub (a platform where developers store and track changes to their code), allowing for live version control and easy collaboration. You’ll need a basic understanding of how GitHub works to fully take advantage of this feature, especially if you want to collaborate with developers or manage updates manually.

• Using React and Vite (popular tools for building fast, interactive user interfaces).

In other words: it's not replacing developers, it's helping them move faster.

Iterative Development Without the Setup

One of Lovable AI's most powerful aspects is how it eliminates the heavy lifting that slows down early-stage product development.

Developers are familiar with the time-consuming process of setting up a new app or website: configuring environments, setting up routing, authentication, databases, and writing boilerplate CRUD logic.

Lovable AI automates all of that.

Your role? To simply provide a clear, descriptive prompt. For example:

"Create a social networking app where users can create profiles, post updates, and follow other users. Needs user authentication, admin dashboard, and responsive design."

Lovable AI takes your idea and builds a working base for your app or website. From there, you can easily adjust how it works, add new features, or link it up with other tools and services.

It's also iterative by design as you can edit prompts, define requirements in the "knowledge base," and evolve your product as your idea develops. This is invaluable for founders and product teams who are constantly learning and adapting.

How It Works:

Here's how to get started with Lovable AI in under 10 minutes:

1. Start a new project

Enter your app or website idea using plain English. Be specific about features, design needs, and user flows.

2. Refine with a knowledge base

Navigate to Settings > Manage Knowledge and add detailed project requirements. Update these regularly to keep your app or website aligned with evolving goals.

3. Customise UI (user interface) elements

   

You can tweak colors, layout, and basic design features. Upload images directly or include visual guidance in your prompt.

4. Publish or export

Use the one-click publish option in the top right hand corner to test, or integrate your project with GitHub for full access to the codebase and version control.

5. Iterate

Modify, roll back, or update your app or website using version history and new prompts.

Why Lovable is Beneficial to Startups

For many startup communities, especially early-stage ecosystems, tools like Lovable AI democratise the first steps of launching a tech product.

• Founders without coding experience can quickly prototype an idea and validate demand.

• Student entrepreneurs can build portfolio projects or MVPs to attract funding or co-founders.
  Startup teams can generate internal tools or dashboards without dedicating weeks of development time.

• Developers can use it to bootstrap products, to generate boilerplate faster or to test ideas without building from scratch.

In all of these cases, Lovable AI acts as an accelerator, not by replacing developers but by handling the parts that get in the way of creativity and testing.

Real Code, Real Ownership

Unlike some no-code tools, Lovable AI doesn't lock you in. You can export your app or website or sync it with GitHub. Any changes made in GitHub are automatically reflected in the deployed app or website.

That means:

• You can continue building with your preferred tech stack.

• You can collaborate with a development team.

• You maintain full ownership of the product's architecture.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

No tool is perfect. Lovable AI is powerful, but there are trade-offs:

• Basic development knowledge is required

For those unfamiliar with GitHub, React, or deployment workflows, there may be a learning curve involved.

• Limited design customisation

The user interface is practical and straightforward. Startups with a strong focus on design may want to involve a designer or developer to fine-tune the look and feel.

• Prompt quality 

Vague or underdeveloped prompts can lead to incomplete or confusing results. To avoid this, you should treat the prompt like a specification document.

• Security concerns

Generated apps or websites might lack hardened security protocols. Founders should work with a developer or use trusted resources to verify best practices.

• Debugging

If something breaks, you'll need technical knowledge to fix it. This is why having GitHub access is important.

Lovable AI Pricing & Plans

Lovable AI offers flexible pricing suited to:

• Solo founders

• Small product teams

• Enterprise users

You can start free (5 AI messages/day) and scale up based on project needs. Pricing details are available on the Lovable.dev website.

Final Verdict: Lovable AI is Ideal for...

• Founders who want to move quickly from idea to MVP.

• Students or creators exploring app or website ideas.

• Startup teams who need to prototype without deep development time.

• Developers looking to accelerate repetitive tasks.

It's not ideal for:

• Complete beginners with no tech background.

• Startups needing high-end design from day one.

• Teams looking for long-term infrastructure without developer oversight.

That said, for most use cases in startup communities, Lovable AI is a compelling, innovative way to kickstart your idea.

You're not just clicking around in a drag-and-drop builder, you're generating real code, with real potential.

Let's Discuss: Are AI-Powered Builders the Future of Startup Development?

Have you experimented with Lovable AI or any other similar tools? How do they compare to traditional development workflows?

If you're a founder without a technical background, have tools like these enabled you to build and launch your MVP?

Share your experiences, insights, or questions in the comments below. Let's explore how AI is reshaping the startup development landscape together.

This is such a good article - i have been hearing about Lovable lately and everyone says it’s an absolutely amazing bit of tech! Super impressed with this!

So, you've got an idea.

Maybe it hit you in the shower, during a late-night chat, or while solving a problem at work. You’re excited, maybe even convinced it could change lives—or at least your own. But here comes the million-pound question:

How do you know if your startup idea will work?

That’s where the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) comes in.

An MVP is your idea stripped down to its most essential form. It’s not the finished app with slick animations or the perfect product with custom packaging. It’s the simplest version of your idea that solves the core problem for early users—and it’s the most powerful way to validate your startup before burning through cash or time.

✅ What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?

An MVP is the first version of your product that delivers just enough value for early adopters to use it, give feedback, and help you learn what really matters.

It’s not about launching something bad. It’s about launching something focused.

“If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” – Reid Hoffman, Co-founder of LinkedIn

🚀 Why MVPs Matter in Your Startup Journey

Building an MVP can feel counterintuitive—especially when you're passionate and want everything to be perfect. But here’s why it matters:

1. You Save Time and Money

You avoid spending 6–12 months building something no one wants. Instead, you launch a smaller version in weeks and get real-world feedback quickly.

2. You Learn What Really Matters to Users

Your assumptions will be challenged. That ‘must-have’ feature? Maybe no one cares. That boring bit you nearly skipped? It might be the most loved.

3. You Start Building a Community Early

Your first users often become your biggest supporters. Involve them early, and they’ll feel part of your journey.

4. You Reduce Risk and Increase Investor Confidence

If you can prove people are engaging with your MVP, you’ve validated your idea—which makes conversations with accelerators and investors 100x easier.

🧪 How to Build an MVP: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through the key stages:

1. Define the Problem Clearly

What’s the one pain point your product solves? The more specific, the better.

E.g. “Finding affordable dog walkers in rural towns.”

2. Map the Core Solution

What’s the simplest way to solve that problem using as few features as possible?

E.g. A basic form that connects dog owners with walkers nearby, emailed manually.

3. Choose a Low-Code or No-Code Tool (if needed)

You don’t always need to code. Tools like:

• Airtable, Notion, Google Forms

• Bubble, Glide, Softr

• Carrd + Zapier

…let you build fast and test even faster.

4. Launch to a Small Audience

Your MVP doesn’t need a thousand users. Start with 10. Friends, local networks, forums. Focus on conversations, not conversions.

5. Measure & Iterate

Use a feedback loop:

• What worked?

• What confused people?

• What did they want more of?

Update accordingly. Keep building with your users, not for them.

🧠 Real-World MVP Examples

• Airbnb started with a landing page and a few pictures of their flat

• Dropbox began with a simple explainer video to test interest

• Buffer launched as a two-page website to see if anyone would subscribe

Each of these startups learned fast, adapted, and scaled smart.

💬 MVP Mindset: Progress Over Perfection

Building your MVP isn’t about proving you’re a genius. It’s about proving your idea is useful. That it solves a problem in the simplest way possible.

Let go of perfection. Let go of ego. Let go of the fear that says “what if no one likes it?” That fear? It's the same voice that stops thousands of ideas from ever seeing daylight.

Instead, focus on the impact. Imagine someone thanking you for solving their problem. That begins with a messy, imperfect MVP—and a bit of courage.

Final Thoughts

If you're trying to validate your startup, don’t wait for the stars to align. Build your MVP, launch it, and learn.

Startup success isn’t just about the product. It’s about your ability to listen, adapt, and keep showing up.

Need help building or testing your MVP?
Join Startup Networks – connect with other founders, get feedback, and access tools to bring your idea to life.

You’ve got an idea.

Maybe it struck you during a long walk, or after a frustrating moment where you thought, “There has to be a better way.” Maybe it started as a scribble in your notebook, a voice note on your phone, or a 3am conversation that wouldn’t let you sleep. It’s a spark—something you feel could matter.

It might be a product that challenges the way we shop.
A platform that brings opportunity to people who’ve been overlooked.
A tool that solves a very specific, very painful problem you’ve lived through yourself.

And as you begin talking to others—friends, advisors, investors—they ask:
“So... is it a startup or a small business?”

You pause. Because it’s a question that seems simple, but carries weight. It’s not just semantics. It’s about identity, intention, and trajectory.

Both startups and small businesses are built by people who care.
Both demand courage, resilience, and long nights fuelled by belief and caffeine.
Both ask you to put something of yourself on the line.

But beneath the surface, the path you choose—the way you design your business, pitch your idea, raise money, and define success—can look very different depending on how you answer that question.

And answering it honestly could shape everything that follows.
Your funding strategy. Your product decisions. Your marketing. Your scale. Your endgame.

Because in the world of business building, your direction is just as important as your idea.

So before you dive headfirst into building your dream, take a moment to ask:
Am I opening a shop?
Or am I reimagining how the world shops?

That distinction could change everything.

🎯 1. Vision & Goals

At the heart of every business is a vision. But the shape and scale of that vision is often what separates a small business from a startup.

Small businesses are usually built for stability and sustainability. The focus is on serving a local or niche customer base, generating consistent revenue, and providing a reliable product or service. Whether it’s a local design agency, an online gift shop, or a specialist bakery — the aim is clear: build something steady, profitable, and manageable.

There’s often a personal dream behind it: freedom from the 9–5, supporting a family, doing what you love on your own terms. These are beautiful, powerful motivations — and small businesses are the backbone of every local economy because of them.

Startups, on the other hand, are built for disruption. Their goal isn’t just to serve a need — it’s to challenge the way things have always been done. Startup founders look at the world and think, “There must be a better way.” And then they try to build it.

They’re not opening a shop.
They’re trying to reimagine how the world shops.

Quote

“A small business opens a shop. A startup tries to reimagine how the world shops.” - @James, Co-Founder, Startup Networks

This doesn’t mean startups are better — they’re just built differently. The startup path comes with higher risk, greater uncertainty, and often delayed rewards. But it’s fuelled by bold ambition: to change behaviours, shift systems, and create something that scales well beyond the founder.

Startups often chase big markets and even bigger impact. They're powered by curiosity, experimentation, and the belief that if you solve one problem really well, you can solve it for millions of people.

So when you’re thinking about your own journey — ask yourself this:
Are you building something to run, or something to reinvent?
There’s no wrong answer. But knowing which path you’re on helps everything else fall into place.

💸 2. Funding & Growth Expectations

One of the most defining differences between a startup and a small business lies in how they grow — and how they fund that growth.

Small businesses typically take a more grounded, incremental approach. Growth is organic. You might bootstrap it with personal savings, apply for a Start Up Loan, tap into a family investment, or apply for a local grant. You build revenue as soon as possible because the business often needs to support you — your bills, your lifestyle, your future.

There’s beauty in this approach. It’s measured. It’s practical. It forces clarity early on: What will people pay for? What keeps the lights on?
A small business doesn’t have the luxury of burning cash for growth — it needs to be self-sustaining, sometimes from day one.

Startups, by contrast, often delay profitability in favour of speed and scale. The goal isn’t steady, linear growth. The goal is to test fast, learn fast, and dominate a market — sometimes globally. That kind of growth almost always requires external capital.

Startup founders are often pitching to angel investors, applying to accelerators, or crafting decks for venture capital firms. They're raising funds not just to survive, but to accelerate. To build teams, expand markets, and outpace competitors before others catch on to the opportunity.

Quote

This is why you’ll often hear startup founders say things like, “We’re pre-revenue but seeing strong engagement,” or “We haven’t monetised yet, but user growth is exponential.”
In the startup world, traction often matters more than profit — at least at first.

This doesn’t mean it’s easy. Fundraising is a full-time job in itself. And giving away equity can be daunting. But for startups, capital isn’t just fuel — it’s validation. It’s a signal that someone believes in the scale of your idea and is willing to bet on it.

To put it into context:

• A small business might build an AI tool to help local freelancers organise invoices. It charges a monthly fee, covers costs, and grows with referrals.

• A startup might build a machine-learning platform that redefines how 10,000+ creators automate their admin across the globe — betting on user growth first, monetisation later.

Same tech foundation. Wildly different funding mindset.

Small businesses ask, “How do I make this work for me?”
Startups ask, “How do I make this work for the world?” — and then find the money to match that ambition.

And that difference defines not only how you grow — but how fast, how risky, and how bold your path might be.

📈 3. Risk & Scalability

Every business comes with risk. But the type of risk you take — and your willingness to embrace it — often reveals whether you're building a startup or a small business.

Small businesses face operational risk. It’s real, personal, and often immediate.

You’re managing overheads. Trying to stay cash-flow positive. Navigating staffing, regulations, supply chain issues, and local competition. There’s rarely a safety net. If sales dip one month, it might impact your ability to pay yourself, your team, or even keep going. The risk here is keeping the lights on — making sure the business survives.

But it’s a tangible kind of risk. You can see it, touch it, measure it.

Startups, on the other hand, face market risk and product risk — two invisible forces that can either make or break you, often without warning.

• Will anyone actually use this thing I’ve built?

• Will they keep using it at scale, in six months, in six countries, in six different use cases?

• Is the problem painful enough for people to change behaviour, adopt something new, and tell others?

That’s the kind of risk most startups grapple with daily — building something that the world hasn’t seen before, and hoping it sticks. It's not just about running operations; it’s about navigating the unknown.

And then there's scalability — the startup obsession.

Small businesses tend to grow in proportion to effort. More hours, more customers, more locations = more revenue. It’s direct, but not easily exponential.

Startups aim for a very different curve. They’re looking for asymmetrical outcomes — where a single breakthrough can lead to 10x growth without 10x the cost.

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It’s why you’ll hear founders ask: "If we had 10,000 users tomorrow, could the tech handle it?" or "If we double our customer base, does our cost double too?"
In startup land, that answer needs to be no. Scalability is the goal. Growth without friction.

That kind of ambition comes with risk most small businesses simply don’t entertain — and that’s okay. But it’s also why startup failure rates are high. You're betting on something that doesn’t yet exist, at a scale you’ve never reached, with a product still evolving.

But when it works?

You don’t just grow. You redefine.

Think of Stripe, Revolut, Monzo. These weren’t just companies that succeeded — they reshaped entire industries. Not because they avoided risk, but because they leaned into it with a plan to scale fast and solve hard problems at massive scale.

That’s the startup mindset: High risk, high reward — but with the courage to build for the possibility of something much bigger than yourself.

🧠 4. Innovation vs Execution

Innovation sits at the core of what defines a startup — not as a buzzword, but as a belief.

The belief that something broken can be fixed. That something clunky can be made seamless. That something overlooked can finally be seen. Startups don't exist just to create products — they exist to ask "Why does it have to be this way?" and then build an answer that challenges the status quo.

That innovation might be big and technical — like using AI to rebuild how people access mental health support.
Or it might be quiet but powerful — like connecting communities to reduce food waste through smarter redistribution.

You don’t have to be building the next Google. You don’t need a Silicon Valley postcode or a hoodie-wearing co-founder fluent in Python.
A UK founder building a circular economy platform for second-hand school uniforms? That’s a startup.
A woman in Manchester designing a decentralised childcare network using Web3 principles? Startup.
Someone solving urban loneliness through AI-powered friend-matching? Startup.

Innovation is not about hype. It’s about intent.

It’s the courage to say: "The old way isn't working — and I'm going to try something new."

Small businesses, in contrast, often shine through execution. They take proven models — a consultancy, a catering service, an online shop — and make them efficient, reliable, and personal. There’s incredible strength in this. The world needs businesses that do great work consistently, without needing to reinvent the wheel.

But they’re not trying to change the wheel.

Startups take on uncertainty. Small businesses reduce it.

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Innovation doesn’t always mean coding — it means creating something new, better, or previously unimagined.

And in the startup world, that can look like:

• A new pricing model

• A new way to onboard customers

• A new community-led product feedback loop

• Or even a new story that shifts how people see a problem altogether

Startups innovate. Small businesses iterate.
Neither path is easier. But the risks, rewards, and rhythms are very different.

🔁 5. Exit Strategy vs Lifestyle

When you build a business, you’re not just building a product — you’re building a life.
And the kind of life you want shapes the kind of business you build.

For many founders, a small business is a long-term commitment. It’s about building something that supports your lifestyle, your family, and your community. There’s a certain pride in opening the doors each day, knowing your name is on the sign, and your reputation is in every interaction. It’s not a stepping stone — it’s the destination.

You might dream of running it for decades, slowly growing your customer base, building loyal relationships, maybe even handing it down one day. The reward isn’t a flashy exit — it’s freedom, ownership, and fulfilment. That’s powerful.

But for startups, the mindset is often different.

Startups are typically built with an exit in mind. The founders aren’t just thinking about how to make the business work — they’re thinking about how to make it scale, and eventually, how to let it go.

Maybe that exit is an acquisition, where a larger company absorbs your product to expand its own offering. Maybe it’s an IPO — going public and bringing your product to a global market. Or maybe it’s stepping back once the startup becomes something bigger than you, led by a new team, with you on the board or off building your next venture.

It’s not about walking away — it’s about stepping forward, into whatever’s next.

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Startups often exist in chapters. You build, scale, exit — and sometimes, start again.
Small businesses often exist in seasons. You grow slowly, evolve with the times, and settle into your rhythm.

Neither path is more valid than the other. It comes down to how you define success.

• Do you want to run your business for life?

• Or do you want to build it fast, validate the model, and eventually hand it over?

Both take work. Both take sacrifice. But if you’re clear on your destination, your daily decisions become a lot easier.

🚫 Not Just Hairdressers & Coffee Shops

Let’s get something straight:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with opening a local salon, a café, or a community-run shop.
These businesses are vital. They create jobs, build connection, and hold high streets together. They’re the heartbeat of every town and city.

But when we talk about startups, we need to raise the bar for how we describe them — and who we think they’re for.

Too often, startup examples fall into clichés:

• A generic SaaS tool that automates email templates

• Yet another task manager with nothing new to offer

• Or worse, the tired joke: “Just another hairdresser app.”

It’s uninspiring. And it completely misses the point.

Because the most exciting startups today — the ones being built quietly, bravely, and often outside of London tech bubbles — are solving real problems for real people. Problems that are messy, overlooked, and urgent.

Let’s talk about:

• A platform that uses blockchain to fight food waste by helping supermarkets track and redistribute surplus

• A startup helping neurodivergent jobseekers match with employers who actually understand and support their needs

• A mobile-first subscription model that lets low-income families access affordable, nutritious meals at scale

• A clean-tech toolkit that allows small construction sites to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint in real time

These aren’t just apps. They’re answers. They’re acts of rebellion against the idea that business must always follow the same well-worn path.

Startups like these don’t exist just to make money — they exist to make change.

They aim to:

• Redefine access

• Reimagine systems

• Rebuild what’s broken

They take risks not because it’s trendy, but because the current system isn’t working, and someone needs to do something about it.

So next time someone asks you what you’re building, don’t downplay it.
If you’re solving a meaningful problem and trying to do it at scale — you’re building a startup.
Even if you’re doing it from your bedroom, on a budget, with no buzzwords or blue-chip advisors.

You don’t need to fit the Silicon Valley mould. You just need the courage to question how things are — and the grit to build what they could be.

 

Final Thought

The difference between a startup and a small business isn’t about which is better. It’s not about one being cooler, more ambitious, or more worthy of attention.

It’s about intention.
It’s about how you see the world — and how you want to change it.

A small business is built to serve. To support. To sustain. It’s about creating something reliable, profitable, and rooted. It might be local, niche, or family-run — but it’s meaningful. It's often about freedom. About showing up for your community. About doing something you love, and doing it well.

A startup, by contrast, is built to disrupt. To explore. To expand. It’s about testing a bold idea, chasing scale, and building something that doesn’t exist yet. It’s often uncomfortable. It demands speed, sacrifice, and belief — sometimes in the face of silence.

But here’s the truth:
Both paths are brave. Both take guts. Both are acts of creation.

What matters most isn’t which label you choose — it’s knowing what you’re building, and why.

Because when you know whether you’re running a marathon or sprinting through a storm…
You can plan better.
You can find the right funding.
You can surround yourself with people who get it — and help you grow.

So take a moment. Reflect. Be honest.
Are you opening a shop?
Or are you trying to reimagine how the world shops?

Once you know the answer, the path forward gets a little bit clearer — and a lot more powerful.

Starting a business isn’t just a professional journey – it’s a deeply personal one. You’ve put your heart, time, and probably your savings into building something meaningful. But even with your best efforts, there can be moments where the cash just doesn’t stretch far enough. Perhaps a client payment is late. A supplier unexpectedly raises their costs. Or you simply hit one of those tough months where everything lands at once.

When things get tight, a business overdraft might seem like the answer. But is it the right safety net – or just a temporary plaster on a deeper cash flow issue?

Let’s dive into the pros, the cons, and whether overdrafts are truly a wise move for UK startups.

What Exactly Is a Business Overdraft?

A business overdraft is a credit facility tied to your current account that allows you to dip below a zero balance, up to an agreed limit. Think of it as a financial buffer – not money that’s yours, but money you’re allowed to use when needed.

It comes in two forms:

• Authorised Overdraft: Pre-agreed with your bank. You’ll know your limit, interest rate, and any associated fees. It’s the safer option.

• Unauthorised Overdraft: You go overdrawn without permission or exceed your limit. This is usually very expensive and best avoided at all costs.

The Advantages: When an Overdraft Can Be a Lifeline

1. A Safety Net When Cash Flow Falters

In the early stages of your business, managing cash flow can feel like a constant balancing act. You know money is coming in – but the timing never seems to match when your outgoings hit. An overdraft can cover you during those brief dips, so you’re not left choosing between paying rent or your team.

💬 “We were waiting on two big invoices to clear,” says founder Maria of an events startup in Manchester. “Our overdraft meant we didn’t have to cancel staff or delay a campaign. We bridged the gap and bounced back.”

This kind of peace of mind can be invaluable, especially when juggling multiple spinning plates.

2. Quick Access with No Reapplication Hassles

Once set up, your overdraft is just there – ready when you need it. Unlike applying for a loan, you don’t need to fill out lengthy forms or wait days for approval. If your account dips, the facility kicks in immediately.

This can be critical in moments when speed matters, like covering a surprise VAT bill, ordering stock before a flash sale, or responding to an unexpected opportunity.

3. You Only Pay for What You Use

Overdrafts are flexible. You’re not locked into a repayment schedule or charged interest on a full loan amount. Instead, you only pay interest on the actual funds used – and only for the time they’re used.

For startups watching every penny, this flexibility can be a better fit than fixed loan repayments that begin straight away, regardless of whether you’ve made a sale yet.

4. No Early Repayment Penalties

Unlike many traditional loans, you can repay your overdraft early with no penalty. If your big invoice clears tomorrow and you’re back in the black, that’s it – no lingering interest or fees beyond what you’ve already used.

It puts you in control of repayment – not a rigid loan schedule.

The Pitfalls: Why Overdrafts Can Also Be Risky

1. Expensive If You Rely on Them

Overdrafts are designed for short-term use. They’re not cheap. Many UK banks charge daily or monthly fees on top of interest, and if you go over your limit, charges can spiral quickly.

If you find yourself living in your overdraft month after month, it’s no longer a tool – it’s a trap. You could end up paying hundreds in fees for the privilege of being just below zero.

2. Not Meant for Long-Term Borrowing

An overdraft shouldn’t be your go-to for big plans like launching a product line, hiring staff, or funding marketing. These require stability and structured repayments – not a revolving facility that gets wiped out as soon as a direct debit hits.

If you're repeatedly hitting your overdraft, it's a signal that the business may need more permanent funding, not patchwork borrowing.

3. Banks Can Cancel Without Warning

Here’s the scary bit: your overdraft isn’t guaranteed forever. If your bank gets nervous about your finances, they can reduce or cancel your overdraft without notice. That could leave you exposed – and suddenly owing more than you can pay.

It’s not uncommon for startups to build their runway with this facility, only to find it pulled just when they need it most.

4. Hurts Your Credit Score if Misused

Consistently relying on your overdraft can negatively impact your business credit profile, especially if you go over the limit or miss repayments. This could make it harder to access other funding in future, such as grants, loans, or even investment.

When Might an Overdraft Actually Make Sense?

✅ You have regular income but occasional cash gaps
✅ You only need short-term flexibility
✅ You can clear it quickly – ideally within 30–60 days
✅ You’ve exhausted interest-free options (e.g. startup grants)
✅ You’ve budgeted to cover fees and interest

Better Alternatives for Startups

Instead of relying on an overdraft long-term, consider:

• Startup Loans: Backed by the British Business Bank, with lower interest and repayment terms up to 5 years.

• Grants: Government or local authority grants don’t need to be repaid and are a great boost when you're eligible.

• Invoice Financing: You can release funds tied up in unpaid invoices, which may be a better fit than borrowing against your bank balance.

• Business Credit Cards: Offer short-term borrowing with interest-free periods, though still to be used carefully.

• Equity Investment: If you're scaling, bringing in outside investment may give you the capital cushion to avoid debt altogether.

Final Thoughts: Proceed with Caution, Not Fear

An overdraft isn’t inherently good or bad – it’s a tool. Like any tool, its usefulness depends on how you use it. For the right startup, at the right time, with a clear exit plan, an overdraft can provide breathing space and keep things moving.

But if you're already stretched, unsure when your next payment will land, or using it to fund long-term projects, then it’s probably not the answer.

💡 Tip: Before signing any overdraft agreement, review the terms with your accountant or financial advisor. Don’t be afraid to shop around – banks offer very different deals for startups.

Useful Links (UK Resources)

• British Business Bank Startup Loans

• Gov.uk: Business Finance and Support Finder

• Startup Networks Forum – join discussions, find grants, and speak to mentors.

Starting a business can be exhilarating – the excitement of building something from scratch, chasing a vision, and dreaming about disrupting an industry is what drives many entrepreneurs to take the leap. But let’s be honest – the journey isn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, it’s often filled with sleepless nights, self-doubt, and the never-ending question: “How do I fund this idea?”

For many first-time founders in the UK, one of the earliest and biggest hurdles is raising enough capital to move from concept to creation. You may have a brilliant idea, a strong sense of purpose, and even a few early supporters – but without funding, it can be difficult to turn your vision into something tangible. That’s where pre-seed funding comes in.

Pre-seed funding is the earliest financial backing a startup can receive. It’s designed to help you validate your idea, build your minimum viable product (MVP), and lay the groundwork for future investment. Whether you're in the ideation phase, conducting market research, or just beginning to write your first lines of code, pre-seed capital gives you the breathing room to focus on building.

In this simple, jargon-free guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about pre-seed funding – from what it actually means and how it differs from seed funding, to where UK founders can find it, who typically provides it, and what investors look for at this stage. If you're just starting out and wondering how to get your startup off the ground, this guide is for you.

🔍 What Is Pre-Seed Funding?

Pre-seed funding is the earliest external capital a startup might raise. It helps founders progress from an idea or concept to a tangible product or prototype. This stage is often referred to as the “idea validation” phase, where the focus is on proving that your business concept has potential – before you're ready to scale, launch, or raise larger investment.

Unlike later funding rounds (like seed, Series A, or Series B), pre-seed capital is typically used to explore and validate, not to grow. It supports the foundational work that goes into building a startup from scratch.

✅ Common Characteristics of Pre-Seed Funding:

• Raised before generating revenue
• Often secured when you have no product or just a prototype or wireframe
• Funding amounts are usually between £10,000 and £150,000 (though can vary)
• Startups are often pre-team or have only the founding team in place
• Investment decisions are largely based on the founders’ vision, passion, and clarity
• Often involves high risk, high trust, and informal due diligence
• May or may not require giving away equity – depending on source (grant vs. angel)
   

🛠️ What Pre-Seed Funding Is Typically Used For

At the pre-seed stage, you’re essentially preparing the ground for a real business. Funding is usually allocated to activities that validate the idea and prepare for further investment or launch. Here's how founders typically use pre-seed funding:

• 🔨 Building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  • Hiring freelance developers or technical co-founders
  • Creating low-code or no-code MVPs
  • Buying tools or subscriptions (e.g., Figma, Bubble, Airtable)
• 📊 Conducting Market Research
  • Surveys, focus groups, interviews
  • Paid market validation tools (e.g., Pollfish, Typeform Pro)
• 🧾 Setting Up a Legal Structure
  • Registering a UK limited company via Companies House
  • Drafting founders’ agreements, NDAs, and early IP protections
• 📈 Building a Business Case and Pitch Materials
  • Writing a business plan and financial projections
  • Developing a pitch deck to present to investors
  • Testing your idea using Lean Startup principles
• 🌍 Branding and Online Presence
  • Securing domain names
  • Creating a basic landing page
  • Running small marketing tests to validate channels
• 🧠 Customer Discovery and Early Feedback
  • Attending events, talking to potential users
  • Building waiting lists or pre-order forms
  • Testing early adoption interest

💷 Common Sources of Pre-Seed Funding in the UK

Funding at this stage often comes from non-institutional or alternative sources, as you're too early for most traditional venture capitalists. Here are the typical avenues UK founders explore:

1. 👛 Personal Savings

• Often the primary source for initial expenses
• Known as "bootstrapping" – showing investors that you're financially committed can build credibility

2. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friends and Family

• Informal investments from close connections
• Keep it professional: create a simple contract or agreement to manage expectations

3. 👼 Angel Investors

• High-net-worth individuals investing at early stages
• Check out UK angel networks like:
  • UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA)
  • Angel Investment Network
  • SyndicateRoom

4. 🏆 Startup Competitions and Awards

• Local startup competitions often provide small grants or investment
• Look at:
  • Innovate UK Young Innovators Award
  • Pitch It! UK Startup Competitions

5. 🏛️ Government Grants & Enterprise Schemes

• Non-dilutive (you keep 100% ownership)
• Examples include:
  • Innovate UK Smart Grants
  • Start Up Loans – up to £25,000 with mentoring
  • Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – regional support and grants

6. 🏢 Accelerators and Incubators

• Provide small amounts of capital, mentorship, and access to networks
• Typically take 5–10% equity
• Examples:
  • Techstars London
  • Seedcamp
  • Entrepreneur First
  • Barclays Eagle Labs

7. 💻 Crowdfunding Platforms

• Raise small amounts from many individuals
• Great for validating market demand
• Examples:
  • Crowdcube
  • Seedrs

🧮 Realistic Pre-Seed Round Sizes in the UK

Funding Source	Typical Amount Raised
Personal Savings	£1,000 – £20,000
Friends & Family	£5,000 – £50,000
Angels (solo)	£10,000 – £100,000
Angel Syndicates	£50,000 – £250,000
Grants & Government Aid	£5,000 – £150,000 (non-equity)
Accelerators	£10,000 – £100,000 + support
Crowdfunding	£10,000 – £150,000+

📌 Quick Tips for Pre-Seed Success

• 💬 Communicate your vision clearly – you’re selling the why more than the what
• 📄 Have a concise, visually clean pitch deck – max 12 slides
• 👥 Get feedback early – use platforms like Startup Networks Q&A or pitch events
• 🎯 Set clear milestones – investors like to see what their money will achieve
• 📣 Market your story – even if you’re small, be visible online
• 📆 Join startup events – in-person networking still works wonders in early fundraising

Why Pre-Seed Funding Matters

Many founders wait too long to raise funds, believing they need a polished product or a large user base. But pre-seed funding exists specifically to help you build those things. It can help you:

• Validate your idea
• Get early feedback
• Fund development and design
• Apply for further funding (such as seed rounds)
  
   

💼 Who Invests at the Pre-Seed Stage?

Pre-seed funding is all about backing people, not just products. At this stage, most investors are betting on the strength of your founding team, vision, and market understanding. Since there’s often no revenue and little traction, investors who participate at this level are typically more risk-tolerant and willing to invest based on potential.

In the UK, pre-seed funding commonly comes from the following sources:

👼 Angel Investors

Angel investors are individuals – often experienced entrepreneurs or high-net-worth professionals – who invest their own money into early-stage startups.

They’re typically the first external people to back you financially and are often more accessible than institutional VCs. Many angels bring more than just money – they offer strategic advice, industry contacts, and mentorship, making them valuable long-term allies.

📌 Why angels invest at the pre-seed stage:

• They believe in your mission or market opportunity
• They see potential for a 10x+ return
• They want to be involved early and help shape the company
   

🧭 How to find UK angel investors:

• UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) – national trade body with a searchable network
• Angel Investment Network UK
• SyndicateRoom
• LinkedIn – look for UK-based founders turned investors
• Attend local pitch nights and demo days

 

✅ Pros:

• Fast decision-making
• Personal relationships
• Often no strict due diligence
   

⚠️ Watch out for:

• Unstructured deals
• Overly hands-on angels with conflicting advice
• Giving away too much equity too early

🚀 Startup Accelerators and Incubators

Accelerators and incubators are structured programmes that support very early-stage startups with a mix of funding, mentoring, and exposure. In exchange, they typically take a small equity stake (usually 5–10%).

While incubators tend to focus more on nurturing over time, accelerators often operate in time-bound cohorts with a clear demo day at the end.

Top UK accelerators to consider:

• Seedcamp – early-stage fund backing UK and European startups
• Techstars London – global accelerator with UK-based programmes
• Founders Factory – corporate-backed accelerator focused on scaling
• Startupbootcamp – industry-specific accelerator programmes
• Barclays Eagle Labs – a national network supporting early-stage tech
• Bethnal Green Ventures – supports impact-driven tech startups

 

✅ Benefits:

• Access to active investors and corporate partners
• Hands-on guidance in refining your business model
• Community of peers at the same stage
• Often leads directly to seed investment
   

⚠️ Considerations:

• Competitive application process
• May not be sector-specific enough for niche startups
• Relinquishing equity at a very early stage
   

🏛️ Government and University Grants

Government-backed grants are a non-dilutive funding option – meaning you don’t give up equity in your startup. For many UK founders, this is the most appealing source of pre-seed capital because it allows them to build without immediately giving away ownership.

UK institutions are actively investing in innovation through grants, competitions, and low-interest loans.

Trusted sources of UK government & university funding:

• Innovate UK – offers Smart Grants and sector-specific funding (AI, cleantech, medtech, etc.)
• The Prince’s Trust – grants and mentoring for young founders aged 18–30
• Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – regional funding and business support
• University Enterprise Zones – funding, lab space, and support from partner universities
• Startup Loans – government-backed personal loans up to £25,000 with mentoring

 

✅ Benefits:

• No equity loss
• Can build credibility and attract investors later
• Often includes mentorship and workshops
   

⚠️ Challenges:

• Application processes can be lengthy
• Rejection is common
• Reporting requirements may be strict

🌐 Crowdfunding Platforms

Crowdfunding allows founders to raise money from the public – usually hundreds of people investing small amounts – in return for either equity (equity crowdfunding) or rewards (reward-based crowdfunding).

In the UK, equity crowdfunding is the most popular option at pre-seed, especially for consumer-facing startups with strong branding or public interest.

Best UK crowdfunding platforms:

• Crowdcube – popular for B2C and lifestyle startups
• Seedrs – great for building communities and reaching engaged investors
• Kickstarter UK – rewards-based, useful for product pre-sales
• Indiegogo – flexible funding models, strong in gadgets and tech
  
   

🧰 Tips for crowdfunding success:

• Create a compelling video and brand story
• Build your own list before going live (80% of early traction comes from your network)
• Offer good investor updates and transparency
• Engage your backers like a community, not just customers
   

✅ Pros:

• Public validation of your idea
• Community-driven momentum
• Can double as marketing
   

⚠️ Cons:

• Time-consuming to run a campaign
• Platform fees (often 5–7%)
• Risk of a failed campaign impacting brand perception
   

📊 How Much Equity Should You Give Away at the Pre-Seed Stage?

If you're raising pre-seed funding in the UK, one of the most important questions you'll face is: how much equity should you give away? While there’s no fixed formula, most UK startups offer between 5% and 15% equity during this stage. But how much you part with depends on several key factors.

 

🔍 Factors That Influence Equity at Pre-Seed

💰 The Size of the Investment

The bigger the investment, the more equity investors may expect. For example, raising £25,000 might only require giving up 5%, but if you're asking for £100,000 or more, the investor could request closer to 10–15%, depending on risk and potential return. Founders who can achieve more with less will often retain more of their business.

 

🧑‍💼 Your Experience as a Founder

If you’re a first-time founder with no track record, investors may see your business as riskier. That doesn’t mean you have to give away more, but it can affect negotiations. On the other hand, if you've exited a startup, built a strong personal brand, or have deep industry expertise, you’ll likely be in a stronger position to secure funding with less dilution.

⚖️ How Risky the Business Appears

Pre-seed investments are high risk by nature – there’s often no product, no revenue, and sometimes no team. The riskier the venture looks, the more equity investors may want to justify their gamble. You can reduce this by validating your market, collecting pre-launch interest, or showcasing letters of intent from potential partners.

🧪 How Much You’ve Already Validated

If you’ve already built a prototype, collected sign-ups, or have market feedback, your valuation goes up – and you’ll need to give away less equity for the same investment. Investors are more confident backing startups that have real signals, even if early-stage.

🚀 Your Vision for Growth and Future Rounds

Pre-seed is just the beginning. You’ll likely raise a seed round, then a Series A and beyond. If you give away too much now, it becomes harder to raise later without over-diluting yourself. Most investors want founders to retain meaningful ownership long-term – usually well over 50% by Series A – to stay motivated and maintain control.

 

✅ Best Practices for Pre-Seed Equity Decisions

• Set boundaries – Try to keep total pre-seed dilution below 15% wherever possible.
• Avoid giving away too much to one investor – Especially if they aren’t bringing strategic value.
• Consider convertible notes or SAFE agreements – These delay valuation discussions until a later round, helping you retain more ownership early on.
• Think ahead – Aim to preserve at least 60–70% of your company by the time you finish your seed round.
• Get advice – Speak to lawyers, experienced founders, or startup mentors before you agree to terms.
   

🚫 Over-Dilution: A Common Mistake

Many first-time founders give away large chunks of equity early on, only to regret it when they need to raise again. If you give away 15% at pre-seed, then another 20% at seed, and 25% at Series A, your stake quickly shrinks. Before long, you might own less than half of your own company – making it harder to lead, raise future funds, or retain motivation.

Is Pre-Seed Funding Right for You?

Pre-seed funding is ideal if:

• You have a clear idea and vision
• You’ve done some market research
• You need capital to build your MVP
• You’re willing to pitch and build relationships with investors

If you’re not ready to raise investment, consider bootstrapping, side-hustling, or applying for non-dilutive grants until you're in a stronger position.

Tips for Raising Pre-Seed Funding in the UK

1. Refine Your Pitch – You need a killer deck, not a perfect product.
2. Use Warm Introductions – Investors back people, not just ideas. Tap into startup communities like Startup Networks, Founders Factory, or UKBAA.
3. Keep It Lean – Show investors you can do a lot with a little.
4. Build Publicly – Document your journey on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or Medium to attract early supporters and investors.
5. Start Small – Sometimes just £5,000–£10,000 can get you to the next milestone.
    

Final Thoughts

Pre-seed funding is often the first major step in a founder’s journey – and it’s more accessible than many think. With the right preparation, pitch, and persistence, UK-based entrepreneurs can secure the funding they need to turn ideas into impact.

If you're a first-time founder looking to connect with angel investors, grants, and startup support, check out Startup Networks – our platform helps UK founders access funding, mentoring, and community events built just for startups.

On 07/02/2025 at 13:25, Maria said:

Hi founders!

At what stage of your start-up journey do you start thinking about investing in PR & Comms?

I’m building a platform to help start-ups navigate Communications more strategically, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re open to filling a 2-min survey or a having a quick chat with me, I’d really appreciate it. The survey link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7T28FF7

I’m happy to share insights or brainstorm any Comms challenges you’re facing too, drop me a line 😊

Great question, Maria — and it’s something that comes up a lot in our forum too. Personally, I think PR & Comms should be treated like a growth lever, not just a "nice to have." That said, timing is everything.

For us, we waited until we had a bit of traction (about 500 founders onboarded) before really pushing out press releases or media engagement. What worked well was using our milestones — such as partnerships or major events — as reasons to reach out to press and build credibility.

If you're just starting out, I’d say focus on community building and storytelling. Share your journey consistently through content, blogs, and interviews — that way, when you do bring in PR support, there’s already a foundation to build on.

Just filled in your survey too. Happy to chat if you ever want a perspective from someone juggling both platform and events PR!

On 25/04/2025 at 23:48, Harry said:

Brilliant guide, James — really appreciate you putting this together! 🔥

As someone who's spoken to hundreds of founders through Startup Networks events, I can say with confidence that having a clear funding plan is the difference between those who launch strong and those who stall.

One thing I'd add from experience: even if you don’t think you’ll need a loan straight away, it's smart to prepare early. Have your business plan, forecasts, and credit checks ready in your back pocket — because opportunities (and cash flow crunches) often come faster than you expect.

Also, the mentoring that comes with the government Start Up Loans programme is hugely underrated. Some of the founders we've supported have told us the advice they got through that free mentoring was just as valuable as the loan itself.

If anyone reading this needs help polishing their application or connecting with potential mentors, definitely feel free to reach out — that's exactly why Startup Networks exists.

Excited to see more founders take the leap this year 🚀

Thanks so much, Harry — really appreciate your insights and support! 🙌

We’ve just expanded the guide with everything you mentioned and more. It now includes advice on cash flow forecasting, true borrowing costs, alternative funding routes like crowdfunding and grants, and even a section on how to choose the right type of funding based on your business model and growth stage.

Also completely agree with you on the mentoring element—it’s easy to overlook but can be just as transformative as the capital itself. We've made sure to highlight that more prominently in the latest version.

If anyone's reading this and not sure where to start, definitely take Harry up on that offer—whether it's feedback on your business plan, refining your loan application, or just getting connected to the right people. That’s what Startup Networks is here for 💼🔥

Excited to see what the rest of this year brings!

7 hours ago, Maggie May Hay said:

I'm a fan of Innovate UK and have found loads of useful information on the website.  AI is blazing hot right now and is sure to change the work landscape for years to come.  I'll give this one a look.  Thanks for bringing it to our attention. 

Hi Maggie – great to have you on the forum and thanks for your comment!

You're absolutely right – AI is transforming the business landscape at pace, and it’s brilliant to see Innovate UK and The Alan Turing Institute supporting SMEs through initiatives like this. Even though this particular opportunity may have closed, it’s worth keeping an eye on their latest funding and support offers. We try to highlight them regularly here on the forum.

If you're exploring AI in your own business, feel free to share what you're working on – we’ve got some fantastic members who are happy to offer advice or point you in the right direction.

Hi Lance, welcome to the Startup Networks community 👋

It’s great to hear about your enthusiasm for digital technology and your commitment to building both confidence and a strong foundation for your business journey. The early stages can definitely be challenging, but your mindset will go a long way.

As you move forward with your pre-MVP work and begin thinking about fundraising, I’d recommend checking out the mentors section on the forum. There are some fantastic individuals there who offer insights and guidance that can really help you shape your strategy and next steps.

Wishing you all the best as you continue to develop your idea!

Brilliant write-up, Nicolas – really clear and engaging!

Acurable is exactly the kind of innovation we love seeing in the startup space. Making medical diagnostics more accessible and reducing pressure on the NHS is a huge win, and the clinical validation behind AcuPebble is seriously impressive. The fact that patients can get accurate sleep apnoea diagnoses from home, without training, speaks volumes about both the tech and the user-first design.

Great job spotlighting this founder and company. Looking forward to more features from you over the coming weeks!

 

Great tips all round! I’ve used Canva too — super easy for getting started. Might be worth trying a rough version yourself first to help guide any designer you hire. Anyone else had success with Fiverr or other platforms?

Hey @ScottyT. – great shout! The King's Trust Enterprise Programme is genuinely one of the better starting points if you’re between 18 and 30 and looking to test a business idea. That £500 grant can go a long way when you’re validating a concept or buying your first bit of kit. Definitely recommend putting together a simple business plan with clear goals and how the money would make a difference – they like to see impact and clarity.

@Valerian – totally agree with you, mate. It’s a bit frustrating that the age cap is 30. There are loads of talented folks with great business ideas later in life. If you’re still exploring grant options, I’d recommend checking out the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) or some of the local LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) grants if you're UK-based, or similar schemes if you're in the States. Also, we’ve got a list of grants for all ages right here on Startup Networks – worth a browse!

Would love to hear what kind of ideas you’re both working on, too 👀

Great insights from both of you!

@Harper – Using freelancers to scale while keeping overheads low is a smart move, especially in the early stages. Platforms like Upwork can be great for flexibility, but I imagine consistency and reliability can sometimes be a challenge. Have you found any particular hiring strategies that help you vet freelancers more effectively?

@Rodey – Totally agree that getting team input is crucial when it comes to culture. Too often, companies impose values or processes that don’t resonate with the team, which can backfire. Have you had any experiences where team feedback led to a major change in how things were done?

From our side at Startup Networks, we’ve seen a mix of strategies work well:

• Hybrid hiring: Combining freelancers for specific tasks while slowly building an in-house team for core functions.
• Transparent communication: Making sure everyone understands long-term goals, which helps align freelancers and full-time staff alike.
• Culture-first hiring: Bringing in people who fit the startup mindset, even if their skill set isn’t a perfect match.

Curious to hear if anyone else has had experiences—either positive or negative—when trying to scale their tea

Hey Rodey,

You're not alone in feeling concerned about the changes to farming grants and subsidies. The UK has been shifting away from the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) towards the Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs), which focus more on sustainable practices. Many farmers have found it challenging to adapt, especially smaller-scale ones.

If you have acreage in the Midlands and want to turn it into something productive, you might want to look into:

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): Offers payments for soil health, hedgerow management, and sustainable practices.
Countryside Stewardship: Supports environmental conservation efforts.
Farming Investment Fund: Helps with equipment and technology upgrades.
It depends on what kind of project you're considering—diversifying into agro-tourism, regenerative farming, or even something like rewilding for grants. If you're put off by the uncertainty, speaking to a rural business advisor or checking with DEFRA’s latest updates could help clarify options.

Would love to hear more about what you're thinking of doing with your land!

James

Exciting times ahead with graduation coming up! It’s great that you’re already thinking about entrepreneurship—getting started is always the hardest part, but also the most fun.

A good first step is to pick one idea you’re most passionate about and start validating it—talk to potential customers, see what problems they face, and figure out if your idea solves them. The sooner you start testing, the faster you'll learn what works (and what doesn’t).

Berry’s got a great point—any idea in particular you’re leaning towards? Happy to help however I can!

Totally get where you're coming from! When it's your business, it’s hard not to have a hand in everything – after all, you’ve got the vision, and you want it done right. One thing that helps is hiring people you trust and setting clear expectations upfront. Giving them the freedom to figure things out can actually lead to better results (and save you a ton of stress).

Also, instead of overseeing every little thing, maybe set up regular check-ins – that way, you stay in the loop without hovering. Any specific areas you’re finding hard to let go of?

17 hours ago, Go Green said:

Ouch!  I've made the mistake of cashing in investments too soon, especially cryptocurrency.  It still makes me cringe when I think about it today.  Your mentor was wise. 

I've lost so much to cryptocurrency haha