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James
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Everything posted by James
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Another brilliant post, Chriscia - you’ve just made life a lot easier for so many early-stage founders. Definitely deserved those 25 points 👏 With so many incubators popping up all over the place, it can be hard to know which ones actually move the needle. Having a clear, punchy breakdown like this makes it way easier for startups to find the right fit — and stand out when they apply. Also worth a reminder for everyone: we’ve got a growing list of top incubators right here on Startup Networks too → 👉 https://www.startupnetworks.co.uk/links/category/7-incubator/ If you’ve been through any of the ones listed above, or are thinking of applying soon, drop a comment — would love to hear your take. -
Brilliant write-up Charlotte — the “it’s not about giving up; it’s about growing up” line really hits. I wish more founders saw exit planning as part of the build phase, not just the bail phase. It’s one of the most overlooked pieces of early strategy, yet it completely shapes how you grow, raise, and even hire. Also love that you included liquidation without stigma — sometimes walking away clean is braver than dragging it out. For anyone reading: which route are you aiming for — acquisition, IPO, or something else entirely? Let’s hear it 👇
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Really appreciate this thread — both @Charlotte Bragg's framing and @MarkM ’s sharp breakdown. Totally agree, Mark. The challenge isn’t identifying the need — it’s making the numbers work. In my experience, what often helps is blending public funding with private innovation. Grants or subsidies can cover the gap early on, while local founders and operators bring the creative thinking to keep it lean and relevant. There’s also an opportunity here for tech that doesn’t just replicate urban models, but reimagines access altogether — think dynamic routing, community-led car shares, or hybrid transport/hub models that double up as Wi-Fi spots or service centres. Feels like there’s real space here for entrepreneurs who care about rural resilience. Would love to see more founders step into this gap.!!
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Anup, this is elite insight. Cats don’t follow hype, they nap through it, then show up with perfect timing and zero apologies. A true VC move. We might need to compile all of this into “The Feline VC Manifesto” - it’s practically writing itself.
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Hey @MarkM , welcome to the community It’s great to have you here. Loads of people join at different stages, so you’re in the right place to learn and get stuck in. And @Amy_TWIN-Assoc_Brand Design – so glad you came along to the event on Tuesday! It was a brilliant night with a great crowd. Mark, are you thinking about starting something or just exploring the startup world for now? Hope to see both of you around more!
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Event: Startup Events London – Networking, Investor Relations & Fireside Chat Date: 15th July 2025 | Location: Somerset House, Lancaster Room, London Relive one of the most insightful and energising startup events of the summer with this exclusive collection of high-resolution photographs, expertly captured by the incredibly talented Claire D from Corporate London Photography. From candid networking moments and bold startup pitches to the wisdom shared during our Fireside Chats, this photo set documents the essence of Startup Networks’ Summer Special at Somerset House — an evening filled with ambition, connection, and authentic conversations. This gallery includes: 🔥 Fireside Chat panels with top investors and ecosystem leaders 🚀 Entrepreneur pitches during our “Entrepreneur Therapy” segment 💬 Candid Q&As and live audience interaction 🎤 Behind-the-scenes shots and the electric atmosphere of the night 🤝 Open networking between 150+ founders, investors & startup operators Whether you’re looking to reflect, reshare, or simply treasure the experience, this download is for you. If you post photos on social media, please tag and credit: 📸 Claire D – Corporate London Photography 📧 corporatelondonphotography.com About the Event: Held at the iconic Somerset House, this Startup Networks Summer Special brought together London’s startup ecosystem for an evening of funding insights, founder storytelling, live pitching, and high-value networking. With speakers including John Mathers (British Design Fund), Sam Simpson (FounderCatalyst), Munder Shuhumi (Pearl Capital), Jem Bahaijoub, Jurgen Vleminckx, and Varun Aggarwal, and expertly moderated by Dean Williams (Goldsmiths University) — the event gave attendees real tools, ideas, and connections to fuel their next stage. Download Now Click below to download the full event photo pack and relive the moments that made this night so special. 👉 If sharing online, don’t forget to tag @startupnetworksuk and give Claire the credit she deserves!Free -
The photos from last night are stunning – a huge thank you to Claire D from Corporate London Photography for capturing the energy, the people, and the moments that made this event so special. If you ever need corporate photography, event coverage, or professional headshots, PLEASE reach out to Claire. She’s a total pro and genuinely amazing at what she does. We can’t recommend her enough! 👉 Corporate London Photography
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Just wanted to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who joined us last night at Somerset House for our Startup Networks Summer Special – what an evening! We hosted two powerful Fireside Chats filled with insight, honesty, and practical advice for founders navigating the ever-evolving startup landscape. 💬 Fireside Chat #1 – Founders & Funding We explored the current funding environment through the lens of early-stage founders and experienced operators. From the realities of raising investment to international expansion strategies like incorporating in Delaware, the conversation was bold, grounded, and incredibly empowering. 💼 Fireside Chat #2 – The Investor View Next, we flipped the script and heard from investors and ecosystem enablers. We tackled the tough questions: Is the VC model broken? Can bootstrapping and strategic funding co-exist? Our panellists didn’t hold back, and the transparency was refreshing — giving attendees a clearer view of what’s really happening behind the scenes in UK venture funding. 🎙️ Special thanks to: @Dean Williams for moderating both sessions with energy, clarity, and heart. Claire D from Corporate London Photography – if you spotted someone effortlessly capturing the moment, that was her. She’s a pro and her photos truly bring the event to life. 🖼️ Full photo gallery is now live! 👉 https://www.startupnetworks.co.uk/gallery/category/3-startup-networks-x-somerset-house/ 🙌 A huge shout-out to our brilliant panellists: John Mathers, Jem Bahaijoub, Jurgen Vleminckx, Munder Shuhmi, Sam Simpson, Varun Aggarwal – your insight and openness made this one of our most impactful events yet. Let’s keep the conversation going – if you connected with someone, learned something powerful, or want to give a shout-out, drop a comment below 👇 Thank you again for being part of this journey. We’re just getting started. 💥
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