The Startup Events

Misi Afrique, alongside Giovanna Vieira, co-founded The Fashion Blueprint, a consulting agency rooted in community values with a mission to foster an ecosystem of fashion entrepreneurs. Launched in 2019, their initiative is aimed at starting and maintaining sustainable brands while building a robust network. They place a significant emphasis on supporting independent, black-owned, and sustainable fashion brands, driven by the desire to see a more inclusive, diverse, and environmentally friendly fashion industry. Their work through The Fashion Blueprint involves offering consultancy and business coaching, brand development through web resources, and innovative approaches such as 3D design, sampling, and manufacturing. This reflects their comprehensive strategy to elevate fashion entrepreneurs and brands by leveraging technology and sustainable practices. Misi Afrique is also recognized for her role in the BYP Network as a Co-Founder of The Fashion Blueprint and the Fashion Chief Activator. This involvement further highlights her commitment to advancing the careers of Black professionals in the fashion industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, community, and industry innovation. For those interested in the intersection of fashion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, The Fashion Blueprint represents a forward-thinking approach to nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity within the fashion sector.

Isabella Mandich, co-founder of LocalMeal, shared her journey and the inception of her startup at a recent event, offering a deep dive into her innovative platform designed to revolutionize the way foodies discover local, independently-owned restaurants. Born and raised in Los Angeles and having moved to London for her university education, Isabella's personal and academic experiences have deeply influenced LocalMeal's creation. Together with her co-founders, whom she met during her undergraduate degree at UCL, Isabella embarked on this venture to address the challenges food enthusiasts face when seeking authentic dining experiences. LocalMeal was conceived out of a desire to solve the real-world problem of finding genuine, local dining spots that often go unnoticed on mainstream restaurant discovery platforms. The startup aims to rebuild trust in restaurant recommendations by leveraging the power of word-of-mouth in a convenient mobile app. This initiative reflects a broader mission to support local businesses, especially in the wake of the pandemic's impact on the restaurant industry. With a strong emphasis on community and authenticity, Isabella and her team have focused on creating a platform that highlights small, independent restaurants that capture the essence of local dining experiences. Despite the financial challenges of bootstrapping a startup, LocalMeal has achieved significant traction and awareness through grassroots efforts and a keen focus on community engagement. The startup's approach and dedication have been recognized with an Innovate UK grant, further propelling its mission forward. Isabella's story is not just about the launch of a startup; it's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the impact of innovative solutions on local communities. Through LocalMeal, Isabella and her team are not only offering a new way to explore culinary delights but also championing the cause of local businesses in the digital age.

We're thrilled to highlight Kehinde Durodola-Tunde, the co-founder of Kowe, whose captivating presentation left the audience in awe at our recent event. 🎤 🌐 Introducing Kowe: More than just a payment solution, Kowe represents a revolution in convenience. Pay with style, pay effortlessly, and pay with confidence – that's the commitment Kowe brings to the table. 💳💼 📈 Kowe's Visionary Aspiration: Kowe is embarking on an ambitious journey to elevate their innovation, seeking to raise £250,000 to fuel their expansion. Positioned to create ripples in the payments landscape, this startup's trajectory is one you won't want to miss. 💰💼 🌐 Connect with Kehinde Durodola-Tunde on LinkedIn for an in-depth look into the world of Kowe: https://lnkd.in/eRNiDeQX

The Startup Events recently had the honor of featuring the extraordinary Thali Lotus, the visionary founder of CAYA Audio (Come As You Are), who left an indelible mark on our stage. 🎙️ Discover Thali's world here: https://lnkd.in/eSqp5TkF 🎵 The Fusion of Music and Community: Thali Lotus, the driving force behind CAYA, stands not only as an innovative entrepreneur but also as one of the three Female Soundsystems pioneers in the UK. Recognized by The Guardian in 2019 as the 'creator of autonomous zones,' Thali, and her self-constructed Soundsystem, have been instrumental in providing entertainment, education, and empowerment through the enchantment of music. 🌐 CAYA X3E Creators Microphone: The CAYA X3E microphone emerges as a revolutionary device with its sustainable, sturdy, and versatile design, crafted to amplify the voices of change on a global scale. It stands as the microphone of choice for all Creators,

🎵 Thrilling Developments Unveiled in the Intersection of Music and Innovation! 🚀 Our recent gathering at The Startup Events featured the esteemed presence of Alex Liberatore, the visionary behind Musidex Ltd. 🌟 Musidex Ltd stands as the ultimate digital repository for composers and songwriters, transforming the way they capture their musical inspirations. 🎶✍️ Through Musidex, effortlessly upload, tag, and retrieve any melody or chord progression in a seamless and efficient manner. 🌐 Delve deeper into the innovation at: https://musidex.co.uk/ But there's more to Musidex's brilliance - it serves as an invaluable resource for students in composition and theory classes. 🎓📚 It ensures that the wealth of knowledge acquired in educational settings is readily accessible as aspiring professionals forge ahead. Proudly backed by the Westmont Enterprise Hub at the University of West London, Musidex is now seeking investment opportunities to propel it to greater heights. 🏫 If you're intrigued and wish to support this exciting venture, connect with Alex through LinkedIn or explore his website.

In a momentous occasion at The Startup Events, we had the honor of welcoming Karen Jones, the visionary founder of Bennu, whose compelling vision took center stage. 🎤 🌆 About Bennu - Harnessing the Power of Art for Healing: Beyond being a mere Arts Therapy organization, Bennu stands as a beacon of hope, deploying a dedicated team of art, drama, dance, and music therapists across schools, organizations, and businesses. Recognizing the struggles faced by individuals of all ages in maintaining their daily routines and the innate desire for a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions, Bennu steps in. Whether grappling with long-held sentiments or recent challenges, Bennu extends professional help and support, offering individuals the chance to self-regulate, explore coping strategies, and commence their healing journey. 🌈💪 🌐 Connect with Karen and delve deeper into the transformative work of Bennu on her LinkedIn profile: https://lnkd.in/eg2fg76W

🚀 We're excited to shine a spotlight on Andrew Kent, the visionary behind Vavago, an innovative AI Travel Assistant startup, who recently captivated the audience at our event. 🤖🌍 🌐 Unveiling Vavago AI Travel Assistant: Vavago is on a mission to transform the travel experience. Harnessing state-of-the-art AI technology, they are creating a seamless journey, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring your travels are truly unforgettable. 🧳✈️ 📈 Andrew is seeking funding in the range of £50,000 - £100,000 to develop their MVP, propelling the travel industry to new heights! 👨‍💼 Meet Andrew: A dedicated product manager, Andrew Kent channels his passion for technology and financial innovation to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

🌟 Get Ready to Be Inspired by Gagandeep Kaur's Vision! 🎤 Greetings, education enthusiasts and aspiring change-makers! The highly anticipated moment is almost upon us at #TheStartupEvents. Today, we are thrilled to introduce Gagandeep Kaur, the visionary CEO of Education Capsule, who is poised to grace the stage with a pitch that guarantees to leave you inspired and enlightened. 📚🚀 🎓 Explore the Future of Learning with Education Capsule: Gagandeep Kaur and Education Capsule are reshaping the way students learn, grow, and succeed. Their mission to empower young minds and cultivate high achievers is a game-changer in the realm of education. The carefully selected tutors at Education Capsule transcend the role of educators; they are mentors, driven by a passion for teaching and dedicated to helping students thrive. 🌟👩‍🏫

🌟 Meet Trevor Jones, the Visionary Founder of Lynx Global Intelligence, Transforming the Landscape of Sustainability! 🚀 We were honored to welcome Trevor Jones, the ingenious mind driving Lynx Global Intelligence, to "The Startup Events." 🌟 Lynx Global Intelligence stands as a revolutionary force in the realm of sustainability and ESG data, specifically tailored for mining explorers and producers. 💼🌿 Their cutting-edge software empowers organizations to capture ESG data at the asset level, consolidating all sustainability information into a single, accessible hub. 🌐 Discover more at lynxglobalintelligence.com Unlock the reasons behind Lynx's transformative impact: 🌟 Real-Time Empowerment: Lynx's platform delivers real-time management and reporting of sustainability data through advanced mapping and dashboard functionalities, facilitating the integration of diverse data sources. Take proactive measures by receiving notifications and alerts to address issues promptly. 🌟 Precision at Your Fingertips: Visualize sustainability data with unparalleled precision, seamlessly integrating information from various sources. Effortlessly generate internal, external, and standards-aligned reports. 🌟 Streamlined Reporting: Access aggregated data effortlessly with Lynx's reporting tools, enabling you to selectively share crucial information directly with stakeholders, compliance entities, and external institutions. Lynx's platform dives into reporting requirements at the site level, enhancing risk awareness, reducing compliance risk, and mitigating exposure.

URL: The WIP The WIP stands out as an innovative digital membership platform specifically designed for eco-aware brand founders and entrepreneurs who are committed to integrating sustainability and ethical practices into their business models. Founded by Lucy Kebbell, The WIP has established itself as a unique space where business professionals from various sectors, including founders, employees, researchers, and fabricators, can collaborate to foster ideas and drive impactful change. At The Startup Events, The WIP presented its mission and unique approach, highlighting how it facilitates collective growth and positive change for both people and the planet. Their pitch focused on three core offerings:

URL: Eleria Eleria, previously known as Cup Squared, represents a groundbreaking step in menstrual health management. The name Eleria, derived from the Ancient Greek term 'ἐλευθερία' (eleutheria), meaning liberty, symbolizes the freedom and ease this product brings to its users. Eleria was inspired by the goddess Artemis, known for her independence and strength, aligning with the brand's ethos of empowering women. The founders, Monica Wai and Kira Goode, both alumni of the University of Bristol, embarked on their journey after identifying key barriers to menstrual cup usage during their studies in innovation. Their research revealed two primary concerns among users: the difficulty of cleaning menstrual cups in public toilets and the challenge of sterilizing them in shared living spaces. Driven by these findings, they innovated a product that addresses both issues with a singular, effective solution.

Website: Curv - a social network, reimagined (joincurv.com) Curv emerges as a revolutionary social network, boldly reimagining the landscape of online interaction. The platform, currently in beta, is distinctly characterized by its vibrant yellow logo and an ethos of fostering positive social change. Curv's approach challenges the status quo of existing social media platforms, which have been increasingly scrutinized for their negative impacts on mental health, democratic processes, and the spread of misinformation.

Website: OttieUp OttieUp is an innovative platform dedicated to redefining the narrative for working mothers, addressing the unique challenges they face in the workplace. With the motto "You can be a loving mother and still chase your dreams," OttieUp aims to create an environment where motherhood and professional aspirations coexist harmoniously. Founded by two female entrepreneurs, Lottie and Kamila, OttieUp is deeply rooted in personal experience and a strong commitment to supporting mothers in their careers. Lottie, specialising in safeguarding and well-being, navigated the complexities of being a first-time mother and returning to work. Kamila, a learning and development specialist, brings her insights in anticipation of motherhood. Their combined experiences of over two decades form the backbone of OttieUp’s mission. OttieUp addresses a critical issue: the staggering statistic that approximately 79% of working mothers leave their jobs within two years. This exodus is often due to diminished prospects for promotion, reorganised roles, and a changed perception in the workplace post-maternity leave. OttieUp seeks to challenge and change this status quo.

Website: EduCrate: Your Secret to IB Success EduCrate emerges as a dynamic and innovative platform tailored for students engaged in the challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Recognizing the unique difficulties faced by IB students, EduCrate positions itself as the go-to source for engaging content and expert support, aiming to enhance the learning experience for these dedicated students. The platform invites those with expertise in IB subjects to become 'EduCrators', a role that involves creating and curating insightful and beneficial content for students. This community-driven approach ensures that the material is not only academically rigorous but also relatable and tailored to the real needs of IB students.

Website: Alterist Alterist is a cutting-edge upcycle fashion marketplace, redefining sustainable style by transforming textile waste into limited edition pieces. With a mission to reduce textile waste and revolutionize the fashion industry, Alterist is not just a brand, but a movement towards a more sustainable and creative future in fashion. Currently, the platform is shipping these unique, eco-friendly pieces to both the UK and the EU, catering to a growing audience that values both style and sustainability. The ethos of Alterist is deeply rooted in its core values, represented by the five key C's: Creativity, Care, Circularity, Collaboration, and Community.

Website: Goldsmiths, University of London | Goldsmiths, University of London Goldsmiths, University of London, renowned for its world-leading research and high-quality teaching, offers an enriching academic experience in the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and computing. Located in the vibrant area of South East London, Goldsmiths provides a unique and culturally rich environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Website: Little Nugget Pictures Little Nugget Pictures, founded by the dynamic duo of Ben Mansbridge and James 'JJ' Johnson, is a film studio that is quickly making a name for itself in the industry. With their combined expertise in writing, acting, directing, and editing, they are set to bring fresh and compelling stories to the big screen.

Website: Home (heymaestro.me) Hey Maestro is a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize the way musicians practice their instruments. This platform focuses on enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and motivation of music practice, catering to the needs of both aspiring and experienced musicians. Hey Maestro aims to redefine traditional practice methods, offering innovative solutions that make the journey of mastering a musical instrument more engaging and rewarding.

Website: UniSalad - Your student community app UniSalad is an innovative app specifically designed for university students, offering a unique platform to connect, buy, sell, find, and share within their student community. This student-only app encompasses everything essential to university life, providing a safe and secure environment for students to interact and transact with peers from their own university.

Website: MISSION ELIXIR – Unlock Your Potential Mission Elixir is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to personal development and mental health wellbeing. It offers a unique blend of personal development coaching and advanced healing systems, underpinned by continuous research and development. This holistic approach is designed to cater to individuals seeking growth, healing, and enhanced wellbeing in their personal and professional lives.

Website: Neverleft Neverleft is an innovative software solution designed to revolutionize the management of nightlife venues. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline operations, including Digital Cloakroom Ticketing, Enhanced Event Ticketing, and an Advanced Data Analytics Ecosystem. This cutting-edge platform is tailored to elevate the efficiency, sustainability, and overall customer experience of nightlife establishments.

Website: Vidoc Security Lab Vidoc Security Lab offers a cutting-edge solution for cybersecurity teams, focusing on automating ethical hacking and security operations. The platform is designed to monitor attack surfaces and create custom security checks, enabling security teams to automate routine tasks and enhance their cybersecurity strategies.

Website: Vollou Vollou is an innovative technology company that aims to revolutionize the music industry by bridging the gap between artists, venues, and Performance Rights Organisations (PROs). The company's core offering is a cutting-edge music recognition device that ensures accurate and transparent royalty distributions. This technology is particularly beneficial in nightlife settings, providing a fair and equitable solution for music royalty sharing.

Website: High-Quality New and Pre-Owned Road & Gravel Bicycles and Parts (cycletrade.co.uk) Cycletrade is an online marketplace catering specifically to cycling enthusiasts. It offers an extensive range of products, from road and gravel bikes to parts and accessories. With a focus on convenience and quality, Cycletrade aims to provide a hassle-free shopping experience for cyclists, whether they are looking to buy, sell, or exchange cycling gear.