Why I'm putting my money where my mouth is

In my last blog I talked about the challenges faced when corporates and startups make the decision to collaborate.

I asked why you thought the relationship often fails to prosper and whether we’re missing a critical piece to the puzzle.

Firstly, I want to thank all of those who got in touch with their thoughts and ideas. The response I had was overwhelming and gave me a lot of food for thought.

Although your feedback was varied, I was very interested to see a pattern forming.

The word ‘commitment’ came up time and time again.

Commitment from a corporate partner: A promise that they will embrace a willingness to take risks and offer adequate time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing younger businesses.

Commitment from a startup: A promise that they will be patient enough to understand that streamlining processes takes time and will appreciate the valuable insight gained as a result of working with a corporate partner.  

Lots of us worry that corporate giants will ‘rip off’ small businesses. We worry that by prioritising financial gain, startups are automatically at a disadvantage and at risk of being swallowed and spat out again.

I’m fed up of seeing collaboration after collaboration fail due to lack of commitment.

I want to work alongside startups who want to grow their business and corporates who want to invest in businesses.

So - how do we ensure that everyone in the process is aligned for success?

Well, I think we put our money where our mouth is.

Team startups with corporates who really want to invest in emerging tech. Team them with real experienced mentors that have built businesses themselves and are dedicated to helping them reach their goals.

Give them access to the people they need when they need them, not just when a schedule says they can.

Over the years, I’ve helped to build thousands of businesses through my work at Start Up Loans and investments through my Venture Capital firm, Hamilton Bradshaw.

But before that I worked tirelessly to build now global, multi-million pound businesses from nothing but a good idea and passion.

I know how to build businesses and I’ve worked with enough corporate giants to understand what they’re looking for.

On the flip side, luckily my friend Hendrik knows exactly what a startup needs to go from good to great. A true entrepreneur, startup success is at the heart of everything he does.

It’s people like us who believe co-investment is key.

We want to co-invest with big businesses who are dedicated to supporting the growth of startups who are revolutionising industries and making the world a better place.

For awhile now, Hendrik and I have been talking about introducing a new type of investment model.

I believe by mixing our experience and expertise, we have all the ingredients needed to create the ultimate solution.

If you’re interested in hearing more about our new startup investment model - leave a comment below.

Could this be a dream team? I think so…

If you’re an established business interested in teaming up, I’d be keen to hear from you. Let’s all disrupt the market together.