Building an engaging brand is one of the most challenging parts of starting a company. This is especially true in competitive sectors where you need to cut through the noise to create connections with your target customers. So I wanted to hear from experts on how to build a brand from scratch. Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood are co-founders of Collagerie: a leading fashion, interiors, beauty and lifestyle marketplace. The former British Vogue editors founded Collagerie in 2019 and quickly built their brand through interesting and dynamic ways. Lucinda and Serena share their advice on what to do first when building a digital brand and how to ensure your brand story and visual identity work well together. Lucinda and Serena’s advice: Work hard to realise the idea that’s in your head when designing the look of your brandPersevere until you get this right; don’t hesitate to start again from scratch if you’re not convincedIf you are not a designer, employ someone who isKnow your own weaknesses and either choose a partner who complements your strengths, or hire someone who does thisSettle the visual side of your brand first; tone of voice will follow onTake time over choosing the name; experiment with a few, try them out on friendsUse focus groups/groups of friends and bombard them with questionsUse social media; take time crafting promotional emailsBelieve in what you do; authenticity shows and will build trust in your customersNever be afraid to ask advice; admit your vulnerabilityTake time out and step back when you’re struggling to resolve a problemCollaboration can be valuableFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Edelman recently reported that ‘81% of consumers need to trust a brand to consider purchasing it’ so it is clear that brands which take time to build impact, education and purpose into their offering will also build trust with consumers and ultimately increase their sales. In this episode, I hear from Titi Bello, Founder of Ori Lifestyle, the luxury hair care brand now stocked in Selfridges and Harrods. Born out of Titi’s experiences with her own hair loss and seeing her daughter develop hair insecurities, Ori Lifestyle offers high-performance hair care products alongside coaching courses to improve customers’ confidence in their hair. Listen on to hear Titi’s advice on why building an educational and purpose-led brand is crucial for success. Titi’s advice:Find the product that meets the needs of a particular marketA good product is not enough on its own; marketing and visibility are crucialTo have the edge a product needs to look good as well as be effectiveIf a product can be multipurpose, so much the betterIt may well be useful to educate and challenge your customers and be honest with them about results; this will build trust and loyalty and ensure repeat salesTake your community with you; use feedback.  Establish contact via blogs / whatsapp / email and always listen to themYour relationship with your customers will be your motivating factor and keep you going“Go in with your heart” - businesses that stand the test of time are not just in it for financial gainAesthetics and branding are vital and must represent you and your valuesDon’t over analyse; just start!Know what you don’t know and find a partner with a different skill set to yoursFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With Protega Global reporting that 77% of UK consumers believe brands should use ‘as little packaging as possible’, it’s important for new brands to research how to reduce their environmental impact. As packaging can be a huge barrier to entry, I wanted to speak to someone who has created a stunning brand package. In this episode, I hear from Randi Christiansen, CEO & Co-Founder of Néccessaire, one of the world’s leading body care brands. Founded in 2018, Néccessaire provides customers with minimal, high-functioning products and is now certified as both climate neutral and plastic neutral. Keep listening to hear Randi’s advice on how to create stand-out packaging for your brand and why it is so important to maintain a consistent visual identity. FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Defining your target audience is key when building your brand as it’s so important to know who you’re selling your products or services to. In this episode, I hear from Aaron Chatterley, co-founder of teen beauty brand indu and beauty retailer Feelunique. Having co-founded Feelunique in 2005, Aaron and his team grew the business which was acquired by Sephora for £132 million in 2021. Since then, Aaron has co-founded indu to create beauty and skincare products tailored specifically to teenage skin. Aaron shares his advice on how to identify your target audience and how to build strong customer relationships with them. Aaron's advice: Be aware of all the different audiences out thereDepending on your product, attracting a younger audience early means you build a relationship soonerLook for a gap in the marketBe confident in your authenticityIt is worth spending money on doing thorough research: when you have defined your target audience, work with a cohort of these people and interrogate them exhaustivelyBe clear about who exactly your target audience isIt is easier for the retailer - and better for the investor too - to have an absolutely clear target audienceYour primary concerns are the excellence of your product (which means it will be bought a second time) and your authenticityFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With research showing 90% of marketers agree that brand language is vital for business success, your business needs to speak confidently and clearly. Given this, I wanted to learn from an expert on how you can differentiate your brand’s voice in an ever-crowded market. In this episode, we hear from Millie Kendall OBE, renowned brand builder and founder of the British Beauty Council, Brandstand Communications and Ruby & Millie. With a 30-year track record of launching and marketing beauty brands, Millie founded the British Beauty Council in 2018 to nurture talent, growth and development within the industry. Keep listening to hear why Millie thinks a brand voice is critical for any new brand and how to begin defining yours. Millie’s advice:When branding your product, it is not just a question of logoVitally important is that the branding should show the ethics of the companyThe brand identity will always represent the values of the founder (if a product is taken over, the brand identity is precious)When establishing a brand identity, try putting in a box the ten things in your home you value most - and then identifying what they have in common.  Your brand should reflect who you are, your DNAImagine your customer is yourselfDo your research, and be sure you know your audience (as well as your competitors)Then the tone of voice will come naturally, followed by the name, the packaging, the styleThese things will generate trust and loyalty in your customersYour brand voice will evolve over time, and rebranding can occur spontaneouslyIt is important to be clear and authoritativeIf you believe in the efficacy of your product your brand voice will be strongFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

We often hear that print newspaper and magazine sales are declining as people switch to digital versions of their favourite titles. However, print still plays an important role in the publishing world and as ‘brand’ is such an important part of this I wanted to speak to someone who had started their own. In this episode, I hear from Lucy Cleland, co-founder and editorial director of the renowned B Corp Certified lifestyle magazine Country & Town House. Lucy co-founded the magazine in 2007, just before the financial crash of 2008, and has since continually advocated for living a ‘life in balance’ through its very popular print and digital editions. Keep listening to learn why Lucy thinks brand is important for any business but also why timing on developing it is key.Lucy's advice:Be aware of your market, and your position within it Concentrate on your unique selling pointWhen you’re starting out, brand is not necessarily the most urgent or important thing, as there’ll be so much else to get on top ofTake advice from your shareholders or board if possibleInvest in design and good writersConsider the ethos of B Corp and promote its message where appropriateYour branding may grow organically with your businessUse LinkedIn for help and adviceRemember you are your own best resourceFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

As defining your mission, vision and purpose statements is an important step when building a comprehensive brand for your business I was keen to speak to someone who has not only done this successfully but also recently. In this episode, I hear from Julian Parmiter, co-founder and CEO of Create Academy. Founded in 2019, Create Academy offers beautifully curated video courses providing unprecedented access to the expertise of today’s best designers, makers, gardeners and chefs - with a mission to help people build their creative confidence.Having recently evolved Create Academy’s original proposition by launching an annual membership offering, Julian shares his advice on how to define your brand’s mission, vision and purpose and how to remain true to them as you scale. Julian’s advice:The mission is what you want to do/produce/createThe vision is where you want to go with it/how you want to see the world changed by what you do/where you want to be in the future/ what will your impact beThe purpose is your motivation/why you want to do itThe “what” and the “how” will probably change.  The “why” should stay with you.  It’s the “why” - the purpose - which will bring investors and others with you, will lift you when you’re down.  So take time to articulate this one (even if privately, just to yourself)  early on.  It will represent your personality, your ethos, your creedYou are the best person to articulate itKeep these three things distinguished one from the otherUnderstanding your customers will inevitably lead to changing or adapting your vision in time but you need to stay relevant and be flexibleYou have to be able to answer the question: “who cares?”Don’t spend too much time and effort at the start on brandingFind inspiration in other people and other placesYou can contact Julian via email on julian@createacademy.comFF&M enables you to own your own PR.DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmasonHost Juliet Fallowfield LinkedInSubmit a guest via this link  Submit a question for the next guestRecorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With Statista reporting there are 35 million Instagram users in the UK, social media platforms are a powerful tool to build brand awareness and convert followers into loyal customers. Given this season is a focus on all things branding I was keen to speak to an expert content creator.In this episode, I hear from Estée Lalonde, CEO and founder of bodycare brand MIRROR WATER. The brand champions mirror work and self-care, inspired by Estée’s quest to find effective relaxation tools during the pandemic.  Estée has enjoyed a long career working within social media building a following of over 677k before founding her brand in 2021 which has already amassed a following of 35k. She shares her advice on how to build your brand through social media, why doing the initial creative work on your brand is crucial for success and how DM’ing one of your idols (in this case Bobbi Brown) can be the motivation you need to keep going. Estée’s advice:Always start with a good business planBranding so important; to start with, concentrate on aspirational visuals that can then inform further workDon’t rush this stage: Create mood boardsTake care of yourself and go with your intuitionGet to the essence of what you wantSettle on a name, which will take you in the right directionLook for a designer to support you and ensure you click with them, build that relationship to a point of trust Be strategic on social; post regularly and expect this to be a slow buildSocial media can help you launch, it is a big time commitment however it will pay dividends Brand instagramming is harder than being a social media influencer (owned content v earned, DM FF&M to find out more on this)Posting every day becomes a burden so look at process and systems to help you on thisYou can’t do it all so be clear on what success looks like and work backwardsKeep it lean - less is more in all things in business, focus on one thing and do it well rather than trying to post on multiple platforms all the timeTake time to reflect on what you’re doing and enjoy itExpect to be overwhelmed at times; but hang on it there!If you'd like to contact Estée you can reach her via @esteelalonde on Instagram FF&M enables you to own your own PR.DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmasonHost Juliet Fallowfield LinkedInSubmit a guest via this link Submit a question for the next guestRecorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Creating a brand story is a central part of building your overall brand identity. It’s crucial that your brand story is coherent and resonates with your audience to attract loyal customers. In this episode, I speak with Tom Marchant, Owner & Co-Founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato. Tom and his co-founders launched their business in 2005 after seeing first-hand how people had such little time to plan their own travel experiences. Since then, Black Tomato has grown exponentially and delights clients all over the world. Tom shares his advice on how to begin drafting your brand story and what you should and shouldn’t include within it. Tom’s advice:Your brand is fundamental to your business - it’s your identity - so it’s vital that you are sincere about it and believe in itAlways keep in mind what you stand forCustomers must trust your brand and feel comfortable with itCommunicating your brand values will be easier if you use recognisable language that people can identify withUse language to convey feeling and emotion - and sincerityKeep it simple and truthfulShare what mattersYour brand story can communicate how it started/who with/what you were aiming for/your valuesWhen writing copy don’t be a slave to perfection; try ‘stream of consciousness’ to start off with.  The important thing is truthfulnessIf you’d like to contact Tom you can reach him via tom@blacktomato.comFF&M enables you to own your own PR.DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmasonHost Juliet Fallowfield LinkedInSubmit a guest via this link Submit a question for the next guestRecorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Once you’ve secured investment and used it to build and scale a profitable business, the time might be right to exit. However, when is the right time to sell? In this episode, I speak with Asher Moses, founder & CEO of Sherbet London, the capital’s leading electric taxi company. A serial entrepreneur, Asher grew his original small fleet of London taxis into one of London’s leading transport companies. Through Sherbet, Asher is future-proofing the iconic London Black Taxi for future generations. Having sold his commercial advertising company, Taxi Media, to US company VeriFone, Asher shares his advice on what to consider before exiting a venture and when he feels it’s right to consider selling up. If you’d like to contact Asher you can reach him via asher@sherbetlondon.comAsher’s advice:A good exit is all about timing since you obviously want a high multiple returnOperating companies are very different to tech companies in terms of multiplesHopefully you will have created a brand to out-compete others in your sphereExiting from your company gives you financial freedom and the space to re-thinkIt also gives you credibility when you start your next ventureIt gives you the time to make improvements and move with the timesIf you receive an offer, it’s probably wise to accept it as they don’t occur frequently Make yourself part of a growth plan in the company (it’s you they’re buying)A CEO can always stay on, to give advice and support - not necessarily for very longYou will inevitably find it hard to step back and phase outYou must be hard-headed about the valuationBe very precise responding to the questionsKnow who to sell toFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With Sifted reporting that European startup funding plummeted by 40% in 2023, maintaining open and transparent communication with your investors is vital to maintain such an important relationship. In this episode, I hear from Michelle Kennedy, co-founder and CEO of Peanut, one of the fastest-growing social media apps for women. Michelle launched Peanut in 2017 to help women combat the loneliness that comes with being a new mother. Peanut has raised over $23 million in funding since its inception. Having raised an exceptional amount of funding, Michelle has brilliant insights to share on the most effective ways to communicate with investors.Michelle's advice: Avoid outside investment for as long as you canWhen communicating with your investors approach them on an equal footing; it’s not necessarily the case of you only reporting the good newsUse them for help and dispassionate advice - they should be people who understand crises and will be able to be objectiveThey may be able to help you with introductionsA quarterly meeting with investors is probably enough; if necessary you can have ad hoc calls in additionStructure your meetings with investors: they will need to see metrics and hear about targets and performance; they will also want to know about your plans for the next quarterHave your list of questions prepared and make sure you ask for what you needBe open about any failuresGenerally only the founder needs to be present at these meetings; they are investing in you because they believe in you, the founder, and the founder’s voice is crucialAlways be confident when communicating with your investorsFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With over 225 episodes of Dragons’ Den recorded so far, thousands of entrepreneurs have pitched their business ideas to leading investors. However, the show offers a lot more than just investment. In this episode, I hear from Déj Doherty, founder of The Wholeleaf Company, the sustainable palm leaf tableware brand. Déj co-founded his company to reduce the amount of plastic tableware going to landfill, while also creating employment opportunities in developing countries. Appearing on Dragons’ Den was a pivotal moment for the business which has since gone on to supply leading organisations including Waitrose, Glastonbury Festival and Buckingham Palace. Déj shares his experiences of Dragons’ Den, how he leveraged his appearance on the show and his advice for anyone thinking of applying. Déj's advice:The more you prepare the less nervous you will feelIt’s not a comfortable experience, waiting to be interviewedYou may be encouraged to ask for more than you actually want - to make your case more exciting - but this could work against youThey prefer only one interviewee, even if you do have a co-founderHave confidence in your forecast numbersIf you show you are genuinely passionate about your business, that is more likely to convince themAfterwards, do as much PR/social media as you can to maximise the effect of the showMore than any investment, what you will be gaining is brand awareness for your businessYou will probably notice an increase in attention (from potential investors) as a resultRaising money is a full-time job which is hard for a one-man band, so you may find it better in the long run to grow more slowly and do without outside investmentIf you’d like to contact Déj you can reach him via adejare@thewholeleafco.comFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  LicenceText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

With episodes of Dragons’ Den often reaching millions of UK viewers, the show is a brilliant platform for entrepreneurs to seek investment while promoting their businesses. So in this episode, I wanted to speak to someone with first hand and recent experience of the show.  Rohan Radhakrishnan, is one of the co-founders of Quarter, the acclaimed quarter-strength spirits brand. Having founded their brand in 2021, Rohan and his co-founder Fabian quickly went after an appearance on Dragons’ Den as part of their marketing as well as investment strategy. Listen on to hear what happened to the duo and what goes into the preparation of Dragons’ Den before anyone steps inside the studio. Rohan’s advice:Entering Dragons’ Den can win you both publicity and investmentBe aware that not everyone interviewed will be shown on the programmeIt took nine months of preparation and initial interviewing before the studio appearanceYou have to provide a video recording in advance of yourself pitching your productYou are interviewed in advance by a panel of producersThe due diligence is extremely rigorous; every claim you make must be verifiedProving all your claims can be very time-consumingThe recording will be halted immediately if you make a false claimIn the studio you are interviewed for an hour and a half; only ten minutes of this gruelling ordeal will be shownThe reach of the programme is huge and you will probably be very nervousBut all of this is superb media training and valuable practice in pitching and raising investment - so even if you reject the Dragons’ offer it will not be a waste of timeWhen accepting investment, remember that as much as the financial investment, you need investors who will mentor you, encourage you, and help you to assess objectively what it is you’ve achieved (the Dragons will not necessarily be this type of investor)When composing an investor deck, be concise; and aim for a personal rapport before you go into too much detail - it’s the personal relationship that mattersIf you’d like to contact Rohan you can reach him via rohan@quarterproof.com FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

UK angel investors collectively invest £1.5 billion per year and are believed to be the largest source of investment for start-up and early-stage companies. Angel investors can bring cash to your business along with contacts and advice too. In this episode, I hear from Mathilde Lacombe, founder of French skincare and supplement brand AIME. Having previously co-founded beauty subscription service Joliebox, Mathilde founded AIME in 2018 to help others overcome similar skincare challenges to hers. AIME blends nutrition, supplements and cosmetic skincare and, amazingly, achieved €3 million in revenue in its first twelve months. With many founders wondering which type of investor to partner with, Mathilde shares how angel investment has helped her scale AIME and her advice on how to pitch to angel investors. Mathilde’s advice:Angel investors tend to be experts in their field, and will be more interested in you as an entrepreneur and what you will bring to that field that’s newVCs will be more focussed on the numbers and accurate forecastingWhen pitching to an angel investor it will be important to make an impression as a story-teller and an innovator with a visionThe best angel investors are those who are entrepreneurs themselvesIt’s vital that you have a relationship with them in which you are comfortable asking for advice; you need this as much as you need their investmentIdeally you will be able to consult them regularlyMake a list of your dream investors/advisersDon’t be afraid to ask for introductions; use LinkedIn and network to try to gain first-hand introductionsBe content with refusals; there is nothing lostDon’t waste their time; they are usually busy people with a job as well as an interest in investingAsk outright for what you need; explain that you’ll need advice as well as investmentYou can always start with small amounts which may gradually increase if they have confidence in you; you may not need to progress to VC investmentAngel investors will usually understand your long-term vision and be less fixated on end datesFinally, if you don’t need investment, don’t look for itIf you'd like to contact Mathilde you can reach her on mathilde@aime.coFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

It has been reported that the value of UK venture capital deals in quarters one to three of 2023 fell by 43.1% year-on-year while the number fell by 25.9% in the same period. However, VC deals are still being struck by innovative businesses. In this episode, I speak with Steve Tidball, co-founder and CEO of Vollebak, the material science-driven clothing brand. Having co-founded in 2015 with his twin brother Nick, the brand has raised over $10m in outside funding, led by the London-based venture firm Venrex, with participation from Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and Headspace CFO Sean Brecker, among others. This allowed Vollebak to create the world’s first solar-charged jacket and the first computer-programmable clothing. Given the uncertainty around raising VC investment, Steve offers his advice on the best ways to pitch to a VC fund and shares how his business has used VC investment to scale. Steve's advice:Build your network (if you can bring one from a previous career so much the better)Be original to be noticedBe prepared to tolerate some failureBe aware that Venture Capitalists tend to invest in just one area/type of businessVCs are typically willing to take earlier and relatively speculative risksWhereas private equity investors are risk-averseAnd angel investors will take on even greater risks than VCsAnother way of raising funds can be crowd-fundingBecause a VC can take over control, it’s important that you are compatible (apply the flat-mate test!)It’s a mutual commitment; they will care about your success, and help in a crisisIt’s useful to read up on how big businesses work (always expect a crisis)You must learn to communicate quickly and have a coherent, compelling story which you can express in 30 secondsYou need a good idea which will elicit a question in returnEventually there will probably be a full or partial sale/industry buy-out; know in advance what the likely time period for this isAlways have an idea of what you want to achieve in the long termAllow your subconscious brain the chance to work things out (by exercise, meditation etc.)You can reach Steve on steve@vollebak.comFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

When raising investment, it’s important to present prospective investors with your financial information as clearly as possible. This is where a data room comes into play. In this episode, I speak to Laura Fullerton, the founder and CEO of Monk, creators of the world’s first smart ice bath and cold water therapy app. After discovering that ice baths helped her regain control of her physical and mental health, Laura launched Monk to make cold water therapy more accessible. About to close a £2 million round, Laura breaks down what a data room is and what needs to be included in yours to successfully raise investment. Laura’s advice: Setting up a virtual data room is a confidential and controlled way of sharing information with potential investorsIt’s efficient and helps them make a quick decision, which is what you wantIt’s a way to show you are competent and professionalIt can highlight your potentialIt’s an easy way for them to do due diligenceSecurity is important and it’s wise to ask them to sign an NDA before having access to the data roomDoc Set enables you to send them a tailored choice of linksIf you have your pitch deck on Doc Set you will have version control over itIt also enables you to see which pages potential investors have been paying most attention to - so that you get a sense of what is important to them, and this will help you build a relationship with themLaura suggests you use CalendlyHaving a data room sets a professional tone; Laura has five sections in hers - business summary / financial model / product development folder / people and contracts / marketing and PR.  This makes it easy for investors to understand your businessYou need to protect yourself from the wrong investorsInterrogate them as to what value they can bring apart from capital; ask for specifics and don’t be satisfied with generalisationsRemember that fund-raising never stops, even if it is just building relationships with people who may invest in the futureTry to go to the right events where you will build relationships and friendships for the future - founders always need supportIf you'd like to contact Laura you can find her @discovermonk on Instagram.FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

According to Seedrs, investors spend an average of 3 minutes and 44 seconds reviewing a pitch deck so clearly, it’s crucial to create one that is sufficiently brief yet still conveys your business proposition to your target audience.In this episode, I hear from Venetia Archer, founder & CEO of Ruuby, the UK's leading at-home beauty & wellness service founded in 2015.  After identifying a gap in the London market for an on-demand beauty app, Ruuby has grown to become the fashion set’s beloved digital beauty concierge. Venetia shares her advice on what a pitch deck should include, how long it should be and the pitfalls to avoid when putting yours together. Venetia’s advice: You must outline the product and the mission of the companyConcentrate on the story & make it make sense But the three vital components must be: the financials: what you want to raise, and on what terms / your team (or the team you hope to acquire when you have the investment) / the market environment and your competitiveness within itYou may need to use an advisor to help you with the financial modellingYou obviously can’t expect your modelling to be accurate as there are so many unknowns, it just needs to be plausibleYou can’t expect to tailor the pitch deck to each individual.  You could try a three tiered approach - start with a “teaser deck” just showcasing the main highlights.  Then if someone shows interest follow up with more detailed metrics, and finally if someone is seriously interested give them a thorough financial breakdownYou may want to invest in some design help to make it look slickAlways write it yourself, because you know the subject best and it’s a good exercise for you; if necessary you can bounce your ideas off a colleagueYou will get more expert at doing this, and it’s good to practise on potential investors as much as you canAlways have all materials and information ready to draw uponKnow in advance which investors you want and set out your intentions, making it clear how much time you expect from them and how much time you are prepared to give them in turnGeneral good advice: it’s crucial to have a strong, experienced team as early as you canFinally, have the courage of your convictionsFF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MaText us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Although securing cash is the key objective when raising investment, money isn’t the only thing to consider. Many investors can offer vital support and advice too. Michael Tobin OBE is a serial founder, author and non-executive chairman of several international businesses and CEO of technology company Telecity from 2002 to 2015, Michael grew the company from a market cap of £6 million into a FTSE 250 company worth £2 billion. In 2014, Michael was awarded an OBE for services to the UK digital economy. Given many founders require more than just an injection of capital when scaling their businesses, Michael shares his advice on how to ask investors for extra support and what help you can reasonably expect from your investors….plus the importance of the cost of umbrellas. If you'd like to contact Michael you can reach him via LinkedInRemember that all investors will be looking for different things: return, timeline etc.Know your worth; speak from a strong position not a needy oneBe ahead of the need point; show that you can manage and may not need a great deal now, and your position will be stronger laterDon’t over-borrow - wait till your valuation increasesGo in with confidence and foresightWhen looking for investors, consider whether or not they are well-connected; look ahead to the next round and how they could help in the futureLook for investors who may have contacts to help you expand your business; it’s not all about the cashChoose investors with whom you can engage; make sure you’re on the same wavelengthBe candid with them as to your reasons for choosing them and discuss the many different ways in which they can help youAim to have an independent chairman or mentor who could arbitrate between you and your investors if necessaryKeep networking; Michael calls it ‘opening doors’.  This builds your reputation and may earn you support in many ways further down the lineWhen you are starting out don’t be afraid to fail; you will have less to loseAlways ask questions; and be prepared to listen carefully and perhaps change your point of viewEnjoy the challenge!FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Having decided to raise investment for your business, it’s important to prepare your financials so that prospective investors can assess the inner workings of your company. Given everyone can find business finances complex to get their heads around, I wanted to talk to someone who didn’t come from a financial background but has totally smashed it in raising investment efficiently for their business. In this episode, I hear from Daisy Knatchbull, founder of The Deck, the first women’s-only tailoring house to have a shopfront in Savile Row’s 200-year history. Beloved by the fashion press since its launch in 2019, The Deck represents Daisy’s mission to change tailored clothes for women and offer them a compelling alternative to fast fashion. Daisy shares her advice on how to approach finances when you don’t have a background in it, who to bring in to support you and what to be aware of when going into pitch… all before having those extensive investor conversations. Daisy’s advice:Before you start, it is vital that you have complete belief in what you do.  Learn the basics of economics (Daisy used a platform called “Upwork” to school herself)Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make the most of mentorsResearch the market and look at other business modelsThere is a government tax relief scheme (SEIS) to help investorsBuild a strong pitch deck with at least a three-year (preferably five) projection; explain your business succinctly but assume no prior knowledge on the part of investorsWhen you have no business history, no evidence of transactions, it will be harder to raise money because everything is based on estimates; on the other hand, the next time round you will have to justify  your track record and your positionTry to be choosy and select investors who really believe in youAccept failures and learn from them; be transparent with your investors, as no business is perfect and this will gain their respectDon’t waste mental energy on worrying about their risk; this is something they have taken on themselvesAlways take confidence from remembering that you are the expert in what you doIf you'd like to contact Daisy you can reach her on Instagram @thedecklondon_FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.

Valuing your business is one of the most important yet challenging aspects of raising investment. It’s important to be realistic while also not underselling your proposition. In this episode, I hear from Ed Lee, founder & director of investment and consultancy firm Bowbridge Capital.  Ed and his team work alongside business owners to implement growth strategies, build infrastructure, deliver efficiencies and embrace technology, whilst also working closely with them through funding rounds, growth capital and, ultimately, exit.With Sifted reporting that the pre-series A investment deal number has hit a 3-year low, Ed shares timely advice on where to begin when valuing your business for investment as well as how the recent market changes have changed everything for founders. Ed’s advice:When you are looking for investment, you need to have at your fingertips:Your business planYour strategyYour historical numbersPre-empt the due diligence questionUnderstand the market you are inHave pre-prepared responsesYou need to instil confidence and not lose momentum, so be quick to provide informationIf you’re not sure what you need to know, get involved in networks to learn what you need to learnAsk advice from people who’ve done it before and never be embarrassed to askDon’t be wedded to a particular evaluationThe reputation of your business, and the founder’s track record, will countFuture cash flows and profits will be taken into accountRemember that the enterprise value is different from the equity value (which may be affected by debts)Try to have 18 months ‘cash runway’ - ie you are covered for 18 months.  Sharp investors may try to run the clock down on you and delay until you are seriously short of capital, thus in a weak positionIf you'd like to contact Ed you can reach him on ed@bowbridge.co.uk FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. Let us know how your start up journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. FF&M recommends: LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan MailSupport the Show.