The Start and Scale Podcast

In our brand new episode, we sit down with Dave Manton, Head of Architecture at Victorian Plumbing!From starting his career as a Primary School Teacher before discovering Java and later being inspired by Manchester’s booming .NET scene, to now leading a growing architecture function, Dave’s story is one of career pivots, people-first leadership and building great tech teams without losing sight of the human side.We talk:→ Career transitions & juggling family life→ Leadership and self-reflection → Building a bespoke tech stack for scale → How to get the best out of your people → Culture, collaboration and what good tech looks likeAnd SO much more!If you're navigating leadership or a hands on role in tech, this one's packed with insight.

In this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, we sit down with Daniel Glenn, Senior VP - Technical Operations at iVendi, to break down what really matters in tech leadership, AI adoption, and building influence—whether you're leading a team or driving impact as an individual contributor.From navigating tech debt and bootstrapping challenges to the undeniable need for software engineers to embrace AI, Daniel shares hard-earned insights from his career in high-growth tech environments.We also get into battling imposter syndrome at a big consultancy in the US to embracing the fast-paced, no-excuses world of a 12-person startup at MAG-O, all the way to shaping technical operations at scale today.This is a must-listen if you’re a seasoned software engineer, an ambitious tech lead climbing the corporate ladder, or just obsessed with how great software gets built! Ep Recs:📰 The Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter – Gergely Orosz📚 Good Strategy Bad Strategy – Richard P. Rumelt📚 The Century Trilogy – Ken Follett

"The businesses that embrace change are the ones that survive.” On this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Belcher, Head of Emerging Technology at Codurance, to talk about the reality of AI adoption, the pace of technological change, and what businesses need to do to stay ahead. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 The AI hype cycle—are companies adopting AI for AI’s sake?⚡ How to separate game-changing tech from passing fads 🔍 Why businesses that fail to embrace AI risk being left behind💡 The inevitability of change—and how to design systems that thrive on it Alongside conversation about the rise and fall of countless technologies, we also dive into robotics, RAG, and the emerging innovations that we actually need to be paying attention to!Tune in for a jam-packed episode!Note: This episode was recorded in August 2024.

The Start & Scale Podcast is BACK with a brand-new series—this time, we’re diving deep into the world of tech with the people who are coding the future from the frontlines! 🚀Kicking off the first episode of our tech-focused series, we’re joined by Gary Young, Head of Development at Regatta, to explore what it really takes to build and scale high-performing development teams.In this episode, we cover:✅ The qualities that make a great leader and foster collaboration✅ How to get the best out of your team and people✅ Spotting the right (and wrong) leadership qualities in an interview✅ Why bringing in digital partners to augment can often lead to failure✅ The number one factor for a successful development team: communicationAnd SO much more!Whether you’re an experienced dev, a team lead navigating leadership challenges, or someone looking to break into the industry, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Ep Recs:📚 The Phoenix Project📚 The DevOps Handbook📚 Humankind

This week on The Start & Scale Podcast, we were lucky enough to sit down with the extraordinary Sean Brown, twice-exited Founder and CEO at Versori! 🚀 Sean’s episode unpacks: 🚀 How his business is unlocking 4.5 years worth of revenue in 2 quarters 🚀 How he successfully built and exited multiple businesses 🚀 The importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people 🚀 The mentality he expects from employees 🚀 An addiction to problem-solving 🚀 The characteristics of successful people 🚀 The impact your romantic partner will have on your business success 🚀 Being in business with someone who is now in prison 🚀 The graveyard of ventures he’s launched over the years, including the cryptocurrency, SeanCoin And SO much more! Whether you are a founder, AI enthusiast, or simply curious to learn from a pioneer who’s built and exited multiple businesses, this is an episode you DO NOT want to miss!  #AI #TechFounder #Fundraising #FounderContent #Scaling

This week on The Start & Scale Podcast, we were lucky enough to sit down with Co-founder and CEO at ThinkCyber, Tim Ward! 🚀 Tim’s episode explores: ✅ When to transition from founder-led sales to a dedicated sales team ✅ Building out high-performing tech teams ✅ The importance of revisiting your value proposition ✅ How to successfully fundraise ✅ Leading with a desire to solve a problem ✅ What accelerator programmes could be doing better ✅ How to build an engaged community We also unpack his career as a technical-founder and how ThinkCyber is revolutionising people-centric security plus SO much more. Whether you're a founder, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the process of scaling a successful tech venture, this is an episode you won't want to miss! #Fundraising #Accelerator #CyberSecurity #VC #TechCommunity

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can listen and learn from the COO at Codurance, Steve Lydford! We discuss: ✅ The art of crafting scalable software solutions ✅ Building high-performing tech teams ✅ Avoiding common pitfalls as a founder in software development ✅ How to handle being a non-technical founder ✅ What Private Equity firms are seeking in a software company And SO much more! Whether you're a founder, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind successful tech ventures, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Codurance Steve Lydford #SoftwareDevelopment #TechFounder #FounderContent #Entrepreneur #TechEntrepreneur #PrivateEquity #CodeBase #Scaling

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can listen and learn from the CEO and Co-founder of Finboot, Juan Miguel Pérez Rosas! Juan's episode discusses the challenge of establishing product-market fit in emerging markets, first-hand fundraising advice and the key things you need to balance to be a successful founder. We also explore leveraging feedback to make gradual improvements that enable you to achieve your vision, embracing both soft and hard pivots throughout the journey, the clearest example of customer validation in Juan's experience and Juan's biased and unpopular opinion... 👀 If you’re a founder or early-stage entrepreneur, this is a must-listen! 🚀 Finboot Juan Miguel Pérez Rosas #Founder #TechContent #FounderContent #TechEntrepreneurs #Blockchain

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can listen and learn from 4x Founder, Successful Exiter, Entrepreneur in Residence and Founder of his latest venture Trimontium.io, Mark Kuhillow! Mark's jam-packed episode discusses product-market fit and how to find it, the metrics you should be measuring, what to do if you don't know how to sell and the positive impact of neurodivergence. We also discuss using data to validate every decision, leaning into strengths in strategy and delivery, the importance of continuous iteration, Mark's scepticism around some founders and why neurodivergence is common amongst entrepreneurs. If you’re a founder or early-stage entrepreneur, this is a must-listen! 🚀

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can hear from Ben Davies, Group Marketing Director at Praetura Group.   We explore the biggest mistakes startups make when marketing, how to build a community and where to start with your marketing strategy. Together we also unpack companies' tendency to focus too heavily on channels rather than messaging, the true cost of customer acquisition through paid marketing and what it takes to have a solvent company. Plus, why businesses should boycott focusing purely on benefits to stand out in the market, the importance of trying and failing fast and why simplicity is key. And we’ve said it before but honestly, SO much more! A must-listen for all startup founders, entrepreneurs and CEOs navigating both brand and growth marketing, with budgets of varying sizes. Ben Davies Praetura Group #Marketing #StartupMarketing #FounderContent #GrowthMarketing #Entrepreneurs

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can listen and learn from the very successful Founder & CEO at Workspace 365, Erik Nicolai. Erik’s jam-packed episode explores how different cultures buy, the importance of personal development as your business grows and what’s more important. The problem or the solution? 🤔 We also unpack how hiring more people doesn’t equate to growth, why the solution you’re offering will inevitably evolve and why your ability to listen to customers and adapt is critical for success. Plus SO much more!   A must-listen for all startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs navigating the development, launch and iteration of a SaaS product as well as international expansion. 🚀 Erik Nicolai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriknicolai/ Workspace 365 - https://www.linkedin.com/company/workspace-365/ #SaaS #TechContent #FounderContent #TechEntrepreneurs #PersonalDevelopment

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, you can listen and learn from former Head of Product at Co-op and Fractional CPO at Product Rebel, Holly Donohue. Holly’s jam-packed episode explores the number one thing businesses get wrong when it comes to product, traction vs validation and the grave importance of customer feedback. We also unpack the detrimental and sometimes (very!) costly impact founders can have on a business. From unvalidated assumptions and ignoring evidence to being wedded to a solution rather than building a product designed to fulfil a customer need, Holly reveals the common product pitfalls experienced by organisations of all sizes. A must-listen for all startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs navigating the development, iteration and launch of a product. 🚀

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Ed Abis, CEO at Dizplai, the leading content sourcing and engagement platform for broadcasters, sports organisations and brands! 🚀 We dive into the impact and experience being part of the Comcast SportsTech accelerator programme has had on both Ed and Dizplai, why in Ed’s opinion you should never be selling, leaning into your network for soundboarding and support, and why there’s nothing wrong with showing vulnerability to your team as a leader. Plus, you can learn how Dizplai is empowering brands and broadcasters globally to connect with consumers through active and engaging content campaigns and solutions. 🌎 If you’re a founder considering accelerator programmes to support your growth goals or simply seeking guidance from a successful CEO, this is a must-listen! 🚀 Ed Abis Dizplai The jam-packed episode explores: 🏎 Being part of an accelerator programme and how that’s empowered Dizplai to scale 💦 The trickle-down effect of investors' attitudes 🗣 Being unguarded around other CEOs and Founders 🌀 A fail-fast mentality and embracing mistakes 🤝 Using your network to de-risk ideas 🪦 The graveyard of mistakes behind every success 💉 The impact that COVID has had on the production sector ❤️‍🔥 Audiences expectations in 2024 📲 The democratisation of content creation ✂️ Why realness is the content that’s cutting through And SO much more! #TechContent #TechEntrepreneurs #FounderContent #ContentCreation #EngagingContent 

This week on Episode 10 of The Start and Scale Podcast, we were fortunate enough to sit down with Chris Roberts, Founder and CEO at Nimble Approach, a leading technology consultancy that enables organisations globally to create digital products and services greater than they thought possible 💻   In this episode, we dive into Nimble’s recent partnership with SCC. Having built the business from just himself to a team of 150 people and garnered significant interest from 25+ private equity firms over the years, Chris explains why joining forces with SCC felt like the right next step for the organisation thanks to cultural alignment and the exciting opportunities and projects their client base brought.   Plus, we discuss the importance of making inroads with new clients in a business’ early stages through networking and word-of-mouth referrals, how Chris’ consultancy is committed to working with its customers to ensure they’re actually agile and why Chris would delegate far sooner and hire a SLT far quicker if he were to start Nimble Approach again. 🗣   If you’re a founder in the early stages of growth looking for actionable insights on how to navigate challenging markets and take your business to the next level, this episode is not to be missed! 🚀

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Harry Neil Panter, Co-founder and CEO of Housr, the one-stop shop for every student’s housing needs. 🏘 We dive into the complexities of navigating a US expansion, the unequivocal importance of spending money on lawyers, overcoming age prejudice within the business world as a young founder and how Housr has scaled from a humble university dorm room to a global disruptor in the student housing market. Plus, you can learn how Housr is empowering students in the UK and US to streamline the entire student housing search process and offset their rent, from one convenient app. 📲 If you’re a founder considering entry into the US market or simply seeking guidance from a successful entrepreneur, this is a must-listen! 🚀 #TechContent #TechEntrepreneurs #FounderContent #StudentHousing #StudentAccommodation 

On this episode of #TheStartAndScalePodcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas Farquhar, Co-founder and CCO of Heatio, the multi-award-winning startup leading the charge towards smarter, connected homes and energy innovation. ⚡️   We dive into why you should never hire in sales, the importance of having a co-founder, why you’ll never get wealthy without an exit strategy and how NOT to spend 9 months networking, and only have canapés to show at the end of it. 🫒   Plus, you can learn how Heatio is empowering homes to reduce their energy bills through the platform’s data-driven recommendations, smart technology and grid flexibility.🔋   If you’re a founder seeking guidance from a serial entrepreneur with a proven record of growth, then this is a must-listen 🚀   Thomas Farquhar Heatio

On Episode 7 of the Start and Scale Podcast, we are joined by Sam Royle, Co-founder and the CEO of SoSquared, the UK’s most agile influencer marketing platform 🎬   In this episode we dive into what makes a venture-backable entrepreneur, the importance of an incumbent network and how there is ALWAYS a way to do something 🧠   Plus, you can learn how to build a team around your strengths to underpin your growth goals and how to secure that first cheque that helps you get off the ground 🗻   If you’re a founder in the early stages of growth looking for actionable insights around securing investment, strengthening your mindset and business scalability, then this is a must-listen 🚀 Also explore Sam's other passion, FLIP MCR, an event for founders, by founders. FLIP is centred around pre-seed/seed founders, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to discover precisely what investors are looking for.   #FounderContent #InfluencerMarketing #ÇontentCreation #TechEntrepreneurs #Investment 

This week we sit down with Michael Paisley, Co-founder of heata. We explore how innovation and re-engineering have led to the decarbonisation of general compute, whilst supporting those who are struggling in fuel poverty by offsetting hot water costs. Michael reveals how his curiosity and penchant for problem-solving in his early career as a graphic designer provided a strong grounding for his transition into the technical world with Heata co-founder, Chris. Discover how Heata's innovative solution has the potential to bring communities together circularly with companies compute satisfying society's need for hot water and why it's important as a startup to believe, be part of a change and ultimately, just keep going! From tech helping those in need, to product pivoting and heating homes at no cost, this episode is not to be missed 🔥

This week we sit down with Rob Bowley, Fractional CTO from Pragmatic Partners. This episode's conversation ranges from how businesses that bootstrap can be more successful, how spending money at the early stage will save you money in the long run, when the right time to hire a CTO is and impact vs effort 🎯. Rob's vast experience in the industry has led to an unwavering passion for tech start-ups and his primary focus has become about helping them succeed. Tech start-ups have to juggle budget and cost, opportunities and customers and the only way to prioritise is to be pragmatic and tenacious, Rob shares insights into how💡.

On this week's episode, we are joined by Claire Lewis, Co-founder and CEO at Baltic Ventures, a tech accelerator on a mission to support game-changing founders 💼 We hear about the evolving landscape of mission-driven workplaces, the role of tech in society, and navigating investor expectations 🌐 Tune in for insightful discussions on validation strategies and the discipline needed to thrive in the dynamic tech industry 🔍 To watch: https://youtu.be/EQ8HZKBM0uI Don't forget to subscribe!