There are many things that founders and early stage business owners need to think about as they launch their business.

Hints and Tips

“You are the average of the five people you most associate with” Tim Ferriss

Seek out the best and cleverest people you can find to work with as mentors, advisors, employees and peers – they will strengthen and improve you and your business. This also includes the books you read and the podcasts you listen to.

Have a clear understanding of what success will look like

Do you want to change the world, or do you just want to be your own boss? Whatever the motivation for launching a new venture it is vital that the founders of a business know what it is they are trying to achieve.

Focus on your customers

How are you going to add value to your customers and their lives? What are the pains you are solving or the gains you are offering? Before you design the solution, it is essential that you understand the problem as it is experienced by your customer – so talk to them! Find some useful tools for customer discovery at www.gamestorming.com and www.strategyzer.com

Start it right

Consider what is the appropriate organisational structure for your new venture and understand the regulatory requirements. It is easier to start with good systems for things like governance, accounting and legal elements, than to try and fit them in later.

Support is on your doorstep, so don’t be afraid to ask

The South West has a great range of networks, events, accelerators and collaborators in the Innovation Ecosystem. Tech Nation's South West directory for support for founders can be great starting point.