Richard Lee, founder of Innovators Uncensored, shares how he went from Deloitte to building a media company on a mission to democratise opportunity for founders. Starting as a teenager reselling football boots, he always knew business—not university—was his path. His first real venture, Venue, collapsed during COVID after raising traction but failing to scale. Richard openly reflects on mistakes, turning down investment, and why people buy from people. He explains founder-market fit, the importance of community, and his belief that startups drive economies. His long-term vision? To create opportunities for founders everywhere—and one day become Prime Minister.

Follow for more founder journeys.

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  00:00:00 Richard’s goal: Prime Minister

  00:02:07 From barista to Deloitte

  00:03:56 Teenage hustles begin

  00:14:36 Lessons from Deloitte

  00:25:25 Starting Venue

  00:28:22 Mistakes and COVID hit

  00:33:34 Finding first customers

  00:45:03 Fundraising and turning it down

  00:49:10 Failure and burnout

  00:58:41 Innovators Uncensored starts

  01:03:03 Growing via media

  01:15:07 Media to VC vision

  01:23:03 Prime Minister dream

  
  

  Richard's stuff:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-lee-983a55179

  https://www.innovatorsuncensored.com

  
  

  Pragati's stuff:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pragati-saxena-941ba818

  
  

  Bala's stuff:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/reachbala

  https://x.com/baalamurugan

  https://www.getvoibe.com

  https://www.youtube.com/@VoibeAI

  
  

  #founderjourney #startups #innovation #UKfounders