Founder Friday

Founder Friday

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Founder Friday episodes

  • These founders created a VR experience that calms people in just seven minutes

    Send us a text

    Katie and Zilla are revolutionising mental health support through innovative virtual reality experiences that help people calm down in just seven minutes while developing vital coping skills.

    • Both founders met while working on a Doctor Who VR project for the BBC that received an Emmy nomination
    • Their complementary skills create a strong partnership: Zilla as a super-connector with extensive networks and Katie as a strategic problem-solver
    • They identified a gap where 30 years of VR mental health research wasn't making it from laboratories into practical applications
    • Their approach combines creating compelling content with practical implementation strategies for schools, libraries and universities
    • The experiences are meticulously designed to be enjoyable and effective, co-created with medical and healthcare students
    • User experience is paramount – they focus on making people comfortable and allowing technology to "melt away"
    • Their extensive career experience gives them advantages in understanding what they know, their limitations, and when to seek help
    • Testing at Glastonbury festival provided valuable feedback and reinforced their mission to bring joy to mental health support

    Try our VR experiences for yourself and discover how we're transforming mental health support through technology that people genuinely enjoy using.


    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Raise Angel Investment with Scribe
    Systematise and automate your fundraising with Angel investors in the UK

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    30 min
  • May and Camilla of Beta100.co

    BETA100™ is a project-based network of talent that startups can use to build up their teams and grow their businesses.  The platform challenges you to change your mindset and test-drive your relationships before committing to a fixed role.

    Contributions to projects are remunerated through equity, pay or a mixture of both.

    In this edition of Founder Friday the co-founders of Beta 100 share their experience of building, as non technical founders, a tech product to help other founders.

    They reflect on their experiences of the journey to become co-founders & the commitment it takes as well as the faith in each other, to get a startup of the ground.

    Beta100.co is at the stage of proving product market fit, and raising their seed round.

    Based in Cornwall, Beta100 and has been formed as part of the Falmouth University Launchpad program.

    Key highlights 

    • 1:26 What Beta 100  is all about
    • 8:08 The inspiration for May and Camilla in building this idea 
    • 18:46 Lessons learned from the journey so far 
    • 23:33 Why May and Camilla chose to be Founders (not just Employees)
    • 26:53 [Godparent style] Advice for first time founders

    Total run time : 32 mins

    Host: Stewart Noakes

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

    Guest: May Ireland

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

    Guest: Camilla Carrapatso 

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

    Falmouth Launchpad program

    https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/launchpad

    Beta 100

    https://www.beta100.co  
    Watch May talk about Beta 100 at Canopy Demo Night in Lisbon - Nov 2022 - https://youtu.be/wq4w7zp0-bE 





    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    HiYield.co.uk
    Digital Product Studio

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    33 min
  • Founder Friday with Michael Calver of Amutri.com

    Amutri is the Canva.com of the 3d visualisation world.  

    It democratises the ability to render 3D visualisations in seconds, empowering architects and designers to understand and explore their spaces, engage with stakeholders and respond to the needs of their customers in a different way.

    In this first episode of the new series our guest today is Michael Calver, the sole Founder and CEO of Amutri.  He perceives his journey is to build a unicorn company.  At this stage the company is releasing the MVP and seeing it in the hands of real users.

    Amutri.com is also in the process of raising a seed round of GBP1.5M.

    Based in Cornwall, Amutri and has been formed as part of the Falmouth University Launchpad program.

    Michael shares his thoughts on motivation, finding a co-founder and reflects on the trials of the journey to date.

    Key highlights 

    • 1:45 What amutri.com is all about
    • 5:35 The inspiration for Michael in building this idea
    • 10:35 Lessons learned from his journey
    • 15:20 Why Michael chose to be a Founder
    • 22:20 The journey to find a co-founder
    • 29:15 Advice for first time founders

    Total run time : 32 mins
    This episode was recorded in November 2022

    Host: Stewart Noakes

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

    Guest: Michael Calver 

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

    https://www.amutri.com/ 

    https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/launchpad
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    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    HiYield.co.uk
    Digital Product Studio

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    32 min
  • Series 3, Episode 2 - David Harris, Entrepreneur and Serial Investor

    Considering embarking on an incubator program? Or pitching for investment? David Harris has been on both sides of the table and can shed a little light on setting the tone for a success.

    Co-founder, business mentor and investor, based in Bristol, UK, David tells us about his journey from struggling start up to extraordinary exit. He shares his insights about building the right team and what it looks like to be 'investor ready'.


    Host: Charity Wilson
    http://linkedin.com/in/charity-wilson-6502789b

    David Harris
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harris-0ba569/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bristol-private-equity-club/

    Canopy Community
    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…
    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity


    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    46 min
  • Series 3, Episode 1 - Rebecca Matthews and Brendan Sleeman. Co-Founders of Wed Magazine: print media in the ‘Destination Wedding’ industry.
    In this first episode of the new series, we hear from Rebecca Matthews and Brendan Sleeman, print media founders that have consistently followed their instincts and never veered from their principles around quality, community and sustainability.

    15 years into their journey, we find out how to achieve longevity in an industry that had been written off; how to stay afloat in times of global crisis; and how to separate work life and family life when you marry your co-founder!

    Wed Magazine’s success is a lesson in understanding your market, your revenue streams and the community you serve. As Brendan describes it, you have to “ditch the ego” and truly listen to your stake holders, if you want to stay relevant.

    Host: Charity Wilson
    http://linkedin.com/in/charity-wilson-6502789b

    Wed Magazine
    https://www.wedmagazine.co.uk
    https://www.facebook.com/wedmagazineuk

    Canopy Community
    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…
    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity





    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    40 min
  • Series 2, Episode 5 - Terry Hamill, Entrepreneur, 'Connector' and National Director of BNI Portugal

    In Series 2, Episode #5 we are delighted to be joined by Terry Hamill - serial entrepreneur, connector of people and National Director of BNI, Portugal, who shares with us his powerful journey and how a childhood experience has made him the person he is today.

    Website:
    http://www.bni.pt

    LinkedIn profile:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryhamill/

    In this episode we cover:
    - how a tragic experience as a child has now led Terry to want to help millions of people around the world.
    - How showing vulnerability is so important in helping others to speak out.
    - How as leaders its vital to understand the personalities and strengths of your team so that you can get the best out of them.

    I really enjoyed recording this episode - I'm sure you will gain so much from it! 

    Host:  Biraj Nakarja
    Co Hosts: Tijana Momirov & Stewart Noakes

    #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams #tribe

    See more about Canopy events and Membership at : https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity


    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community


    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    1 hr 16 min
  • Episode 6 - Mariana Bettencourt of Sparkl.pt #backcatalogue

    Welcome to the Canopy Founder Friday series.

    In Episode #6 of our back catalogue series we are joined by Mariana Bettencourt who is founder and CEO of Sparkl.pt

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianabettencourt1/

    ● Moving from corporate life to startup 
    ● Winning the Lisbon Challenge and raising seed funds 
    ● Being a Founder and the pressures it can take on your personal life 
    ● Having a passion for beauty & building a brand 
    ● Being in business with your best friend 
    ● Dealing with Covid19 as a beauty on demand business

    Share in her gifts of wisdom and experience & join us as we seek to discover what makes this inspiring founder tick.

    Co hosts Stewart Noakes, Silvia Silva, Pedro Guimaraes, Prabha Rathinasabapathy, Tijana Momirov

    Note: this episode was first recorded as a webinar in April 2020 and converted to a podcast so we could all enjoy it away from our screens.

    #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams #tribe

    See more about Canopy events and Membership at : https://www.joinit.org/o/canopy-community 

    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Core Angels
    We make angel investing professional and global, improving outcomes, while enjoying the journey

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community


    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    1 hr 2 min
  • Series 2, Episode 4 - Fabio Rodrigues, Founding Partner & CEO of U5 Marketing

    In Series 2, Episode #4 we hear from Fabio Rodrigues, Founding Partner & CEO of U5 Marketing and author of the book Na Dúvida Não Empreenda.

    Website:
    https://naoempreenda.com/en/should-you-startup/
    https://u5marketing.com.br/

    LinkedIn profile:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiorod001/

    In this episode we cover Fabio's journey from Senior executive at Microsoft and Nokia, to setting up his Marketing agency U5 marketing, to  writing his book 'Na Dúvida Não Empreenda' which is all about what you need to consider when creating your start up business.

    We discuss Fabio's simple concepts of the challenges that the novice entrepreneur will face and that can bankrupt any new company.   His message is clear - you have a lot to lose - so think carefully before you make the jump into starting up a business!

    Join us in this invaluable episode which I'm sure you will learn so much from! 

    Host:  Biraj Nakarja
    Co Hosts: Tijana Momirov & Pedro Guimarães

    #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams #tribe

    See more about Canopy events and Membership at : https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity


    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community


    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    1 hr 6 min
  • Episode 5 - Brittany McDonough of MassChallenge #backcatalogue

    Welcome to the Canopy Founder Friday series. 

    In Episode #5 of our back catalogue series we are joined by Brittany McDonough who is the senior director of global partnerships for ​MassChallenge 

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

    • Boston as a home. 
    • Working with early stage startups 
    • Building a global accelerator program 
    • From State Government to Startup Accelerator 
    • Building on a background of music 

    Share in her gifts of wisdom and experience & join us as we seek to discover what makes this inspiring founder tick. 

    Co-hosts ​Stewart Noakes​, ​Sofia Fernandes, Ani Gupta

    Note: this episode was first recorded as a webinar in May 2020 and converted to a podcast so we could all enjoy it away from our screens.

    #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams #tribe 

    See more about Canopy events and Membership at:
    https://www.joinit.org/o/canopy-community

    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Core Angels
    We make angel investing professional and global, improving outcomes, while enjoying the journey

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community


    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    57 min
  • Series 2, Episode 3 - Charity Wilson, Founder and CEO of Beam Education

    In Series 2, Episode #3 we hear from Charity Wilson founder and CEO of Beam Education 

    Website:
    https://www.beam-education.co.uk

    LinkedIn profile:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-wilson-6502789b/

    In this episode we cover Charity's journey from school teacher to entrepreneur:

    • How Charity saw a problem first hand and felt there was a validated need to find a solution
    • The trials and tribulations of starting your own business
    • Her views on the future of education

    Join us and share in Charity's experiences and learnings as we seek to discover what makes this inspiring founder tick.

    Host:  Biraj Nakarja
    Co Hosts: Tijana Momirov & Pedro Guimarães

    #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams #tribe

    See more about Canopy events and Membership at : https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity


    Damia Group Portugal
    Tech Recruitment Experts on a mission to make people happy

    Idea Spaces and Co Working
    coworking space • experience business community

    Portugal Ventures
    Growing global

    Boardroom Advisors
    Real world advisors for scale-ups and SMEs

    #TRIBE
    The friends of Canopy membership group

    Support the show

    Canopy Community

    The place for founders, start ups and entrepreneurs. For more episodes, or to access coaching, events, advice, networks, education and more, visit…

    https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity



    1 hr 7 min

About Founder Friday

From the publisher's feed

Founder Friday

Leveraging entrepreneurship as a tool for social mobility.

That's the mission behind Canopy Community and the Founder Friday podcast.


We…