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2021 #FounderStories Round-Up

Picture of Grace Henley Grace Henley : 20 December 2021

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In 2021, we launched our #FounderStories series, where we collect and share the voices of company founders from different sectors.

In this Ask Me Anything-style series, founders tell us how it all began and offer budding entrepreneurs sound advice based on experience.

You might be wondering, what’s the reason behind it?

“We wanted to publish inspiring stories that demonstrate the tenacity and creativity that forms the backbone of the British economy”, Ifty Nasir, founder and CEO of Vestd.

And if there’s one thing British business owners have, it’s tenacity.

Despite almost two years of turbulence, more than 770,000 new businesses formed in 2020. Data from Companies House revealed that in the first quarter of 2021, the number of incorporations increased by 41,546.

That’s the largest quarter one year on year increase in the number of incorporations since 2012.

Unperturbed, plucky Brits are seizing opportunities to succeed. And that entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t look like it will fade anytime soon.

According to research by Natwest, one in seven adults now plans to become an entrepreneur; that’s an increase of 50% compared to the previous year.

It all sounds pretty positive. But there’s no doubt that it’s been tough for countless companies across the country. The Great Resignation and the Recruitment Crisis has been the subject of a media frenzy, but it is a reality and a real problem for many.

But as Christmas draws closer and we come to the end of 2021, we want to remind you of all the inspiring stories we shared of tenacious and creative entrepreneurs and their startups. Some of which launched during the pandemic!

Just in case you missed any, here’s a list of the #FounderStories we’ve shared so far, all in one place.

Once again, we want to say a huge thanks to all those who contributed to (and read) our #FounderStories.

The series is ongoing. So stay tuned for more startup stories and sound advice from successful entrepreneurs themselves. And if you’d fancy featuring in this round-up same time next year, get in touch. We'd love to hear your story.

Happy Christmas, everyone!