Entrepreneur pathway
Karan's story
From an idea for No More Recruiters to a funded technology business with an MVP, a team and £250,000 of investment.
"The programme did not simply teach me about entrepreneurship. It gave me the environment, connections and practical opportunities needed to become more confident as a founder and build something real."
Turning an idea into a business
When Karan joined TechStart's entrepreneurial programme, he had the idea for No More Recruiters and a clear understanding of the problem he wanted to solve. What he needed was the practical support, guidance and confidence to turn that idea into a real business. TechStart provided him with office space, access to a team and the support needed to begin developing the company properly. Having a professional base gave him somewhere to work, meet people and concentrate on building the business.
Building the first product
One of the most important parts of the programme was the development of the minimum viable product. TechStart's team worked with Karan to build the first version of the No More Recruiters platform. This gave him something tangible that he could demonstrate to potential customers, partners and investors. Rather than trying to explain the business using only a presentation, he could show people what they were building, how the platform would work and the commercial problem it was designed to solve.
Gaining international experience
Through TechStart, Karan also had the opportunity to join an international trade mission with the West London Chambers of Commerce. The experience opened his eyes to how businesses operate internationally and gave him the chance to meet entrepreneurs, advisers and investors from different backgrounds. It took him outside his usual environment and encouraged him to think more ambitiously about what No More Recruiters could become. During the mission, he was introduced to accountants who helped him understand the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and what the company needed to put in place to become ready for investment. He was also introduced to potential investors who could see the opportunity behind the business.
Building the confidence to raise investment
The trade mission helped Karan build confidence in himself as a founder. He had to explain the business clearly, answer difficult questions and speak about the company's future in front of experienced businesspeople. By the time he met the investor who went on to back the company, he was able to explain what they had built, why the problem was worth solving and how the investment would be used to grow the business. Just as importantly, he had gained the confidence to ask for the investment. For an early-stage founder, being able to make that request clearly and convincingly is a major step. With the MVP in place and the right professional support around the company, he was able to raise £250,000 from high-net-worth individuals through the SEIS scheme.
Creating employment for young people
One of the best outcomes has been the opportunity to create three full-time jobs for young people from different backgrounds. The business was able to employ a school leaver, a young person who had previously been not in education, employment or training, and a graduate from TechStart's graduate programme. The support Karan received has therefore gone beyond helping him start a business. It has enabled the company to create opportunities for other young people at the beginning of their own careers.
Looking ahead
No More Recruiters has grown from an idea into a funded technology business with an MVP, a team and £250,000 of investment. TechStart provided the office space and technical support needed to build the first product. The international trade mission then helped Karan access professional advisers, meet investors and develop the confidence to present the business and ask for backing. The programme did not simply teach him about entrepreneurship. It gave him the environment, connections and practical opportunities needed to become more confident as a founder and build something real.