How to create a successful B2B software company… without funding

* This is a guest post by Trackpal CEO Scott Lawson who tweets here

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In today’s tech business culture there is a preconception that you need to get the backing of angel investors or VCs in order to create a successful start-up. Doing so might give you immediate money in the bank, but you could end up relinquishing a larger share of your business than you’d ideally like to.

But you can start a successful business without funding. I’m the founder of Trackpal, a B2B software start-up. I launched Trackpal from scratch four years ago and now have paying clients across the globe. Based on my experience, here are six key factors in starting a successful B2B software business without needing funding. Continue reading

London’s Tech City growth stunted by talent and capital shortage

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On the day of the launch of the annual Shoreditch Digital festival, a new report says that a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of funding is holding back the growth of London’s Tech City.

The ‘Tech City Futures’ Report was produced by reseearch company GfK and surveyed London’s businesses based out of Tech City. More than three quarters (77%) say a lack of skilled workers is restricting their growth
A third (33%) believe a lack of access to capital is hindering their business, and a similar number (29%) say as a consequence their company is missing significant business opportunities to expand. Continue reading

Businesses need a five-year plan… and a three-month plan

* This contribution is by Pete Shuttleworth, Executive Director of cool London film company Pretzel Films

Time is an increasingly important factor in every aspect of our lives these days. Time, or the lack of it, leads to the constant need to update our priorities. This in turn leads to the inevitable realisation that if you put buying your wife flowers that far down the priority list then you will never get to it.

In business, timing is crucial. For me this simple understanding came a little late. I started a business almost exactly seven years ago, in March 2005, six months before my first child was born and five months after I was married. Continue reading