Our site uses cookies to help us deliver our services and for you to enjoy the best possible experience. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies. For more information please read our Cookie Policy.

Ok
Menu

Go back

Start-up woes: finding a co-founder and the struggle for funding

Prodigy Finance - December 21, 2016

We Work London 1

As all entrepreneurs know, there are various challenges that come with entrepreneurship and early stage start-up life. To help motivate and encourage those looking to share their ideas with the world, the Oxford Business Alumni (OBA) London Chapter held a panel discussion on Entrepreneurship – What does it mean? 

London We Work 2

The panel was chaired by Dean Peter Tufano and consisted of:

- Carlos Silva (MBA 2008) – Co-founder of Seedrs, President and Head of Seedrs Europe

- Enrico D’Angelo – Finance Director, Parkwalk Advisors

- Joyeeta Das (MBA 2014) – Founder of Gyana

- Vana Koutsomitis (MBA 2014) – Co-founder of Date Play

When starting a business, all speakers agreed that it is essential to find a co-founder you can put your trust in. As the emotional turbulence of being an entrepreneur is a lot easier to handle with a trusted partner by your side.

One of the audience questioned if a co-founder could be a family member, given the age old mantra of not mixing business with family and friends. However, Joyeete Das, Founder of Gyana, suggested that for her, there is no better trust than amongst family, and that she works with her husband.

Another key challenge for entrepreneurs is funding their business venture. Even in today’s world where crowdfunding offers access to capital online, it is still difficult to meet fundraising goals. The panel’s advice was to be persistent, enthusiastic and not give up.

Enrico D’Angelo, Finance Director at Parkwalk Advisors, said that if you keep searching for funding, you will find it. Often entrepreneurs take rejection too personally, but it could have simply been because the investor approached does not want to invest in the sector or that the timing isn’t right, rather than it being a reflection on the idea.

We Work London 3

At the end of the day, the two messages that came through were that a trusting partnership and persistence will get you far.

Dean Peter Tufano acknowledged Prodigy Finance as a major contributor in enabling international students to study at Oxford Saïd Business School. 

We Work London 4
Go back

Related Articles

Prodigy finance looks at international grad student housing

International grad student housing

Katie Schenk - August 06, 2018

Every grad student needs to sleep somewhere. No matter how much time you plan to spend in the... Continue reading

To binary?encrypted params=eyjiaw5hcnlfawqioijhnmzimjvkm2zjywvlnzy5lzzhntnmndjintqxys9hzxr0aw5nlwetuhjvzglnes1gaw5hbmnllwxvyw4td2hhdc15b3utbmvlzc10by1rbm93lmpwzyisim9ial9pzci6ime2zmiynwqzzmnhzwu3njkilcj0cmfuc2zvcm1hdglvbl9kzwzpbml0aw9uijp7imhlawdodci6mtu1lcj3awr0aci6ndawlcjmaxqioijjcm9win19

Getting a Prodigy Finance loan - what you need to know [INFOGRAPHIC]

Prodigy Finance - July 03, 2018

Considering an international master’s degree? You’re in the right place to find information on... Continue reading

To binary?encrypted params=eyjiaw5hcnlfawqioiizmgq0nme2nwm5nzuyowrklziymwy2yjywyta1yy9qcm9kawd5luzpbmfuy2utaw50zxjuyxrpb25hbc1zdhvkzw50lwxvyw5zlmpwzyisim9ial9pzci6ijmwzdq2yty1yzk3nti5zgqilcj0cmfuc2zvcm1hdglvbl9kzwzpbml0aw9uijp7imhlawdodci6mtu1lcj3awr0aci6ndawlcjmaxqioijjcm9win19

Celebrating the growing number of Prodigy Finance-supported universities

Prodigy Finance - June 11, 2018

A couple of INSEAD students met over a drink, lamenting the difficulties of financing their... Continue reading

Prodigy finance myths busted

Debunking the myths about your Prodigy Finance loan

Prodigy Finance - April 16, 2018

Prodigy Finance launched in 2007, providing loans to international MBA candidates at INSEAD.... Continue reading

Categories

Follow us

Offices

London | Cape Town | New York

London Headquarters:

Hardy House
16-18 Beak Street
W1F 9RD
London
United Kingdom

Investing - Risk Policy

Investment is restricted to high net worth and sophisticated investors who can demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge and experience to understand the risks of investing. Risks include the potential loss of capital and limited liquidity. Capital at risk. Investments are long term and it may not be possible to sell your investment prior to maturity. See our full Risk Warning and Terms and Conditions.

© Prodigy Finance Limited 2007 - 2018. All Rights Reserved. Prodigy Finance Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (Company Number 05912562) with its registered address at Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7LD and registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner (Reg. No. Z9851854). Prodigy Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm registration number 709641) for certain consumer credit activities and for investment activities for investors who have agreed to its terms. Prodigy Finance loans are offered to eligible borrowers who are studying outside of their country of residence and the loans are governed by English law.

Prodigy Services Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (Company Number 10201413) with its registered address at Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7LD. Prodigy Services is an appointed representative of BriceAmery Capital Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Prodigy Services Limited promotes offers of securities for third party issuers to eligible investors.