Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2022 member
Young Pro
The Young Pro app is a marketplace solution that connects elite coaches to athletes.
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
I joined the Black Founders Accelerator to access the support I needed to take my business to the next level. After speaking to Black Founders in the previous cohort, I knew this programme would be exactly what I need as it was clear the programme identified with the issues that black founders face.
Why did you want to start your business?
I started Young Pro to meet the growing demand for access to elite coaches. Coaches currently use social media such as Instagram and it’s direct messaging function to market their services and chat with their costumers. The Young Pro app is serves as a one stop shop for coaches to build their profiles and ratings as well as providing the tools to make their work seamless and professional. Players are also able to build profiles, create a library of content, engage with their coaches and track their progress overtime. All of which is currently unavailable on existing platforms.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
My desired outcome from this programme will be 1. To develop the strategy to scale the business by 10x 2. To become investment ready 3. Find a technical co-founder
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Phil Knight, Founder of Nike His resilience to keep going despite the many challenges he faced.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
My biggest win on my entrepreneurial journey has to be securing investment for my first business and building a team to win awards.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Building a technical team for the business.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
I spoke to other founders and they shared tips on how they overcame their challenges.
What drives you to make your business a success?
I would have benefited greatly if Young Pro existed when I was an aspiring athlete.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Have a clear vision and become obsessed with the vision.