Barclays Female Founder Accelerator 2023 member
My Code Kit
My Code Kit are building Ocobox™️, an AI learning assistant and Python coding editor, which uses a growth mindset approach to encourage users to experiment and turns failure into a positive first attempt in learning.
Why did you apply for the Female Founder Accelerator?
We are looking to raise £450K through Angel Investment to expand our team and bring on a Business Development Manager, Marketing and 2 in-house Developers.
Do you think there's a need for programmes like this for Female Founders?
Yes.
When did you start your business?
2018.
What are you looking to get out of this programme?
The skills needed to pitch to investors aren’t something that come naturally to me, and would really appreciate an opportunity to pitch in front of Angel Investors in a safe environment and then use that feedback and support to improve our pitch deck.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Lara Sheldrake from Found & Flourish. She runs a community of amazing Entrepreneurs and Side Hustlers and encourages them to network, think outside the box and be their best selfs and she does this whilst also raising her wonderful family.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
We have won several Innovate UK awards which have allowed us to build our business idea, our value proposition and first MVP
What has been your biggest challenge?
Raising enough finance to build a software to be used in schools whilst we are pre-traction.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
Other business owners and mentors. It's helped to get real honest feedback to improve our offering, as well as tapping into the experiences of others.
What drives you to make your business a success?
We think coding should be and can be accessible to everyone. So our main driver is our want to create a future generation of coders that actually reflect the society we live in.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
There's never a good time to start talking to people about your new business so you may as well start now.
Even if you don't immediately see the connection or are thinking this might be too early. You never know what's going to be unlocked in those conversations! It's another opportunity to get feedback or help on something you might be stuck on and it could lead to future partnerships.