Barclays Female Founder Accelerator 2023 member
Sibstar
We are Sibstar, a FinTech start up, supported by the UK’s leading dementia charity - Alzheimer’s Society.
Sibstar is the first, highly secure debit card and app for families living with dementia.
What we spend our money on is a big part of who we are, especially for people living with dementia. Sibstar is an innovative way for these vulnerable adults who are at risk of financial exclusion to access and manage their everyday money safely. All of Sibstar’s functionality can be adapted to meet changing needs, delivering financial independence and enabling people with dementia to continue living life the way they choose.
Why did you apply for the Female Founder Accelerator?
The Female Founder Accelerator offers me a real opportunity to learn. I do not come from a banking, payments or finance background whatsoever! So, I continually want to build my knowledge and understanding from experts and fellow founders/entrepreneurs. I also hope, that by drawing on my own experiences, I can help and support other accelerator participants too. I have learnt a fair bit about what to do and not to do, so would welcome the opportunity to share this with others.
The expert led masterclasses will enable me to complete a deep drive review of where Sibstar is and further scope and refine our plans for scaling, ensuring our future plans are robust and fit for purpose. The Accelerator is also a fantastic way of building my network and opening doors. Both of which, I have learnt, are critical to building and growing Sibstar.
Obviously, the opportunity to pitch, is one I would very much welcome. We are raising investment right now, so this could be very timely.
Do you think there's a need for programmes like this for Female Founders?
Yes. I think Female Founders are under represented. Anything that can be done to support woman in tailored way to specifically meet their needs can only be a good thing.
Why did you want to start your business?
To help families like my own. Through my lived experience of caring for my parents, we uncovered an unmet market need. My unique insight has allowed me to create Sibstar and provide families like mine with a much needed solution.
What are you looking to get out of this programme?
Meet, connect and learn from like minded women.
Learn from the experts who know a lot more about all of this than me!
Raise the profile of Sibstar amongst people who care and support what we are doing - broaden my network.
Prepare Sibstar for scaling.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
Winning the support of the Alzheimer's Society and Mastercard
Helping Peggy (a customer from London) get going with her Sibstar card!
What has been your biggest challenge?
Customer Service
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
My network and introductions that network made for me.
Alzheimer's Society
Mastercard
UnLtd.
What drives you to make your business a success?
Making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia whilst creating a commercially sustainable business.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Do it, but you must have an unshakable belief in your idea.