Barclays Female Founder Accelerator 2023 member
Xana Medtec
We provide diagnostic testing services at home finger prick blood tests and in clinic for improved health and wellbeing.
Our mission is to provide actionable diagnostic information for a healthier life, preventing long term illness.
Why did you apply for the Female Founder Accelerator?
To learn how to raise capital and be investor ready for scaling the business. To gain access to mentors, coaches, and network with likeminded individuals.
Do you think there's a need for programmes like this for Female Founders?
Yes, there is a huge demand for this programme. Finding business support and access to capital is not easily accessible for women founders. Programmes like this bridge that gap of inequality.
Why did you want to start your business?
I always aspired to have a business of my own and follow my passions for science, health and medical technology.
The biggest driving force for me was to follow my purpose, to be of value to others and help encourage other women there is a place for us to excel in business too.
What are you looking to get out of this programme?
Being investor ready. Assistance with financial forecast support and access to angel investors.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Steven Bartlett continues to inspire me. I admire his genuine advice, experience, and his transparency. He talks about the crazy, messy and uncertain sides of the business which helps me relate and know that what I go through is normal business process. He inspires me to keep going and never give up on my dreams.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
Being listed as a private covid testing provider on GOV.UK and in a position to help screen and test the public for covid19 during the peak of the pandemic. Securing a supplier contract and supplying over 27,000 covid tests with Procter and Gamble in 2022.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Funding, access to investors and support for financial plans for scaling the business. Managing cash flow.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
Barclays Business Team and Enterprise Nation.
What drives you to make your business a success?
The Covid 19 pandemic demonstrated that talking control of our health has never been more paramount than before. I believe no one should wait weeks and months on end to know what's happening to their internal biosystem. With the increasing waiting lists and queues to book a simple blood test, the need and demand for easy to use, accessible health testing solutions is now. A successful business to me is providing a service that will help others take control of their health preventing long term illness from occurring for a better wellbeing.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Believe in yourself first and foremost. It's okay to make mistakes, just keep trying you're bound to get it right.
Small actions eventually lead to big steps, be consistent.