Think you need a lot of money to start a business? Think again. In this post, I share how we built Lorefully with less than £500, secured grant funding, created a demo using free tools, and relentlessly talked to people to validate our idea—proving that resourcefulness matters more than capital. If you’re starting from scratch, this guide will show you how to make it happen.

Building a startup often means keeping your cards close to your chest—but at Lorefully, I’m flipping the script. We’re embracing transparency and building our company “in the open,” sharing not just our successes but also the lessons learned along the way. From forming the right co-founding team to navigating the complexities of customer discovery, this journey is as much about personal growth as it is about innovation. I’m looking forward to sharing the learnings as we go forward!

Startup life is exhilarating, but let’s be honest, working with co-founders can feel like a tightrope walk at times. Different working styles, competing priorities, and the intensity of building a business can create tension even in the strongest partnerships. But unless it works for everyone, your partnership won’t last.

The journey from strangers to co-founders is intense. And when it comes to building a company together, few relationships face more pressure.

There’s a moment in everyone’s life when you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, staring down at two very different paths. One is a safe pathway down; predictable. The other is a terrifying drop into an abyss, but it whispers of possibility...

I was recently enjoying a friendly debate with a colleague who suggested that the aspirations we have don’t necessarily equate to our happiness or the deeper meaning that we’re striving for; especially when directly aimed at.