This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special 3-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson. 

In today’s episode, Corinne helps us take it all the way back to the beginning of the fundraising journey. 

We’ll discuss: 

✅ The key steps you need to follow before your investor meeting 

✅ Figuring out when the time is right to start fundraising 

✅ What to keep in mind when choosing between VCs, angels or alternative funding routes 

✅ How to mentally prepare for the fundraising journey ahead 

📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: 

Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. 

Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 

💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 

💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures

From Operator To VC – Busting Industry Myths with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures

Catherine Lenson: From Being The First Female Managing Partner at SoftBank to Building a Portfolio Career

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In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dinika Mahtani, Partner at Cherry Ventures, the early-stage VC firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies, such as Zalando and Spotify. 

Prior to her move into VC, Dinika was an Operator, working across Banking, UberEats EMEA and Uber’s JUMP e-bike product in the UK. She also served as Director of Finance and Operations at ClimateTech startup, Kaluza. 

Today, we take a trip back down memory lane, discussing those fundamental years as an Operator and how she made the move into VC. 

It’s a conversation filled with mentorship for Founders and anyone considering the VC route as their next career step. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ From Banking to Uber [06:30]

➡️ Key lessons from her time at Uber [11:30] 

➡️ Moving into VC [15:30] 

➡️ More about today’s sponsor [23:30] 

➡️ Looking for raw ambition [24:30] 

➡️ Going from Principal to Partner [27:30] 

➡️ Promoting and hiring more diverse talent [30:00] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Dinika here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinika-mahtani-0a2494158/

➡️ Learn more about Cherry Ventures: https://cherry.vc/ 

📣 Learn more about today’s sponsor: 

Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. 

Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 

💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 

💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Masha Bucher: Harnessing the power of storytelling in VC with Day One Ventures

From Operator To VC – Busting Industry Myths with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures

VC & Fundraising Advice – Series 6 Best Bits

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In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re revisiting our popular episode with Ian Hogarth, Co-Founder and former CEO of Songkick, Partner at Plural Platform and Chair of the UK AI Safety Institute. 

In this episode, we talk about his rollercoaster ride with Songkick and how mentorship got him through the worst days, and what led him to building Plural, an early-stage platform dedicated to investing in Europe’s next-generation of tech companies with global ambitions.

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ Lessons from being a first-time CEO [11:00]

➡️ Why some hires can completely change your business [14:30] 

➡️ Grief & stepping away from Songkick [19:15] 

➡️ Jumping back into the Founder seat with Plural [24:40] 

➡️ Why Plural isn’t following the traditional VC model [28:15] 

➡️ What it takes to be an incredible Founder [32:50] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Ian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhogarth/

➡️ Learn more about Plural: https://pluralplatform.com/ 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Michelle You: From Exiting Songkick to tackling the climate crisis

Sophie Adelman: Creating access to opportunities for everyone

Eleanor Kaye: Making VC more accessible

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In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re revisiting our popular episode with the brilliant Alice Bentinck MBE, Co-Founder of Entrepreneur First and author of “How to be a Founder”. 

Frustrated by a business landscape that found latent talent shackled by predetermined career paths, Alice set out to challenge cultural norms when she co-founded Entrepreneur First in 2011 – an accelerator that celebrates and invests in talented, ambitious individuals and looks to match-make Co-Founders to launch successful businesses.

In this episode, Alice shares everything from her early career to challenging the norms of entrepreneurship and backing diverse talent. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ The Birth of Entrepreneur First - [04:50] 

➡️ Overcoming early challenges & building for growth [07:50] 

➡️ Investing in Talent [17:00] 

➡️ The Co-Founder dynamic [25:00] 

➡️ Diversity & Inclusion in Tech [28:45] 

➡️ Building Diverse Teams [32:30] 

➡️ The importance of mentorship [42:00] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Alice here: LinkedIn

➡️ Learn more about Entrepreneur First: https://www.joinef.com/ 

➡️ Get a copy of Alice’s book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/how-to-be-a-founder-9781399411608/ 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Amali de Alwis: Embracing a non-linear career

Gary Izunwa: Driving Social Mobility through Referrals with Tangent 

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon: Changing the face of STEM

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The hiring market has seen some major shifts over the past few years, and as businesses continue to navigate economic changes, evolving workplace trends, and shifting candidate expectations, staying ahead of these trends has never been more important, than in 2025. 

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re diving deep into the key hiring and talent trends for the year ahead. 

You’ll hear from some of the JBM and the wider Amplified People Group teams who share their insights on how the Hiring and Talent market is shaping up for the year. 

We’ll be answering questions like: 

➡️ How is the hiring market shaping up compared to 2024? 

➡️ What new trends are we seeing, and what are candidates and clients asking more about? 

➡️ What are our top predictions for hiring in 2025?

Whether you're a Founder planning your next big hire, a talent leader navigating an evolving workforce, or a job seeker looking to understand the market, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead.

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

How to successfully build a fractional career with Ben Sanders

From layoffs to lemonade with Abadesi Osunsade

The future of flexible work with Molly Johnson-Jones

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How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? 

Research shows that most of us drop our New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday in January. 

As we’re approaching the end of January, we’re resharing some of the best wellbeing and healthy habits advice we’ve received on the podcast from subject matter experts: 

• Dr Rupy Aujla, Founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen 
• Rhiannon Lambert, leading Nutritionist and best-selling author 
• Nikki Wicks, CEO of global fitness brand, The Body Coach 
• Lottie Whyte, Founder of Myomaster, a pioneer in recovery and wellness solutions. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ Building better habits through nutrition [02:00] 

➡️ What a well-balanced diet actually looks like [10:40] 

➡️ Balancing a busy lifestyle & exercising [16:30] 

➡️ Building simple habits first [19:15] 

➡️ Nurturing a healthy relationship with food [22:15] 

➡️ The truth behind diets [24:30]

➡️ Costs of eating healthier [34:45]  

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

The accidental business that helps millions of people eat healthier every day

From the kitchen table to £100k investment on Dragons Den with MyoMaster

The Truth About Diets & Nutrition Advice For Busy Execs

Building An Accidental Global Fitness Brand

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James Lo, one of our most popular 40 Minute Mentors and Co-Founder of Ethos, joins us for today’s 40 Minute Mentor, Where Are They Now feature. 

A lot has happened since the last time James came on the podcast. 

In today’s episode, we dive into every twist and turn in his journey since building and eventually exiting education platform, Mana, all the way through his latest venture - Ethos, the opportunity engine for humanity, currently in stealth. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ Pivoting & exiting Mana [02:00] 

➡️ Digging deep for resilience during challenging times [06:00] 

➡️ Jumping back into the Founder seat & building Ethos [10:00] 

➡️ Learning from previous mistakes [18:00] 

➡️ Fundraising advice [23:00] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Listen back to James’ original episode: 40 Minute Mentor 

➡️ Connect with James here: LinkedIn

➡️ Learn more about Ethos: Ethos

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Catherine Lenson: From Being The First Female Managing Partner at SoftBank to Building a Portfolio Career

Zeynep Yavuz: Investing In Fintech, Crypto & Emerging Markets

Gary Izunwa: Driving Social Mobility through Referrals with Tangent

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Tom Elvidge, Co-Founder of UK-focused solar energy company, Synth Solar, joins us for today’s 40 Minute Mentor, Where Are They Now feature. 

In today’s episode, Tom shares the ins and outs of his transition from being an Operator to founding Synth Solar, and all the key lessons he’s learned on that journey.

Plus, Tom gives us an exclusive sneak peek into what’s to come and why now is a great time to get into the energy sector. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ Transitioning from Operator to Founder [01:25] 

➡️ Advice for Operators making the transition [07:50] 

➡️ Aspirations for the future [11:00] 

➡️ Hiring plans & why solar energy [15:15] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Listen back to Tom’s original episode: 40 Minute Mentor 

➡️ Connect with Tom here: LinkedIn

➡️ Learn more about Synth Solar: Synth Solar

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

🎧 You may also enjoy: 

Cleo Sham: From Operator to VC

Where Are They Now: Anouk Agussol

Marta Krupinska: Saving the planet through carbon removal

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Anouk Agussol, Founder of Unleashed, an Amplified People Group business, joins us on today’s 40 Minute Mentor Where Are They Now series. 

Following her initial appearance on the show, in Season 9, Anouk joins us today to share how Unleashed has evolved since almost going into administration and being acquired by Amplified People Group. 

Plus, she shares actionable advice on building high-performing teams in 2025, and beyond. 

📚 Episode Chapters: 

➡️ The Evolution of Unleashed - [01:50] 

➡️ Joining Amplified People Group - [05:10] 

➡️ Growing as a Leader - [15:20] 

➡️ Building high-performing teams - [22:10] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Listen back to Anouk’s original episode: 40 Minute Mentor

➡️ Learn more about Unleashed & the upcoming open cohort: Unleashed

➡️ Learn more about Amplified People Group: Amplified People Group

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

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Happy New Year and welcome back to 40 Minute Mentor!

For our first episode of 2025 we’re taking one last chance to look back on the fantastic year of pocket-sized mentorship we’ve had.

At the end of last year, we asked YOU to vote for your favourite 40 Minute Mentor of 2024. 🌟

For the first time ever, we collected votes across three categories:

🏆 Top VC of the year

🏆 Best topic covered

🏆 Best 40 Minute Mentor of the year

Tune in to find out who the big winners are for each of the categories.

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Listen through 260+ episodes in our archives: https://jbmc.co.uk/40-minute-mentor/ 

➡️ Follow JBM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbm-consulting-ltd/ 

➡️ Find out more about Amplified People Group: https://www.amplifiedgroup.com/ 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

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Before the 40 Minute Mentor team heads into hibernation until 2025, your Host, James Mitra shares a short festive message with you. 

Tune in to hear some of James’s favourite moments on the podcast this year and some of the biggest milestones the JBM team have achieved this year. 

🥂 Happy Holidays from all of us at 40 Minute Mentor, JBM, and Amplified People Group! 🥂 

See you for more pocket-sized mentorship in the New Year! 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Listen through 260+ episodes in our archives: https://jbmc.co.uk/40-minute-mentor/ 

➡️ Follow JBM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbm-consulting-ltd/ 

➡️ Find out more about Amplified People Group: https://www.amplifiedgroup.com/ 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

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