They bought an office in lockdown when nobody else was buying. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Two mates met on a rugby pitch, became accountant and client, then bought an office building in the middle of lockdown, when no one else was buying.

In this episode, Ollie speaks to Rhys Jones (The Online Accountant) and Olly Ladbrooke (Moose Studios), business partners behind the Bristol Office Hub, about going from corporate life to running multiple businesses side by side.

They get honest about the mindset shift from employee to serial entrepreneur, the brutal moment a down-valuation left them scraping to fund a leaking roof, why complementary skills beat codified roles, and how community and referrals (not contrived networking) quietly built everything. Plus, we explore AI in accountancy and marketing, and why "just show up and take action" still wins.

Whether you're a solo founder feeling the isolation or weighing up a big risk, this one's for you.

LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

1. Resilience isn't a trait; it's a position. Their first building ran "like a dream", which is exactly what gave them the confidence and cushion to survive a brutal down-valuation on the second.

2. Cash buys you calm. Build six to twelve months of runway in the first two years, keep it lean, and you stop pouring energy into chasing bills instead of growing.

3. Action beats overthinking. No scaremongering about AI, these business partners just show up, make the call, and move forward. 90% of success is being there and taking the next step.

GUESTS

Rhys Jones, accountant and co-founder of The Online Accountant and The Property Accountant. Left corporate life to go solo, took on Olly as client number one, now runs a six-person practice.

Olly Ladbrooke, chartered surveyor (ex-BNP Paribas) and founder of Moose Studios, a marketing agency with offices in Bristol and London. Together they own and run the Bristol Office Hub.

Bristol Office Hub — bristolofficehub.co.uk (195–197 Whiteladies Road, Bristol)

Moose Studios - moosestudios.co.uk

The Online Accountant - theonlineaccountant.com

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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Is software dead, or just being rebuilt? Ollie spent two weeks obsessing over Claude Cowork and turned 100 episodes of Founded & Grounded into a content engine. Becky spoke alongside the legendary Steve Blank.

We break down agentic AI, SaaS valuations, customer development, pricing as conversation, and why human connection is the moat that AI cannot copy. This will leave you wanting to experiment right now.

Key takeaways

- Agentic AI is not a tool you add. It's the sand between your existing software stack, doing the connective work while you sleep, so you stop running the business by hand.

- Pricing is a conversation, not a number. Steve Blank's lesson is simple. Ask the customer the question, listen to the answer, then build the proposal. Skip that step, and you're guessing with someone else's money.

- AI raises the floor on output. It does nothing for trust. The founders who win the next cycle are the ones in rooms without laptops, building relationships that agents cannot fake.

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How do founders navigate a business landscape shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity?

In this live conversation, we speak with Matt Wilde from SWIG Finance about the funding gaps many businesses still face and what it really takes to grow in an unstable global environment. From working capital and supply chains to the role of trusted advisors and stronger ecosystem support, Matt shares what founders need to get right when the pressure is on.

Key takeaways:

• Businesses that want to thrive in uncertain times need strong foundations, especially around working capital and effective supply chain management.
• Social impact lenders like SWIG Finance play an important role in supporting a wide range of businesses with tailored financial solutions that help them grow and sustain operations.
• AI can free up time for more valuable human-centred work, but businesses need to balance efficiency with sound judgement and human values.

We also explore the role of SWIG Finance as a social enterprise lender, supporting businesses with finance options that help founders start, sustain and scale. The conversation looks at the importance of good advisors, access to capital and stronger ecosystem connectivity, and how these factors shape a founder’s ability to build a resilient business.

Alongside this, we discuss the growing influence of AI on the way businesses operate. While technology can create efficiencies, Matt makes the case for keeping human judgment at the centre of decision-making.

The episode closes with real examples, reflections on smarter financial decisions and a broader look at what founders need to succeed in a VUCA world.

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7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger.

Managing one of the world’s biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen’s explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public.

The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are.

Key takeaways

🔥 Know yourself to grow yourself. Jordan believes brutal self-awareness and personal branding are essential. When you understand who you truly are and fully embrace it, you unlock clarity, confidence, and business momentum.

📹 Don’t just create. Document. It’s not just about creating content. Jordan shows how documenting your journey with purpose builds trust, drives growth, and keeps your brand aligned with your goals.

🤝 You can’t win alone. Strategic partnerships are the key ingredient to scale. Find operators who complement your strengths and share your vision.

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/lqtT800N1V6

Hit play and discover how to build something that actually lasts.

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What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans, founder of 18Sixty, an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling.

From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention.

Key Takeaways

Knowing your audience: The key to a successful podcast lies in deeply understanding your listeners and crafting content that serves their needs

Finding Balance: Effective time management, habit stacking, and prioritisation are essential for navigating business demands while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Business growth strategies: Differentiating yourself, leveraging word-of-mouth, and building strong connections are crucial for scaling your business.

Whether you're an early-stage founder, an aspiring podcaster, or just curious about the future of branded podcasts, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom.

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/j54mNsooOdH

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From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker. From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant.

But Tim's journey is much more than just success.

Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work.

Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders.

Explore the balance between transparency and forward planning, Tim's IPO experience, and the transition from blitzscaling to a lean approach. Learn about the significance of humility, team support, and managing expectations. We conclude the episode by discussing the future of work, embracing AI, and societal changes.

Key Takeaways

• High expectations can undermine resilience, so maintaining realistic goals can help sustain long-term motivation and perseverance.
• Aligning business strategies and goals among all stakeholders ensures smoother operations and mutual benefits, making it easier to achieve sustainable growth.
• Adapting to market conditions and being open to changing strategies, even if it means shifting from aggressive expansion to a leaner approach, is crucial for long-term success.
  
  Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website
  https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/z0Sw0OlIhm1

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What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common?

Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar, co-founder of Brilliant Labs, about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation.

From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.

Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR adoption, company culture, and hardware startups, offering leadership lessons on humility and communication. Hear Bobak's advice on fundraising, cofounder dynamics, and balancing startup life. Finally, we end with reflections on AI's future, data privacy, and the influence of faith in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

- AI and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionise memory augmentation, providing perfect recall and proactive insights based on an individual's life experiences.

- Building a successful global team requires extreme specificity and over-communication to avoid costly miscommunications, especially in hardware development.

- Achieving a balance between openness and data privacy is crucial for tech companies to build trust and positively influence industry standards.

Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/X7Y6MMrIIzw

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From academia to entrepreneurship: The remarkable story of Nick Tune and the secrets to converting research into commercial success, with his spinout company Optimise AI.

Gain valuable insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate to startup life, the importance of support networks, and how to embrace failures. Uncover the economic impact of Nick's spinout company Optimise AI, their differentiators in the market, and his valuable advice on team growth and work-life balance for early-stage founders.

Key Takeaways

- Balancing financial management and growth is crucial for startup survival, requiring careful attention to both spending and cash runway.

- Utilising fractional experts can provide startups with strategic and operational support without the high costs of full-time roles.

- A strong support system and maintaining personal well-being are essential for founders to sustain their passion and resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/hLPd1Wv9x0T

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