Startup Life’s Invisible Journey: The Dawn of a Startup Journey

Charting an Unconventional Path in the World of Startups.

This Startup journey article was first published on 31/01/2024 on The Invisible Founder Substack

Introduction to my Startup Journey

Welcome to the first chapter of a unique journey. I am The Invisible Founder, and this is my digital canvas. In my early 30s, I’ve weathered the storms such as multiple redundancies and navigated diverse professions, from design engineering to consultative sales. This isn’t just about sharing my story, it’s about building a community of entrepreneurs and founders living in the startup world. Whether you’re a newcomer, a curious observer, or a seasoned veteran in the startup ecosystem. As I stand at the threshold of this new venture, I can’t help but reflect on the myriad of unspoken stories in the startup world, stories much like my own, waiting to be told.

Who I Am and Why This, Why Now

I’m not your typical writer or journalist, I’m a founder, a business owner, an investor. My writings may not possess the polish of a seasoned well educated author, but they are steeped in genuine experience and insight. This journey is born from a need to share the raw, unfiltered realities of building a business – the highs, the lows, and everything in between including all mistakes I make along the way in the hope that it helps you avoid them thus saving you considerable time and money (hopefully). I don’t care for, want or need fame and recognition. My purpose is deeper than that which you will come to see in the coming time.

The Invisible Founder is about lifting the veil on the entrepreneurial journey and shining a light on the unknown. It’s for those who dare to dream and do, often away from the glare of the spotlight. It was during a particularly challenging project, where I witnessed the collapse of a promising startup due to inflexible leadership, inability to raise further funds and a market that evolved to become incredibly competitive and brutal that I realised the power of shared experiences and decided to create this platform.

What to Expect in this Startup Journey

Welcome to a space where authenticity meets ambition. As The Invisible Founder, I’m committed to sharing candid tales, actionable advice, and the occasional splash of humour because we all need humour in our lives as we build our beloved startups. Here’s what you can expect:

Where and How: Most of my writings will be published on Substack. Substack will contain all the latest posts and, for now anyway, will receive newsletters and articles first. I am currently working on adding a Podcast, Youtube Channel, and building an in-person meetup network. This is the start though, there are many more high value projects underway all designed to benefit you, the founder. Aside from the above, articles will be published on this website which will be the only website, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Reddit – feel free to follow, share, like etc. In regards to Substack, there are two plans which are detailed below:

Free Subscription: As a free subscriber, you’ll receive regular free articles.The plan was to release one free article per month however, I ended up releasing almost everything for free… ah well. You will now get access to regular free articles however, you will not have access to the archive or paid posts.

Paid Subscription: For those who choose to support this journey further, the paid subscription offers a deeper dive and more access. You’ll receive content multiple times throughout the week. These articles will cover a range of topics, from the intricacies of startup strategy and software innovation to personal reflections on entrepreneurship. My goal here is to shine a light on the Startup life and what it takes to build a Startup. Through this and laying out all my wins and fails no matter how big or small will help guide you away from making the same mistakes that I make. You will also have access to the Substack Podcast section, the full Archive, all categories within The Invisible Founder Substack, and early access and discounts to future products/services.

A Cause Beyond Business: It’s not just about business growth, it’s about giving back in more than one way. A portion of the proceeds from paid subscriptions will be channeled into two key areas. Firstly, they will support the ongoing development of my startup, fuelling the vision of transformative software solutions. Secondly, and close to my heart, proceeds will contribute to The Children’s Heartbeat Trust. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this incredible charity supports children and young people with heart disease. They’ve been a pillar of support for my family during challenging times, and this is a way to pay forward the kindness and assistance they offer to many others.

My Vision and Goals

I have a vision to give every individual and business an opportunity to succeed. I envision a world where software empowers and connects us beyond the constraints of conventional norms. Where data privacy and ethical business practices aren’t just buzzwords, but the foundation of all we do. As The Invisible Founder, my role is to forge this future, whether I’m backed by investors or standing alone with my convictions.

Building Our Startup Community

This website and the Substack isn’t just a newsletter or blog, it’s the start of a community. A place for entrepreneurs of all stripes to connect, learn, and grow together. I encourage you to engage, share your stories, and join discussions. Let’s support each other in our entrepreneurial quests.

Subscribe and Join the Startup Journey

If this resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe and be a part of The Invisible Founder’s journey. Your subscription means staying updated with every post and being an integral part of our growing community.

Remember, this is just the beginning. Together, we’ll explore the multifaceted world of startups, unearthing insights and sharing experiences that bind us in our collective pursuit of innovation and success.

Until next time

Stay Curious,

The Invisible Founder