Your motivation to take part
As I approach the final year of my PhD, I’ve started to think more about possibilities for what comes next. While there’s a lot of focus on opportunities within my subject area, I also find myself thinking about opportunities beyond my research topic. One such option could be involvement in start-ups or even establishing my own, although this process is something I have never learned about and have little experience in. I thought that Venture Crawl would be a perfect way to learn about key concepts related to entrepreneurship, while also making connections with other like-minded people.
Your goals for the day
I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial process – from the inception of an idea, to running a business – and to hear about the details and challenges, from people who have already been through it.
This goal was well and truly exceeded as I was able to gain fascinating insights into this process and learn valuable lessons, which I have already been able to apply to ideas that I had in mind, before attending Venture Crawl.
I also wanted to meet other like-minded people, who could be valuable connections moving forward. This expectation was also exceeded, as I was able to meet many other people with similar mindsets and a drive to succeed.
Your Venture Crawl highlight
Whilst the whole day was great, hearing from King’s alumni founders who have started their own ventures, was the most interesting part. To hear their experiences, motivations for starting their businesses, and challenges throughout their journeys so far, was very insightful.
I learnt that your ideas don’t have to be unique, and not to be disheartened if you find out that your idea has already been implemented in some way. It hasn’t been done YOUR way, and you still might be able to make something out of it.
Your advice for future Venture Crawl participants
Ask as many questions as possible and make as many connections as possible. Connect with people in different areas to yours - don't get boxed in.
Venture Crawl in one word...
Insightful.
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Venture Crawl is an annual event, which invites King's students to explore London's innovation hotspots first-hand, and meet entrepreneurial leaders. Previous stops include Grind Roastery, Octopus Ventures, Hello Fresh and Google Campus London.
Read more about Venture Crawl 2025 on the King's website.
Inspired to start your own entrepreneurial journey? Sign-up to the Entrepreneurship Institute's newsletter to learn about opportunities to develop your entrepreneurial ideas and skills at King's, including Venture Crawl.