Entrepreneurs Society: Bloomsbury Startup Academy Director

Hello everyone! I'm Shakeel, a 1st year studying Management Science. 

Since high school, I've been exposed to entrepreneurship. Having gone through an entrepreneurship camp/academy exclusively for high schoolers, I've seen first-hand how valuable it is to have founders alongside you helping you turn your idea into a viable startup; I hope to offer this same experience by being your BSA director and creating a judgement-free environment. 

While founding your own company can be an adrenaline rush, there are do's and don'ts that I've been taught and picked up as I've co-founded and grown my startup https://paybridgetech.com from $0 to $2000+ in transactions from complete strangers. Attending UCL's Innovation and Enterprise's "Explore" programme gave me a good insight into how entrepreneurship should be taught to those new but interested in the startup world, and I hope to implement this into the BSA. Additionally, having been mentored by a Forbes 30 Under 30 student entrepreneur while building PayBridge, I've understood the importance of being critical and technical, to ensure your idea has the best chance of becoming something impactful.

Please consider voting for me,

Shakeel

Entrepreneurship is not just about building a business—it is about solving problems, taking risks, and navigating uncertainty with resilience and creativity. As someone who has founded a start-up and successfully built a brand before, I deeply understand the challenges of starting a company from the ground up. My personal experiences, combined with my leadership roles in various entrepreneurial initiatives, have equipped me with the insights and skills needed to transform the Bloomsbury Start-Up Academy into a thriving ecosystem for aspiring founders.

Currently, I am the Founder of ChewRise, an AI-powered platform that helps individuals find the perfect gift through a personalised experience. Additionally, I am the Director of the Entrepreneurs Talk Division at LSE, connecting high-profile speakers, such as the Co-Founder of Bolt, to student entrepreneurs. My engagement in these projects has given me firsthand exposure to the realities of building, scaling, and sustaining a business. Beyond my own ventures, I have actively participated in entrepreneurial networks, including the Bloomsbury Academy, the BAE Mentorship Scheme, and Kickstart, where I serve as the Executive of Investor Relations. Through these experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of both the strengths and limitations of these programs. One of the key issues I have observed is that this year’s Bloomsbury Academy did not provide students with the essential theoretical and technical knowledge necessary for building a start-up. The program was limited

Hi! I’m Ashley, a student at Bloomsbury Startup Academy running to be your Bloomsbury Startup Academy Director! The Bloomsbury Startup Academy is a unique space where like-minded entrepreneurs come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and turn their visions into reality. It’s a place where creativity meets action, and I’m excited to help lead this incredible initiative.

As Director, I will ensure the following:

• Growth Opportunities: Provide a platform for students with startup ideas to grow their ventures through a blend of taught sessions, insights from successful entrepreneurs, bespoke 1:1 mentoring, pitch competitions, networking events, and partnerships with industry leaders
• Collaborative Environment: Foster a space where entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and collaborate to solve challenges and innovate together.
• Skill Development: Equip members with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed, from ideation to execution, through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

Reflecting on my experience in high school as a co-founder of a student organisation, I’ve developed strong skills in leadership, strategic planning, and community-building. These experiences have prepared me to take on this role and contribute to the growth and success of the Bloomsbury Startup Academy.

Thank you for your support! Together, let’s create a thriving environment where innovative ideas flourish and entrepreneurs thrive!