We Raised £25m and Sold the Business But I still Consider Metail a Failure | Tom Adeyoola | Voice #70

1000 Voices: Black British Leadership & Inclusive Diversity

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Dive into the mind of a tech visionary! Discover how Tom Adeyoola, a master of innovation, transformed an idea into a multi-million dollar enterprise and is now reshaping the venture capital world. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Tom Adeyoola, a dynamic force in the technology and entrepreneurship world.
Tom, the former CEO and founder of the groundbreaking apparel technology company Metail, shares his remarkable journey of founding, scaling, and eventually selling his business for a significant sum. Beyond the world of fashion and apparel tech, Tom is now channeling his expertise into Extend Ventures, an initiative aimed at making the venture capital landscape more inclusive and accessible.
Expect to delve deep into the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship as Tom reveals the realities of work-life balance, the nuances of delivering a product at scale, and the secrets behind the success of second-time founders. This conversation is more than just a story; it's an exploration of the power of networking and the importance of inclusive funding in today's startup ecosystem. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or simply intrigued by the intersection of technology and business, this interview promises to provide invaluable insights. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to make your mark in the world of entrepreneurship.
Takeaways:
- The inside story of scaling and selling Metail for a significant sum.
- Insights into the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
- Strategies for maintaining work-life balance while growing a business.
- Secrets to successfully delivering a product at scale.
- The difference between first-time and second-time founders.
- The crucial role of networking and inclusive funding in the startup world.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Why I love what I do
02:41 - Co-Founding Extend Ventures
08:57 - The state of the UK Venture Capital funding landscape
13:48 - Kneejerk reactions after George Floyds murder
18:09 - The struggles of entrepreneurship
23:47 - Worklife balance is a myth
29:52 - Where the idea from Metail came from
36:50 - Was Metail successful?
44:12 - How to deliver a product at scale
52:22 - What would make you found another business?
56:40 - Final piece of advice