Building Your Startup Deserves Experienced Guidance

Starting a new venture brings challenges that feel overwhelming when you're navigating them alone. We provide practical support and clear direction for founders at every stage of their journey.

Leeds-based consultancy
Flexible scheduling
Practical focus

We Understand the Startup Journey Can Feel Isolating

Making Decisions Without a Sounding Board

Every choice feels weighty when you're building something new. Having someone to discuss options with, who understands the startup context, makes decision-making less daunting.

Uncertain About Investor Readiness

Approaching investors without proper preparation can mean missed opportunities. Understanding what they're looking for and presenting your venture clearly increases your chances considerably.

Struggling to Validate Your Business Model

Moving from concept to viable business requires testing assumptions and refining your approach. Structured validation helps you build something people actually want.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Everything That Needs Doing

The startup to-do list never ends, and knowing what to prioritise becomes difficult. Clear guidance helps you focus on what genuinely moves your venture forward.

A Practical Approach Built on Real Experience

Our consulting services aren't about complex frameworks or one-size-fits-all solutions. We work with you to address the specific challenges your venture faces right now.

Personalised to Your Situation

Every startup faces unique circumstances. We take time to understand your specific context, challenges, and goals before suggesting any direction.

Focus on Practical Steps

Rather than overwhelming you with theory, we concentrate on actionable next steps that create tangible progress for your venture.

Drawing on Entrepreneurial Experience

Our guidance comes from firsthand experience building ventures, securing investment, and navigating the challenges founders face daily.

How We Work Together

1

Initial Conversation

We discuss where you are now, what you're working towards, and which areas need attention most urgently.

2

Structured Support

Through our programmes or ongoing mentoring, we provide frameworks and guidance that fit your schedule and needs.

3

Progress and Adaptation

As your venture develops, our support adapts. We respond to new challenges and opportunities as they emerge.

The Journey from Uncertainty to Confidence

Before Working Together

  • Uncertainty about which direction to take
  • Struggling to articulate the value proposition
  • Lacking confidence in investor conversations
  • Feeling isolated in making important decisions
  • Overwhelmed by competing priorities

After Our Work Together

  • Clear strategic direction with validated assumptions
  • Compelling pitch that resonates with your audience
  • Confidence approaching investors and stakeholders
  • Support network and experienced guidance available
  • Structured approach with clear priorities

The transformation isn't about overnight success. It's about building the foundations, developing your capabilities, and moving forward with purpose. Many founders we've worked with describe feeling relief at having someone in their corner who understands what they're navigating.

Experience That Informs Our Guidance

12+

Years Supporting Startups

85+

Founders Worked With

£8M+

Raised by Our Clients

About Caldwell Advisory

Based in Leeds, we provide consulting services for startup founders and entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. Our work focuses on practical guidance that addresses real challenges rather than theoretical frameworks.

The team brings direct experience from founding ventures, securing investment, and building businesses across technology and service sectors. We've sat on both sides of the investment table, which informs how we prepare founders for funding conversations.

Our approach emphasises personalised support, understanding that each venture faces unique circumstances. We believe in building lasting relationships with the founders we work with, offering guidance that extends beyond immediate challenges.

Professional Background

  • Former startup founders with successful exits
  • Experience in venture capital and angel investment
  • Business development roles in scaling companies
  • Advisory board positions for early-stage ventures

How We Help

  • Business model validation and refinement
  • Investor pitch preparation and review
  • Strategic decision-making support
  • Ongoing founder mentoring and guidance

Let's Discuss Your Venture

Share a few details about where you are with your startup, and we'll arrange a conversation to explore how we might work together.

Working Together Should Feel Right

Start With a Conversation

Before committing to any programme, we have an initial discussion to understand your situation and determine if our approach fits your needs. There's no pressure to proceed beyond this conversation.

Flexible Scheduling

We understand founders have demanding schedules. Our programmes and mentoring sessions work around your availability, with options for evening and weekend sessions when needed.

Confidentiality Assured

Everything you share with us remains confidential. We understand the sensitive nature of startup discussions and maintain strict confidentiality throughout our work together.

Responsive Support

When questions arise between sessions, you're not left waiting. We provide email support to address urgent matters and ensure you can move forward with confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We're here to support your startup journey. Let's have a conversation about where you are and where you want to go.

Get in Touch

Our Services for Startup Founders

We offer three main services, each designed to address different stages and needs of your entrepreneurial journey. Explore which might be right for you.

Startup Foundation Programme

Startup Foundation Programme

Structured eight-week programme for entrepreneurs at the earliest stages. Work through business model refinement, market validation, and practical planning to build a comprehensive pitch document and operational roadmap.

  • Eight structured weeks of guidance
  • Business model refinement
  • Flexible scheduling around your commitments
£1,600 per programme
Learn More
Investor Readiness Preparation

Investor Readiness Preparation

Focused support for startups approaching funding conversations. Review your proposition, financial projections, and presentation materials with critical but constructive perspective to prepare you thoroughly.

  • Comprehensive pitch review
  • Practice pitch sessions
  • Perspective from both sides of investment table
£1,200 per engagement
Learn More
Founder Mentoring

Founder Mentoring

Ongoing one-to-one support for startup founders navigating the challenges of building a new business. Regular sessions provide space to discuss decisions, troubleshoot problems, and maintain perspective.

  • Regular one-to-one sessions
  • Mentor with entrepreneurial experience
  • Particularly valuable for solo founders
£450 per month
Learn More

Not certain which service fits your situation? We can discuss your current stage and recommend the most appropriate option during an initial conversation.

Speak With Us