Kandu, the new platform connecting entrepreneurs with trusted experts
by Startacus Admin
Kandu, a new online matching service aimed at supporting startups on their journey to success, aims to help take the headache out of finding the right help, by matching them to trusted experts who can validate their ideas, co-create strategies or simply help them get things done.
Startups can offer experts and advisors a fee, equity, flexible working or even just a cup of coffee in return for help. Experts can find more flexible contract or advisory opportunities at interesting startups that might just be the next borrowmydoggy or Babylon Health on terms that work for them.
Whilst the numbers of entrepreneurs and experts choosing to work for themselves is increasing at a rapid rate, the startup ecosystem is becoming 
increasingly fragmented.
Finding the right people to help is becoming more difficult, often limited by personal networks and geography. Kandu aims to remove these barriers, by connecting people based on startup and SME problems, skills and availability - helping them find exactly the right expertise at the right time.
Unlike existing work marketplaces such as PeopleperHour, Kandu is not focused on finding founders the cheapest, quickest tactical fix. Instead, it provides entrepreneurs with experts who can provide insight and an impactful solution to the underlying problems many founders encounter on their startup journey - from advice on running a business, digital build, marketing, raising investment and personal or business coaching.
The platform also guides entrepreneurs, to help them think about what they need now and what they may need in the coming months as they move from idea, to build, launch and growth and attracting investment.
Kandu is the brainchild of an all-female team - digital strategist and product consultant Nina Lovelace and startup mentor and marketing expert Jenni Young.
“The UK startup support ecosystem is becoming increasingly fragmented,” says Nina. “Finding the best people to help is becoming more difficult. Startups searching LinkedIn or Facebook rely on pot luck for example - will experts respond, and are they trusted? Meanwhile, 90% of startups still fail in five years. They need better support.”
“We particularly see an opportunity for experts and startups to connect across the country,” adds 
Jenni, ”We know that geography is a particular barrier to getting great work done and the focus on connecting clusters of expertise across the country and tracking engagement will be a huge benefit - not just to startups but to the organisations who support the UK economy.”
Kandu was selected for the autumn cohort at the Imperial College White City Pre-accelerator and the platform soft launched at the end of October 2017. The team are preparing to raise Seed Enterprise Investment Funding this quarter to further develop the platform. Kandu is on track to deliver a vibrant online community for the UK in 2018.
We look forward to seeing what Kandu....can do.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The FinTech startup which is shaking up how personal taxes are done in the UK....
leAD Sports is on the hunt for early-stage SportsTech startups to join their latest 12-week Accelerator program in the heart of Europe’s thriving and vibrant startup ecosystem in Berlin.
The London based startup that's analysing the natural interactions between autonomous systems and people
The startup that's using advanced technologies to transform un-recyclable plastics into virgin quality chemicals...
London-based cyber-security startup PixelPin want to simplify security using image-based authentication to replace passwords.
The InsurTech startup which covers the risk of non payment of invoices...
AO, the UK’s leading online-only household appliance and electrical retailer is looking discover and integrate startups with solutions that will help AO’s customers.
.jpeg)
Technology has transformed how people interact. We are on the cusp of an exciting new era in clinical communication, and a key shift in the empowerment of patients as a stakeholder in healthcare.
Exercise made fun thanks to this location-based strategy game for runners and walkers
The innovative Social Community App that's been created for those living & working with Dyslexia and ADHD...
Published on: 7th February 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- leAD Sports Accelerator targets a hat trick of successful SportsTech cohorts 23rd Apr 2019 leAD Sports is on the hunt for early-stage SportsTech startups to join their latest 12-week Accelerator program in the heart of Europe’s thriving and vibrant startup ecosystem in Berlin.
- AO launches Innovation Lab to integrate online retail solutions 17th Apr 2019 AO, the UK’s leading online-only household appliance and electrical retailer is looking discover and integrate startups with solutions that will help AO’s customers.
- EDP searching for startups to join the Starter Acceleration Program 8th Apr 2019 EDP, one of Europe's major electricity operators is currently looking for startups for their new EDP Starter Acceleration Program.
- United Utilities launches Innovation Lab 2.0 21st Mar 2019 Leading UK water and wastewater company United Utilities has launched its second accelerator programme to help innovative businesses grow and develop their solutions through a collaborative approach.
