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.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 7th February 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.