Months of preparation culminated in three days of intense execution at the Glasgow Ideation
Bootcamp.
The Bootcamp, organised by KnowVate Hub in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experienced facilitators in a nurturing environment designed to help founders bridge the gap between ideation and execution.
“I was deeply inspired by the participants’ journeys over the three days,” shared Emeka Ebeniro, the
Bootcamp Programme Coordinator.
“The breakthroughs and personal growth were rewarding to witness. It was an honour to guide them through this crucial step in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
The Bootcamp kicked off with a session led by Sally Dale, who introduced participants to the Lean
Model Canvas, a tool designed to help founders focus on solving customer problems rather than
being distracted by their own solutions.
As Sally emphasised, “Entrepreneurs often fall in love with their ideas, but successful businesses are built on solving real customer problems.”
Participants were challenged to dig deep into the issues their customers face. One participant
reflected, “I realised that I had been focusing too much on my solution without fully understanding
the problem I was trying to solve.” This session laid the groundwork for a broader understanding of
customer needs and set the tone for the rest of the Bootcamp.
The next step in the process was led by Mike Millar, co-founder of Simplco, who took the participants
through his 5-Step Prototyping Framework. He pushed them to reevaluate their assumptions about
their customers’ problems and solutions. “Prototyping is where the magic happens,” Mike remarked,
emphasising the importance of iteration. “You can’t be afraid to question everything you think you
know about your business.”
Participants were given the chance to build and test multiple iterations of their solutions, with Mike
encouraging them to think critically about how they could refine their ideas. By the end of the day,
many had shifted their focus, realising that their initial assumptions needed fine-tuning. As one
participant noted, “The Bootcamp opened my mind to the possibilities of innovation and learning.”
Day two was dedicated to helping entrepreneurs shape their brand stories. Facilitator Keye Oduneye
guided the group through exercises that helped them craft simple yet effective narratives for their
businesses. He underscored the importance of branding in establishing a lasting connection with
customers. “Your brand is not just a logo or a tagline—it’s the story that people will connect with,” he
said.
Participants explored the nuances of building a personal and professional brand, ensuring they could
clearly communicate their unique value proposition to their target audience. One participant
remarked, “Branding was something I hadn’t given much thought to, but Keye really opened my eyes
to how powerful a well-crafted brand can be.”
Throughout the event, participants were also treated to real-life stories from successful
entrepreneurs. Blessing Mutamba shared insights on how to leverage RBS support, while Emily
Coltman provided a detailed overview of accounting with FreeAgent. Enoch Adeyemi simplified the
business registration process, Davie Sneddon led a session on building effective sales processes,
and Kevin Walls shared the incredible impact that Scottish Edge is making through funding and
coaching.
The final day of the Bootcamp focused on honing pitching skills and providing valuable networking
opportunities. Participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and present their
business ideas to an audience of their peers and facilitators. “The pitching session was nerve-
wracking, but it was a great opportunity to test the waters and get real feedback,” one participant
commented.
After the pitches, the Bootcamp concluded with a networking event where participants were able to
connect with ecosystem partners and mentors. This provided them with an invaluable opportunity to
begin building relationships that could support their entrepreneurial journeys moving forward.
Participants also expressed their appreciation for the structure and content of the Bootcamp.
One participant shared, “Clarity and eye-opening sessions transformed the way I approached my
business.” Another said, “The Bootcamp scattered my thought patterns and helped me rebuild them
in a more practical way.”
The Glasgow Ideation Bootcamp demonstrated the power of community, mentorship, and hands-on
learning in empowering entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. As we move forward,
we are excited to continue supporting these founders in their entrepreneurial journeys.
For more information, visit the KnowVate Hub website at www.knowvatehub.com.
