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Lift More, Pitch Better, Think Bigger
What my 81-year-old dad, outdoor board meetings, and emotional capital all have in common
Alex Leigh
May 08, 2025
Welcome
Dear Reader,
What do a barbell, a brisk walk, and a VC pitch have in common? They all require intention, presence, and a little bit of nerve. This week, we explore strength in unexpected places. From my 81-year-old father redefining limits, to VCs managing emotional energy, to startup board meetings escaping the confines of the boardroom. Plus, I answer a deeply personal question about my "code to life". 30 lessons learned on the road to 40. Let’s go!
Weekly Spotlight 💪
Age Is Just a Number: Proof from the Gym Floor
A gentle reminder from my 81-year-old dad: it’s never too late to start, to grow, or to get stronger.
He’s not a fitness influencer. He’s not even a former athlete. But he is the strongest he’s ever been, showing up consistently and lifting heavy. It takes some physical strength but the gains really come from emotional resilience to keep going.
📊 Stats:
Gym 5 days a week
5:50am meet-up (yes, even winter 🥶)
1h15 sessions with a metcon finisher
20 years training together
Zero excuses
🏋️♂️ Personal Bests:
Bench: 80kg
Squat: 55kg
Hip thrusts: 100kg
Shoulder press: 40kg x5
Pull-ups: 96kg (full bodyweight!)
Age isn’t a limit. It’s a perspective. So whatever you're putting off: launching that startup, switching careers, taking a sabbatical. It’s time. You’re not late. You’re right on time.
@thetippytopblog A gentle reminder from my 81-year old dad, that age is just a number. He’s not a personal trainer. Not a former athlete. @Roy Leigh is jus... See more
Want some support?
Drop me a DM or comment the one thing you’ve been putting off. I’m gifting a free 30-min coaching session to one lucky person. It could be you. (your choice: gym or business).
VC Perspective 💼
How VCs Manage Emotional Capital
Here’s a lens shift for founders:
VCs invest emotional capital as well as financial capital.
Sure, they’ll take that first meeting. They might even take a second. But a third? That’s rare, especially at Series A.
Not because of time. Because of emotional energy.
VCs could earn more in private equity, but they’re here for the people, the vision, the spark. That said, their enthusiasm resets slowly. 6 to 12 months, minimum.
So what?
You often get one real shot. Make it count. Be clear, be compelling, and be prepared.
Entrepreneur Corner 🌍
Your MVP Needs More Sunlight
This week’s boardroom?
Flags waving. Blue skies blazing. Ideas flowing.
We kicked off our meeting on a walk to the office. Strategy and vision in motion. Numbers came later, back at the desk.
💡 If your board meeting is meant to define Mission, Vision, and Purpose then why do it under fluorescent lights?
Try mixing it up. Get outside. Talk big picture where your brain can breathe.
And no, this picture wasn’t AI-generated. Just a great London morning.
Common Ground / Industry Trends 🌐
Demo Directory: Accelerating Deal Flow for Founders and Investors
A reminder that a while back, joined the Demo Directory series again to share how investors identify high-potential deal flow and what happens next: From first contact to term sheet. Platforms like Barclays UK Demo Directory are game changers, helping investors find the right businesses faster and more efficiently.
🚀 Founders: Want to be seen by 600+ active investors (including me)?
It’s free and easy to get listed.
Thanks again to the team for having me 🎙🎥 on the show. Let’s keep building the bridge between investors and innovators.
Ask Alex 💬
“What’s your secret code to life?”
This year I turn 40. So here’s my life playbook. 30 unfiltered lessons I’d give to my 18-year-old self:
Business 💼
Start a business. Regret hurts more than risk.
Life plans > business plans.
Career coaching beats endless trial-and-error.
Take big risks when young. You’ll bounce back.
Do what you love or make serious money. Not both? Keep looking.
Finance 💸
6. Save 20% from your first paycheck.
7. Compound interest is your pension’s best friend.
8. Use debt strategically, never for consumer goods.
9. You’ll need lots of money later.
10. Never mix money with emotion.
Physical Health 🏋️♀️
11. Skip factory food. Yes, even vegan burgers.
12. Get a coach. Lift heavy. Show up.
13. Want to quit drinking? Get new friends.
14. Refined carbs = sugar. Avoid.
15. Keep it simple: protein, veggies, berries.
Mental Health 🧠
16. Protect your mornings, evenings, and weekends.
17. Heal your inner child with therapy.
18….
Which one hits home? Let me know.
Thanks to Oz Koca (photographer) and Sara Banares (choreographer) for capturing this week’s Future Planet Capital moment.
Got a question for me? Hit reply or reach out on LinkedIn or TikTok!
Upcoming Events 📅
The Economist’s Commercialising Quantum Summit | 13–14 May 2025 | London
Quantum isn’t sci-fi anymore. It’s shaping defence, security, and sustainability. I’ll be sharing how we’re funding quantum innovation at Future Planet Capital, spotlighting companies like Aquark Technologies, Quantum Dice, Luffy.ai and Antiverse.
Over 1,000 global leaders will convene to bridge lab discoveries and commercial scale. If you’re in the quantum space, this is the event.
🎤 BVCA Accelerate | 8 May 2025 | London
The UK’s premier venture conference kicks off today! BVCA Accelerate brings together the sharpest minds in venture capital to unpack the UK’s evolving startup landscape.
Expect:
Insightful panels on funding trends
Networking with founders and funders
Actionable takeaways for early and growth-stage players
See you there? I’ll be around for the morning.
Closing Thoughts 🧭
Whether you're smashing your personal bests at 81, leading vision walks through London, or refining your life’s philosophy, remember: growth is possible at every stage.
Thanks for tuning in this week. Let’s keep climbing to the Tippy Top, together.
All the best,
Alex
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