Startups, Strategy & the City

Dear Reader,

London summer hits different, especially when the startup and VC world feels this alive. This week, we talk defence investing, share candid VC day-in-the-life insights, and reflect on what makes a good leader (hint: it might be you). Plus, a whirlwind London loop with dinners in ancient halls and marketing meetups that feel more like reunions. Let's dive in.

🌟 Weekly Spotlight

Marketing with meaning.

After a powerful defence event, I regrouped with Jessica Ratty and Georgia Jaggs from Ha-Lo to align on the UKI2S marketing strategy.

We tackled the serious stuff, but with real laughter and a human touch.

If your PR or marketing agency doesn't leave you smiling, maybe it's time for a change.

Drop your thoughts here.

📈 VC Perspective

A summer Thursday in the life of a VC:

• Stakeholder updates

• Strategic intros for portfolio & pipeline

• Investment Committee

• HR training

• Board meeting

• 100+ emails, WhatsApps & DMs

Oh, and sunshine. London is stunning this time of year. 🌍

Tell us about your typical day here.

🚀 Entrepreneur Corner

Dinner at Guildhall.

One of London’s most iconic settings hosted a relaxed but rich evening of defence innovation networking with Mark Wheatley and team.

Guildhall has seen monarchs, mayors, and military leaders. Tonight, it welcomed builders and believers.

My route today: Waterloo → Mayfair → Farringdon → Oxford Street → Paddington → City → back to Waterloo. London felt alive with opportunity.

My takeaways: we need more positivity, stronger leadership, and bold visionaries. Maybe we need to be those people.

More here.

🌐 Common Ground / Industry Trends

The Chair role: timeless and misunderstood.

Throwback to this 2021 TikTok video on the true role of a Chair. Still one of my most-watched clips. Worth revisiting.

🎥 Watch

@thetippytopblog

What is the role of the Chair during meetings? #Boards #Boardroom #directors #NED #entrepreneur #startups #governance #chair #chairman

🧩 Ask Alex

Q: How do defence startups access finance?

London Defence Funding Seminar 2025 🛡️

Key takeaways from my this week panel:

• Visibility of demand is the big unlock.

• ESG/Impact aren't blockers, they’re actually enablers. Our co-investors prove it.

• UK opportunities are underhyped. Bigger markets often mean tougher competition. Stay where you are and keep building.

• Strong tech, team, and thesis? There's money for you.

• The problems in defence innovation are solvable. We just need the room and the will.

Thanks again to Mark Wheatley for hosting another standout event.

At UKI2S, we have £30m+ for pre-Seed+ startups in defence and space. If that’s you, send us your deck.

Want your questions to be featured? Reply here or reach out on LinkedIn or TikTok.

🌟 Upcoming Events

Last week: London Defence Funding Seminar 2025, was certainly the room to be in for startups who are fundraising.

This week: Filming with Harper James + an exclusive defence roundtable on Thursday. More soon!

🌊 Closing Thoughts

Thanks for reading and supporting this community.

Here’s to building boldly and reaching the Tippy Top, together.

Best,
Alex

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