🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet

In this episode, Steve and Jon are joined by three people working right at the centre of the North East’s startup, funding, and investment ecosystem:

💡 Jamie Hardesty – Director of Ecosystem Development, Sunderland Software City

💷 Naomi Allen Seales – Investment Manager, Northstar Ventures

📈 James Katirai – Head of Investments, NEL Fund Managers

Together, they share practical, no-nonsense advice for founders, spinouts, and anyone thinking about what comes next in their business or career journey.

The conversation focuses on what really matters before funding, scale, or growth ever come into play.

We discuss:

• Why doing the work upfront is essential

• The importance of validation, market research, and evidence

• Why building in a silo rarely works

• Having funding conversations earlier than you think

• The power of networks and collective momentum

• Avoiding analysis paralysis

• Trusting your instinct and taking action

This is an honest, experience-led conversation about belief, momentum, and putting yourself in the best possible position to succeed.

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🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast exploring the real stories, decisions, and lessons behind building and backing businesses across the North East and beyond.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

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🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk