🎓 Designers Make Great Founders. The Industry Just Hasn’t Caught Up Yet.

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with designers who’ve said some version of the same thing:

“I’ve been thinking about starting something of my own…” “I’ve got an idea for a product, but I don’t know how to validate it.” “I love the idea of being a founder-but I don’t know how to raise money.” “I don’t even know where to start.”

In fact only this week I received the following message from a designer:

“I’ve worked for some of the most renowned global brands-[impressive brand], [impressive brand], [impressive brand]. I’ve got user-centred tech ideas coming out of my ears… But I’ve tried to innovate from within, and all I get is ignored-or worse, my ideas get stolen. Climbing the greasy corporate pole isn’t my style. I want to build something real. But how do I get backing? How do I get funded?”

If you relate to even half of that… you’re exactly who I created the Design Founders Summer School for.

A live, cohort-based course for experienced designers who want to explore the founder path-without quitting their jobs or getting buried in startup jargon.

🗓 Starts: Mid-July 🕔 Fridays from 4–6pm BST 📍 Live Zoom sessions with discussion, not passive lectures 👥 A small, focused group-maybe a dozen of us 💸 Just £750 + VAT for this pilot run (normally £1,750)

Why Fridays at 4–6pm BST?

We know Fridays can be sacred-the end of a long week and the start of your weekend. But that’s exactly why we chose this slot:

✅ It fits around the workday. By 4pm Friday, most senior or remote designers are winding down. This is a natural moment to shift gears-without cutting into your evening.

✅ It avoids weekend conflicts. You don’t have to give up your Saturday. This course respects your time and helps you build momentum before the weekend starts.

✅ It works across time zones. 4–6pm UK = 8–10am PT / 11am-1pm ET. Ideal for designers in both Europe and North America.

✅ It’s your founder hour. Rather than limping into the weekend drained from your day job, you’ll leave this session energised-making tangible progress on your own ideas.

This isn’t about hustle culture or generic startup advice. It’s a practical, honest look at the transition from designer to founder-led by someone who’s done it, advised others, and now backs startups as a VC.

• Shift your mindset from craft to company building
• Validate your ideas with clarity and speed
• Understand what actually makes an idea fundable
• Navigate go-to-market and early growth as a first-time founder
• Craft and deliver a compelling pitch-confidently, and on your own terms

You’ll work on a real idea throughout the program and present it in the final session-with live feedback from peers and special guests.

• You’re a design leader looking for your next chapter
• You’re a senior product designer with big ideas and no outlet
• You’re a freelancer or agency founder exploring productisation
• You’re stuck in a system that doesn’t value your potential-and you’re ready to build your own

There’s never a perfect time-but there is a right environment. One that’s supportive, focused, and full of people who get it.

That’s what I’m building this summer.

We kick off in mid-July, and if this resonates-I’d love to have you join us.

Click here to learn more and apply

Let’s turn your ideas into something real.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.