Why Founders Shouldn’t Build Alone - with Katie Lewis and Matthew... скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Founders Shouldn’t Build Alone - with Katie Lewis and Matthew...

In this episode of the IdeaSpace Podcast, I’m joined by Matthew Stafford and Katie Lewis, the co-founders of 9others - a global peer network built around a simple but powerful idea: your success requires the help of others. What began as a series of founder/investor dinners in London evolved into something much deeper - intimate monthly gatherings where entrepreneurs come together to answer one question: What’s keeping you up at night? Today, 9others spans multiple cities and has supported thousands of founders through honest conversations, trusted relationships, and the power of community. We explore the importance of building your network before you need it, the misconceptions around accelerators and fundraising, lessons learned from failure, and why vulnerability may be one of the most underrated leadership traits. If you're building something, or thinking about it, this conversation is full of hard-earned wisdom and practical insight. Matthew Stafford is the co-founder of 9others, a global peer network for entrepreneurs and investors. With a background in venture capital and early-stage investing, he has spent over a decade supporting founders as they navigate the realities of building high-growth businesses. Passionate about long-term thinking and meaningful relationships, Matthew believes great companies are built not just on capital, but on trusted networks and courageous leadership. He is also co-author of Find Your Nine Others. Katie Lewis is the co-founder of 9others and has worked extensively across accelerators, venture support programmes, and startup ecosystems internationally. She is driven by helping founders build businesses that solve real problems and create meaningful impact. With deep experience supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, Katie champions community, contribution, and the power of an abundant mindset. She is co-author of Find Your Nine Others.