Guernsey Venture Challenge 2024 Spotlight: First place winners UN1TY
We caught up with Mike Ozanne, co-founder of UN1TY, after his recent success at the Guernsey Venture Challenge.
After his impressive pitch, UN1TY secured first place at the Pitch Night Final, taking home a significant £40,000 grant prize to accelerate the growth of their latest asset, ESG Calc.
In this case study we hear about Mike's experience on the programme and his thoughts on UN1TY's success at the Guernsey Venture Challenge.
Pictured: Guernsey Venture Challenge Judge Xenia Levina, and UN1TY Co Founder Mike Ozanne
How have you enjoyed the Guernsey Venture Challenge?
Participating in the Guernsey Venture Challenge has been an incredible experience for us at UN1TY. The journey has been both enriching and inspiring, offering us the opportunity to refine our business model while connecting with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and our mentor. The support and encouragement we've received have been truly invaluable.
What was your most valuable learning from the mentoring sessions?
The mentoring sessions were a game-changer. The most valuable learning was how to effectively articulate the value proposition for ESG Calc, making it resonate with the judges and our clients. Our mentor helped us hone our pitch, focus our strategy, and provided insights into scaling our solution in the competitive market of environmental risk assessment.
Before the programme, we faced challenges in clearly communicating the complexity and significance of our environmental risk assessment tool. The programme equipped us with the skills to distill our message into a concise and compelling narrative. Additionally, the mentorship helped us address operational hurdles and refine our go-to-market strategy, positioning us more effectively in the industry.
What were you most excited about as you prepared for the pitch competition?
We were most excited about the opportunity to showcase the progress we've made with ESG Calc and to highlight its impact. Pitching was an exhilarating experience, and the chance to present in front of a panel of experts was something we were really looking forward to.
What were your thoughts as you were pronounced the winners of £40,000 for your business?
We were both thrilled and humbled. Winning the award felt like a huge validation of the work we've put into developing ESG Calc and the potential it holds. It was a moment of excitement for the future and gratitude for all the support we've received along the way.
What are your plans for your business after the competition?
We plan to focus on marketing and business development to grow our client base and increase our visibility. This includes creating marketing materials, improving our online presence, and reaching out to new clients.
What advice would you give to businesses considering applying for the Guernsey Venture Challenge next year?
Absolutely go for it! The Guernsey Venture Challenge offers an unparalleled platform to refine your business concept, receive expert mentorship, and connect with a supportive network. Be open to learning, embrace the feedback, and make the most of every opportunity the programme provides. It's a transformative experience that can significantly propel your business forward.
