Let’s meet the fabulous Richard Brownsdon, founder of Inspiring Adventures. Richard is a good friend of TableCrowd and it’s always a real pleasure to dine with him! Richard co-hosted our recent Social Enterprise dinner. You can read more about that dinner here.

What’s the elevator pitch for your startup?

Inspiring Adventures connects people with social enterprise, through tours, blogging, and coaching. As a consultant, I work with organisations to help them run programmes that support social entrepreneurs.

(The truth is, it has changed over time!)

What were you doing before you launched your startup?

Working in social enterprise support actually! I’ve worked with come of the biggest social enterprise support services in the UK, and a couple of international ones. Add in a bit of world travel, teaching, and business work, and there you have it.

What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

Building your network is so important. Your first opportunities will come from your friends.

What will 2014 bring?

New service offers! Let me know if you want help getting started in social enterprise.

1 piece of advice for someone starting a business in the sector?

I just wrote a blog about about it! Start simple. Subscribe to newsletters of people in the sector that you like.

Convince someone to use your product/service in under 50 words.

It’s not easy to know where to start in the social enterprise sector. Save your time and money and speak to someone who knows.

What’s your favourite startup in the sector (not including your own)?

When it comes to people supporting startups, I love Solve.

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

​The Brigade – Hire the private room for 8 – fantastic! ​

Cheers Richard, we hope to see you soon around our tables! You can read more about startup spotlights here.