Paul Sturrock

Paul Sturrock is an experienced entrepreneur and startup advisor who co-founded Climbworks, an innovative "unaccelerator" program designed to help founders build businesses at their own pace.12 With over two decades of experience in the startup ecosystem, Paul has developed a unique approach to supporting entrepreneurs that differs from traditional accelerator models.

Background and Experience

Paul has an extensive background in designing bootcamps and training programs for founders across various sectors, including sciences, arts, and technology.1 He previously co-founded FastForward, which was one of London's most successful accelerators, where he helped hundreds of founders build their businesses.2

Climbworks: The Unaccelerator

Paul launched Climbworks as an alternative to traditional accelerator programs. The key features of this "unaccelerator" include:

• No equity taken from startups
• Customized objectives and support tailored to each founder's timeline and context
• Flexible program elements based on the business's stage and needs
• No assumption that investment is necessary, but assistance provided if it is
• Long-term relationship focus, extending beyond the initial program period1

Philosophy and Approach

Paul's approach with Climbworks is centered on:

• Helping entrepreneurs make a living doing work they enjoy, excel at, and care about
• Starting from wherever the founder is in their journey and building from there
• Providing coaching and access to relevant content for specific challenges
• Fostering a supportive community for founders to learn and grow together2

Other Roles and Projects

In addition to his work with Climbworks, Paul:

• Founded Slingshot Venture Development to enhance entrepreneurial skills
• Coaches scale-up founders and innovation managers through projects like the Barclays Rise Growth Academy
• Develops technology commercialization programs for scientists, such as the Medtech SuperConnector at Imperial College
• Serves as an Associate Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management for the Joint Birkbeck-Central Saint Martins MBA Programme2

Paul Sturrock's LinkedIn username is paulsturrock, where he shares insights and updates about his work in the startup ecosystem.34