Discover more inspirational stories at Rocket Pod: https://rocketpod.uk- - -Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful FinTech marketplace from the ground up, navigate funding rounds, and expand internationally? James and Zander sit down with the inspiring Karen Barrett, founder of UNBIASED, for an incredible deep-dive into her entrepreneurial journey.
Karen shares the raw and real story behind Unbiased.co.uk – from her early entrepreneurial sparks (including a pony ride business!) and career in traditional finance, to the personal "aha!" moment that led to creating a platform connecting millions with financial advisors.
This is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, anyone in the FinTech space, and those curious about what it really takes to build a resilient and impactful company.
🔗 Find Karen & Unbiased:
Unbiased UK: https://www.unbiased.co.uk
Unbiased US: https://www.unbiased.com
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/karenannbarrett
Follow Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladydoingitall/- - -📲 Subscribe so you never miss an episode👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it, it helps us reach more people!💬 Comment what topics you want us to explore- - -
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Trailer
1:00 - Introduction: Karen Barrett & Peter Jones Foundation Connection
1:27 - Early Life & Entrepreneurial Sparks (Pony Business, Schooling)
3:14 - Early Career in Finance: Mortgage Express, Tech Adoption & Corporate Lessons
5:17 - Core Values: Ownership, Accountability & Building Unbiased's Culture
8:25 - Innovating in Mortgages & The Buy-to-Let Boom
11:20 - Life Lessons from Youth: Responsibility & The Power of Consistency
14:42 - On Success: Awards & The Myth of 'Overnight' Achievement (15 Years Building Unbiased)
16:55 - The Genesis of Unbiased: Personal Crisis, Realisation & Conviction
21:35 - Unbiased Explained: The Problem, Solution & Market Need
27:10 - Early Days of Unbiased: Building the Platform, Trust & Initial Strategies
29:10 - Major Early Challenges: Hiring the Right People & The "Painful" Tech Rebuild
33:09 - Bootstrapping Unbiased: The Journey to Profitability & Funding Naivety
38:08 - Scaling Up: Pivoting the Model & Preparing for Series A Funding
40:24 - The Funding Journey: Securing Capital (£5.6M) & Female Founder Realities (1.8% Stat)
46:30 - Navigating COVID-19: Growth, Resilience & Subscription Model Strength
50:25 - Financial Prudence, Future Fundraising & Eyeing the US Market
53:41 - US Expansion: Strategy, Challenges & Key Learnings (£5M to £2M+ Run Rate)
1:01:30 - Future Outlook: Global Opportunities & Market Trends (Advisory Consolidation)
1:05:11 - Broader Strategy, Networking & Giving Back (M&G, Sam Slom, Mentoring)
1:07:42 - Key Advice for Entrepreneurs (Dream Big, Gut Instinct, Resilience, Networking, Self-Care)
1:14:03 - Future-Proofing: AI Implications & Embracing Change
1:17:03 - The Evolving Digital Landscape: Google vs. Social Media (TikTok)
1:18:30 - Karen's Recommended Book: "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish
1:19:20 - Final Thanks & Wrap-Up
- - -📱 Catch us on all socials @rocketpodmediaAbout Rocket PodRocket Pod: How Visionaries Forge Their Dreams into Reality.Compelling stories deconstructing how growth-minded individuals achieve the destinies they choose.Rocket Pod has been created to engage visionaries about their life journeys and uncover true-life experiences deconstructing how these individuals get from an idea and transition it into reality.https://www.rocketpod.uk- - -The Rocket Pod TeamJames Cuss - Co-Founder & Co-HostZander Dobson - Co-Host & Creative DirectorRecorded at Quaker Street Spacehttps://quakerstreet.co.uk/