How a passion for impact-focused orgs led to friendship (and our new Considered Directory!)
How a passion for impact-focused orgs led to friendship (and our new Considered Directory!)
How a passion for impact-focused orgs lead to friendship (and our new Considered Directory!)
by Sam Drew-Jones
At Considered Capital, we believe in the power of alternative routes to funding and business growth. Our story is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a more equitable future.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce our latest resource, The Considered Directory - The Scottish Edition, a free guide to help impact-focused businesses in Scotland find funding. This launch is a testament to the friendship and partnership between our founder, Esme Verity, and Daisy Ford-Downes.
Meet Esme and Daisy
Esme Verity is the driving force behind Considered Capital, an organisation dedicated to raising funding confidence worldwide. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable business practices, Esme connects impact founders and creates resources to help them fundraise their way and thrive.
Daisy Ford-Downes is a self-proclaimed 'behind-the-scenes operator and spreadsheet aficionado!' She was also the Edinburgh chapter lead for Zebras Unite. As a systemic thinker and innovative finance enthusiast, Daisy believes in creating value that is in the best interests of the people and planet and supporting businesses that prioritise impact over rapid growth.
Daisy & Emma meet Esme in London to discuss how they could come together for impact-focused founders
Esme on the panel of Tech Week London
Esme speaking at Tech Week London
The Zebra Philosophy
Esme and Daisy champion businesses that are more 'zebra' than 'unicorn.' At Considered Capital, we've always believed in serving the zebras of the community. Zebra's business principles are built on mutualism, shared property, and multi-stakeholder value.
In Daisy's words,
"a Zebra is someone who does the work—founders, funders, or advisors—rolling up their sleeves to build better systems and do things the right way. Being a Zebra means intentionally creating value that considers the well-being of people and the planet."
A Friendship Forged in Crisis
Esme and Daisy's paths first crossed at the start of the pandemic. Esme was leading the London chapter of Zebras Unite, while Daisy was at the helm of the Edinburgh chapter. As the world moved online, they saw an opportunity to unite their efforts and support entrepreneurs across the UK. Together, they organised over ten virtual events, providing a platform for founders to network, share resources, and learn what it means to be a Zebra.
These events offered comfort and connection during a time of uncertainty, bringing together diverse founders eager to support one another and build resilient businesses. The bond formed through these collaborative efforts has only strengthened over time. In 2022, Esme and Daisy finally met (along with the brilliant Emma Shaw, co-founder of Library of Things) to discuss their vision for the future over drinks.
Daisy now works for Firstport, an organisation supporting and investing in social entrepreneurs in Scotland. She's here on a personal mission to help founders find the right impact funding.'
Launching The Considered Directory - Scottish Edition
Today, we are proud to launch 'The Considered Directory - Scottish Edition,' a comprehensive, free resource for impact-focused businesses in Scotland.
This directory includes:
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Support Services
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Grants
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Challenges and Competitions
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Accelerators & Programmes
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Social Investment
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Impact Equity Investors
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Impact Loans
We invite you to explore 'The Considered Directory - Scottish Edition' and join us in supporting founders and organisations prioritising impact, sustainability, and community. Together, we can build a future where Zebras thrive, and alternative routes to success are celebrated.
Ways we can support you on your fundraising journey
If you're ready to find your fundraising confidence, then we provide products and programmes to support you along the way. Check out our current offerings below.
Our first-ever focused cohort offers women and non-binary people practical, hands-on support for purpose-driven women raising mission-aligned funding all over the globe. 97% of alumni would recommend us to founder friends.
Never miss a UK funding opportunity again. Search for new grants, accelerators and more using our exclusive LIVE Funding Database which is updated weekly and curated for our community fundraising in the UK.
If you are looking for an introductory course into raising funding as an impact organisation, this is for you. Identify the best next step on your fundraising journey and meet incredible purpose-led founders along the way.
Connect and learn
Accelerators & Funders
contact@consideredcapital.io