From Graduate to AI CEO in Three Months

The Reality of Building an AI Start-up

 

Two years ago, Samuel Aaron postponed his studies at the University of Southampton Business School. While friends graduated into roles at Deloitte, PwC and top law firms, he focused on one goal — to build the best AI bid-writing platform in the world.

That decision became mytender.io, a £250,000-funded UK AI start-up designed to cut the time organisations spend writing tenders.

On 21st November 2025, at 9:30 GMT, Emma Shepherd, founder of The AI Advantage Academy, will interview Samuel live to uncover the reality of what it takes to move from university graduate to funded AI company.

Samuel’s journey is a case study in how to create an AI start-up. During his final year of study, he worked 10-hour days, seven days a week, balancing product development. He graduated with first-class honours, three Dean’s List awards, and the university’s most significant undergraduate investment in history. Alongside co-founder Jamie Horsnell, he then scaled a 15-person team that now powers output equivalent to thirty, using AI across every function, including accounting and design to data and research.

The company’s success highlights what’s possible when AI is used to extend capability, not replace people.

Samuel’s story has been featured in The Times, Business Insider, Crunchbase and Tech.eu.

Next month, Emma will interview him as part of a monthly AI Innovator Spotlight hosted by The AI Advantage Academy’s Business Growth Collective. During the interview, he will discuss:

  • How mytender.io identified a valuable AI use case in procurement

  • The process of validating the idea and attracting funding

  • Why young founders are redefining the UK’s AI start-up scene

For professionals seeking real examples of AI start-ups in the UK, this interview offers insight into how focus, technology, and discipline turn ideas into investment.

21 November 2025 | 9:30 a.m. GMT
Hosted by The AI Advantage Academy
🔗 Join the The AI Advantage Academy Community here.  Once in, head over to the calendar and sign-up to the event!

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