David Cocks co-founded CloudTrade in 2009 and managed the company as CEO from day one. He grew CloudTrade into a global provider of intelligent data capture and document automation services, delivered by its own patented, machine-learning technology. David shares some incredible insight, tips and advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

David dives deep into the realities of startup life, from not paying himself for the first three years to navigating complex board dynamics down the line. Learn how developing your product alongside your first client can help secure that crucial product-market fit and hear about the impressive growth from £1m ARR (within 9 years) to £3m (within 3 years), after securing growth funding.

On selling the business 12 years later, David notes, “One of the reasons we succeeded so well with the sale to Advanced is we understood why they wanted to buy us: why Advanced wanted the tech and where it fitted in. Understanding your buyer, is really key because then when you hit a problem, you know why and what you’ve got to negotiate around.”