Learning from entrepreneurs, pitching like a founder
"I chose Bayes Business School because it stood out as one of the few institutions that truly blends academic excellence with practical entrepreneurial exposure. The Finsbury Square campus, right in the heart of London’s business district, was a major plus. Its proximity to startups, VCs, accelerators, and established firms created the ideal environment for networking and exposure. I was also drawn to the diversity of the Bayes cohort, which brings together students from around the world with different professional and cultural backgrounds.
A key aspect of the programme was the mentoring scheme. Each student was paired with an experienced entrepreneur, offering the chance to brainstorm ideas and develop them into feasible startups. Working alongside someone with real-world experience grounded the process, helped me shape my thinking, and internalise traits such as resilience, adaptability, and a bias towards action.
One of the most valuable skills I developed at Bayes was the ability to pitch effectively. Presentations were structured like real-world startup pitches, improving my communication and public speaking skills and giving me confidence that’s been invaluable in my current role, where I present ideas, pitch products, and lead discussions.
The practical experience I gained, especially around feasibility planning, market analysis, and business planning, has strengthened my ability to explore new markets while managing risk and positioning our offerings competitively. I also took the Entrepreneurial Advisor module, where we worked with an existing business considering international expansion. Researching and advising on the best country for growth gave me a firsthand look at the challenges and strategic decisions faced by established startups.
Another highlight was the option to write a business plan as part of the final project. This wasn’t just an academic exercise — it formed the foundation for a real startup. The idea emerged during a module presentation, and today the startup is actively in progress. What started as a course project has become something tangible, and I’m excited to see how it evolves."
Ishan Thaman, MSc Entrepreneurship (2024)