Phil McSweeney

Director at CoachPositive Ltd. Author of 'AngelThink'.

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Bio

I mentor founders. I coach (trained 15yrs+), I'm an angel investor (12yrs+), and a bid mentor (InnovateUK 5yrs). Success for founders is scaling, not creating a lifestyle. I work with founders to raise and scale, sharing unique insights that come from investing (30+ companies, 3 exits) and mentoring founders (100s) - and captured in my book AngelThink (available on Amazon). I chair a scaling company, I focus on execution, cadence and an account … I mentor founders. I coach (trained 15yrs+), I'm an angel investor (12yrs+), and a bid mentor (InnovateUK 5yrs). Success for founders is scaling, not creating a lifestyle. I work with founders to raise and scale, sharing unique insights that come from investing (30+ companies, 3 exits) and mentoring founders (100s) - and captured in my book AngelThink (available on Amazon).

I chair a scaling company, I focus on execution, cadence and an accountability partner approach. If you are fundraising I show you the vital ingredients of a compelling narrative and help you understand the investor psychology that gets you to a YES from investors.

I love working with founders who want to become exceptional. I'd be delighted to help you if I can. Saving Bio...

Top Achievements

Growth orientation and scaling

You can't build a successful startup without driving sales and matching that with the resources you need. I Chair a startup company and mentor or advise a few other startup founders. I adopt an 'accountability partnering' stance and urge founders to set sales / growth goals (often an OKR approach), use a cadence of meetings, choose relevant metrics and develop a flywheel. You have to keep sales momentum going, not get distracted with too many other things.

Self-development

You can't expect a VC to give you coaching - you're either a 'fit' or you're not. I've supported several founders to progress towards venture capital. What is a universal focus for selection by a VC is the founder's aptitude (apart from fitting the VC model as well). As a trained executive coach I can support founders with the 'inner work' needed on preparing for that.

Energy and wellbeing

Originally I trained as a nurse and as a teacher of adults. I got to being on the Board of an NHS Trust as an executive, I gained experience of mental health commissioning and retrained as an executive coach. I bring a level of empathy from that background that is rare in most mentors - and I use that to check you have energy and to support your wellbeing.

Expertise

Fundraising, Valuations & Equity
Skills include Angels Crowdfunding Equity Fundraising options Raising funds Valuations VC's Your ask
Ideation & Vision
Skills include Assumptions Idea Origin Pain Level Problem Validation Vision
Pitching & Pitch Deck
Skills include Deck common mistakes Deck content Deck sequence Deck variations Investors needs Market opportunity Pitching skills Road map Runway and ask Your story

Industries

EdTech
HealthTech / MedTech
Professional Services
eCommerce

What's included

    1:1 Private Video Call

    Speak with Phil for 60 minutes using our integrated video communication tool. No downloads needed — Just a webcam and microphone.

    Actionable Advice

    Set an agenda before the meeting, share your screen during the session and get tailored advice from Phil on your chosen topic(s).

    Written Feedback

    After your session, you will receive a written summary from Phil including what was discussed, next steps and recommendations.

    HD Video Recording

    Access and download a HD video recording of your session, in case you need to refer back to it or share with team members.

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MentorGuarantee

We pride ourselves on hand-picking the very best mentors who have tried and tested experience at building startups and giving exceptional feedback. If you’re not happy with your session, let us know and we will help you find a more suitable Mentor, free of charge.

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£159.00

per session