“Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude” – Robert Marston

Pete, the founder of Blink Collective previously founded MyFriendsHotel.com, a global accommodation network. Whilst running this community he was approached by Hosts offering opportunities to go skiing, diving and even paragliding. And Guests, they were interested in pasta making course and market tours with local hosts. It was this potent untaped blend of ‘real’ experiences that kick-started this project.

In August 2011, Pete submitted this vision in an application to the start-up accelerator programme Ignite100.com. Ignite100 was offering £1 million fund with £100 000 for each of the teams to successfully complete a 13 week intensive programme in Newcastle.

With only a vision on paper it came as a surprise to beat 150 other teams, from around the world, to win a place on Ignite100. The day after Pete agreed to participate in the programme he lost his development team. Two and a half weeks into the programme his replacement developer also withdrew. Start-ups are hard-work, unpredictable and relentless.

Completing the programme took determination and self-belief as well as the help and support of others. With a new team, the flush success and some real money behind to business, 2012 is set to be an exciting year!