Here's our latest article written for Sheffield business magazine, unLTD. This month we've focussed on the idea of becoming a 'founder at 40' (and beyond!), something that might seem unnerving but is actually a great idea, backed up by stats and some inspiring examples from our own community of founders. Read on...

You might associate the world of tech startups with young founders, fresh out of university in their twenties, or maybe dropping out to pursue the next big idea. This isn’t entirely wrong – straight out of university is one of the best times to start a business as you’re already used to living on next to nothing.

However, this assumption overlooks an entire generation of professionals with the skills, experience and networks to build successful tech-based and tech-enabled businesses. The other best time to start a tech business? In your forties.

Experience is your superpower
An in-depth US study conducted in 2022 found that the average age of high-tech startup founders is 43, and that the likelihood of success as a founder increases with age until you reach 60.

By the time you hit forty, you likely have industry expertise, leadership experience, and a healthy professional network. You understand the challenges in your field and can identify gaps in the market and opportunities for innovation. Plus, life experience gives you resilience, a good grasp of people, relationship dynamics, and communication skills – which all bode well for aspiring entrepreneurs.

On the Cooper Project – Sheffield Technology Park’s business incubator – we help many people at the midpoint of their careers to navigate early-stage businesses.

For example, take Kristina Rutherford, she founded her startup after years in the public sector and working as a consultant with a variety of small business clients. Leveraging her knowledge, experience and understanding of the challenges faced by her clients, she was able to build a tech-driven solution. Then there’s James Morris, who turned his experiences of online learning and subsequently training into a commercial idea that would enable others to commercialise their own skills-sharing.

Sheffield Technology Parks CEO, Tom Wolfenden, believes that most people are simply not aware of the opportunities available when leaving a job and setting up alone.

“Mid-career step-out founders have so much to give,” he explains. “Like the success stories we see at the Tech Parks, these are people working with real-world problems, and they have the potential to create real-world solutions, backed by insight and expertise. I’d love to see more Sheffield people take the leap in their forties and beyond – there is certainly the support out there to help them succeed.”

Sheffield: An exciting and supportive space for tech startups
Sheffield has rapidly grown into a hub for tech and tech-enabled startups, thanks to its vibrant and welcoming community and extensive support network. If you’re considering launching your own venture, here’s where you can find support:

The Cooper Project at Sheffield Technology Parks – Tailored for early-stage founders, this initiative provides coworking space, access to networks and professional support, helping you move from idea to startup.

Sheffield Digital – The city’s digital tech membership organisation, connecting like-minded professionals and founders with opportunities and events.

Venture Community – A membership initiative designed to help founders navigate the investment landscape.

Business Sheffield Launchpad Advisors – Offering free, one-to-one advice on business planning, funding, and growth strategies.

The perfect time to start
Whether you have a fully formed business idea or just an inkling of something great, there’s a community ready to support you. So, if you’re in your forties and wondering whether it’s too late to become a tech founder – think again. Your experience is an asset, and Sheffield Technology Parks is the place to turn your vision into reality.

See how we can help you take the leap on the Cooper Project: shefftechparks.com/the-cooper-project