From Unicorn to Phoenix

A founder story, from exit to brain tumour & rebirth. The fight to survive, and then launch again. Observations on how to live with and even beat cancer, while building a new startup at the same time.

The Background

I was a cofounder of Mind the Product, and CEO for many years. I exited that business in 2022, selling to Pendo, a US Unicorn company. I took a little time out in 2023 with my family, but also getting ready to go again with a new startup. Finally, also writing most of the book on that prior adventure and offering some insight on where I’d be going next (publishing soon).

In January 2024, I was completely blindsided. I went from a routine eye test to brain surgery in just 11 days, for the removal of a 9cm brain tumour, right temporal lobe. This then is the ongoing journal of how I plan to launch that new business and beat brain cancer, all in the course of this year.

Buckle up

I’ve learned a huge amount on this journey already, and much of it may help others in future. I’m going to share, but I’m not going to hold any punches. As well as the emotional side, this thing has put my life on hold this year and I’m bitter as hell about that. Time is the ONLY finite resource we have, so this is my catharsis, my therapy, and maybe even my vengeance.

Why would I do this?

It’s a reflection of my desire to help others, as a few folks have done for me. Damon who travelled this road before me, and also Matt, who I now walk shoulder to shoulder with as we take on our respective battles. Between them, they’ve inspired me to believe I will beat this. As a result of their strength, my journey and life are forever changed. This is where I get to pay that forward, and that’s why this newsletter will remain free. I’m doing this it will push me to process regularly and also help me to keep a better record of this journey. Going through Radiotherapy isn’t the kindest to your memory.

Who am I writing for?

You’re might be friends and family who want to stay more abreast of what’s happening here. You might be a potential investor for my new startup? You’re keen to know how I’m going to beat this and get back on track. Maybe you had a brush with cancer yourself, or have a loved one you’re supporting. Perhaps you just want to learn in advance of bad news visiting your door in future (cancer will visit one in two of us personally). Whatever your reason for reading, I aim to share things you find helpful.

Who am I?

I spent my first career in tech recruiting, my second in startups, my third in events and media. I’m a father of two, a son, and I’d rather be outdoors! Now I’m going tech startup mode once again, even as I fight this. Someone on my last team referred to me once as “Optimism as a Service” and as I fight this battle, I’m reminding myself of that every single day. I’m only here to succeed.

What’s next?

The first posts will be from earlier in the journey. I’ve mostly accepted where I’m at on this journey now, but it wasn’t easy. Since there are 34 people a day in the UK diagnosed with a brain tumour, I’m going to cover those early days before bringing this up to date, in the hope that I can help some of the folks now as scared as I once was. Right now, my weekly blood work is way better than the doctors expect, so I’ll share how I’m doing that too.

This will probably have peaks and troughs as I go through treatment. We continue working on Rodeo in the meantime though, and when we’re confident in prototypes and my neuro oncology team is happy, we’ll be back to finish that raise.

Can I ask two favours?

First: if you know anyone fighting cancer, or supporting someone who is, share this. Mine is in the brain, but many of the things I’ve learned apply to all cancers, and it’ll be rewarding to know the time I’m taking here helps someone else. That’s why this newsletter will always be free, cancer patients have been hit hard enough already and need more free resources. I might drop affiliate links here and there, but that simply reduces my costs and any purchases you make there won’t cost a dime more.

Second: for my friends in tech, if you know investors who’ve ever said “I only back founders who can thrive in adversity” then share this with them, and give them a warning. When I beat this, I’m coming for their term sheets first.

I believe that’s shots fired, this thing is alive. More soon, James.

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