Startup London: Inspirational Stories from the Most Creative Entrepreneurs in Europe's Startup Capital

Emma Sibley, founder of London Terrariums
Emma Sibley, founder of London Terrariums | © Rick Pushinsky / Hoxton Mini Press

Tech & Entrepreneurship Editor

Startup London tells the inspiring stories of London’s most creative entrepreneurs. Published by Hoxton Mini Press with words from Islington-based writer Christina Hopkinson and photos from east London photographer Rick Pushinsky, the beautifully-documented guide offers a rare take on entrepreneurship, more focused on people and their stories more than balance sheets and business plans.

More than 200,000 startups launch in London every year.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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And ‘it’s not hard to see why,’ writes Christina Hopkinson, author of Startup London. ‘The city has the entertainment industry of Los Angeles, the technical hub of San Francisco and the financial and creative services of New York rolled into one thriving mass. In London’s living rooms and kitchens, under railway arches, in industrial parks and converted warehouses, people are dreaming up, planning, starting and actually running their own businesses.’

Startup London, focused on the smaller, more visually creative enterprises rather than the bigger, more abstract tech companies, tells the stories of 30 of the most creative.

Describing the creation of the book ‘as bicycling around bits of London meeting inspiring people’, Hopkinson takes readers on a journey from King’s Cross to New Cross, bringing together businesses from digital apps to distilleries.

Reflective of the diversity of London’s creative talent, the book profiles small businesses ranging from startups building robotic arms (Automata) to delivering flowers by bicycle (Petalon), and from creating shared workspaces for startups (Second Home) to making jars of award-winning peanut butter (Pip & Nut).

Florence Kennedy, founder of Clapton-based flower delivery service Petalon

Taking into view a broader understanding of entrepreneurship than the oft-profiled, venture-backed male techies that define the Silicon Valley image of startup culture, the book exemplifies the spirit of London’s entrepreneurship.

Photographed in their workshops, the pages range from awe-inspiringly young 20-somethings in skinny jeans to grey-haired over 50s, from accidental entrepreneurs to those inspired by the goal of entrepreneurship as much as the product they’ve created.

United only by an ambition to change the way we eat, shop, play and view the world, the passionate entrepreneurs behind these businesses reveal the truths and challenges that they’ve experienced first-hand, and share their key advice with readers.

Complete with a small ‘Tips and Advice’ booklet by business writer Rebecca Burn-Callander dedicated to the must-have info to start your own business, Startup London is an inspirational guide for anyone dreaming of starting up, whether it be in London or beyond.

Startup London is published by Hoxton Mini Press, £28.00. Available from www.hoxtonminipress.com.

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