The first female DJ/producer to own a specialist vinyl store in Manchester, Esther O’Callaghan OBE could hardly imagine she would one day be expanding her AI learning startup across the globe. Yet, that is exactly where she is.
Following her music business, O’Callaghan set out to help tackle youth unemployment and worked for over 20 years across the UK government, local authorities, NDPBs, CSR, ESG, ED&I and more. She was part of the first all-female De-Fi delegation to the European Parliament and has been named a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer. Her work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of children and young people benefiting from services and support both across the UK and internationally.
O’Callaghan is also the co-founder of hundo.xyz, an AI-powered skills learning platform with a mission to enable one billion learners worldwide to access the one billion frontier tech roles needed globally by 2030. This “on-chain campus” is upskilling a generation of young people in web3 and metaverse, enabling them to work, earn and learn, wherever they are in the world. The company, based in the UK, has recently expanded to the Middle East, with the support of the Hub71 ecosystem.
In a conversation with Finance Middle East, O’Callaghan reflected on her journey so far.
What drove you to join the startup world?
I was driven to join the startup world by a deep passion for addressing a significant global challenge – youth skills shortages. I saw an opportunity to make a substantial impact through an AI-powered virtual work experience platform.
Why did you choose the Middle East as the place to start/expand the business?
We chose the Middle East as the global launchpad for our business after applying and being selected to join the Mubadala Hub71 startup cohort in Abu Dhabi. The region’s dynamic, fast-paced environment, combined with Hub71’s vibrant community, offers a unique opportunity to address the urgent need for aligning skills between the future workforce and employers. With a 63-70% youth population and a rapidly evolving economy, we are well-positioned to leverage Hub71’s comprehensive network of corporates, investors and partners, which will help us unlock strategic growth opportunities and drive innovation.
Additionally, Hub71’s efforts to address the global tech talent shortage by building connections with universities and organisations align closely with our mission to link emerging talent with employers. The support and network provided by Hub71, through their talent partners and initiatives, are crucial for us as we work to address the skills gap globally, making the Middle East a strategic location for our expansion.
How would you describe the region’s startup scene in three words?
Dynamic, inspiring and connected.
Is there something that has surprised you in your journey?
It’s been truly invigorating to witness firsthand the UAE’s strong drive to get things done.
What are (in your view) the keys to approaching investors successfully?
To approach investors successfully, founders must focus on a few key strategies. Start by building relationships early, ideally before you begin fundraising. Do your research about the investors you are planning to approach to understand their investment stage, thesis, and whether your venture aligns with their interests. Lastly, remember that momentum is crucial in fundraising, so be prepared for a long and challenging effort.
What was the most challenging part of raising funding and how did you overcome it?
Fundraising is never easy, and for me, the most challenging aspects were being a non-technical founder and facing additional barriers as a female founder. With less than 2% of VC funding going to female founders globally, overcoming these hurdles required persistence and strategic networking to build credibility and demonstrate value.
What is the best piece of financial advice you have received?
The best financial advice I have ever received is to always maintain at least three months of personal runway.
What has been your biggest success and your biggest failure?
Being a start-up founder has led to both my biggest successes and failures – each would be a whole article on their own – one day probably a book.
What is the best quality a leader can have?
Resilience (grit) and empathy.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
In five years time, I plan to continue my efforts in developing a global youth workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for the future of work.
