Looking back to when I was starting my own business, I can honestly say having a mentor made a huge difference.
It wasn’t about just getting advice or quick fixes, it was about having someone who really listened, challenged me in the right way and helped me find my own path through the ups and downs. That experience has stayed with me ever since, and now, as I work with UK deeptech scale-ups, I see how powerful mentoring can be time and time again.
When I was a founder, my mentor wasn’t there to hand me all the answers. Instead, they helped me ask better questions, offered fresh perspectives and kept me accountable when I struggled to stay focused. In those moments when everything felt overwhelming, their support brought clarity and gave me the confidence to keep going, even when the road ahead was uncertain.
Now, supporting deeptech companies, which often face some of the most complex challenges, from long product development cycles to tricky fundraising, I see how vital mentoring is. These founders are working on incredible innovations, but the journey can be tough and lonely. Having someone with experience to guide them, encourage them, and help them avoid common pitfalls can save years of frustration.
What really strikes me about mentoring, though, is the relationship itself. It creates a safe space where founders can be open about their doubts and fears, test out new ideas, and get honest feedback without feeling judged. That trust builds resilience and helps leaders grow into the confident, thoughtful people their companies need to succeed.
Mentoring doesn’t just help individual businesses, it helps the whole UK economy thrive. It drives innovation, creates jobs and helps companies scale more quickly and sustainably. The data backs this up, showing better business performance, increased productivity, and improved access to finance.
But what matters most to me is seeing founders turn uncertainty into opportunity and bring their dreams to life. With National Mentoring Day just around the corner, I encourage every business leader to find a mentor. It could be the most valuable partnership you ever make. From my own journey and what I see every day working with startups, mentoring is not just about business, it’s about people, growth, and the difference one conversation can make.
Written by Maria Bataller
