![Dave Richtor]()
"You need to find the right person or people to get your business off the ground. You will face knock backs along the way. That doesn’t mean the idea is wrong, but you could be pitching it to the wrong people."
"You need to find the right person or people to get your business off the ground. You will face knock backs along the way. That doesn’t mean the idea is wrong, but you could be pitching it to the wrong people."Dave Richtor
Founder, WeatherFlare
Website: www.weatherflare.org
Jacqueline Winstanley recently caught up with Dave Richtor of WeatherFlare to find out more about what makes him such an inspiring and Inclusive Entrepreneur. Dave is a member of The Inclusive Entrepreneur Network.
You are An Inclusive Entrepreneur, a member of our Inclusive Entrepreneurship Community. It would really help me if you could set the scene so our visitors understand not only the concept but the person behind your brand.
What led you to Entrepreneurship?
"I chose to go down this route as I have Palindromic Arthritis and noticed there wasn’t a single app that tracked weather conditions and people's health."
How did you embark on the Entrepreneurial journey?
"It was after waking up one day in pain, with swollen joint and stiffness, when I had thought that I was on top of my health and exercise. When I drew the curtains back, I could see it was a windy, grey, muggy day and I felt that there must be a link."
Do you feel it was and is tougher for you than your non-disabled peers?
"100%. Finding funding for an application that serves a mainly disabled community is a hard sell to investors, and with most grants having a 60/40 funding split, it is ridiculously hard to raise finance."
Why this particular business and brand?
"WeatherFlare is made by a disabled person, for people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and the health of the general public.
WeatherFlare puts the person in control of their condition, so that they can plan ahead, whatever the weather."
What successes have you had along the way that you are particularly proud of?
"The feedback from the general public.
The response of 3336 beta testers when we requested 50, and they came from all over the globe.
The testimonials received after the public used them."
Can you share some of the obstacles you have overcome along the way?
"FINANCE, FINANCE, FINANCE AND FINANCE. People need to make money instead of saving money.... again FINANCE!"
What are the economic benefits of being an entrepreneur?
"Hopefully savings for health bodies; the discovery of the true effects of weather on humans, now and in the future; planning on social activities, better medicines, better recovery from injury or post operations recovery, and looking into the true cost of climate change and health."
What assistance have you had along the way, and how has that helped you get where you are today?
"I had assistance from the Barclays Digital Eagle Labs and the Good Business Club, which has helped with network and business support."
As an entrepreneur, what would you advise other disabled people who are also considering embarking on a similar journey?
"You need to find the right person or people to get your business off the ground. You will face knock backs along the way. That doesn’t mean the idea is wrong, but you could be pitching it to the wrong people."
You can get in touch with Dave on +44 (0) 7923 543260 or vai email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can also engage with him on social media:
Twitter: @weatherflare
Facebook:facebook.com/weatherflare
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daverichtor/
Instagram:@weatherflare
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