Did you know that while only around 14% of UK residents are foreign-born, 39% of the UK’s fastest-growing startups have at least one immigrant co-founder?

That’s no accident. Immigrants bring a different kind of grit. But let’s be honest starting a business in a new country is hard.

When I launched Plumm, I wasn’t just trying to build a business. I was trying to prove something: that immigrants can lead, innovate, and make a massive impact. But the road here wasn’t smooth, visa hurdles, zero local network, figuring things out by trial and error.

I made some mistakes, especially early on. One of the biggest? Thinking I had to do it all alone.

I didn’t join founder communities like Y Combinator’s Startup School or OnDeck’s Founder Fellowship. I didn’t tap into WhatsApp or Slack groups where immigrant founders share advice, intros, and support. I thought I could just figure it out myself.

Big mistake.

It wasn’t until later that I realised how much faster, easier and honestly, more fun, the journey could have been with the right people around me.

So here’s my advice:

Don’t build in isolation.

Find the rooms where people open doors for you, where someone’s already walked the path you’re on and is willing to show you the way.

If you’re just getting started, here are two key UK visa options to be aware of:

• Innovator Founder Visa – For those with a bold, innovative business idea. Requires endorsement.
• Start-up Visa – For first-time founders. It lasts 2 years and can transition into the Innovator route.

But visas are just one part of the puzzle.

That’s why I’m launching something new courses and a founder network for immigrants building businesses in the UK. Practical advice, visa guidance, and most importantly: community.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I promise this journey is so much better together.

More soon,

Cheers,
Asim