Idea Validation Grant Case Study #1: Building Tools for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs

From Idea to Insight - shaping a big vision into an achievable first step

This is the first blog in our founder spotlight series. We're sharing case studies of the early-stage startups supported by our Idea Validation Grants pilot programme as they develop their promising ideas.

Originally conceived as an app to help neurodivergent (ND) people navigate the workplace, this project evolved through the TECH SY Idea Validation Grant into something more focused and achievable.

Together with the team at Trove, the concept was refined into a tangible starting point, a platform built around neurodivergent entrepreneurs, a community that reflects the founder’s own lived experience and provides a clearer, more authentic entry point to the wider vision. Carl Stanton at Trove shared this case study of their MVP development with us.

The Challenge

Neurodivergent (ND) individuals often struggle to access tools and environments that reflect how they work best. The original idea aimed to solve this on a broad, workplace-wide scale, but the scope proved too wide for meaningful early validation.

By narrowing the focus to entrepreneurs, the project could address a specific audience, gather richer data, and deliver early value while still staying true to the mission of improving neurodivergent inclusion.

The Approach

Through workshops and coaching with Trove under the TECH SY programme, the idea was reshaped from a single ambitious app into a stepwise roadmap:

1. Start with a community to connect and learn from ND founders.

2. Use that community to validate the core hypotheses, what challenges matter most, what support structures work, and where technology can make the biggest difference.

3. Build an MVP platform guided by this evidence.

This community-first approach allows for low-cost, high-learning validation and ensures the product roadmap is grounded in real user needs.

Key Insights & Learning

• Narrowing the scope from “ND people at work” to “ND entrepreneurs” created sharper messaging, clearer value, and faster traction.

• Community engagement is the fastest route to understanding user priorities and testing assumptions.

• Authentic lived experience strengthens resonance and builds early trust among participants.

The Impact

The first stage, launching and growing the community, is already underway. It’s attracting founders with similar experiences and building a safe space for honest discussion about challenges, coping strategies, and tools that work.

This data will directly shape the MVP roadmap, revealing which pain points are most urgent and what the first functional version of the platform should tackle.

What’s Next

The immediate goal is growth and participation: attracting as many users as possible to the community to deepen understanding and validate early theories.

These insights will inform feature prioritisation, monetisation strategy, and partnerships with neurodivergent coaches and support organisations, ensuring the platform grows from evidence, not assumptions.

Reflection - Carl Stanton from Trove:

“Angel is deeply motivated to help as many people as she can. The key has been bringing that passion into focus so we can build something achievable and impactful, step by step. She’s done a fantastic job of launching the community as an MVP, and we’re already gaining valuable insight into the tools and support neurodivergent founders need to thrive. We’d love more people to join and help shape what comes next - if you’d like to get involved, reach out to me or Angel on LinkedIn and we’ll point you in the right direction.”

Look out for more case studies of the new tech ideas supported by our Idea Validation Grant coming soon, and read more South Yorkshire ecosystem news.