INSIGHTS / Blog

Q&A Blog: Insights from Inas Ismail on the FWD Programme

Can you introduce yourself and your company?

Inas Ismail: I’m Inas Ismail, co-founder of Autsera. We build personalised, effective, and accessible assessment and early intervention apps for children with autism and other developmental delays. Our goal is to empower children with social communication skills, enable caregivers to monitor their progress and provide professionals with tools to support them remotely.

I joined the FWD Programme about a year ago after meeting Alexandra Love at a strategy event. She spoke about the Programme, and I was immediately interested in what they had to offer. So, I applied and was accepted.

What support did you access via the FWD Programme?

Inas Ismail: The support I received was multi-faceted. One of the key aspects was having access to an entrepreneur-in-residence, Becky Sage. She understood our journey because she had experienced it herself. The regular classes and webinars were incredibly valuable, and the network we built through these sessions allowed us to share insights and learn from each other.

Additionally, the masterclasses covered critical topics such as grant funding, intellectual property, and business strategy. There were even specialised sessions on winning work in the healthcare sector. These sessions answered many of my questions and provided shortcuts in my journey as a founder.

How did you find the support, and what has it enabled you to do?

Inas Ismail: The FWD Programme provided comprehensive support. The Programme addressed multiple needs, from one-on-one on-demand sessions with the entrepreneur-in-residence to networking opportunities with organisations like the Health Innovation Network, local authorities, and academic institutions.

One of the standout aspects was the combination of structured content and personalised support. For instance, in a healthcare-focused event, half the day was spent listening to expert panels, while the other half allowed for one-on-one sessions where we could ask specific questions. The flexibility and openness of the Programme made it highly responsive to our needs, covering areas like investment readiness and grant funding.

What was it like to work with the FWD Programme team?

Inas Ismail: The FWD Programme team was extremely supportive and receptive to communication. They were well-organised and genuinely cared about helping us build our knowledge, expand our networks, and navigate the challenging journey of entrepreneurship. Their support made a significant difference.

How does the FWD Programme compare with other Programmes you’ve been part of?

Inas Ismail: I’ve participated in many support Programmes, but the FWD Programme stood out as inclusive and comprehensive. It covered a wide range of essential skills and was highly responsive to our evolving needs. The regular sessions with the entrepreneur-in-residence were invaluable, as they provided insights from individuals who had walked the same path and were eager to help. I highly recommend this Programme to other founders.

Have you benefited from being part of the wider SETsquared ecosystem and additional event support?

Inas Ismail: Yes, absolutely. The online hub available through SETsquared allowed us to connect with other founders, potential investors, and mentors. One particularly impactful event was the Investment Futures Programme. It was well-structured from start to finish, offering tailored support and culminating in an excellent showcase day. This event introduced us to an incredible mentor who has since become a long-term guide for our business.

Additionally, the two-day business strategy workshop helped refine—and in some cases, completely reshape—our business model based on deep discussions with industry experts. The SETsquared ecosystem has been instrumental in our growth.

Final Thoughts

The FWD Programme, in combination with the wider SETsquared ecosystem, has been a game-changer for Autsera. The structured learning, networking opportunities, and personalised support have significantly accelerated our growth. For any founders looking for an impactful and well-rounded support Programme, I highly recommend FWD and SETsquared.

FWD was funded by the West of England Combined Authority and delivered by SETsquared.