LivUni Enterprise: Marc's Story

Posted on: 14 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Enterprise

University of Liverpool student and entrepreneur Marc Beepath talks about his enterprise journey and support he's received along the way.

During a Computer Science university project where we were tasked with creating a full-stack web app, our group settled on a travel-related concept—an app enabling people to discover activities nearby. Ebin, a close friend and group member, and I saw potential beyond the project, and thus, Wildroutes was born.

The concept was simple yet powerful: facilitating the discovery and booking of unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures, from packrafting in Snowdonia to wild swimming in the Lake District. Our vision extended beyond just an app; it aimed at creating a community of like-minded adventurers, forging connections among them.

The enthusiasm from our early users was exhilarating, but the challenge lay in navigating the uncharted waters of running a company. Enter the Design Your Future (DYF) program. This transformative ten-week initiative from the Careers and Employability Start Up Team at the University of Liverpool was a beacon for us.

Sessions led by seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals within the startup realm filled my notebook with invaluable insights. As the program concluded, an exciting opportunity awaited—a chance to pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, reminiscent of a Shark Tank episode.

Ebin and I, fueled by our grand vision, rallied our closest friends for support. While I was admittedly nervous that night, the sheer excitement of sharing our project took precedence. I wish I could find the words to articulate how I felt when they announced that Wildroutes had won first place—but alas, they do not exist.

The funding granted us the confidence to propel our project forward. Today, we continue to seek feedback from our users and develop features in an iterative manner, refining what we have built.

If I were to share a bit of advice with fellow startup founders, it would echo the well-known Y Combinator mantra (which I have plastered on my bedroom wall): "Make something people want."

In the tapestry of our startup story, DYF became a pivotal chapter, not just providing funding but empowering us with knowledge, a supportive community, and the belief that our journey is as significant as the destination. Wildroutes is not just an app; it's a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the transformative impact of programs like DYF in shaping the future of aspiring entrepreneurs.


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