Founding cohort · Bristol · Summer 2026

Building a company of 1.

Launch your Company of 1 in six weeks.

A selective cohort for ambitious professionals ready to turn expertise, an idea or an unfinished project into something real.

Apply for a place See the six weeks
Harri Davies addressing a rooftop gathering in Bristol, with the Wills Memorial Building behind.
  • Six weeks3 Aug – 14 Sep 2026
  • MondaysCore session 6.00–7.30pm
  • In personOrigin Workspace
  • SelectiveLimited places

Why now

One person can now build what previously required a team.

AI has reduced the capital, time and technical barriers to building a credible product or service.

  • 36%

    of 2025 US startups were founded by one person.

    Carta
  • 62%

    average wage premium for workers with AI skills.

    PwC

AI now lets one capable person launch a company and generate revenue within months.

Building a Company of 1 gives you evidence that you can create value with AI.

The outcome

Turn your expertise into IP you own.

Use AI to turn your expertise, ideas and network into a product, service or venture with commercial value.

  1. 01

    Build

    Turn an idea or unfinished project into a product, service or venture that exists beyond a slide deck.

  2. 02

    Prove

    Put it in front of real users or customers and gather evidence that it solves something they value.

  3. 03

    Commercialise

    Leave with a live offer, a route to revenue and a clear plan to win your first customer, client or opportunity.

By Monday 14 September you will own something real that can generate income, reputation and opportunities beyond a single employer or client.

The founding cohort

A room that expects you to deliver.

  • Weekly accountability

    A defined output every week — and a room expecting you to deliver it.

  • Pressure-test your offer

    Direct scrutiny of your audience, proposition and route to value.

  • Technical acceleration

    Support exactly where it removes a blocker.

  • Connections that move the build forward

    Relevant feedback, expertise and introductions.

Members of the cohort listening on the rooftop at Origin Workspace, Bristol.

The six weeks

Six Mondays. Six outputs. One live company.

  1. Mon 3 Aug Week one

    Design your Company of 1

    OutputA defined audience, problem, proposition and six-week build goal.

  2. Mon 10 Aug Week two

    Build your position

    OutputPositioning, offer and the first public evidence of what you stand for.

  3. Mon 17 Aug Week three

    AI as your first employee

    OutputA working prototype or delivery model.

  4. Mon 24 Aug Week four

    Test the market

    OutputUser or customer evidence and a sharper proposition.

  5. Mon 31 Aug Week five

    Leverage networks

    OutputA route into the people and organisations capable of moving the build forward.

  6. Mon 7 Sep Week six

    Ship

    OutputA live launch and a 90-day commercial plan.

  7. Mon 14 Sep Build due

    Your Company of 1 is live

    ResultBuilt, proven and open for business.

  • Doors 5.30pm
  • Core session 6.00–7.30pm
  • Origin Workspace, Bristol

Who it's for

One cohort. Two routes in.

Route one

Founding Members

For established professionals, founders and independent operators who bring:

  • Expertise and experience
  • An audience or network
  • The commitment to build
Route two

Graduate Fellows

For exceptional graduates at the beginning of their careers who bring:

  • Evidence of initiative
  • A skill or idea they are ready to develop
  • The commitment to build

Same programme. Same standards. Every participant builds their own Company of 1.

Harri Davies speaking to the cohort.
Harri Davies · Founder, Building a Company of 1

Who runs it

Built by someone who has done it.

Harri Davies has built a career beyond dependence on a single employer — without having to go “all in” on a single business venture.

  • Pathways into the 1%

    Created programmes with Meta, Revolut and Formula 1 that moved graduates from free school meal backgrounds into some of the UK's highest-paid careers.

  • Portfolio career in practice

    Has not applied for a job since 2011. Built multiple income streams through leadership roles, advisory work and independent ventures.

  • A network to move the build forward

    Brings access to founders, operators and AI builders. Has helped professionals in law, sport and the public sector build portfolio careers.

Harri will challenge what you are building, who it is for, why anybody should care, and how it can create commercial value.

What a place includes

Six sessions, and everything around them.

  • Six in-person working sessions
  • Direct feedback on your offer, audience and route to revenue
  • Weekly accountability
  • Technical support
  • A selected cross-sector cohort

Apply

Places in the founding cohort are limited.

Tell us what you would build. Harri reads every application and every applicant hears back.

  1. 01 Send a short application
  2. 02 A conversation with Harri
  3. 03 Offer and cohort onboarding

Route in

Your details are only used to assess your application.