Exploring useful ideas. Testing what matters. Building the ones that prove themselves.
A small venture company developing products, services and software from early idea through testing and, where they earn it, into real businesses.
Testing what matters.
We start with a problem or opportunity, try to understand it properly, identify the assumptions that matter, and find a sensible way to test them. Some ideas will become businesses. Some will change substantially. Some will be stopped. That's part of the process.
How we work
Think carefully
Test cheaply
Build practically
Learn
Decide
We try not to confuse enthusiasm with evidence. Research first where research can answer the question. Prototype where a prototype will tell us more. Spend meaningful money only when the evidence gives us a reason to.
What we're exploring
A mixture of physical products, practical services and simple software.
Physical Products
Developing tangible solutions for everyday problems.
Practical Services
Helping people make decisions and solve real-world issues.
Software Tools
Simple tools that help people organise and plan effectively.
About
Thoughtful Venture Co. was started by Mark Bates.
Mark has spent more than 20 years across technology, engineering and B2B businesses, working in product, commercial, sales, transformation and general management roles — from a large multinational to running an SME.
That experience shapes the approach here: work out what matters, use evidence where possible, keep things practical, and be prepared to change the idea when the evidence says to.
Interested in something we're working on?
If you have relevant experience, would like to collaborate, or simply want to know more about one of the projects, get in touch.