​Mytender: AI Startup by Students Raises £250,000​ in School

While other students were trying to meet assignment deadlines, Samuel Aaron and Jamie Horsnell were out here raising £250,000 for their AI business, Mytender. These two University of Southampton undergraduates didn’t dream big — they did something about it.

It began with a spark — at a relaxed university party, they discovered how difficult it is for businesses to create good bid proposals. That was the impetus for an idea, and that idea became Mytender. This AI software streamlines the process for businesses (specifically in construction and facilities management) to create good bids promptly.

The best news? Samuel and Jamie were university students at the time!

How Mytender Went from Idea to £250K

In 2023, the duo finally launched Mytender properly. They tested it, pitched to companies, and got real feedback. It was a success. Companies needed it. That was all the motivation they needed to keep going.

They then partnered with Josh Aaron, Samuel’s brother, and tech expert Nicolas Dickreuter. They formed the ultimate team. Shortly after, they secured £250,000 in funding from Fuel Ventures, breaking a funding record for their university. ????

And the best part? Their product is already generating over £10,000 in monthly sales, while they’re still getting through school life!

Samuel and Jamie Didn’t Drop Out, They Doubled Down

Eventually, the boys took a temporary leave of absence from school to focus on building their startup. But they returned to finish what they started. Now, they’re balancing college life with running a fast-growing business — and graduating in May 2025.

They credit it to resilience, a solid team, and being open to learning in the moment. And they never stopped questioning. That’s how they built something real—something valuable that’s already making a difference in the lives of small businesses.

What’s Next for Samuel, Jamie, and Mytender

With the new funding in hand, Mytender plans to scale, grow its AI capabilities, and grow its client base. Samuel and Jamie are already working on new features that’ll make writing proposals even faster and easier for users.

Their story teaches you one thing: You don’t have to wait until after graduation to start winning at business.