Ben Ward from StudyStash on building an EdTech startup, scaling across markets, and the importance of timing | The Dev is in the Details #18 | S02

► What does it take to build a successful early-stage startup across two different EdTech markets?In the first episode of season two of The Dev is in the Details, Ben Ward – a young business leader and startup founder – shares his story on how building something that was meant to solve your problem can turn into a successful business idea.We discuss the key differences between the US and UK higher education markets, the impact on navigating your business, and how to adapt to various perspectives effectively. Ben shares his learnings and experiences on building and scaling StudyStash, and why a strong relationship with your co-founder is key to success.Navigating your business can be challenging, especially when scaling across two completely different markets. And in the startup world, it can be even more difficult. But when there’s a real value behind your product or service – it’s definitely worth the work.► Our guestBen Ward is a co-founder and CEO of StudyStash, an EdTech company operating across the UK and the US, providing an AI-powered learning platform to help international students learn effectively through assets that boost confidence and reduce stress. The platform also supports faculty and universities in minimizing workload and boosting students’ retention – all through their LMSs. Ben emphasizes the importance of founders' cooperation and bold decision-making in the complex, differentiated EdTech market.► In today’s episode:Ben’s story on building a non-commercial product that turned into a businessHow different the EdTech market is in the US, the UK, and the rest of EuropeThe differences in fundraising between the US and the UKChallenges in each market and best practices to leveragePractical advice from a founder to other founders► Decoding the timeline:00:00:00 - The story of StudyStash - creating a software that turned into a business00:03:45 - Expanding into a transatlantic business, finding the right market, and the lifecycle of selling to universities00:06:48 - The reality of the EdTech market in the US vs. the UK vs. Europe00:09:20 - The biggest assumptions, expectations, and surprises on the US market00:11:40 - The importance of a strong relationship with your co-founder00:17:15 - The fundraising reality in the US and flipping the company00:19:53 - How timing impacts business and making decisions at the last minute00:21:15 - Complexities of juggling multiple markets vs. laser focusing on one market at once00:31:43 - Cultural differences and their impact on StudyStash’s strategy and product direction00:34:35 - Engaging learning assets, LLMs, perks for faculty, and the DFWs00:39:10 - Financial reality for international and local students and  impact on universities00:44:05 - Adjustments to the platform, pitching to different markets, and the fastest closure00:47:49 - Advice for other young founders for building a transatlantic startup00:50:15 - How to filter out the next shiny thing?► Resources:Ben Ward’s article for Business InfluencerAn EAB profile on one of the StudyStash’s pilots with the University of Birmingham***The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected].