Female Founder: Lydia Carrick and Apputee
Name: Lydia Carrick
Company: Apputee
Date started: 2022
Industry: Healthtech/Digital
My story
We are building Apputee, an app for amputees that serves as a guide for
recovery. It has links to charities, resources, guides, and products that help with recovery, including specialist resources for diabetic, traumatic and other types of amputees. There’s also access to a community of amputees. Surgeons can suggest the app at the point of amputation, and existing amputees are welcome to sign up, too.
In 2016, my dad lost his leg in a motorbike accident. His recovery was not helped by the lack of resources out there for amputees and their families. Plus, the surgeon could only spend 10 minutes talking to my dad, who was on morphine and couldn’t follow the conversation. We didn’t know where to start looking for information to guide us. We faced the unknown completely alone.
Why I started my business
After talking to so many amputees, I realised I needed to make change happen so that no one else goes through what we went through.
Challenges you have faced & how you have overcome those challenges
My biggest challenge is imposter syndrome and I overcame that by realising that you don’t have to know everything, but if you’re passionate about what you do and why you do it, then that is often enough.
Your greatest achievement whilst having your own business
I won the Innovate UK Young Innovators Award, was a finalist in the Fiverr Female Founders competition and was a finalist in the Essex AdVantage competition.
Anything else you think would empower women to start their own business
It’s surprising how many people are willing to help. The female entrepreneur community is incredibly inclusive, and with networking events like Ambition Women, run by the wonderful Eve Calderbank, you’ll find a group of supportive people from all backgrounds who are willing to help or be a cheerleader for your success. Building a business is hard and lonely, so surrounding yourselves with the best support is vital.
Website and Social Media Links
Website: apputee.org
Instagram: @apputeeapp