Traditional networking can feel repetitive and inefficient. For Felicity Francis, a tech-savvy entrepreneur based in Stamford, Lincolnshire, the answer was to treat networking as a design problem. After months of research, she developed a scientific algorithm to determine the requirements for a more effective network meeting. The result is Talk Networking, a women-led business network that uses data-driven matching to improve how UK companies connect.

Launched originally as a face-to-face group in 2010, Talk Networking now runs events across the country. Its model is built around structured agendas, rotating breakout rooms and algorithmic introductions. Attendees are steered towards people most likely to benefit their business, with the aim of building long-term commercial relationships rather than simply collecting business cards.

We spoke to Felicity Francis about how she developed the concept, the barriers she faced as a female founder in tech, and what her experience can teach other women-led businesses.

Where did the idea come from?

Talk Networking began as a face-to-face networking group in Stamford in 2010. I wanted to create a group with a difference: structured enough to be productive, but informal enough to feel natural. It grew steadily as local businesses appreciated the format and started to see results.

When the pandemic forced events online in 2020, I had to rethink how to replicate that success virtually. Rather than simply moving to video calls, I designed a bespoke virtual system that uses mathematical algorithms to maximise engagement and return on investment for every attendee. The technology ensures that no two people are paired repeatedly and that each conversation has a clear purpose.

What were the challenges?

Creating the algorithm was not the hardest part. I have always had an inquisitive mind: when I see a problem, I look for a systematic way to fix it. By breaking human interaction down into its simplest parts, I was able to build a formula that enhances the standard networking meeting and helps every business get more meaningful interactions.

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, the system is designed to improve your experience and ensure everyone gets a similar level of engagement. That is important, because traditional networking often favours the loudest voice in the room.

The biggest challenge was turning the idea into a reality. As a woman in tech, I encountered the same funding bias that many female founders report. Female-led startups still receive only a small share of UK venture capital—recent estimates put the figure at under three per cent—so pitching as a woman often means working harder to be heard.

Building the right team was also difficult. No founder can do everything, and finding people with the right mix of technical and commercial skills was a steep learning curve. You are reliant on others delivering what they promise, so choosing the right partners was critical.

Looking back, the setbacks were useful in their own way. They made me more determined and built the resilience needed to keep refining the technology.

What were the high points?

The whole journey has been a rollercoaster, but taking Talk Networking live was a real milestone. So many business owners had told me they found virtual networking faceless and disconnected. Seeing people make genuine connections and enjoy networking again was hugely rewarding.

The numbers backed up the anecdotal feedback. In a single meeting, the network generated hundreds of testimonials and hundreds of requests for one-to-one follow-up conversations. That showed me the technology was doing exactly what it was designed to do.

Did you find funding difficult?

At first, the project was self-funded. Once I had a proven concept, I secured a £25,000 innovation grant from a regional business growth programme. That support was invaluable for raising brand awareness and reaching new audiences.

Grants can be a practical option for women-led businesses that are not yet ready for equity investment. They allow you to test and scale an idea while retaining control, which is particularly valuable in the early stages.

Three things you have learned

• Get a good team around you. As you grow, you cannot do everything yourself, so you need talented people who can help turn your vision into reality.
• Never give in. Perseverance matters. If you are willing to work hard and you have a sound idea, it will eventually pay off.
• Do not be afraid to question the norm. Just because something has always been done a certain way does not mean it is the best way. Simple solutions to everyday problems are often the most innovative.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had told you when you first started?

That it will all work out in the end. When you are juggling the many moving parts of setting up a tech company, it can feel overwhelming. Some things are outside your control, and you just need the strength to keep going and trust that the effort will be worth it.

So, what is next?

Talk Networking continues to develop new tools and expand its reach. With over 99 per cent of UK businesses classed as SMEs, supporting their growth is essential to the wider economy. Many business practices, including networking, have barely changed in decades. My aim is to keep challenging that status quo and help UK businesses network more productively.