Liverpool Science Park coworker, Anna B. Sexton, wins inaugural global $100,000 prize award.
Anna B. Sexton, Liverpool John Moores University alumni and founder of Liverpool Science Park based creative coaching agency, Open To Create>>>, has been named as the winner of the first ever Global Startup Coach Award.
Launched by EdTech startup accelerator DOHE in 2024, the programme identifies talented start up to scale coaches from diverse backgrounds and skill sets around the world, and recognises their experience and success in supporting EdTech startups to thrive.
The 10-week competitive programme saw 10 coaches paired with startups to identify the founders’ key objectives, with the goal of achieving them by the end of the programme.
Anna was partnered up with Tech Balance, whose mental health app transforms the way students approach their mental and physical wellbeing. She worked closely with its founder, Ryan Bell, providing bespoke guidance and invaluable insights to help grow his company, and provided remote support to his Thailand and global teams.
Anna had a highly impactful influence on the organisation’s operations, and her support contributed to Ryan and his team winning three new business contracts during the ten week assessment period.
Reflecting on her involvement in the programme, Anna said:
“With over 100 applications to participate in the first Global Startup Coach Award programme, I was delighted to reach the top 10 and have the opportunity to work with Ryan, an amazing founder, as a finalist.
“Going on to win the main award itself was an incredible achievement, which has enabled me to invest in my professional development and secure future business opportunities through broadening my international networks and forging new innovation driven partnerships.”
The prize money in particular has opened up new avenues for Anna, who recently travelled across the globe, firstly as part of the UK delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025 in Indiana, USA, in June, and secondly to visit a former Knowledge Quarter Liverpool based founder, Naomi Mwasambili, out in Tanzania, who is innovating food systems and health provision for the local community through value addition at Livy Africa.
Off the back of the win, Anna has also forged a pan-African partnership with Ernest Gavor, Engine Business Network and ALX Ventures in Ghana. Through this, they have been sharing coaching skills with their incubator and accelerator Founders who are keen to improve their strategic and day to day successes, alongside growth mindsets and wellbeing.
Closer to home, Anna is keen to share her knowledge and build her social business within the dynamic founder community in Liverpool city region, and her key takeaway for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses is to never do it alone.
Anna’s top tips for LCR Founders
- Read up – There are a wealth of resources out there that can help you, so do some research, access existing materials and make an informed plan. The BIPC library space in Liverpool Central Library has a wealth of industry publications to aid your personal and professional growth.
- Reach out – Find someone who has the relevant skills and networks to support you on your growth journey, learn from best practice and become embedded within the local innovation ecosystem.
- Referrals – Not sure who to speak to? Find a recommended startup Coach to help with your business development or get a referral for an experienced founder mentor who can help you to reach your full potential.
Award winning global startup coach, Anna B Sexton, is happy to offer interested founders a free discovery call, so please get in touch with her here to get involved: https://www.opentocreate.com/connect
