Charles Armstrong spent several years studying how social networks operate in small island communities.

Trampoline Systems Turnover: Not disclosed

Number of employees: 10

HQ location: London, UK

Year founded: 2003

Ownership: Privately-held

A chance encounter on the Isles of Scilly with the head of the San Francisco Stock Exchange led him to realise his research might have commercial potential.

His software company Trampoline Systems uses a revolutionary technique to raise money called "crowdfunding", seeking small amounts from a large number of investors.

Key advice

If you want to start a business, don't wait - do it now.

"People often think oh I need to go an MBA or something first, it's rubbish. The surest way to learn, discover if you like it, is to do it. And the sooner you do it the better because as our lives proceed we have more to lose."