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Writes Hazel Hall, Head of Charity Drive

Over four weeks, 12 Lower 6th students have worked with Sanjeev Gandhi (OMT) to learn what it takes to build an AI start up business and then pitch their ideas to a panel of investors. The students worked in pairs to develop a complete AI business concept using a start-up company, Val-IQ, as a case study: identifying a real problem, sizing the market, drafting a business plan, and delivering a 3-minute investor pitch. This programme was led by Sanjeev, bringing his many years of experience running and investing in businesses to the boys.

Writes Chase C. (L6th)

The process consisted of four sessions lead by Mr Gandhi, each with a different focus. Throughout the course, we were taught not just what an AI enterprise is but were also given the opportunity to ideate and pitch our own AI companies. Each pair had three minutes to present to a panel of mock angel investors, which included Mr Everson, Mr Gandhi (CEO Val-IQ) and Mr Williams (Director of Digital Strategy). This was followed by two minutes of intense questioning, where we had to respond instantly to some very challenging questions, the panel had clearly been told not to hold back (and they didn’t!).

Working in pairs, our company developed a SaaS product: a customisable AI avatar designed for online clothing retailers. The avatar could be integrated into a company’s website, allowing customers to see how items of clothing would fit before purchasing, ultimately reducing returns and increasing conversion rates for businesses. We created a real-world pitch deck, identifying our total addressable market, serviceable addressable market, and serviceable obtainable market. We outlined the problem, our solution, and why our product is needed now. We also evaluated our competitors, highlighting what set us apart.

In addition, we mapped out our costs and developed a pricing model, concluding that a subscription-based approach was necessary. We created financial projections, estimating that the business could reach £28 million in revenue by year four, and valued the company using a standard 2–5x market multiple. Our funding ask was £250,000 in exchange for 20% equity, which we justified by explaining how the investment would be spent and how long it would sustain the company.

We also explored what distinguishes the small percentage of start ups that succeed from the vast majority that do not. The course provided insight into how to take a company from concept to functionality, as well as how to build a clear and achievable roadmap.

Overall, this was a highly informative course that helped me develop my public speaking, impromptu speaking, and presentation skills. Most importantly, it made both the prospect of starting a company and the concept of AI feel far less unfamiliar and much more accessible.

Writes Keian P. (L6th)

Over the last four weeks, twelve of us worked in pairs to plan and develop an AI business idea. Together, we researched the market, created a business plan, and prepared a presentation, which we delivered to the Headmaster and Sanjeev Gandhi, the CEO of an AI based business. The experience allowed us to be creative, solve problems, and share our ideas with an experienced professional. We really enjoyed ourselves and are grateful for the all support from the teachers.

Writes Nicholas P. (L6th)

During our four-week AI Enterprise course with Sanjeev Gandhi, we worked collaboratively to explore how artificial intelligence can be applied in real business contexts. Working in pairs, we developed our own AI concept, Cinematch, an intelligent movie recommendation model designed to understand user preferences and moods. Over the course, we learned how to identify market problems, analyse competitors, and design solutions that offer real value. The programme culminated in creating and delivering a concise sales pitch to a panel, including the Head Master, where we presented our idea, supporting it with data, clear business reasoning, and a strong value proposition. This experience not only strengthened our understanding of AI in enterprise settings but also improved our teamwork, communication, and presentation skills und pressure.