What do tech entrepreneurs have in common?

When you think of a tech entrepreneur, names like Steve Jobs might spring to mind, bold innovators who transformed industries with their vision. But what if their innovative traits could be learned? In this blog, you'll learn how to step into the next generation of tech entrepreneurship through our course, facilities, opportunities and success stories.

The traits all tech entrepreneurs share

While every founder’s journey is unique, there are a few common traits that successful tech entrepreneurs often share:

• Vision and creativity: Successful entrepreneurs see opportunities where others see challenges. They imagine new solutions and have the creativity to turn ideas into reality.

• Resilience: Setbacks are inevitable, but resilience allows entrepreneurs to keep going. They view challenges as lessons, not failures.

• Adaptability: Tech moves fast, and so do the people who succeed in it. Adaptability ensures you can embrace change and thrive in any environment.

• Networking and collaboration: Arguably the most important trait of all, the ability to build meaningful connections open doors, and creates opportunities in every industry.

• Curiosity and lifelong learning: From coding to business skills, great entrepreneurs never stop growing and challenging their own perceptions.

These aren’t just qualities of Silicon Valley success stories. They’re traits that students at BCU can nurture through our Computing Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) course, where you'll develop tech-savvy skills as well as be introduced to networking opportunities with industry partners including IBM and Microsoft.

Startup opportunities at STEAMhouse

At BCU, we don’t just talk about entrepreneurship, we provide the resources to make it happen. Our STEAMhouse building is home to a thriving community of innovators, creators, and startups. In fact, we have the highest number of student and graduate business start-ups in the West Midlands (HESA, 2022), making BCU one of the most exciting places in the UK to launch your entrepreneurial journey.

Located at our City Centre Campus, STEAMhouse provides state-of-the-art teaching and working spaces, production and prototyping facilities, and co-working environments where students collaborate with resident businesses and industry professionals.

This dynamic environment empowers students to put learning into practice, working on real-world industry projects, co-creating alongside businesses, and honing their entrepreneurial and employability skills through hands-on activity across disciplines.

The STEAMhouse Pre-Incubator, based at Millennium Point, offers tailored support from first year through to recent graduate stages, providing start-up workshops, hot-desking, events, and mentorship to help students bring business ideas to life. For more advanced entrepreneurs, the STEAMhouse Hatchery delivers an 8-week accelerator program, expert mentoring, and access to a share of a £10,000 prize fund, all within the incubator’s collaborative space.

Together, these resources create a full spectrum of entrepreneurial support, from early ideation through to business launch. We're deeply rooted in innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.

Cal Henderson

One of the most inspiring stories of BCU entrepreneurial success comes from Cal Henderson, Slack’s co-founder and current CTO. Known for his vision, resilience, and collaborative spirit, Cal embodies the entrepreneurial traits we nurture at BCU.

In 2024, through the Henderson Family Foundation, Cal Henderson and his wife Rebecca made a $500,000 donation to BCU to tackle the under-representation of women and disadvantaged groups in computing, engineering, and technology.

Cal’s impact goes even further: for the 2025–26 entry, BCU now offers Henderson Scholarships of £10,000 per year for three years, or a one-off Henderson Access Bursary of £2,000, specifically designed for students in Computing, Engineering, or Built Environment courses, prioritised for UK applicants from under-represented and low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Cal’s philanthropy sends a powerful message: entrepreneurship should be accessible to all, and with the right traits and support, BCU students can go from local classrooms to global boardrooms.

Why BCU is the right place for future entrepreneurs

From tailored guidance through the STEAMhouse Pre-Incubator, to expert mentoring via the STEAMhouse Hatchery, and generous funding such as the Henderson Scholarships (£10,000 per year for three years), or the Henderson Access Bursary, every step is designed to help future founders turn ideas into reality. At BCU, opportunity is right at your fingertips.