At 62, I Founded a Tech Startup to Help Families Like Mine Take Back Control of Life Admin

As a mother to a daughter with a rare genetic condition, I have faced numerous challenges that have tested my resilience and determination. Chloe's dad left when she was just a baby, and I was determined not to let our circumstances define us. I chose to rise above the challenges to create a better life for myself and my girl.

The most significant challenges I have faced include navigating the healthcare system, managing Chloe's appointments, including 3 major surgeries and ongoing care, and dealing with the overwhelming amount of household and personal paperwork.

These challenges have given me, I believe, a unique perspective on life and driven me to create a solution to help others.

One of the most significant catalysts for me was the realisation that I wasn't alone in my struggles. Many parents and professionals were facing similar challenges, and I knew that I had to do something to make a difference. This led me to create doqit, with the goal of developing a platform that would simplify life admin for families and individuals, allowing them to focus on things that really matter.

I am challenging traditional norms of entrepreneurship and motherhood, showing that it is possible to be both a dedicated mother and a successful entrepreneur.

Having Chloe has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of celebrating small wins. Building a business from scratch has demanded patience, learning, and growth. I have learned to adapt, innovate, and push beyond my comfort zone.

As I navigated the NHS and Education Systems while managing Chloe's care, I realised the importance of advocacy and self-education. I learned to speak up, ask questions, and seek out resources to ensure that Chloe received the best possible care and education. This experience has also taught me the value of community and the importance of building a support network.

I have also leveraged my feeling of overwhelm to create something to help people never feel the way I did. Through doqit, I am leveraging my experiences to create a positive impact on society. By providing a simple, easy, and cost-effective way for families to manage and control their day-to-day household and personal documents, information, and vital dates, I am helping to reduce stress and increase efficiency.

As a non-tech founder building a tech product, I have faced many challenges. I am seen as being 'older' at 62, but I have used this to my advantage. I have met incredible people, grown as a person, and become a better Mum and role model to Chloe.

Building a startup while juggling these responsibilities has been a journey of discovery, with many twists and turns. The biggest challenge is inertia, and changing behaviour is hard. However, I am driven by the potential impact of doqit on people's lives, from everyday headaches like finding their NI number to moments when everything is at stake and a crisis point.

I have also faced scepticism and doubt from some (particularly those closest to me!!) who believe that a non-tech founder can't build a successful tech product. But, I have proven them wrong, and proud of what I have accomplished. I have learned to believe in myself, trust my gut, and surround myself with the right people.

I believe that funding more female entrepreneurs and providing better support for entrepreneurs would make a significant difference. The lack of funding for female-led businesses is a significant barrier, and the government could provide better support to enable women to significantly contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Additionally, I think it's essential to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families with children with complex needs. By promoting understanding and inclusion, we can create a more supportive and accepting society. I would like to see more initiatives that provide real resources, support, and advocacy for families like mine.

I am proud of raising a daughter who is courageous, confident, and empowered to make her own choices. I am proud of launching a product that has the potential to help families around the globe be prepared for any eventuality. And I am also proud to have represented female founders in the recent #YouveGotWhatItTakes Campaign, and to be a 62-year-old woman showing what can be achieved.

I believe that being a Disruptor is not just about challenging the status quo but also about creating a new and better way of doing things. As the founder of doqit, I am disrupting the traditional way of managing life admin by providing a simple, intuitive, and accessible app that empowers people to take control of it.

I believe that being a Disruptor is not just about challenging the status quo but also about creating a new and better way of doing things. As the founder of doqit, I am disrupting the traditional way of managing life admin by providing a simple, intuitive, and accessible app that empowers people to take control of it.

I am challenging traditional norms of entrepreneurship and motherhood, showing that it is possible to be both a dedicated mother and a successful entrepreneur. I am pushing every boundary of my life, learning new skills, and proving that age is just a number.

I am disrupting the way people think about disability and complex needs, advocating for greater support and resources for families with children with complex needs. I am helping to break down stigmas and challenge traditional attitudes towards disability.

Ultimately, being a Disruptor is not just about creating a new product or service but about creating a new way of thinking and being. It is about challenging traditional norms and expectations and creating a more inclusive, equitable, and kind society. 

I am proud to be a Disruptor, and I am excited to continue challenging the status quo and creating positive change in the world.

Catherine Ann is a seasoned entrepreneur and mother to a daughter with a rare genetic condition. She founded doqit, a platform simplifying life admin, after experiencing the complexities of managing her daughter's care. Catherine  Ann is a vocal advocate for greater support and resources for families with children with complex needs.