The Myth of Co-Founders Imagine going from the fast-paced world of investment banking at Goldman Sachs to tackling one of the most personal challenges in healthcare—fertility. That's exactly what Nader AlSalim has done. And he has done it solo.

In the world of startups, there's a prevailing myth that every successful venture requires a co-founder—that a partner in crime is a necessity to get your idea off the ground. Nader AlSalim, CEO and Founder Gaia, however, discovered firsthand that this isn't always true.

"If you have, or find the right one, great, but don't settle and don't let not having a co-founder delay you from starting your business," he advises.

This myth of the "perfect co-founder" is one of many preconceived notions about entrepreneurship that can slow down potential business builders. AlSalim's message is simple: support is crucial, but you can find it by building the right team, attracting investors, and staying true to your mission. His company, Gaia, was born from deeply personal experience—an experience that not only shaped his startup but also fuels his drive.

Gaia is much more than a business; it is a mission. "The entrepreneurial journey is full of ups and downs, and it's crucial to have the right people by your side," AlSalim explains. For him, that support didn't come in the form of a traditional co-founder, but through the strong relationships he built with his team, investors, and the people Gaia serves.

Trust Your Own Path

Entrepreneurship is often a balancing act between taking advice from those who've been there before and forging your own path. "Be cautious about the advice you receive," says AlSalim. "It can quickly become overwhelming, as so many people are eager to share their insights, experiences, and advice."

In the sea of advice, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters—the original spark that led you to start your business in the first place. He reminds fellow entrepreneurs to remain selective. "Stay true to your vision, trust the experience that shaped your idea, and remember why you started in the first place." In his case, it was his personal struggle with IVF that gave him a unique insight into the shortcomings of the fertility industry, which would later shape Gaia's mission.

Gaia's approach was simple: challenge the status quo. "Not everyone achieves success, often because they follow the same conventional paths," according to the entrepreneur. Thinking outside the box is crucial for setting yourself apart in a competitive landscape. And with Gaia, AlSalim embraced an unconventional route—one that prioritised patient experience and financial accessibility over the industry's established practices.

From Personal Struggle to Global Impact

The idea for Gaia didn't come to AlSalim straight out of a business school or tech incubator. It came from a personal, life-altering experience—his own challenging journey to parenthood. "In 2019, after personally navigating the significant challenges associated with IVF, I founded Gaia with the ambition of sparing others from experiencing the same struggles," he shares.

Navigating multiple IVF clinics, investing over £50,000, and enduring years of emotional and physical exhaustion, AlSalim realised that the fertility process was broken—both financially and emotionally. While he and his wife were ultimately fortunate enough to welcome their son, many others weren't so lucky. "I couldn't shake the feeling that the fertility industry could (and should) do better."

Gaia was founded to provide a solution. "Our mission is simple: to give anyone who wants a family the chance to try." Gaia's model reimagines the traditional approach to IVF, which can often be financially prohibitive for many couples. One of the most significant barriers to fertility treatment is the upfront cost, with many people abandoning their IVF journey due to financial strain. "34% of people abandon treatment early because of the expense," AlSalim notes.

Gaia's innovative payment model alleviates this burden. Instead of facing hefty upfront costs, couples pay less to start IVF treatment and only pay for a successful outcome. "If they don't have a child, they don't pay for their treatment," he says. Gaia's approach eliminates the financial stress and uncertainty, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters—their journey to parenthood.

Changing the Game, One Baby at a Time

In just five years, Gaia has already had a profound impact. From helping the first family welcome their son, Eddie, to now celebrating over 100 Gaia babies born, the company is making waves in the fertility space. "Our members are having a baby every six days," AlSalim shares proudly. What started as a deeply personal mission has grown into a global movement, with Gaia now operating in both the UK and the US, supported by a dedicated team of 38 employees.

Gaia's growth is a testament to its mission and its innovative model. With over $20 million in equity funding from investors who share the company's vision, Gaia is well-positioned to continue making fertility treatment accessible for all. AlSalim's journey is far from over, but his impact is already undeniable.

For entrepreneurs reading this, the story of Gaia is a reminder that inspiration doesn't always come from a polished business plan or a tech breakthrough. Sometimes, it comes from deeply personal experiences and the desire to solve real-world problems. "Don't be deterred if your big idea hasn't come to you straight out of school or university," AlSalim advises. "Sometimes, the most impactful ideas come from life experience."

The Entrepreneurial Takeaway

Entrepreneurs often feel the pressure to conform to certain myths—the need for a co-founder, the idea that success must follow conventional paths, or the belief that the right idea will strike at a specific time in life. Gaia's story proves otherwise. It's about trusting your journey, surrounding yourself with the right team, and staying laser-focused on your mission.

Whether you're in the throes of startup life or still searching for your breakthrough idea, remember this: some of the best companies are built not by following the well-trodden path, but by redefining it entirely. As AlSalim puts it, "This is just the beginning of our journey, so watch this space!"