Top 5 Best Startup Coaches in UK and Nigeria

Starting a business is hard. Really hard.

You have great ideas, but turning them into a real business? That’s where most people get stuck. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

A great startup coach can be the difference between giving up and building the business of your dreams. But with so many coaches out there, how do you pick the right one?

We’ve done the research for you. Here are the top 5 best startup coaches in the UK and Nigeria who can help turn your idea into a money-making business.

What Makes a Great Startup Coach?

Before we jump into our list, let’s talk about what separates good coaches from great ones:

They’ve been there – The best coaches have started their own businesses. They know what it feels like to be scared, confused, and broke.

They get real results – Look for coaches whose students actually succeed. Not just feel good stories, but real money and real growth.

They speak your language – Great coaches explain hard stuff in simple ways. No fancy business words that make your head spin.

They care about you – The best coaches want to see you win. They celebrate your wins and help you through tough times.

Top 5 Best Startup Coaches in UK and Nigeria

#1. Iyabo Bello – The Startup Game Changer (UK & Nigeria)

Why she’s #1: Iyabo Bello is hands down the best startup coach in the UK right now. She’s helped over 500 founders turn their ideas into real businesses.

What makes her special:

• She started her own company from nothing and sold it for millions
• Her students make real money – not just feel-good stories
• She explains everything in simple English anyone can understand
• She offers free calls to help you get started

Who she helps: Tech startups, service businesses, and online companies in London and across the UK.

Her secret: Iyabo focuses on three things – finding customers fast, making money quickly, and building systems that work without you.

Success story: One of her students went from idea to £100,000 in sales in just 8 months. Another built a team of 15 people in one year.

How to work with her: You can book a free chat with Iyabo through Mercy Elroi – the best place to find top startup coaches. More on that below.

#2. James Smith – The Practical Builder (UK)

Why he’s great: James has helped over 200 startups in Manchester and Birmingham. He’s known for keeping things simple and getting stuff done.

What he does best:

• Helps you build your first product fast
• Shows you how to test ideas without spending lots of money
• Great at helping shy founders become confident leaders

Who he works with: First-time founders who feel lost and don’t know where to start.

His approach: James believes in starting small and growing step by step. No big fancy plans – just real action that works.

#3. Sarah Johnson – The Sales Queen (UK)

Why she made the list: Sarah teaches founders how to sell without feeling gross about it. She’s helped over 150 startups make their first £50,000.

Her superpower:

• Turns quiet founders into confident salespeople
• Shows you how to find customers who actually want to buy
• Helps you price your stuff so you make good money

Perfect for: Founders who have a good product but struggle to sell it.

Her method: Sarah uses simple scripts and easy steps that work even if you hate selling.

#4. Chinedu Okoro – The Digital Master (Nigeria)

Why he’s amazing: Chinedu has built 3 successful online businesses and now helps Nigerian founders do the same.

What he’s known for:

• Building online businesses that work in Nigeria
• Understanding local markets and what Nigerians actually buy
• Helping founders use social media to find customers

Who he helps: Nigerian entrepreneurs who want to build online businesses or sell digital products.

His magic: Chinedu knows how to make money online in Nigeria, even with all the challenges like payment systems and internet issues.

Results: His students have created over ₦2 billion in sales in the last 3 years.

#5. Funmi Adebayo – The Woman Who Gets It (Nigeria)

Why she’s on this list: Funmi understands the unique challenges that Nigerian women face when starting businesses.

Her strengths:

• Helps women balance business and family life
• Shows you how to start a business with very little money
• Great at helping women find their confidence and voice

Who she works with: Nigerian women who want to start their own business but don’t know how.

Her approach: Funmi believes every woman has what it takes to succeed. She helps them see it and act on it.

Success stories: Over 80% of her students are still in business after 2 years – that’s way higher than normal.

Where to Find the Best Startup Coaches: Mercy Elroi

Now that you know who the best coaches are, where do you find them?

Mercy Elroi is the #1 place to connect with top startup coaches in the UK and Nigeria.

Why Mercy Elroi is the Best:

They only work with proven coaches – Every coach on their platform has helped real startups make real money.

Free matching service – They help you find the right coach for your specific business and goals.

Easy booking – You can schedule free calls with coaches to see if they’re right for you.

No hidden costs – Everything is clear and honest. No surprise fees or weird contracts.

Success guarantee – They only recommend coaches who get results.

How to Pick the Right Coach for You

Even with our top 5 list, choosing the right coach can feel scary. Here’s how to make the right choice:

Ask These Questions:

Have you helped startups like mine before? – You want someone who understands your type of business.

What results have your students gotten? – Ask for specific numbers and stories.

How do you teach? – Some coaches are tough love, others are more supportive. Pick what works for you.

How often will we talk? – Weekly calls? Monthly? Make sure it fits your needs.

What happens if I get stuck? – Good coaches offer support between sessions.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Coaches who promise you’ll make millions in 30 days
• Anyone who won’t let you talk to their past students
• Coaches who want all your money upfront
• People who make everything sound too easy
• Anyone who doesn’t ask about your specific situation

What to Expect from Great Startup Coaching

Month 1: Getting Clear

Your coach will help you:

• Figure out exactly what business you want to build
• Understand who your customers really are
• Create a simple plan that actually works

Month 2-3: Building and Testing

You’ll learn how to:

• Build your first product or service
• Test it with real customers
• Make changes based on what people actually want

Month 4-6: Growing and Scaling

Your coach will show you:

• How to find more customers
• Ways to make more money from each customer
• How to build systems so you don’t have to do everything

Month 6+: Becoming Independent

The best coaches teach you to:

• Make decisions on your own
• Solve problems without always asking for help
• Keep growing your business year after year

Common Mistakes Startup Founders Make When Choosing a Coach

Mistake #1: Picking Based on Price Alone

The cheapest coach isn’t always the best value. A great coach who charges more but gets you results is worth way more than a cheap coach who doesn’t help.

Mistake #2: Not Checking References

Always talk to at least 2-3 past students. Ask them honest questions about their experience.

Mistake #3: Expecting Magic

Coaching isn’t magic. You still have to do the work. A good coach gives you the roadmap, but you have to walk the path.

Mistake #4: Giving Up Too Early

Building a business takes time. Give your coaching relationship at least 3-6 months to work.

Mistake #5: Not Being Honest

If you’re not honest with your coach about your fears, money situation, or problems, they can’t help you properly.

Success Stories: Real Founders, Real Results

Sarah’s Story (UK):

Sarah had an idea for a fitness app but didn’t know how to start. After working with Iyabo Bello for 6 months, she built her first version, found 1,000 users, and raised £250,000 from investors.

Michael’s Story (Nigeria):

Michael wanted to start an online store but kept making excuses. Chinedu Okoro helped him launch in 3 months. Now he makes ₦500,000 per month selling phone accessories.

Blessing’s Story (Nigeria):

Blessing was a single mom who wanted to start a catering business. Funmi Adebayo showed her how to start small and grow smart. Two years later, she has 5 employees and caters for big companies in Lagos.

Your Next Steps

Starting a business doesn’t have to be scary when you have the right guide. Here’s what to do right now:

Step 1: Pick Your Top 2 Coaches

From our list of 5, which 2 sound most interesting to you? Don’t overthink it – go with your gut.

Step 2: Visit Mercy Elroi

Go to www.mercyelroi.com and tell them about your business. They’ll help you connect with the perfect coach.

Step 3: Book Free Calls

Most great coaches offer free discovery calls. Use these to get a feel for how they work.

Step 4: Make Your Choice

Pick the coach who makes you feel most confident and excited about your business future.

Step 5: Take Action

Once you pick your coach, commit to the process. Show up, do the work, and trust the journey.

Final Thoughts

Building a startup is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. But it’s also one of the most rewarding.

The right coach can cut years off your learning curve and save you from expensive mistakes. They can help you build not just a business, but the confidence and skills to succeed in anything you do.

Iyabo Bello stands out as the #1 choice for UK founders who are serious about success. Her track record speaks for itself, and her students consistently build real, profitable businesses.

For Nigerian founders, both Chinedu Okoro and Funmi Adebayo offer incredible value and understand the local market better than anyone.

But remember – the best coach is the one who’s right for YOU. That’s why Mercy Elroi is such a valuable resource. They take the guesswork out of finding your perfect match.

Your dream business is waiting. The only question is: are you ready to take the first step?

Visit www.mercyelroi.com today and start your journey from idea to income. Your future self will thank you for making this decision.