L MONOCLE
World at your feet
Whether they’re grand business behemoths or single-person start-ups, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to entrepreneurs. We’ve traversed the globe and searched across industries to bring you the stories of where, how and why people have decided to go it alone.Born to do it
From a blue-sky thinker to a master fashion brand builder, we meet the founders, owners and CEOs who have navigated the rocky road to success and are only too happy to share directions.Rip up the business plan
The start-up landscape is always shifting and the latest crop of business owners will surprise you. We meet the people who are changing the game and look at the countries, age groups and sectors reshaping business.Friends in the north
You don’t need a city to start a business. A new generation of greenfield entrepreneurs are planting the seeds of clever companies in the likes of the East Neuk of Fife.This is what success looks like
Will quitting the nine-to-five to be your own boss mean never having to work into the weekend again? Or will it mean never getting home before midnight? We caught up with eight successful entrepreneurs on a Friday evening to find out whether their end-of-day agendas involve cocktails or spreadsheets.20 ideas to steal
Where are the new fronts for investment? Is it possible to park your money somewhere that does a bit of good in the world and makes a tidy profit? We’ve done the legwork for you and spoken to 20 business leaders and entrepreneurs around the world to find out where they would invest next. From airport food to art, they’ve got plenty of ideas for your portfolio.They found a gap
Have you ever come across a product and said to yourself, ‘I wish I’d thought of that’? We all have but successful businesses aren’t always the result of a groundbreaking idea or revolutionary technology. The key is knowing your market and finding a solution to a problem within it. We get some pointers from people who have done just that, from a cyclist offering the chance to ride like a pro to the creators of a debit card that miaowsBack to school
From a baking school helping to cook up a business plan to an arts retreat that will get those creative juices flowing, we pull up a chair at some of the best courses on offer.The name game
Hit upon that golden idea for a business? Great. Now what is it going to be called? From getting it right to getting it very wrong (Thai Tanic), the name you choose for your company goes a long way towards defining its success.Smarter art
The image of the starving artist, or the musician with nothing to show for their efforts other than a million YouTube fans and an overdraft, is well established. But, as these entrepreneurs show, there are ways to make creativity pay – without having to sell out.Follow the leaders
There’s truth to the adage that too much advice can be a dangerous thing, which is why we’ve decided to focus on words of wisdom from six people who know what they’re talking about. So before you go it alone, enjoy some esteemed company.20 books in 20 words
It’s a crowded – and potentially profitable – space but do such tomes really teach us anything that we don’t already know? We take a look at 20 books (some old, some new; some serious, some less so) and summarise them in exactly 20 words.Meal deals
From a rooftop barbecue in Vienna to breaking bread with the neighbours in the Copenhagen district you designed, eating at work doesn’t have to mean a sad sandwich served in the glare of a screen. We meet seven companies– big and small – to find out why sharing a meal can profit everyone.Get a move on
From a cosy town in eastern France to easygoing Hiroshima, we’ve visited three compact cities with nature on their doorsteps that offer big business potential and quality of life.
Hot desking
Furniture isn’t just about how your office looks – it’s also about how it feels. Choosing warm materials, striking pieces and plush upholstery will show the world that you mean business.Scaling up
The actual space in which you work plays a key part in any company’s story; find somewhere that reflects your values, get the details right and think of the future. Here’s our rulebook.
The New York Wardrobe
The rise of trainers and hoodies as acceptable clothing for the workplace, in the West at least, has seen sales of suits and ties decline. But is the blurring of workwear and casual wear necessarily a good thing?Follow suit
In many offices dress codes have become relaxed. But whether they’re sporting casual kit or are suited up, guys still want to look sharp for their jobs. These brands are doing fine business by catering to working men.Revel in the details
Don't dress for the job you have; dress for the job you want. So the old adage goes. But don't forget the finishing touchers; when it comes to looking the part, the little things make a big difference.
Monocle is launching a brand new annual, The Entrepreneurs. It's packed with fresh takes on finding funding, establishing a niche, starting out and moving on. Under the covers we meet industry leaders, visit the alternative business schools and scour the cities that we think you should move to. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, tips on kitting out your office, advice on scaling up a business or the impetus to start over, this is the magazine for you.
The Entrepreneurs
issue 01, 2019
At the front
Business
World at your feet
Whether they’re grand business behemoths or single-person start-ups, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to entrepreneurs. We’ve traversed the globe and searched across industries to bring you the stories of where, how and why people have decided to go it alone.Born to do it
From a blue-sky thinker to a master fashion brand builder, we meet the founders, owners and CEOs who have navigated the rocky road to success and are only too happy to share directions.Rip up the business plan
The start-up landscape is always shifting and the latest crop of business owners will surprise you. We meet the people who are changing the game and look at the countries, age groups and sectors reshaping business.Friends in the north
You don’t need a city to start a business. A new generation of greenfield entrepreneurs are planting the seeds of clever companies in the likes of the East Neuk of Fife.This is what success looks like
Will quitting the nine-to-five to be your own boss mean never having to work into the weekend again? Or will it mean never getting home before midnight? We caught up with eight successful entrepreneurs on a Friday evening to find out whether their end-of-day agendas involve cocktails or spreadsheets.20 ideas to steal
Where are the new fronts for investment? Is it possible to park your money somewhere that does a bit of good in the world and makes a tidy profit? We’ve done the legwork for you and spoken to 20 business leaders and entrepreneurs around the world to find out where they would invest next. From airport food to art, they’ve got plenty of ideas for your portfolio.They found a gap
Have you ever come across a product and said to yourself, ‘I wish I’d thought of that’? We all have but successful businesses aren’t always the result of a groundbreaking idea or revolutionary technology. The key is knowing your market and finding a solution to a problem within it. We get some pointers from people who have done just that, from a cyclist offering the chance to ride like a pro to the creators of a debit card that miaowsBack to school
From a baking school helping to cook up a business plan to an arts retreat that will get those creative juices flowing, we pull up a chair at some of the best courses on offer.The name game
Hit upon that golden idea for a business? Great. Now what is it going to be called? From getting it right to getting it very wrong (Thai Tanic), the name you choose for your company goes a long way towards defining its success.Smarter art
The image of the starving artist, or the musician with nothing to show for their efforts other than a million YouTube fans and an overdraft, is well established. But, as these entrepreneurs show, there are ways to make creativity pay – without having to sell out.Follow the leaders
There’s truth to the adage that too much advice can be a dangerous thing, which is why we’ve decided to focus on words of wisdom from six people who know what they’re talking about. So before you go it alone, enjoy some esteemed company.20 books in 20 words
It’s a crowded – and potentially profitable – space but do such tomes really teach us anything that we don’t already know? We take a look at 20 books (some old, some new; some serious, some less so) and summarise them in exactly 20 words.Meal deals
From a rooftop barbecue in Vienna to breaking bread with the neighbours in the Copenhagen district you designed, eating at work doesn’t have to mean a sad sandwich served in the glare of a screen. We meet seven companies– big and small – to find out why sharing a meal can profit everyone.Get a move on
From a cosy town in eastern France to easygoing Hiroshima, we’ve visited three compact cities with nature on their doorsteps that offer big business potential and quality of life.
Design
Hot desking
Furniture isn’t just about how your office looks – it’s also about how it feels. Choosing warm materials, striking pieces and plush upholstery will show the world that you mean business.Scaling up
The actual space in which you work plays a key part in any company’s story; find somewhere that reflects your values, get the details right and think of the future. Here’s our rulebook.
Fashion
The New York Wardrobe
The rise of trainers and hoodies as acceptable clothing for the workplace, in the West at least, has seen sales of suits and ties decline. But is the blurring of workwear and casual wear necessarily a good thing?Follow suit
In many offices dress codes have become relaxed. But whether they’re sporting casual kit or are suited up, guys still want to look sharp for their jobs. These brands are doing fine business by catering to working men.Revel in the details
Don't dress for the job you have; dress for the job you want. So the old adage goes. But don't forget the finishing touchers; when it comes to looking the part, the little things make a big difference.
Other
