The Founder’s Defense Protocol

Operating Procedures for Systemic Barriers

The system is designed to filter you out. These are the specific protocols we use to force it to let you in.


01. The Investor "Risk" Pivot

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The Trap: Investors will rarely ask "Are you disabled?" directly. They will ask: "Do you have the stamina for a 5-year burn?" or "What happens if you're out of action for a month?"

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🛡️ The Refrain: Do not talk about your health. Talk about your Systems.

The Script:

"That’s exactly why I’m a lower risk than a standard founder. Most founders rely on personal stamina, which is a single point of failure. Because of my condition, I’ve had to build **systems-dependent operations** from Day 1. The business runs on documentation and automation, not just my adrenaline. I don't have 'stamina'; I have architecture."


02. The "Reasonable Adjustment" Power Move

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The Trap: You are invited to pitch or speak. The venue has stairs. The stage has no ramp. They apologise and offer to "lift you up."

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🛡️ The Protocol: Never ask for a favour. Notify them of a Compliance Requirement.

The Email:

"To ensure your event insurance remains valid under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 20), I require a step-free stage access route to be confirmed 48 hours prior to the event. Please confirm receipt of this compliance notice."

Why this works: You moved the conversation from "kindness" to "insurance liability." They will build a ramp by tomorrow morning.