From Saving Lives to Storytime: How Kitt Medical and Do Re Mi Books Are Redefining Purpose-Driven Business
With guests, Zak Marks and Sam Voulters
In this episode of Not Just a Number, SRLV Partner Adam Stanley is in conversation with Zak Marks, co-founder of Kitt Medical, and Sam Voulters, co-founder of Do Re Mi Books.
Two inspiring founders leading very different – yet equally mission-driven – ventures.
Kitt Medical’s anaphylaxis kits have already saved 19 lives across the UK – from schools to stadiums – while Do Re Mi Books is reimagining children’s publishing with beautifully illustrated stories inspired by Japanese and Korean art.
Both founders share their journeys from idea to impact – from early prototypes and investor pitches to hiring their first teams, navigating funding rounds, and building businesses rooted in purpose, innovation, and community good.
Discover what it takes to scale a purpose-led venture, the lessons learned along the way, and why brand storytelling, collaboration, and resilience are at the heart of every successful business.
What You’ll Hear:
- How Kitt Medical turned a student project into a nationwide lifesaving service
- The creative process behind Do Re Mi’s beautifully illustrated children’s books
- Funding strategies for early-stage startups and what to avoid
- How professional services like SRLV support entrepreneurs through financial structuring and growth planning
- Why brand storytelling and purpose are crucial for long-term success
- Lessons on leadership, scaling teams, and maintaining company culture through growth
Key Moments:
0:00 – Welcome to Not Just a Number: Entrepreneurs, Creativity & Impact
01:00 – Real stories of founders turning bold ideas into sustainable businesses – featuring Sam Voulters (Do Re Mi Books) and Zak Marks (Kitt Medical)
01:54 – From Penguin to Purpose: Sam Voulters’ Publishing Journey 05:46 – Zak Marks’ University Idea That Became Kitt Medical
09:21 – Taking the Leap: From Concept to Real Company
10:21 – Validating the Vision: Investor & Industry Feedback
12:27 – Building Early Momentum & Raising Seed Funding
15:54 – Startup Funding, Cashflow & Financial Strategy
17:51 – Mental Resilience, Risk & Sacrifice in Startup Life
21:34 – Scaling Teams & Culture: Keeping the Startup Spirit Alive
32:12 – Funding Options: Choosing the Right Investors
40:15 – Industry Challenges: The Future of Books & Healthcare Innovation
46:14 – Proud Moments & Hard Lessons: Founders Reflect
52:02 – Advice for New Founders: Storytelling & Action Over Perfection
58:59 – Purpose Over Profits
Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode.
About the podcast
Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families.
Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, leadership, top tips and trends – from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are shaping global industries and friends of our business. As with everyone we work with, they are really not “just a number”.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP’s own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.
Perfection is the enemy of good… you can spend ages trying to perfect something, but actually, as a founder, you've just got to keep progressing."
Sam Voulters | Co-Founder of Do Re Mi Books
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