“ASCEND was interactive, insightful, and full of wisdom from people who have been in business for decades"
How Specscart Was Founded
When Sid Sethi launched Specscart in 2017, it wasn’t just about selling glasses, it was about fixing a frustrating experience. Glasses were too expensive, the buying process was rigid and outdated, and delivery times were far too slow. Sid saw an opportunity to shake things up, creating a brand that made eyewear more affordable, accessible, and more exciting.
Sid wanted to create an eyewear experience that was relaxed and engaging, where customers could browse freely without needing assistance, whether that be in-store or through home trials. He envisioned Specscart as a place where getting new glasses was effortless and enjoyable, rather than just another errand. The Specscart stores reflect that vision, featuring bright, open spaces, fun displays, and even giant installations, which invites customers into an atmosphere that feels modern, vibrant, and welcoming.
But Sid didn’t just focus on the experience, he wanted to improve the practical side too. Faster deliveries, more convenient shopping options, and an approachable, customer-first approach became the focus of the brand.
In the years that followed, Specscart grew rapidly, opening more stores, increasing revenue, and establishing a loyal customer base. But with all that growth came new challenges. Sid knew that to continue scaling effectively, he had to grow as a leader. This is what first led him to ASCEND, a programme designed to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
My goal was to solve problems for customers through innovation. The outcome of that was that customers became our flag carriers—they started promoting us, and we became a brand. That journey is reflected in our reviews on Trustpilot 4.8 (Excellent) and Google 4.9/5. We take immense pride in what we do, and it shows through our reviews.
Sid Sethi, Founder, Specscart
Finding Out About ASCEND
Sid first heard about ASCEND through a referral from The Growth Company and he was also later recommended by someone at KPMG. At first, he expected it to be another general business programme, but ASCEND quickly proved to be a programme that offered so much more.
What Sid took from the ASCEND Programme
Sid didn’t just stick to a single mentor, he immersed himself fully, learning from every expert available, some examples include:
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Financial Management – Ishan Dutta helped Sid to simplify finance, making growth smarter, not riskier.
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Scaling Strategy – Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL provided insights on international expansion and market entry strategies.
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Leadership & Delegation – Dr. Howard Simms encouraged Sid to step back, trust his team, and prevent burnout while leading at scale.
I didn’t just stick to my assigned mentor, I went to all of them, asked questions, learned different skills. Financial management, leadership, team structure—I took something away from everyone.
Sid Sethi
ASCEND also helped Sid establish a better work - life balance. Running a company 365 days a year is intense, and the programme encouraged a healthier, more sustainable mindset for long-term growth.
ASCEND wasn’t just about learning business strategy, it was about connection. Sid formed lasting friendships with fellow founders and remains close with mentors who continue to support his journey. His experience proves that entrepreneurs don’t just need tools to grow, they need mentorship, perspective, and a strong community behind them.
How ASCEND Influenced Specscart's Growth
After the ASCEND programme, Sid spent some time focusing on refining his management style and restructuring his business to improve efficiency and communication.
One of the key takeaways Sid took from the ASCEND programme was learning to simplify his financial processes, Sid learned to break down complex formulas into easy-to-understand numbers, a lesson he directly applied to his business after the programme. Sid learnt this in one of the workshops on the programme, where everyone was taught how to simplify financial calculations, and he then took that lesson straight into his business.
These changes weren’t directly caused by ASCEND, but the programme played a role in shaping Sid’s mindset, helping him approach growth with confidence, strategy, and support.
Sid noted "The programme doesn’t ask for anything in return—just our success. There’s nothing else like that in the business world."
We're going global now—Specscart is launching in the United States in the next quarter. Learning from mentors with international experience has been invaluable in preparing for this step.
Sid Sethi, reflecting on this exciting new chapter for the brand.
What's Next for Specscart
Expanding internationally isn’t just about ambition, it requires careful planning, expertise, and the right guidance. With support from experienced ASCEND mentors who have successfully grown businesses globally, Sid has gained the insights and confidence needed to take on this challenge. The programme has already unlocked valuable global opportunities, including a trip to the Web Summit in Lisbon, where Sid immersed himself in discussions about scaling internationally.
Now, armed with the right strategies, mentorship, and market understanding, Specscart is ready to redefine eyewear shopping on a global scale, bringing its affordable, stylish frames to an even wider audience.
ASCEND 2 is Here - Are You Ready to Scale?
Building on the incredible impact of ASCEND 1, our second cohort has launched in June 2025.
With hands-on workshops, exclusive networking events, and high-profile opportunities, including a retreat and Web Summit in Lisbon, ASCEND 2 will help scaling businesses to the next level.
Applications for this year’s cohort are now closed, but if you’re an established business ready to scale in the future, you can submit an Expression of Interest to join the waitlist for our next cohort.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
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