After experiencing the complicated and fragmented process of dealing with a recently passed friend’s estate, Gary Stewart knew there must be a better way to handle end-of-life planning.

Together with his son, Fraser, he began thinking about the challenges people face in a world where digital technology has made information more fragmented than ever and no one really wants to talk about death.

With Lyfeguard, the father-son team created a platform that offers a simple, compassionate and secure life management, allowing its users to plan throughout life and prepare properly for the difficulties of bereavement.

What advice would you give to businesses that want to make a positive impact?

Firstly, identify a real problem that resonates deeply with you. For us, it was the fragmented nature of our digital lives and the lack of preparedness for the unexpected. As you grow, stay true to that core mission and let it guide your decisions and inspire your team.

Don’t try to build the perfect product from day one. Focus on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) that addresses the core need and get it into the hands of users quickly. Gather feedback, iterate, and constantly refine your offering based on real-world usage.

What does Lyfeguard have planned in for the future?

“While our initial focus is on the UK market, we have ambitious plans to expand internationally, particularly in countries with similar legal structures. We believe Lyfeguard can address a universal need for better life management and legacy planning, regardless of geographic boundaries.

“But beyond expanding our reach and partnerships, we’re driven by a deeper purpose. We want to be a platform that raises awareness about the importance of planning for the future, improves financial literacy, and supports vulnerable populations.”