PLANIT: A Conversation with Katie Brett, Founder

Katie, the dynamic founder of PLANIT, has taken her passion for sustainability and turned it into a mission to empower travellers to explore the world responsibly. With her background as a financial analyst and her love for adventure, she combines practicality and creativity in this innovative platform. PLANIT is designed to help individuals make eco-conscious travel decisions while staying within their budgets, proving that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand.

In this heartfelt conversation, Katie opens up about her journey, the highs and lows of starting a business while working full-time, and her unwavering belief in her vision. 

FC: Could you summarise your professional background?  

Katie: "Absolutely! My professional background is primarily in finance—I’ve been working in the visual effects industry for years, which I’ve really enjoyed. Numbers and data are my bread and butter, and I love the satisfaction of making sense of complex information. However, my real passion lies in travel. I’ve always been drawn to exploring new places and cultures, but as I travelled more, I couldn’t ignore the environmental impact.

That’s what led me to combine my professional skills with my personal passion to create PLANIT.  It’s all about providing people with the tools and knowledge to plan trips that are kind to the planet. It’s still early days, but I’m incredibly excited about where this journey is headed."

FC: What inspired you to create PLANIT?  

Katie: "The idea came to me during a trip to Patagonia. It was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been, but as I soaked in the beauty, I couldn’t help but think about how fragile it all is. I spent so much time researching eco-friendly ways to travel, like figuring out alternative transportation options to flying, but it was a hassle. I remember thinking, ‘Why isn’t there a simple way to do this?’ That’s when the concept for PLANIT began forming in my mind. I wanted to create something that would not only make sustainable travel easier but also inspire people to care about the impact of their choices. For me, it’s about showing that you can enjoy travel and adventure while still being mindful of the planet."

FC: What challenges have you faced as a founder?  

Katie: "Oh, there have been quite a few!  Starting the business itself was a big one, it’s no small feat to take an idea and turn it into something real. I’m incredibly grateful to Rob McEwan (GUTS Ventures), who helped me bring PLANIT to life. Balancing PLANIT with my full-time job has also been a major challenge. I commute into the office three times a week, and my days are a constant juggling act.

I wake up early to work on PLANIT, use my train journey to dive into more tasks, and then fit in whatever I can throughout the day. Marketing has been another hurdle—getting the word out and encouraging people to use PLANIT is no easy task.

Thankfully, my co-founder, who leads our marketing efforts, has been a lifesaver. And, of course, there’s the internal challenge of self-doubt. You constantly question if what you’re building is good enough or if people will care. But I remind myself that if I believe in it, others will too."

FC: Have you faced any difficulties with fundraising?  

Katie: "Fundraising is such an interesting process. I was fortunate to raise initial funding from my family, who have been incredibly supportive. They didn’t just hand me the money—I had to pitch to them like I would to any investor, which was nerve-wracking! My brother, in particular, asked some really tough questions, but it was such a valuable experience. It helped me prepare for the challenges of pitching to outside investors in the future.

Right now, I’m focusing on building our user base and refining the product before seeking additional funding. I’m also exploring options like government grants, but I know that raising money will be a journey in itself."

FC: What are the upsides of being a founder?  

Katie: "Honestly, it’s the sense of purpose and the belief that I’m doing something meaningful. Climbing the ladder to become Global Head of Production Finance has been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. But PLANIT speaks to a deeper part of me, my passion for sustainability and the values I hold around protecting our planet. Knowing that I’m building something that could help people travel more consciously while making a positive environmental impact is incredibly fulfilling.

There’s also something magical about seeing your idea come to life and knowing it all started with a simple thought. PLANIT allows me to align my professional skills with my personal values, and that has made all the difference."

FC: What advice would you give to aspiring female founders?  

Katie: "I would say, first and foremost, believe in yourself and your vision. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, that will shine through. The journey isn’t easy—you’ll face setbacks, self-doubt, and moments where you wonder if it’s all worth it. But you have to keep pushing forward.

Surround yourself with people who support you, whether it’s friends, family, or a community like FounderCatalyst. And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Burnout is real, and stepping away for a walk or a bit of exercise can work wonders for your clarity and mental health. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart."

FC: Any exciting developments on the horizon for PLANIT?  

Katie: "Yes, we’re working on some really exciting partnerships! Our first initiative channels a portion of every booking made through PLANIT to a biodiversity project in the Indus region. This project supports local communities, restores mangroves, and helps protect endangered species. It’s just the beginning of what we want to achieve. I’d love to collaborate with travel companies, governments, and organisations that share our vision for sustainable travel. It’s a long road ahead, but I’m optimistic about the impact we can make."

Katie’s enthusiasm and determination shine through in every aspect of her work. Her story is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose. If her journey inspires you, consider exploring PLANIT and joining the movement for a more sustainable way to travel.  

Thanks to Katie Brett for contributing to Female Founders Friday and we'll be on hand to guide her if needs be throughout her fundraising process.

The PLANIT LinkedIn page is here if you'd like to learn more about it.

Click this link to let us guide you on your fundraising journey.

Author: Gideon Stott, Digital Marketing Executive at FounderCatalyst