Podcasts

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ricardo interviews Ediris Mohammed, the CEO and founder of Chainvest, a platform designed to connect startups with investors through AI matchmaking. Ediris shares his journey from being an investor frustrated with traditional markets to creating a solution that addresses the needs of both startups and investors. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing personal life with the demands of entrepreneurship, the importance of accelerator programs, and the emotional aspects of managing a startup. Ediris also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to remain open to feedback and the im…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Giulio Zecca shares his extensive experience in entrepreneurship and innovation across Europe and Africa. He discusses the cultural differences in business practices, the bureaucratic challenges faced by startups, and the impact of these factors on the entrepreneurial mindset. Giulio highlights the rising entrepreneurial spirit in Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya and Nigeria, and contrasts it with the more rigid and bureaucratic environments in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in driving progress and the potential for emerging markets to lead the way in entrepreneurship. In th…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Uche Aniche discusses his extensive involvement in Nigeria's startup ecosystem, including his roles in Startup South and Rebell Seed Capital. He provides insights into the evolution of Nigeria's startup landscape, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and the importance of government support and education in fostering innovation. Uche emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians and the need for a stronger local investment ecosystem to attract foreign funds. He also shares his optimism for the future of the Nigerian startup ecosystem, highlighting promising startups and the potential for growth in various sectors. Ch…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Tom Lorimer, founder of Passion Lab, shares his journey through various entrepreneurial ventures, culminating in his current focus on AI and machine learning solutions for businesses. He discusses the importance of resilience, flexibility, and customer-centricity in entrepreneurship, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Tom emphasizes the need for education and demystification of AI for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to successfully adopt these technologies. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship and community support in navigating the e…

In this episode, Daria Reutovich shares her journey from Belarus to the Netherlands, discussing her experiences in venture capital and the importance of mental health in the startup ecosystem. She highlights the cultural differences in work mentality, the challenges faced by founders, and the need for a supportive environment that prioritizes well-being alongside financial success. Daria emphasizes the significance of understanding motivations behind entrepreneurship and the ethical considerations in venture capital, particularly regarding the sources of funding. She also outlines her investment focus on mental health, education, and ethical AI, aiming to create a posit…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Gonzalo Martín Rocañin discusses the current state of the startup ecosystem in Spain, highlighting the challenges and cultural attitudes that impact entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of education in fostering innovation and the role of government and financial support in helping startups thrive. Gonzalo also explores regional differences in startup viability and the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the Spanish economy. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of entrepreneurship in Spain and the need for systemic change. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Innovation in Spain 02:58Challenges in the …

Summary In this insightful conversation with Pedro Bandeira from Core Angels, we explore key themes around decision-making, the use of humor in communication, the influence of context, and the power of perspective in conversations. The discussion highlights how these elements shape interactions and impact the decision-making process, offering valuable reflections on their importance in both personal and professional settings. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Angel Investing 02:48 – Profiles of Angel Investors 05:36 – The Role of Business Angels 08:37 – Criteria for Selecting Startups 11:17 – The Journey of Building Angel Networks 14:04 – Advice for Startups Seeking A…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Tyler Gordon shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur who moved from the US to Portugal. He discusses the cultural differences in work-life balance, the challenges of starting a business in a new country, and the innovative approach of his concierge medical practice, TejoMed. Tyler emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues and the benefits of personalized care. He also reflects on the entrepreneurial landscape in Portugal compared to the US, highlighting the need for a supportive community and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and taxation. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Tyler Gord…

Emilio Corchado, CEO and founder of StartupOle, shares his journey of building an international startup event and connecting ecosystems. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear roadmap, being original, and generating a great community. Emilio discusses the challenges of organizing events in a city like Salamanca and the impact of COVID-19. He also talks about the need for startups to have an AI element and the differences in risk profiles among investors in different ecosystems. Emilio shares his upcoming plans for StartupOle in Miami and Latin America. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:04Lessons Learned from Building StartupOle 07:23Expanding to Latin …

Join us as Gabija Adele, founder of Capital Boost, shares her journey from professional athlete to launching a successful sales agency. In this episode of Entrepreneur Insights, Gabija discusses overcoming corporate challenges and her drive to innovate. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals, maintaining discipline, and embracing challenges. Gabija also highlights the role of automation and AI in business, and why content creation is key for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience. She offers advice to female entrepreneurs on negotiating with confidence and asserts that starting early can lead to greater success. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:…

Samuel Pedro, founder of No Code District, shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights on starting and scaling businesses. He discusses the process of launching a business in Portugal versus the UK, the importance of clear business planning and market research, the benefits of bootstrapping, common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and the need to adapt and learn. Samuel also emphasizes the importance of mental health and shares tips for managing stress. He recommends reading technical books to learn and improve business skills. Samuel concludes by discussing the future of Web3 and the services offered by No Code District. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 08:23Co…

Luis Valente , CEO of ILOF, discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling personalized healthcare. ILOF is a deep tech health tech company that collects and processes large amounts of data to identify the right patients for clinical studies. The goal is to bring personalized medicine to the masses by selecting the most effective treatments for individual patients. Valente shares insights on starting a deep tech startup, the importance of creating goodwill, and the differences between the US and European markets. He also discusses the limitations of their solution and the future of personalized medicine. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 01:02Falling in Lo…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Anmol Goel, owner of Gax Limited, discusses his experience as a tech venture builder and his travels as a speaker at startup events. He shares insights on the differences between the Spanish and UK ecosystems, the key factors to consider when evaluating startups, and the current state of the investment market. Anmol also provides advice on adding value to clients and highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics and competition. The conversation covers topics such as investing in different countries, the role of syndicates in funding startups, offering value before asking for anything in return, and personal bra…

André Souza, the founder of tryp.com, shares his journey of starting and growing a travel startup. He discusses the challenges of building a platform that connects travelers with the best flight and train routes, and how they use algorithms to provide personalized recommendations. André also talks about the startup ecosystem in Denmark and the support they received from the Danish government. He emphasizes the importance of being stubborn and persistent as a founder, and the need to balance it with listening to feedback and making necessary adjustments. André shares his favorite trips and offers advice for travelers to pack light and be open to new experiences. Takeaway…

Dr. Jeff Standridge, an innovation consultant and executive coach, shares insights on entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, and the characteristics of top performers. He emphasizes the importance of failure as a learning opportunity and the need for mental toughness in navigating challenges. Jeff also discusses the potential for startups to thrive in unexpected places outside of traditional tech hubs and the role of government support in fostering innovation. He concludes by sharing his passion for flying and the benefits it brings to his work. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background of Dr. Jeff Standridge 02:15Assessing Startup Success and Cultural Differences in Busin…

Ross Kolodyazhnyi, an entrepreneur and founder in the FinTech and blockchain industry, discusses his experience in creating and growing companies in these fields. He emphasizes the importance of implementing new technologies in a way that brings value to users and improves their lives. Ross also shares his insights on the integration of Web3 and Web2 technologies in the finance industry, highlighting the need for traditional finance to embrace blockchain and cryptocurrency. He discusses the role of regulations in these industries and the importance of understanding the risks and value behind different assets. The conversation covers topics such as the hype around cryptocu…

Daniel Pidcock, a designer and UX researcher, shares his experiences with launching and running startups. He emphasizes the importance of being passionate about the subject matter and having a love for the product or service being created. He discusses the challenges of balancing product-focused decisions with financially sound decisions and the pressure from investors to prioritize profitability. Daniel also highlights the significance of transparency, honesty, and caring about the product and customers in building a successful business. He shares examples of companies that failed due to short-term vision and lack of focus on product quality. The conversation e…

Explore the journey of entrepreneurship with Simon Penson, a successful entrepreneur and investor. In this episode of Innovation Conversations, Penson shares insights from building and selling multiple businesses. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, determination, and a strong team. Penson discusses the role of AI in business and the key elements of a compelling pitch deck, advising founders to focus on the value they bring, problem-solving, team composition, and a clear vision for growth. Join us as Simon Penson offers practical advice and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, blending traditional wisdom with modern innovation to guide the next generation of…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Akil Benjamin discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the work he does to support small businesses. He shares how he started his design studio, Kamusi, and later transitioned to helping small businesses grow. Akil also talks about the creation of the Black Business Residency at Somerset House and the impact it has had on supporting entrepreneurs. He provides advice for young entrepreneurs, discusses the challenges of building the residency program, and shares his thoughts on raising money and the UK startup ecosystem. Takeaways Starting small and experimenting is key for entrepreneurs. Test out your ideas and propositi…

Jane Fisher is the founder of Imii an AI assistant for immigrants. She shares her journey as a first-time founder and the challenges she has faced. She discusses the importance of having a co-founder with complementary skills and values. Jane also talks about the concept of imposter syndrome and how she deals with it. She emphasizes the need for more funding for female entrepreneurs and the importance of building businesses with a genuine impact. Jane finds inspiration in the documentary 'Breakthrough' about the discovery of immune therapy in cancer You can sign up for Imii here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScldBYKBmHQgAnMB4rgFaKgmMikMDRe-EPZyg096dxDpHBpwQ/vi…

www.Odev.tech is a development firm that started 10 years ago to solve the problem of finding trustworthy development services. They have worked with startups and companies looking for senior development services. The team at Odevtech emphasizes the importance of budget management and advises startups to take care of their budget. They also highlight the need for a clear and concise pitch to convey the idea effectively. Building an MVP can be challenging due to scope creep and unrealistic expectations. When building a team, it is crucial to have senior developers who are committed and have the right skill sets. The team should also include a salesman and someone who …

Santiago Sanchez, co-founder of Scammy Company, discusses their unique clothing brand that incorporates customizable QR codes. The QR codes lead to a link tree where customers can add their own photos, social media profiles, and contact information. The company targets university students, particularly men, who may struggle with socializing. They have had success stories of people connecting and even dating through the QR codes on their clothes. The company is focused on improving their link tree functionality and the quality of their garments. They are considering expanding to markets like Miami in the United States. They also explore the idea of using their QR codes as …

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ricardo interviews Laura Iriarte, Head of PR and Communications at Zero 100 Conferences. They discuss the importance of ESG and impact investing in the venture capital industry. Laura shares her journey from working in sustainability to joining the investors world. They also explore the challenges of fundraising, the role of family offices, and the startup ecosystems in Europe and Latin America. The conversation covers topics related to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and impact investing. The guests discuss the importance of ESG reporting and the challenges companies face in gathering and delivering data. They a…

SummaryJulia and Brendan from MyCena discuss their innovative cybersecurity solution that eliminates the need for employees to create, type, remember, forget, or reset passwords. They explain the layered security system, the impact on IT help desk costs, and the relevance of MyCena to all sectors and enterprises. Keywordscybersecurity, password management, encrypted access, IT help desk, enterprise security, cybersecurity solution Takeaways MyCena's innovative cybersecurity solution eliminates the need for employees to create, type, remember, forget, or reset passwords.The impact on IT help desk costs can be significant, with potential savings of up to 50%.MyCena's soluti…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, James and Gajan from RCK.Partners discuss R&D tax incentives, eligibility, application process, success stories, and industry-specific considerations. They provide insights into the R&D tax scheme, its benefits, and the role of specialists in the process. The conversation covers success stories in software and gambling industries, as well as the eligibility of industries like food tech and restaurants for R&D claims. The conversation covers the eligibility criteria for R&D tax relief, the types of activities that qualify, limitations on what's considered science and technology, and the impact of government po…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, James and Gajan from RCK.Partners discuss R&D tax incentives, eligibility, application process, success stories, and industry-specific considerations. They provide insights into the R&D tax scheme, its benefits, and the role of specialists in the process. The conversation covers success stories in software and gambling industries, as well as the eligibility of industries like food tech and restaurants for R&D claims. The conversation covers the eligibility criteria for R&D tax relief, the types of activities that qualify, limitations on what's considered science and technology, and the impact of government po…

Chris Sayer shares his experience as a founder and investor, discussing his journey from startup to exit and offering insights into the key lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, surrounding yourself with talented individuals, and understanding the market opportunity. Chris also provides advice on finding the right talent and approaching investors. He highlights two of the companies he is currently involved with: HiBooks, an AI-enabled online accounting software, and Kapeta, a platform that leverages AI and automation to streamline software development. 00:00Introduction and Background 03:02From Investor to Founder: The S…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, we are thrilled to welcome Stefano Calvetti, a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in the military, intelligence, and IT fields. Stefano has successfully led and advised teams, projects, and organizations across various levels and regions, from tactical to strategic. With advanced skills and credentials in cybersecurity, intelligence, and coaching, Stefano is adept at helping leaders navigate the complex and dynamic challenges of the digital age. As a certified professional co-active coach and an International Coaching Federation member, he offers evidence-based and holistic coaching approaches that empower…

Tomas Blacjak from Leadspicker.com shares the journey of the company and the challenges they faced in transforming their business model. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's health and finding a balance amidst the stress of running a startup. He also highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive circle of people and the need to remove toxic individuals from the team. The future plans for Leadspicker.com r include scaling up their user base, expanding to the US market, and implementing AI agents for automated sales processes. Takeaways Take care of your health and find a balance to manage stress in the startup journey.Surround yours…