Atom Venture Podcasts

Dive into a fascinating journey of female entrepreneurship on the Atom CTO Podcast! We're hosting an inspiring conversation with Joanna Vargas, the dynamic force behind "The Get Up Girl" podcast. Vargas's career trajectory is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, fiery passion, and grit. Clearing her path outside the conventional structures of a 9-to-5 career, Joanna Vargas's chronicle kicks off quite intriguingly. From her early years running a lemonade stand to venturing into dance and fitness studios, Vargas's innovative and strategic decision-making have helped her pioneer her way in various industries. Besides discussing her successful transition into entrepreneurship, the episode takes a deep dive into the realistic aspects of the entrepreneurial life and the ability to adapt to business transitions.

Dominic Courage shares gripping insights from managing global humanitarian crises at Save the Children. From coordinating refugee responses to training crisis leaders, this episode reveals practical leadership lessons born from high-stakes situations. Discover how empathy, systematic thinking, and strategic frameworks can transform chaos into effective action. Perfect for leaders seeking proven crisis management strategies from someone operating at the sharp end of global emergencies.

Act small - think Big! The Dominic Courage Trailer by Business Podcasts by Atom CTO

In this episode of the Atom CTO podcast, Bhairav Patel sits down with seasoned tech executive Mark Zurich to delve deep into the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from a technical perspective. The conversation addresses both the seller's and buyer's mindsets, with an emphasis on preparing for M&A activities, understanding tech due diligence processes, and managing cultural integration post-acquisition. Guest Bio: With over 35 years in the tech industry, Mark has held senior positions at industry giants and boasts a robust portfolio of M&A experiences. His expertise spans across roles at General Electric, Nokia, and BlackBerry, among others, aligning technology strategies with business objectives.

In this engaging episode of the Atom CTO podcast, host Bhairav Patel welcomes Phin Mpofu, a dynamic serial entrepreneur and founder of Ugenie. Bhairav and Phin explore the journey from idea to implementation in the start-up ecosystem, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities in the tech and AI industries. Phin shares his insights on building an AI-first business, the evolution of entrepreneurship, and the experiences of being a Black founder. Guest Bio: Phin Mpofu is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Eugenie, an AI-powered platform in the social commerce space. With a background in the start-up community and a passion for technology and community building, Phin is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech industry

Trailer to the main event where we ask this week's guest 5 questions Phin Mpofu is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Eugenie, an AI-powered platform in the social commerce space. With a background in the start-up community and a passion for technology and community building, Phin is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech industry

In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about leadership and management, the qualities to look out for and what it takes to excel as a leader and a manager. In this podcast you'll learn: - Difference between leadership and management - Can everyone be a leader? - What makes a great manager? - Roles and responsibilities for being a better leader and a manager - How important is influence for leadership? - Who is considered to be a great leader?

In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk all things "pitch deck" Both Alan and Bhairav outline the slides described by Guy Kawasaki in his post, "The only 10 slides you need in your pitch" and add their own experience and flavour to that methodology https://guykawasaki.com/the-only-10-slides-you-need-in-your-pitch/ In this podcast you'll learn: The key slides you need in your pitch deck Why they are important What content you need to put into each slide What turns off investors

In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, hosts Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke dive deep into the reasons why projects often fail and share valuable insights on how to avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from their extensive experience in the business and technology worlds, they highlight the importance of the "CPOP" principles - Communication, People, Oversight, and Planning - in ensuring project success. Key topics covered in this episode include: 1. The critical role of thorough planning and requirements gathering at the outset of a project 2. The importance of maintaining open, honest communication between all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle 3. The impact of having the right people involved who are invested in the project's success and empowered to make decisions 4. The need for regular oversight to track progress against milestones and course-correct as necessary 5. How the "CPOP" principles should be applied at every stage of a project, not just at the beginning Bhairav and Alan share real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate these points, making the lessons both relatable and actionable for entrepreneurs and project managers alike. They also touch on the dangers of letting ego-driven agendas derail projects and emphasize the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable wisdom on navigating the challenges of bringing a project to fruition. Tune in for some hard-won insights and practical tips on keeping your next project on track and avoiding the common reasons why projects fail. Follow the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast for more no-nonsense advice and real talk on building and growing a successful business.

In this Real World Entrepreneurship podcast we talk with Lauren Young, the Burnout Therapist: https://www.theburnouttherapist.co.uk/ We explore the signs and symptoms of burnout that entrepreneurs frequently face, from chronic exhaustion and sleep disturbances to increased physical ailments and emotional drain, understanding these symptoms is crucial. In this episode, we help the listener distinguish between ordinary stress and the prolonged state of burnout, highlighting practical measures to prevent the escalation of stress into a more severe condition. Learn how to manage your mental health proactively in the demanding world of entrepreneurship.

As we're in the middle of putting together the next season of the Atom CTO podcast, we thought we'd introduce the Real World Entrepreneurship podcast which is hosted by Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke, from the Business Growth Partnership For the next few weeks we will be showcasing various episodes that will resonate with you, our audience

In this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, we talk with Aviv Ben-Yosef, tech consultant and CTO coach: https://avivbenyosef.com/ We delve into the persistent disconnect between tech teams and business units—a challenge that plagues both start-ups and larger enterprises. Along with Aviv we explore common issues such as the misalignment of goals and stakeholder perception. We also discuss practical methodologies for fostering a collaborative culture, including implementing joint KPIs and promoting continuous improvement. Tune in to learn how you can turn your tech department from a cost center into an innovation hub driving business growth.

This is the trailer to the main event we are asking Aviv Ben-Yosef 5 questions...

In this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of building a Rapid Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with insights from Verticode's ground-breaking approach. Rapid MVP delivery has revolutionized the start-up landscape by enabling founders to receive a functional prototype within two to three weeks. This agile methodology provides a swift feedback loop, allowing start-ups to iterate and refine their offerings with real user insights. Our guest, who has spearheaded the launch of over 50 tech start-ups in just two years, shares valuable experiences on managing expectations, maintaining transparency, and applying structured sprints to achieve rapid yet reliable MVP development. To learn more about Verticode, visit their website: https://www.verticode.co.uk/

In our usual trailer to the main event, we ask Tom Green from Verticode 5 Questions....

Join us on this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast as we examine the significance of well-drafted contracts in software development projects for startups. Our speakers Bhairav Patel and Rustam Roy illustrate how comprehensive contracts ensure mutual understanding and alignment of expectations between startups and software vendors. Key topics include the ownership of code, the implications of verbal agreements under English law, and the benefits of leveraging free knowledge resources. This episode provides valuable insights for founders looking to navigate the complexities of software vendor collaborations effectively To learn more contact Atom CTO at hello@atomcto.com or Rustam Roy at Legalistic: https://www.legalistic.co.uk/

This weeks podcast guest is Rustam Roy from Legalistic: https://www.legalistic.co.uk/

This week's trailer is with Diana Mateir, Product Consultant and founder of DM the PM: https://dmthepm.com/

In this enlightening episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, we welcome Diana Matei, an accomplished product consultant with over a decade of experience spanning diverse industries such as travel, retail, e-commerce, and fintech. Together, they delve into the critical aspects of product management and idea validation. From discussing the essence of methodical product management to dissecting the importance of rigorous idea validation processes, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone aiming to navigate the complex landscape of creating successful, user-centric products. To learn more about Diana's work visit her website: https://dmthepm.com/ or follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-eugenia-matei/

This week's guest is Mark Bentley: https://markbentley.com.au/ Today's conversation orbits around the intriguing journey of self-awareness and how to reclaim your own authority. You'll get a comprehensive understanding of self-awareness as the backbone of personal development and mental well-being. We'll explore how this inward-looking process helps cultivate better decision-making processes and thereby reclaim one's own authority.

This week's podcast guest is Mark Bentley, a proponent of the Gene Keys and all round life coach

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Atom CTO Podcast, where we take a comprehensive look at the untapped potential of organizational and client surveys. To learn more about DMSA or to get in touch with Nadine Lewis visit their website: https://dmsa.co.za/

This week's guest is Nadine Lewis....

This week's podcast guest is Alysha Randall from Fast Growth Consulting: https://www.fastgrowthconsulting.com/ In this episode our key focus is the Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role - a fundamental player in the company financial strategy, providing a more high-level viewpoint compared to bookkeepers and accountants. We're looking at why startups need this forward-thinking strategist, their indispensable role across the C-suite, and the case for engaging financial expertise as early as possible.

This week's podcast guest is Alysha Randall, the founder of Fast Growth Consulting, a company that specializes in building strong finance teams for fast growing businesses

Listeners of this podcast episode will gain valuable insights into the key factors contributing to project failures and how to mitigate them. They will learn the importance of clear communication, effective planning, proper oversight, and managing people dynamics within a project team. By understanding the significance of aligning business objectives with project goals, anticipating and planning for changes, and avoiding ego clashes that can derail progress, listeners will be equipped with strategies to increase the chances of project success. Emphasizing the need for open communication, swift decision-making in the face of challenges, and flexibility to adapt to market feedback, this episode provides a roadmap for overcoming common pitfalls in project management.

If you're eager to learn about why planning is crucial to prevent project failure, then this podcast episode is a must-listen for you. Bhairav Patel takes us through the significant impact of planning on project success, emphasizing how overlooking this aspect can result in project failures. By diving into various real-world examples and detailing common pitfalls, Bhairav underscores the importance of creating adaptable roadmaps, being mindful of market feedback, and avoiding the trap of changing course too frequently. This episode offers valuable insights on how thorough planning can help navigate challenges, foster adaptability, and drive project success. So, tune in to gain practical tips on effective planning strategies to steer clear of project failures and ensure your initiatives thrive!

If you're looking to uncover the hidden reasons behind project failures and how to mitigate them, then this podcast is a must-listen! Bhairav Patel delves into the critical factors like people, communication, oversight, and planning that can make or break a project's success. Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples, Bhairav stresses the importance of due diligence, honest communication, and quality delivery in project management. Whether you're new to project management or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable insights on avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing project success. Tune in to learn how to navigate challenges and set your projects up for smooth sailing!

This week's podcast guest is Zumah Yahaya, the founder of Boubid: https://boubid.com/ In this episode we explore Zumah's own entrepreneurial journey as well as the work she does to help businesses across Africa achieve their full potential. We discuss the various challenges businesses face that are specific to the ecosystem and how they can be solved

In this second part of the series of Why Projects Fail, we delve into perhaps the crux of the matter - people. Whether it is egos, failure to act, fear, there are many reasons why people are the cause of so many problems when it comes to delivering projects

This is the first episode in a series where we explore why projects fail. Today we talk about how poor communication can create confusion and cause delays

The trailer to the main event! This week's podcast guest is Zumah Yahaya, the founder of Boubid Africa, a company that helps businesses in Nigeria help achieve their strategic objectives. Learn more about the company here: https://boubid.com/

This week's episode is an end of year recap where we have sliced together the answer to this question from all of our podcast guests: "What is your favourite piece of advice you've received or give to others"

In this compelling episode of Atom CTO Podcast, Bhairav Patel and Damilare Ogunleye dive deep into the futuristic concept of personalized food shopping presented by the innovative platform, FoodLama: https://heyfoodlama.com/ The compelling narrative of Food Llama's inception begins with the pressing need for a platform that harmoniously balances diverse dietary preferences within a single household, a unique concern that resonates with an astonishing number of households globally. The platform's underlying mission to create an intuitively personalized profile, or persona, that learns your specific food preferences and shopper behaviour promises to revolutionize the way we shop for food. Coupled with its grand vision of enhancing transparency and accountability within the food industry, FoodLama underscores its commendable commitment to consumer interest and welfare.

This week's podcast guest is the co-founder of Food Llama, Damilare Ogunleye: https://heyfoodlama.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bunday/

In this episode we talk with Max Rodeck, the founder of Trade Parts Finder. We trace Max's journey from working at large scale-ups such as Uber Eats to the founding of his very own start-up. His decision to start his own venture, was not without hurdles. He faced numerous challenges that tested his resolve and taught him valuable lessons. In true entrepreneurial fashion, he approached his endeavors as an art form, using his creativity, problem-solving abilities, and sheer hard work to craft a successful business. Max's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not a path for the faint-hearted. It requires great perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. Max's journey showcases the transformative power of chasing one's passion, pushing boundaries, and staying focused on creating solutions that truly matter.

This week's guest is Max Leo Rodeck, the founder of Trade Parts Finder: https://www.tradepartsfinder.co.uk/

Join Bhairav Patel and Andrew Grimshaw on the Atom CTO Podcast as they tackle the challenges of recruitment and company growth. This episode looks at how businesses, specifically startups, should tailor their recruitment processes to avoid the problems often associated with employing individuals from radically different working environments. The pair argue that a thorough screening process which tests not only the technical abilities, but the alignment of values between the candidate and the startup, can lead to more effective recruitment. They further delve into the need for a structured, consistent and efficient recruitment process, which can optimize the overall candidate experience and improve applicant evaluation.

This week's podcast guest is Andrew Grimshaw from MYLO Create: https://www.mylocreate.com/

This week's trailer is with Mike Orchard, the founder of Skills Hive X https://www.skillshivex.com/

Dive into the world of agile business collaboration with Bhairav Patel and Mike Orchard in this episode of Atom CTO Podcast. We'll be delving deep into Skills Hive X, a revolutionary platform reshaping the way small and medium enterprises, freelancer groups, and corporates operate and adapt in today's fast-paced, digital-first business environment. Skills Hivex, an advanced version of the original Skills Hive, highlights the power of collaborative approach for a truly flexible and adjustable business model. In a landscape where companies strive to respond swiftly to ever-changing market dynamics, customer needs, and resource management, Skills Hivex comes as a lifeline. The platform's unique contribution is not just a function of stabilizing the workflow. In the era of the post-COVID workforce, remote and flexible work patterns have showcased enormous benefit to businesses and freelancers alike. Skills Hivex has grabbed this trend to erect a network of trusted professionals in a peer-to-peer interactive community.

In this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, we talk with Toni Grunwald the Managing Partner at Max Ventures. https://maxventures.es/ Max Ventures is well-known for its comprehensive support of early-stage startups, providing seed funding and strategic mentoring. Anchored by Toni's vast experience and deep understanding of the startup world, Max Ventures serves as a valuable resource for startups navigating the challenging business landscape.

This week's guest is Toni Grunwald from Max Ventures: https://maxventures.es/

In this episode we take a deep dive into the challenging yet rewarding world of Startup CTOs as we converse with one of the seasoned experts in the field, Bill Bolden. Bill has for the past 20 years been working for early stage start-ups taking them from 0 to 1. In this wide ranging conversation we cover the following areas: - The traits of good founders vs poor ones - How technical does a start-up founder need to be? - What are the red flags to be aware of when dealing with techies - What are the current implications of this new AI revolution - What makes a successful start-up

This week's podcast guest is CTO Bill Boulden

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Atom CTO Podcast. This time, we're thrilled to have Xavier Ballester, Director of the Angel Investment Network join us for a deep dive into the world of angel investing. https://www.angelinvestmentnetwork.co.uk/ Angel investment is a critical element of a start-up's early phase of growth. With this engaging conversation, we're aiming to deliver a comprehensive understanding of this financing model for entrepreneurs on a quest for capital. Xavier sheds invaluable insights into angel investment, acquired through his extensive experience in the field. At the Angel Investment Network, Xavier and his team have proved instrumental in democratizing access to angel investors for nearly two decades. In this episode, Xavier takes us through the spectrum of an angel investor's characteristics, explains the process of evaluating start-up proposals, and how start-ups can navigate the convoluted investment journey. You'll also hear perspectives from an angel investor's viewpoint and learn about the Network's role in bridging the gap between start-ups and potential investors.

This week's guest is Xavier Ballester, the Director of the Angel Investment Network

Welcome to another episode of the Atom CTO Podcast. We join Bhairav in exploring the crucial aspects of incubators and accelerators with Sudeshna Mukhopadhyay, engineer and co-founder of Intellect AI. The world of incubators and accelerators pose a significant opportunity for startups, yet mastering them can prove quite daunting. With her personal experiences and detailed insight, Sudeshna helps us demystify these entrepreneurial support systems, their roles, and how to maximize their offerings. In this episode, we delve into understanding how incubators cater to budding founders with robust support resources to help turn their initial business ideas into early-stage realities. On the other end of the spectrum, we examine accelerators that cater to established startups, providing them with the essential support needed for scaling their business. We also look at the importance of proper mentorship within these platforms to ensure the future success of these startups. We also discuss Intelekt AI, the company co-founded by Sudeshna that provides business Intellect AI is a full stack AI studio that focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LLM models. Their platform enables organizations, particularly digitally nascent ones, to launch AI tools in various areas such as predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, data visualizations, and conversational bots. Intellect AI stands out in the competitive world of new AI products by combining their strong background as a consulting company with years of experience in working with AI initiatives and helping organizations navigate finding the right use cases and implementing AI technologies effectively.

This week's 5 questions is with Sudeshna Mukhopadhyay, the co-founder of Intelekt AI

Join Bhairav and Adib on this enlightening episode of the Atom CTO Podcast. They'll offer valuable insights on the complexities of equity splits and the best approach to hiring for a flourishing startup. They'll break down the process of equity splits among co-founders while highlighting the vital nature of vesting agreements in startups. Explore why equity is not only representative of what has been done in the past but also the work that will be done in the future. Additionally, Bhairav and Adib dive into the rigorous terrain of hiring the right people for your startup. From understanding equity offerings to employees, the role of advisors in a startup, to distinguishing between a co-founder and an employee, it's all covered in this episode. Equip yourself with the essential dos and don'ts of creating a flourishing startup with their expert knowledge and industry insights.

I ask the usual 5 questions to Adib Bamieh, the founder of Bamboo Orchard: https://bamboo-orchard.com/