Podcasts about Startup ecosystem

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Kenneth Jeng, Product + Operations Lead at Persona, and experienced contributor to startup ecosystems in both Japan and the U.S.This is Part 2 of our conversation with Kenneth, recorded in November 2024, and focused on the human side of ecosystem building, community, culture, and mindset.Kenneth shares why Japan continues to struggle with early-stage adoption and authentic community building, and how individuals (not just public programs) must take initiative. He also gives a candid take on grant structures, founder engagement, and what real progress could look like.If you're a founder, policymaker, or ecosystem builder working in Japan, this episode offers a unique lens on what's still missing and what we can each do to contribute.AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo's leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with:Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian marketsStrategic performance marketing for measurable growthAccount‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automationData‑driven implementation with cultural expertise⁠Learn more about AIM B2BShow Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Hot Take on Challenges and Gaps 14:00 – Why People are Involved in Startup Ecosystem and Why in Japan 16:20 – Building Network 22:15 – Early Adopters or Not? 27:10 – Contributing to the Community 36:20 – Grants and Funding for Startups 42:00 – Last Messages and Hot TakesLinks from Guest Appearance:

Artificial Intelligence is becoming an integral part of every startup ecosystem. In our latest episode, Eli David Rokah explores how governments, policymakers, and ecosystem developers can ensure their ecosystems are ready for the rise of AI. StartupBlink is an innovation economy research center, working with more than 100 government entities, multilateral organizations and corporations. Its global startup ecosystem map has hundreds of thousands of registered startups, coworking spaces, and accelerators, creating a robust sample of innovation globally. Find out more here! Listen in Itunes Listen in Spotify

Today's guest is Lisa Währer, powerhouse in German football, and the co-founder and managing director of FC Viktoria Berlin. From her early days as a footballer in Hamburg to building campaigns at Jung von Matt Sports and OneFootball, Lisa has always worked with strong purpose in mind. Now, alongside a team of five other women, she's leading one of Berlin's boldest football clubs, which was promoted to the 2nd Bundesliga. In this conversation, Lisa opens up about what it really means to be the only woman in the room, how gut instinct shaped her career more than any five-year plan, and why visibility for women in sports is still a fight worth showing up for.This live edition of the show has been powered by Ancient + Brave, a UK science-based wellness brand that brings a holistic approach to well-being. Treating our live audience to the signature True Collagen which helps with a glowing skin, offers connective tissues, joint and bone support. Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jan Hendrik Goldbeck CEO of GOLDBECK grew his family construction business from €750M to €7B by treating buildings like LEGO.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Hendrik Goldbeck, CEO of Goldbeck Group, who reveals how 60 years of stubborn innovation and perfect timing transformed a small German metalworking shop into Europe's construction powerhouse.FULL DOCUMENTARY COMING FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, SUBSCRIBE TO  @BBBeyond  TO STAY UPDATED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPQc0blM3kKey topics discussed:- The 1969 origin story: Why his father rejected "we've always done it this way" thinking- German reunification luck: How overnight demand boom accelerated their product approach- The "war of all against all": Why traditional construction's sequential trade-by-trade model fails- From steel elements to turnkey buildings: 60 years of step-by-step evolution- Decentralization strategy: Getting close to architects and engineers in early design stages- Why construction tech "Tesla" startups keep failing (spoiler: it's still physical construction)- The asset-heavy advantage: Why Katerra failed and patient money wins- Cultural integration challenges: Germans want execution, French want endless discussion- AI's future impact: Prompt-driven design cutting pre-construction from months to weeks- "Nature positive buildings" moonshot: Carbon neutral concrete without green premiums- US expansion plans and the importance of local JV partnerships- Leadership philosophy: Open hierarchies vs flat hierarchies"You cannot come from outside and say 'I'm going to be the Tesla of construction.' It's still construction with all the physical restraints. Each project is still individual even with a product approach." - HendrikFrom surviving the 2008 financial crisis by going anti-cyclical to planning voice-activated building configurators, discover how this stubborn German family business is industrializing construction one LEGO brick at a time.Check out our interview with Goldbeck's tech team here: https://youtu.be/vDNUsgVmZHgEnjoy this? Want further exclusive insights in AEC tech? Sign up to our newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/----------------Chapters0:00 - Introduction & Company Growth Story1:04 - Goldbeck Origins & Industrialization Vision6:02 - German Reunification & Market Transformation9:20 - Strategic Growth & International Expansion14:37 - The Goldbeck System & Product Approach19:05 - Industry Resistance & Competitive Landscape22:09 - Growth Philosophy & Strategic Priorities27:35 - Future of Construction & Technology34:06 - Sustainability & Nature Positive Buildings38:02 - Leadership & Company Culture42:01 - Customer Value & Business Model44:13 - Startup Ecosystem & Innovation45:43 - Global Expansion Strategy

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we're joined by Kenneth Jeng, a Japan Startup Ecosystem Veteran and a long-time ecosystem builder who has worked across the U.S. and Japan.This is Part 1 of a two-part series recorded in November 2024 with Kenneth.Kenneth shares hard-hitting insights on what's really holding Japan's startup ecosystem back — from the cultural and structural roadblocks to limited business development capabilities and lingering visa barriers for foreign entrepreneurs.He offers a rare comparison between Japan and the U.S. startup environments, outlining why IPOs in Japan don't function like exits, how the country's high living standards may be dulling entrepreneurial hunger, and why so many promising startups stall before reaching scale.If you're a founder, investor, or policymaker interested in Japan's startup space, this is a must-listen for understanding where things stand and what's starting to change. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we go deeper into founder mindsets, investor culture, and the future of Japan's startup growth.AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in AsiaThis episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo's leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.They can help you with:- Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets- Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth- Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO- HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation- Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertiseLearn more about AIM B2B Show Notes:00:00 – Introduction02:55 – Differences in Ecosystems07:45– Current Narratives and Trends12:38 – IPO in Japan16:27 – Immigration and Visa for Startups in Japan18:57 – Living Standard in Japan for Entrepreneurs26:30 – Pros of Japan Startup Ecosystem31:20 – Venturing and Scaling41:42 – Comparing Growth Rate46:30 – Importance of Business Development & Team51:17 – Scaling in JapanLinks from Guest Appearance:

How do you turn world-class science into sustainable biotech companies that grow both patients' futures and local economies? In this episode, host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, speaks with Dave Ousterout, PhD, Co-Founder and General Partner of Cape Fear BioCapital. Drawing from his journey as a biotech entrepreneur and now investor, Dave shares how his team is working to transform North Carolina's biotech ecosystem—filling funding gaps, building strong teams, and helping startups move from promising science to impactful medicines. In this episode, you'll discover: The key lessons Dave learned as a biotech founder and how they shape his investment strategy today. Why Cape Fear BioCapital focuses on “building, not just picking” companies in North Carolina. What investors want to see from early-stage biotech startups and how founders can prepare to meet those expectations. Tune in to learn how Cape Fear BioCapital is fueling innovation and what biotech leaders everywhere can take away from their approach. Links: Connect with Dave Ousterout, PhD, and check out Cape Fear BioCapital. Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ed Field, MBA, Jimmy Melton, MHA, and Paul Garofolo. Learn more about Locus Biosciences, Inceptor Bio, Moore Strategic Ventures, G1 Therapeutics, Thoracic Innovations, TEN63 Therapeutics, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Listen to our previous episode with Travis Manasco. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU and make plans to attend October 28 & 29, 2025. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

Welcome to a very special live edition of the Women Authors of Achievement Podcast, hosted for the first time in UK, right here at the Amano Hotel Skybar in London, overlooking Covent Garden. My guest today is Nikki Trott, strategist, podcast host and author of her new book Sacred Business. Her story bridges two worlds: the ambitious drive of London's fashion and branding industry, and the expansive, intuitive energy she discovered in Berlin.Nikki started out leading global fashion and lifestyle campaigns, working with big names across London and New York. But at some point, success as she knew it started to feel off. Thats when she made a radical choice, she left it all behind to follow a different kind of calling.In this conversation, we talk about what it means to walk away from conventional success, how Berlin helped her reconnect with her intuition, and why business can, and should, be an expression of who we are at our core.If you're in a moment of transition or simply craving more purpose in your work, hear this episode!Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, we bring you an exclusive recording from the Innov8rs LearningLab featuring Tito Obaisi, Senior Manager of Pipeline and Insights at Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, in conversation with our Founder and CEO Fred Schonenberg. Tito shares how his team captures and socializes insights from startup collaborations across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky to inspire colleagues, educate teams, and uncover opportunities for transformation. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic partnerships with startups fuel enterprise-wide innovation and shape the next generation of products, technologies, and services.

They dive deep into:The evolution of the San Diego startup scene since 2013 The power of founder-led communities and grassroots events Why curated connections matter more than vanity metrics Lessons from Startup Week, EvoNexus, and Startup San Diego The rise of angel investing groups like Interlock and Rising Tide Partners Challenges San Diego faces compared to Silicon Valley and how to overcome them If you are a founder, investor, or community builder looking to understand the future of San Diego tech, this is a must-listen conversation.Key Topics & TakeawaysStartup Communities Framework: Why Brad Feld's Startup Communities is Neal's “startup bible” Investing in People, Not Just Companies: Neal's philosophy of betting on founders first From Coffee Meetings to Community Hubs: Why San Diego needs physical spaces for collisions, not just coworking desks The State of San Diego Startups: Momentum, challenges, and opportunities post-COVID Founder-Led Movement: How entrepreneurs can create “gravity wells” to attract investors, talent, and resources Event Co-Founders: How to keep community events consistent and impactful without founder burnout Don't forget to subscribe to the Chaos to Clarity Podcast for more invaluable episodes to help you grow your business and stay ahead of the curve!To reach out to Eric, visit https://chaostoclarity.io/

How do you succeed in a business where being wrong is the norm?Marc Penkala has lived both sides of the table: as an entrepreneur who built, sold, and failed with companies—and now as a venture capitalist running his own fund. What makes his story different is the radical honesty about what actually drives success in venture: failure, timing, and taking risks that look stupid at first.This Spark20 episode distills Marc's hard-earned lessons into a 20-minute masterclass for founders, investors, and policymakers navigating uncertainty.What you'll learnWhy timing, not brilliance, often decides who wins.Why failure is the ultimate credibility builder for investors.How European founders hold themselves back—and what mindset shift is overdue.Why down markets are the best time to build companies.How the “stupidest ideas” sometimes create the biggest outliers.Timestamps & Quotes

Today's guest is Jen Florin, co-founder of Cookies Events & Catering and someone who's been shaping Berlin's cultural and culinary scene from behind the curtain for almost two decades. But titles aside, Jen is a true master of atmosphere. She knows how to turn a room into an experience you'll never forget.We talked about the art of curation (yes, the lighting, the playlists, the menus), but also the mindset. Jen opened up about her early years growing up in West Germany, organizing parties in her parents' light studio, and how a teenage love for club culture led her all the way to building an international agency, hosting Netflix, and throwing over 100 events a year.We also speak about creative partnership and the beautiful chaos of making things happen!And if you love this episode, leave a review, send it to a friend, or just hit replay.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this special episode of "Innovate That," recorded at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, host Jennifer McGrail spotlights Oklahoma's vibrant innovation scene. Joined by Wade from Gradient and Kristin Garcia, they discuss groundbreaking startups such as Cube Nexus and Apricot Health AI, which are revolutionizing spatial data and healthcare. The conversation also honors pioneering founders, including those behind You Need A Budget and Next Thought. Together, they challenge misconceptions about Oklahoma, highlighting the state's supportive, humble, and rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, making an impact locally and globally. Timestamps: Introduction and Oklahoma Innovation Misconceptions (00:00:00) The hosts introduce themselves, the podcast, and discuss the misconception that Oklahoma lacks innovation. Founder-First Philosophy and Unique Oklahoma Founders (00:01:04) Discussion of Brad Feld's “founder first” approach and a prompt to highlight unique Oklahoma founders. Cube Nexus: Organizing Spatial Data (00:01:34) Wade introduces Cube Nexus, a company that organizes spatial data for better decision-making. AR/VR and Spatial Data Applications (00:03:01) Kristen discusses the importance of spatial data in AR/VR and how Cube Nexus addresses integration challenges. Startup World Cup Regional and Apricot Eye (00:03:31) Kristen highlights Gradient hosting the Startup World Cup and introduces Apricot Eye, an AI-driven healthcare startup. Apricot Eye's Impact on Home Hospice Care (00:03:56) Details on Apricot Eye's AI solution for home hospice, improving nurse efficiency and patient care. Ecosystem Collaboration and Talent Development (00:06:10) Kristen describes collaboration in the Oklahoma startup ecosystem and talent development through programs like OK Coders. Encouragement to Explore More Oklahoma Startups (00:06:41) Jennifer encourages listeners to explore more Oklahoma startups via the Innovate That podcast. Highlighting OG Oklahoma Startups: You Need a Budget (00:07:10) Wade discusses “You Need a Budget” (YNAB), an Oklahoma-based remote-first company with a large following. YNAB's Growth and Remote Work Culture (00:08:13) Further details on YNAB's growth, remote work history, and its supportive community at Gradient. Oklahoma's Humble OGs and Ken Parker (00:09:39) Kristen highlights Ken Parker, founder of Next Thought, as an influential but humble Oklahoma tech leader. Ken Parker's Community Engagement and AI in Education (00:10:10) Details on Ken Parker's work in AI for education and his deep community involvement. Oklahoma Humility and Closing Remarks (00:11:27) Reflection on Oklahoma's humble culture and encouragement to discover more local startup stories.

My guest is Katharin Ahrend, co-managing director of the Clubcommission Berlin, a pivotal force in protecting and shaping the city's club scene. Born in East Germany just before the fall of the Wall, Katharin grew up navigating the grey zones of youth culture, rave spaces, and political shifts.We talk about everything from abandoned buildings turned dance floors to her journey into cultural policy. Katharin opens up about leadership in male-dominated spaces and her deep-rooted belief that club culture is culture. Beautiful, political, and essential, especially in times of division and crisis.If you've ever danced all night and felt something shift or wondered what it takes to protect that freedom, this episode is for you.And if you love this episode, leave a review, send it to a friend, or just hit replay.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode 75 with David Cameron, Syed Musheer Ahmed and Joshua Chu  

GSD Presents: Top Global Startups with Ben York AI and the Startup Ecosystem June 27th, Friday

NVIDIA's Global Head of Partnerships & Cloud for Startups, Jen Hoskins, details their collaboration with AWS to support over 25,000 startups through their Inception program.Topics Include:AI transformation happening across all industries and verticalsNVIDIA evolved from GPU company to full-stack AI solutionsAccelerated computing requires complete stack re-engineering from chip upTraditional CPU scaling has reached its fundamental performance limitsNVIDIA-AWS partnership spans over 13 years of co-developmentDGX Cloud integrates seamlessly with AWS SageMaker and BedrockOver 26 NVIDIA solutions available in AWS MarketplaceNVIDIA AI Enterprise accelerates data science and deployment pipelinesNIM microservices streamline AI model development like Docker containersCodeway gaming startup saved 48% on compute costs using NVIDIAEternal improved marketing ROI by 30X with generative AIQuoto achieved 10X content length and 3X throughput improvementNOATech biotech scaled cancer research with small team efficientlyNVIDIA Inception program supports over 25,000 startups globallyProgram covers 100+ countries across all verticals and stagesStartups get AWS credits up to $100,000 through ActivateDeveloper program offers free access to hundreds of SDKsThree program pillars: Innovate, Build, and Grow stagesVC Alliance connects startups with over 1,000 investorsVenture Capital Connect directly links startups to funding opportunitiesParticipants:Jen Hoskins – Startups, Global Head of Cloud, Partnerships & Go to Market, NVIDIAFurther Links:Website: https://www.nvidia.comNVIDIA Inception ProgramNVIDIA on AWS MarketplaceSee how Amazon Web Services gives you the freedom to migrate, innovate, and scale your software company at https://aws.amazon.com/isv/

Today I'm sitting down with someone I've known for quite some time. Watching her grow, build, reinvent, and create from the inside out has been inspiring, and honestly, a little wild, in the best way. Cynthia Mensah-Neglokpe is the founder of clicqui and KORE. In this conversation, we talked about starting over,  more than once. About what burnout really looks like when you're the one everyone counts on. And how community, when done right, can quite literally bring you back to yourself.You'll hear how Cynthia went from managing luxury brands to building grassroots spaces in four cities, all while figuring out how to protect her energy and build something that actually lasts. If you've ever thought about creating something real, something that connects people and still keeps you whole. This one's for you.Let's get into it. And if you love this episode, leave a review, send it to a friend, or just hit replay.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today's guest is Marina Paulenka, program director of Fotografiska Berlin and a fearless voice in contemporary photography. Born in Yugoslavia before the war, Marina's story is one of resilience. From growing up during conflict to building a global platform for artists, often without institutional support.We talked about using photography as a tool for empowerment, activism, and storytelling. Marina shared what it really takes to launch a festival from scratch, the importance of making space for underrepresented voices, and how art can drive real societal change.Let's dive in. And if you enjoy this conversation, don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Random kwentuhan about startups in general and the startup ecosystem in Panay Island! Grab a drink with me, Jover, and Leovic, and enjoy! :) This episode is recorded live at Pueblo de Panay in Capiz. In this episode | 00:40 What are your backgrounds in entrepreneurship and innovation? | 25:38 What are your thoughts on the Panay Island startup ecosystem? | 01:24:39 What are your future plans regarding startups?THIS EPISODE IS CO-PRODUCED BY:SPROUT SOLUTIONS: ⁠https://sprout.ph⁠ / ⁠https://bit.ly/SproutPayrollStarter⁠APEIRON: ⁠https://apeirongrp.com⁠TWALA: ⁠https://twala.io⁠SYMPH: ⁠https://symph.co⁠SECUNA: ⁠https://secuna.io⁠RED CIRCLE GLOBAL: ⁠https://redcircleglobal.com⁠MAROON STUDIOS: ⁠https://maroonstudios.com⁠AIMHI: ⁠https://aimhi.ai⁠CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Ask Lex PH Academy: ⁠https://asklexph.com⁠ (5% discount on e-learning courses! Code: ALPHAXSUP)Founders Launchpad: ⁠https://founderslaunchpad.vc⁠Agile Data Solutions (Hustle PH): ⁠https://agiledatasolutions.tech⁠Smile Checks: ⁠https://getsmilechecks.com⁠CloudCFO: ⁠https://cloudcfo.ph⁠ (Free financial assessment, process onboarding, and 6-month QuickBooks subscription! Mention: Start Up Podcast PH)Cloverly: ⁠https://cloverly.tech⁠BuddyBetes: ⁠https://buddybetes.com⁠HKB Digital Services: ⁠https://contakt-ph.com⁠ (10% discount on RFID Business Cards! Code: CONTAKTXSUP)Hyperstacks: ⁠https://hyperstacksinc.com⁠OneCFO: ⁠https://onecfoph.co⁠ (10% discount on CFO services! Code: ONECFOXSUP)UNAWA: ⁠https://unawa.asia⁠SkoolTek: ⁠https://skooltek.co⁠Better Support: ⁠https://bettersupport.io⁠ (Referral fee for anyone who can bring in new BPO clients!)Britana: ⁠https://britanaerp.com⁠Wunderbrand: ⁠https://wunderbrand.com⁠Drive Manila: ⁠https://facebook.com/drivemanilaph⁠EastPoint Business Outsourcing Services: ⁠https://facebook.com/eastpointoutsourcing⁠Doon: ⁠https://doon.ph⁠Hier Business Solutions: ⁠https://hierpayroll.com⁠DVCode Technologies Inc: ⁠https://dvcode.tech⁠LookingFour Buy & Sell Online: ⁠https://lookingfour.com⁠NutriCoach: ⁠https://nutricoach.com⁠Uplift Code Camp: ⁠https://upliftcodecamp.com⁠ (5% discount on bootcamps and courses! Code: UPLIFTSTARTUPPH)START UP PODCAST PHYouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/startuppodcastph⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6BObuPvMfoZzdlJeb1XXVa⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-up-podcast/id1576462394⁠Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/startuppodcastph⁠Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/StartUpPodcastPH⁠Website: ⁠https://phstartup.online⁠This episode is edited by the team at: ⁠https://tasharivera.com

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Isaiah Kaiser, Co-Founder and CEO of Auxilium Health, and Elyse Ball, Vice President of Programming at Bounce Innovation Hub. Fresh off Auxilium Health's exciting $1.5M oversubscribed pre-seed round and new office at Cleveland Clinic, Isaiah returns to share their journey since his first appearance in episode 147. Elyse discusses the vital role of Bounce Innovation Hub in supporting startups and how her journalism background aids in her work. Together, they delve into navigating the regional iCorp program and the JumpStart accelerator, offering invaluable advice for raising capital and maneuvering the startup landscape. Tune in to hear their insights and get a glimpse into Auxilium Health's next major milestones.Isaiah Kaiser LinkedInElyse Ball LinkedInDuane Mancini LinkedInAuxilium Health WebsiteBounce Innovation Hub WebsiteProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedIn

"If you take a step back and ask, how has the last 10-15 years panned out? The truth of the matter is that Southeast Asia has not done as well as it should have based on the reports and projections that existed earlier. There have been fundamental flaws from a culture standpoint with respect to how the ecosystem has been shaped. I think there has been too much of a mirror of what's happening in Silicon Valley and figuring out how to replicate those concepts in Southeast Asia, whereas there should have been a better, more localized, customized, regional model to suit the culture and concepts in this region. We've mirrored our fundraising, our entire ecosystem to be too much like Silicon Valley - blitzscaling style model, power law style investing which in hindsight, maybe were not the right approaches. There's also been an over-reliance on funding." - Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-founder of E27, Partner at Orvel Ventures Fresh out of the studio, Mohan Belani, CEO and co-founder of E27 and partner at Orvel Ventures, joins us to explore his 15 years of journey shaping Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem. In the conversation, Mohan reflected on the evolution of Southeast Asia's ecosystem through different eras and offered his perspectives in how startups need to navigate the current funding winter in Southeast Asia. He also shared the spark that inspired him to set Orvel Ventures and how the investment thesis will fit better for the Southeast Asia region. Last but not least, he offered his vision what great would look like for Orvel and E27 in the next decade. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] The Spark from Silicon Valley [00:03:00] Foundational Lessons for Entrepreneurs [00:07:00] The Origin of E27 [00:10:00] E27's Evolution into a Regional Powerhouse [00:13:00] Navigating the Phases of Southeast Asia's Ecosystem [00:17:00] Media as Ecosystem Infrastructure [00:20:00] Building Regionally with Roadshows [00:22:00] Hard Lessons from Regional Expansion [00:23:00] Adapting to Emerging Tech Waves [00:25:00] Misaligned Expectations & the Silicon Valley Mirror [00:28:00] The Birth of Orvel Ventures [00:33:00] The Orvel Ventures Investment Model [00:36:00] Red Flags & Green Flags in Founders [00:40:00] Rethinking Exit Pathways in SEA [00:45:00] Promising Sectors in 2024 [00:48:00] Thoughts on Governance Failures [00:52:00] The Need for Critique in SEA Media [00:54:00] Vision for E27 and Oval Ventures [00:57:00] Closing and Echelon 2025 Profile: Mohan Belani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohanbelani/ CEO and co-founder of E27: https://e27.co Partner, Orvel Ventures: https://orvel.vc Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format. Here are the links to watch or listen to our podcast. Analyse Asia Main Site: https://analyse.asia Analyse Asia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kkRwzRZa4JCICr2vm0vGl Analyse Asia Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyse-asia-with-bernard-leong/id914868245 Analyse Asia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnalyseAsia Analyse Asia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/analyse-asia/ Analyse Asia X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/analyseasia Analyse Asia Threads: https://www.threads.net/@analyseasia Sign Up for Our This Week in Asia Newsletter: https://www.analyse.asia/#/portal/signup Subscribe Newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7149559878934540288

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with entrepreneur, investor, and Evolution Co-Founder Alex Chompff about redefining venture capital through ethics, inclusion, and long-term impact. From his early days in the military to his time at Kleiner Perkins during the dot-com boom, Alex shares the lessons that shaped his values as a founder and investor. Now at the helm of Evolution Ventures, he explains how ethical venture capitalism can drive regional growth and build meaningful partnerships that go beyond profit. We also explore how personal values like fatherhood and service influence his leadership style, and how initiatives like the Minerva Fund are creating a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

Today's episode marks an exciting milestone: it's the official launch of our year-long partnership with flaconi, Germany's leading online retailer for beauty and perfume. Flaconi stands for more than just beauty products, it's a brand that celebrates diversity, mental well-being, empowerment, and culture. Values that align deeply with what we do here at WAA. And to celebrate this moment, we've planned this special edition of the show.Alexandra Szarmach is flaconi's CHRO and Managing Director. With a background that spans sales and HR at global giants like Sephora, Alexandra brings both business savvy and a deep, human-centered leadership style. She opened up about what it means to lead through values, to support mental health in the workplace in tangible ways, and how she is creating inclusive space for women to rise across industries.This conversation goes beyond titles. It's about real leadership, the messy parts of growth, and the strength it takes to build inclusive, thriving cultures.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome to the Microsoft for Startups Spotlight, brought to you by N2K CyberWire and Microsoft. In this episode, we are shining a light on innovation, ambition, and the tech trailblazers building the future right from the startup trenches. This episode is part of our exclusive RSAC series where we dive into the real world impact of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.  Along with Microsoft's Kevin Magee, Dave Bittner talks with an entrepreneur and startup veteran, and founders from three incredible startups who are part of the Founders Hub, each tackling big problems with even bigger ideas.  Dave and Kevin set the stage speaking with startup veteran and Cygenta co-founder FC about making the leap from hacker to entrepreneur. Dave and Kevin then speak with three founders: Matthew Chiodi of Cerby, Travis Howerton of RegScale, and Karl Mattson of Endor Labs. So whether you are building your own startup or just love a good innovation story, listen in. For more information, visit the Microsoft for Startups website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Au and Rachel Wong unpack eFishery's founder's public confession to systematic fraud. They dive into how cultural pressures, ecosystem gaps, and misplaced investor trust contributed to the fallout. They discuss the challenges of cross-border enforcement, the limits of traditional due diligence, and the real-world consequences for Southeast Asia's startup reputation. Together, they reflect on how founders, investors, and regulators must learn from these failures to rebuild trust and resilience in the next cycle. 1. Founder confessed openly: The eFishery CEO admitted in a Bloomberg interview to falsifying numbers, directly exposing himself to criminal and civil legal risks. 2. Cross-border enforcement is weak: Rachel explains that without strong local enforcement or overseas assets, penalties against founders in emerging markets are hard to execute. 3. Culture of normalized fraud: The founder justified faking numbers by claiming it was common practice among Indonesian startups, though Jeremy and Rachel reject this excuse. 4. Investors and auditors missed the fraud: Despite hiring PwC and visiting farmers, due diligence failed because the founder orchestrated systematic deception through subsidiaries and coached farmers. 5. Utilitarian morality used to rationalize: The founder defended his actions by claiming the fraud helped fishermen and employees, which Rachel critiques as dangerous self-gaslighting. 6. Civil lawsuits unlikely: They points out that expensive litigation, low recovery odds, and coordination problems among investors make civil action improbable. 7.Southeast Asia's startup credibility at risk: Both argue that if regulators fail to act on this clear case, it will cause long-term damage to trust and investment in the region. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-fraud-founder-confession Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Gm! This week we're joined by Matty Taylor to discuss the Colosseum playbook. We deep dive into what founders are building, the rise of vibe coding, finding product market fit & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Matty: https://x.com/mattytay Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- (00:00) Introduction (02:22) The Colosseum Playbook (06:45) Accelerating Solana's Founder Ecosystem (10:38) Ledger Ad (11:24) MetaDAOs Futarchy Launchpad (14:38) Vibe Coding (18:53) Is The Crypto & AI Meta Dead? (22:33) Memcoins (25:15) Advice For Founders (30:24) What's Next For Ore? (35:33) Is Jack Dorsey Satoshi? (37:31) Ledger Ad (38:16) Bitcoin Will Hit $1 Million (42:49) Finding Product Market Fit (48:08) The Colosseum Hackathon -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Why hasn't Japan produced more global startup giants?In this special Japan series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo and in collaboration with GFTN Forum Japan, Arjun sits down with Jordan Fisher, Venture Partner at Antler and Co-founder of Zehitomo.From the hidden inefficiencies in Japan's service economy to the deeper structural and cultural barriers that limit growth, this conversation explores what it will take to build a more ambitious, globally competitive startup ecosystem in Japan.

Viviane Sassen doesn't just take photographs, she creates entire worlds. Known for her dreamlike use of light and shadow, she moves seamlessly between fashion, fine art, and documentary photography, always pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and mortality.In this conversation, we'll uncover the influences that shaped her artistic vision, from her childhood in Kenya to her fascination with abstraction. Whether you're an artist, a storyteller, or simply curious about the way we see the world, this conversation will leave you looking at photography and life through a new lens.If you enjoy this conversation, don't forget to rate and review on your favorite podcast platform. I love reading your thoughts! Now, let's dive in.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Government's push to growth SA's tech startup ecosystem is the focus of this edition of Business Day Spotlight. Host Mudiwa Gavaza is joined by Vusi Skosana, head technology stations and manager of GCIP at TIA, and Mogale Maleka from AB Farms. Topics of discussion include: government's roles in growing SA's tech ecosystem; structure of the GCIP-SA program; AB Farms's business model; and issues holding back entrepreneurship in SA. Since 2014, more than 200 businesses have been supported through GCIP-SA. Skosana says these technologies are vital to addressing climate change, creating economic opportunities, and building a sustainable future. Business Day Spotlight is a MultimediaLIVE Production. Producer is Demi Buzo.

Today, as part of the women's special series in March, 2025, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Karthik Karunakaran(KK), CEO, co-founder of Mobius software and chief strategist Xtract.io, male ally for women continuing their career  and a serial entrepreneur talks about his career journey.  KK started his career in Tata Steel after completing production engineering in NIT Trichy and management in XLRI Jamshedpur. KK shares his belief in 'Make in India' and how he stayed true to his roots, influenced by Jamshedji Tata early onKarthik shares his evolution from a tech enthusiast to a serial entrepreneur and co-founded Mobius Software, Overcoming the challenges of building a startup, especially after his education-focused venture didn't scale as expected.Talks about the lessons learned from previous education based ventures and how they shaped his approach to business.Discusses how he bootstrapped his business in the early days, even covering costs by tutoring students for the CAT exam.Experimented with team structures to create a more agile and inclusive work environment.Focused on product innovation, testing different technology stacks and market strategies.Implemented flexible work policies to support women professionals, ensuring career continuity.Shares how over 80% of Mobius Software's workforce consists of women, with a strong focus on hiring from Tier 2 cities where untapped talent is availableKK talks about why he champions women in the Workforce and actively supports women's career continuity and workplace inclusion.Believes in equal opportunities and creating a supportive work environment.Discusses the importance of mentorship and policies that help retain women in tech.KK shares some of the challenges in the Startup Ecosystem on funding, scaling, and leadership in the tech industry.Shares about the biases women face in entrepreneurship and how male allies can help.KK concludes with the Advice for Women Professionals as he Encourages women to build strong networks and seek mentorship and advocates for confidence and risk-taking in career growth.Emphasizes the need for organizations to rethink policies to support women returning to work.Karthik Karunakaran is the CEO of Mobius Knowledge Services. He is the driving force behind Mobius being a leader unstructured data processing and public information aggregation. He is also the founder of Xtract.io, a GenAI driven hyperautomation platform that is focussed on agenticAI processes . The firms' success is attributed to innovative solutions and proprietary technology in the data services area serving various industry giants across geographies. With a strong presence in fields like Information & Media, Retail/Ecommerce and Financial Services, Mobius mission is to empower clients through cutting-edge data solutions. Karthik, KK as he's fondly referred by friends, has co-founded education firm,fourth R India before embarking into the knowledge services domain.KK has graduated from National Institute of Technology, Trichy in production engineering and management from XLRI Jamshedpur in Marketing and Finance.Karthik can be contacted at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthik-karunakaran/

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn't just an entrepreneurial conversation. It's about trust, conviction, and the kind of friendship that every investor-founder must share, for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode:- What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?- Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?- How to identify your Product Market fit in a crowed market.Kapil and Deepak's story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you'd love to build a business with? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you'd like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :- https://forms.gle/5rVezQtDnYm1rqZJANavigate the episode 00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India17:21 Founding story of Sula23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India27:37 Veeba Funding Story29:55 Why did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics38:00 How to Navigate Challenges53:53 Evolution of Investment in India01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India02:21:16 Closing Thoughts

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn't just an entrepreneurial conversation. It's a masterclass on the kind of investor-founder friendship required for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode: What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?How to identify your Product-Market-Fit in a crowded market. Kapil and Deepak's story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you'd love to build a business with?Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India17:21 Founding story of Sula23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India27:37 Veeba Funding Story29:55 Why and how did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics38:00 How to Navigate Startup Challenges53:53 Evolution of Investments in India01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India02:21:16 Closing Thoughts

I'm joined by Maria von Scheel-Plessen, who traveled all the way from Munich to meet me at Fotografiska's cozy Bar Clara—bringing luxury straight to the show. As a senior marketing leader for a top luxury brand, Maria is a powerhouse in her field, blending strategy, tech, and business. But her path wasn't conventional. Instead of stepping into her family's 300-year-old legacy, she carved her own path—moving across the world, taking bold risks, and redefining what leadership looks like.In this episode, we get real about the highs and lows of leading—navigating self-doubt, setting boundaries, and making big career moves. Maria also shares insights on the future of luxury, from shifting consumer habits to why personalization is everything. And of course, we talk about the power of trusting yourself—because sometimes, the best strategy isn't just knowing the market, it's knowing you.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Vikram Bharati, founder of Draper Startup House, and Jeremy Au talked about how the startup world has shifted since their last conversation. They explored how Draper Startup House has expanded across continents while wrestling with the challenge of scaling both physical spaces and community-driven programming. They discussed how remote and hybrid work are evolving post-pandemic, and how startups are adapting faster than large corporations. They also reflected on parenting and preparing the next generation for a fast-changing world, where original thinking and adaptability may matter more than credentials. Vikram also shared his growing interest in “digital nations,” a concept that could reshape how governments serve people and how individuals relate to borders and institutions. 1. Scaling Draper Startup House globally: Vikram shares that Draper Startup House has grown to 15 locations across South America, India, and Korea, focused on building startup communities in adventurous and underserved places. 2. Finding the right people as a challenge: The model combines real estate ("hardware") and startup programming ("software"), which requires local leaders who can do both—something that's tough to find consistently. 3. Remote work is here to stay: Vikram believes the post-pandemic world has made flexible work a permanent reality, especially for startups and global teams like his, which now span the US, Brazil, India, Portugal, and more. 4. Hybrid models work best: The trend he sees is a mix of in-person and remote work—typically two or three days in the office—which balances productivity and employee satisfaction. 5. Parenting in a changing world: Both Jeremy and Vikram reflect on raising young kids today, and how future success may depend more on adaptability and creativity than traditional credentials or schooling. 6. Unique perspectives come from unplugging: Vikram suggests that stepping outside the common information feed is one way to build original thinking—especially as everyone now consumes the same digital content. 7. Digital nations as the next frontier: Vikram outlines his interest in building “digital nations”—online systems that provide government-like services and community without being bound to geography, potentially expanding opportunity beyond borders. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/scaling-startup-communities Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

What drives economic growth? In this engaging episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we explore the crucial role of angel investors in supporting entrepreneurs—the creative minds behind groundbreaking innovations and thriving businesses.  Host Marcia Dawood is joined by two esteemed guests: Pat Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), and Kristina Montague, incoming ACA Chair (July 2025). Together, they break down the mission of ACA and its charitable arm, the Angel Investor Foundation (AIF), showcasing how angel investors provide financial backing and invaluable mentorship to entrepreneurs.  Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit structure supporting angel investing, the significance of expanding the angel investor network, and AIF's efforts to increase representation among women and underserved founders. Whether you're considering becoming an angel investor or simply curious about the world of early-stage funding, this episode is packed with insights on how angel investing fuels innovation and economic prosperity.  This special episode is part of Podcasthon 2025, the world's largest podcast charity initiative! From March 15 to 21, 2025, Podcasthon will bring together 1,500+ podcasts from around the world to raise awareness for charitable causes, building on the momentum of previous years.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of angel investing in shaping the future! To get the latest from Pat Gouhin and Kristina Montague, you can follow them below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/patgouhin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-montague-7b1a942a/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text messageStartups are changing quickly. That means Venture Capital is changing just as fast.

A veteran of the tech conference scene, Peter brought his unique POV — and love of hot dogs — to his conversation with us at The Lively Grit Daily House. We talked about prescription sunglasses, acceptable hot dog toppings, getting his dog on The Today Show, how the Irish say things are cool, “raw data” from strangers, what he saw at CES ‘25, a crawling bedside table lamp, and a lot in between. “ I think it's important to be cool and in your own sense of cool and in your own skin and in your own mind.  Some people's brand is just straight nerdy, straight geeky, and they make it work. Look at Bill Gates, right?” Watch Peter's dog on The ⁠⁠ Today Show. Read Peter's work on Grit Daily and check out his retail accelerator work. Follow his Old Time Eatery Guide. Special thanks to Lively and Audience 101 for hosting us at SXSW, and YouGov for running the survey that supported our series of conversations. howcoolisthis.show

In this episode of the Focus Core podcast, we dive into the innovative world of Japanese startups and corporate innovation with Tim Romero, partner at Jira Ventures and host of the Disrupting Japan podcast. Tim shares insights from his 30-year journey in Japan's startup scene, discussing the evolving ecosystem, key changes in corporate collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and investors. He also reflects on his experiences as a rock musician, professional podcaster, and educator, offering valuable lessons on leadership, sustainability, and technology's role in Japan's future.The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:Tim's transformative experiences in the tech industryThe evolution of startup culture in JapanThe cultural challenges and opportunities in Japanese marketsFuture trends in entrepreneurship and international collaborationAbout Tim : Tim Romero is a partner at Jira Ventures and is the very well known host of the successful podcast “Disrupting Japan”, which has been going for over 10 years.Tim is deeply involved in Japan's startup community as an investor, a founder, author, and educator, and he has founded several startups in Japan over the past 30 years. Tim has also taught entrepreneurship and corporate innovation. He has led Google for Startups in Japan and worked with various enterprises in Japan for startup investment and innovation strategy. Connect with Tim Romero:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@disruptingjapan7899?si=k5T0GbmULUaAj8uQ Website: https://www.disruptingjapan.com/ (Disrupting Japan)https://www.jera.co.jp/en/corporate/business/ventures (Jera)Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ “Doin' the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.Mentioned in this episode:Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

This episode's guest is Annett Kuhlmann, co-founder of Marsano—a brand that redefined floristry in Berlin. Annett's journey is fascinating. With training in photography from the Ostkreuzschule and interior design at St. Martin's, her unique eye for beauty is what sets Marsano apart. Over the past 20 years, she and her co-founders, Katrin and Andreas, have built Marsano into something extraordinary—a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration.In this episode, we talk about her early inspirations, the challenges of running a creative flower business, and how Marsano's distinctive aesthetic came to life. We'll also explore her personal favorites—flowers, colors, and the joy (and challenges!) of staying creative.Sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Annett's story and the world of Marsano. Let's dive in! Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Priya Mohan, partner at General Catalyst shares her fascinating journey from a disciplined childhood in Chennai to becoming a trailblazer in venture capital, co-creating impactful companies in India. Priya discusses her approach to nurturing innovative startups, the importance of diversity, and her deep connection to Bharatnatyam. 00:36- About Priya Mohan Priya is the partner at General Catalyst - India. She is a venture capital firm that partners with founders from seed through growth stages.

Today, I'm thrilled to sit down with someone truly inspiring—Leyla Piedayesh, the founder and creative heart behind Lala Berlin.For over two decades, Leyla has been at the forefront of redefining contemporary fashion, blending Berlin's cosmopolitan energy with her Persian heritage to create a brand that's as bold as it is personal. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and steering through turbulent times to making powerful political statements through her iconic kufiya-inspired designs, Leyla's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.Leyla opens up about the personal and professional lessons that shaped her legacy—her reflections on trust and leadership, the emotional impact of hormonal shifts, and her vision for empowering women through her work.If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ross Piermarini is the co-founder of symmetRE, a Chicago-based proptech firm specializing in automating data aggregation and reporting for commercial real estate investors. Prior to founding symmetRE, Ross worked in the Leveraged Finance group at BMO Capital Markets, focusing on real estate clients. His firsthand experience with the challenges of manual data aggregation and reporting in the real estate sector motivated him to develop solutions that streamline these processes. Under Ross's leadership, symmetRE has launched an AI-enabled platform designed to eliminate the time-consuming aspects of data collection and analysis, allowing real estate professionals to concentrate on optimizing asset performance. Ross also shared his insights into the integration of AI in commercial real estate, and he discusses the necessity of adopting advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and decision-making in the sector.(01:13) - Ross's & symmetrRE's origin(04:42) - Challenges in Real Estate data management(08:06) Symmetry's solutions & client success(13:54) - Feature | Berkadia's BeEngaged - Connect with the team: Ecosystem of founders, industry professionals, and capital providers dedicated to redefining the Commercial Real Estate space.(17:45) - symmetry's long-term vision(22:48) - Marketing vs. product delivery in Proptech(26:07) - Feature | Blueprint - The Future of Real Estate 2025(26:55) - The Role of AI in Real Estate(29:20) - Collaboration Superpower: Marc Benioff (Salesforce CEO)

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's not just about living longer but living better: longevity. My guest is the amazing Dr. Kati Ernst, co-founder of ooia, a brand that has transformed the period market in Germany and she is now exploring how to have healthier, more vibrant lives at any age.Kati's journey is nothing short of inspiring—from consulting for luxury brands to building a purpose-driven company and launching a podcast about healthy aging. We'll talk about the turning points that shaped her approach to health, how longevity influences her life and work, and what we can all learn about crafting a life full of energy and meaning.If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Let's get started!Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Cris Tran - Gamification | Decentralized Techs | Web3 Legal & Advisory | Tokenize Your Business | Data Driven Investment Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people.  CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the podcast on your favorite platforms Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They are doing this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. Earth VC empowers founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough and are Committed.  Earth VC invests in the pre seed to Series A round. If you think you might be a match reach out to them at rebuild@earth.vc Cris' Bio  Cris is an experienced strategist, corporate team player and start-up enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. With more than 12 years' track-record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a business CEO and management consultant, he has handled an extensive full-cycle driving deal execution from strategy to integration, taken care of public sector to enterprise, corporate and SME accounts. A motivational leader with demonstrated talent for managing massive cross-functional teams, regional experience defining development strategies. Motivated by challenges, advisory and managing investments and opportunities to learn. We talked about the following and other items Background and Education Life in Texas and Experiences at SMU  Understanding Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Market and Investment NFTs and Their Value Metaverse and Its Future Gaming and eSports Industry Social Media and Live Streaming Platforms Investment in Startups and Angel Investing Chris shares his experience with startups that have succeeded and those that have faced challenges, highlighting the risks involved in venture capital. Vietnam's Startup Ecosystem and Challenges Sandbox and Its Role in the Metaverse Working with Brands in the Metaverse Personal Interests and Hobbies Self-Care and Mental Health Daily Routine and Energy Management Vietnam's Unique Culture and Economy Navigating Vietnam's Traffic and Culture Hospitality and Social Interactions in Vietnam  Cris' Social Media Cris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisdtran/ Cris' X: @Cris7ran Cris' Advice I think the two areas that we talk about quite a lot today, one is cryptocurrency, and the other one is investment in startups. I think for cryptocurrency, my one advice would be that it's a very attractive and upcoming opportunity. But be careful and do your own research, and research really deeply to understand the matter and everything. You won't be able to master it without understanding the matters. For startups out there, be realistic and don't go too crazy for Vietnam startups. Coming from a market that hasn't been known for high quality and successful startups. I think we have to start small and be humble.

In the late 70s and early 80s, a music revolution started because a bunch of talented musicians played on 100s of albums, behind the scenes. Would the AI startup community benefit from a similar infrastructure of experts?SHOW: 881SHOW TRANSCRIPT: The Cloudcast #881 TranscriptSHOW VIDEO: https://youtube.com/@TheCloudcastNET CLOUD NEWS OF THE WEEK: http://bit.ly/cloudcast-cnotwCHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST: "CLOUDCAST BASICS"SHOW NOTES:Yacht Rock Documentary (HBO Max - Trailer)WHY DON'T WE HAVE USE EXPERTS BEHIND THE SCENES OF EVERY STARTUP?History of the interactions between bands like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Toto, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, etc..Why do VCs allow startups to hire their own back-office people? Why aren't there services that offer startup backend services, not just one off SaaS services?AI could be used to scale those services. FEEDBACK?Email: show at the cloudcast dot netTwitter/X: @cloudcastpodBlueSky: @cloudcastpod.bsky.socialInstagram: @cloudcastpodTikTok: @cloudcastpod

This time around, I'm taking you with me to the Merz b. Schwanen flagship store in Berlin. Picture this: a rainy November evening, yet inside the store, we are welcomed by the whole crew into their world of timeless design. I sit down with Gitta Plotnicki, the co-owner and creative director of the brand, to dive into this fascinating story.Merz b. Schwanen, a brand that dates back to 1911, has been revived in the most inspiring way. Gitta and her husband, Peter, have brought new life to century-old loopwheel machines—affectionately nicknamed their “gentle old ladies”—to create sustainable, high-quality clothing. But it's not just about honoring history. From discovering a Henley T-shirt at a Berlin flea market to creating a viral sensation thanks to The Bear, Gitta shared how they balance tradition with modernity while staying true to their craft.In this episode Gitta reminds us that passion, patience, and the people you surround yourself with are key to building something meaningful. Let's dive into her incredible journey!And don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite streaming platform.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today on Equity, TechCrunch Editor Julie Bort is sitting down with Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce and one of the tech industry's biggest hype men, about his latest work with Time Ventures and Salesforce Ventures, and why he thinks AI agents are the next big thing for enterprise software. Listen to the full episode to hear about: The impact of AI on customer experienceThe application of AI agents in the healthcare space - and what it could mean for data privacyMarc's thoughts on Salesforce competitor Microsoft's CopilotThe range of gadgets that have piqued Benioff's interest latelyAs always, Equity will be back on Friday with our news round-up!Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

"The key message of the report is that the fundamentals of this region are critical, they're clear, and businesses are doing exactly, I think, what they need to do for us to move ahead." - Sapna Chadha "Given that one of the other themes we've had this year is trust, having a strong regulatory foundation and good constructs around that for digital financial services is critical to unlocking the next wave of growth here." - Florian Hoppe "All 10 ASEAN nations have announced their own national strategic AI initiatives or plans, and ASEAN itself has actually released a report and guide on AI governance and ethics. So, I think if you put all that together, it's very natural that Southeast Asia is, quite frankly, well-positioned to capitalize on the AI trend." - Fock Wai Hoong Fresh out of the studio in Google, Bernard Leong led a discussion on the 2024 Southeast Asia Digital Economy Report, joined by Sapna Chadha (Google), Florian Hope (Bain & Company), and Wai Hoong (Temasek). The panel delved into Southeast Asia's impressive digital growth, with the region's economy reaching $263 billion in GMV and significant strides in profitability. The panellists examined the key themes which include Southeast Asia's emergence as an AI hub, driven by $30 billion in AI investments, the rise of video commerce, and the region's booming digital financial services specifically on embedded insurance. The conversation highlights challenges and opportunities in digital inclusion, AI infrastructure, and regional integration, providing a nuanced outlook on Southeast Asia's potential. The episode concludes with each panellist sharing their vision for Southeast Asia's digital future and success metrics for the next decade, emphasizing the region's unique strengths and long-term global impact. Audio Episode Highlights [00:46] Introduction [02:17] Key Report Insights [04:09] How Sapna, Florian, and Wai Hoong provide perspectives to the key report takeaways [07:00] Investor Perspective on Southeast Asia [10:06] Exiting the Funding Winter [12:44] AI's Role in Accelerating Growth [14:30] Impact of Video E-commerce [16:23] Growth in Digital Financial Services [18:03] Embedded Insurance in E-commerce [24:12] AI Infrastructure Investment [27:55] Southeast Asia's Startup Ecosystem [29:45] Generative AI Use Cases [31:06] AI for Revenue and Cost Optimization [34:16] New Internet Users and Digital Inclusion [37:55] Regional Integration as a Success Metric [39:01] Vision for Southeast Asia Digital Economy Success [40:20] Closing Remarks Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig Analyse Asia Main Site: https://analyse.asia Analyse Asia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kkRwzRZa4JCICr2vm0vGl Analyse Asia Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyse-asia-with-bernard-leong/id914868245 Analyse Asia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnalyseAsia Analyse Asia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/analyse-asia/ Analyse Asia X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/analyseasia Analyse Asia Threads: https://www.threads.net/@analyseasia Sign Up for Our This Week in Asia Newsletter: https://www.analyse.asia/#/portal/signup Subscribe Newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7149559878934540288

Today we are joined by Duncan Logan, CEO & Co-Founder of 9Zero. A community platform to bring climate professionals together in person and online so we can work together to solve the climate crisis. Duncan previously founded RocketSpace where he saw many tech startups that would go on to become unicorns. Companies like Uber, FlexPort, and Spotify. Having this experience made him realize the importance of creating a hub for people to collaborate and bump into each other. They are extending this even further by building these hubs in all major climate cities because unlike the 2000's tech boom, there is no one silicon valley for climate. We need to connect NY, DC, Boston, Houston, London, Berlin, SF, Seattle, and beyond. Duncan brings a lot of experience and some great stories (like the time he met Elon). Enjoy! ---

Sandeep Patil of QED Investors joins Nick to discuss From India to IPO: Cracking the Code of Cross-Border FinTech Investments, Regulation, and Market Dynamics. In this episode we cover: Investment Strategies in Asia and Australia, with a Focus on FinTech Companies Challenges of Starting a Successful Tech Company in India FinTech in India, Market Differences and Data Privacy Concerns FinTech Trends, Embedded Finance, Digital Infrastructure, and Open Banking Benefits of Regulation in Fintech, Importance of Understanding Regulatory Agenda, and IPO Considerations for Indian Companies Indian Tech Companies' Listing Preferences and NASDAQ vs. Indian exchanges India's Startup Ecosystem, Growth Potential, Tailwinds, and Challenges Guest Links: Sandeep's LinkedIn Sandeep's Twitter/X QED's LinkedIn QED's Website The hosts of The Full Ratchet are Nick Moran and Nate Pierotti of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter. Are you a founder looking for your next investor? Visit our free tool VC-Rank and we'll send a list of potential investors right to your inbox!