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In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, host David Cendon Garcia sits down with Friedrich Schwandt - founder of Statista and CEO of ECDB - to unpack nearly two decades of building one of the world’s most trusted data platforms, and why he decided to step back as CEO to start again. Friedrich founded Statista in Hamburg in 2007 with a simple idea: make reliable data accessible. Seventeen years later, it had become a global data and business intelligence platform with over 1,400 employees, millions of users, and customers ranging from media giants to global enterprises. In 2024, he moved into a chairman role and turned his focus to ECDB, a company built to bring clarity to the fast-moving world of eCommerce data. We talk about: • The early problem Statista was really trying to solve • The hardest moments of scaling that never make it into success stories • What corporate life at Deutsche Telekom and BCG prepared him for - and what it didn’t • Letting go of control as a founder, and knowing when it’s time • What young SaaS and data founders get wrong • How AI is changing the way data companies are built • And our shared connection to Ireland (and his fondness of card games) This episode is about data, yes - but also about leadership, timing, and the long game of building something that lasts.

After 100+ episodes over two years, this is Marcin Lewandowski’s final episode as host of the EU-Startups Podcast. We flipped the script: this time Marcin is interviewed by David Cendon Garcia (News Editor at EU-Startups) — who will be taking over the podcast going forward. We recorded it live on a padel court, in one take, while playing. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes look at: → Marcin's story and how it all started → the conversations that made the biggest impact → the toughest moments → favorite guests + lessons learned → and what’s next Thank you, Marcin. David — welcome to the mic. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/

Most people talk about AI in the cloud. Karim Saleh is putting it on the factory floor. This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Karim Saleh — Co-Founder & CEO of Cerrion, the company building agentic AI that watches factory lines 24/7 and intervenes in real time to prevent safety incidents, scrap, and costly downtime. Cerrion plugs into standard cameras, understands production flows like an expert operator, and can instantly take action — slowing conveyors, shutting down machines, or triggering alarms. Factories using Cerrion resolve issues 50% faster, cut downtime and scrap in half, and run operations with far less stress. Karim’s journey is unreal: → Grew up in a manufacturing family in Egypt → Professional athlete & captain of Egypt’s national water polo team → Electrical engineering at ETH Zurich → Founder building AI across 15 countries and 3 continents → Just raised an $18M Series A from Creandum, Hanel, YC, 10x Founders, Robin Chan, Justin Kan, Harry Stebbings and others We cover: • The moment on a factory floor that shaped the mission behind Cerrion • Why frontline teams everywhere face the same structural problems • How agentic AI can safely intervene during production • Real stories where Cerrion caught what humans couldn’t see in time • The surprising similarity between factories in 15 different countries • What elite sport teaches you about building a hypergrowth startup • What the factory of the future feels like for a shift leader in 2030 • And the “one myth about factories” Karim wants the world to forget This is one of the most grounded, mission-driven, high-clarity deep-tech conversations we’ve had. Takeaways: 1. Frontline teams are overwhelmed; AI reduces stress, not jobs. 2. Agentic AI is shifting factories from firefighting to foresight. 3. Real-time AI intervention works when humans stay in the loop, not out of it. 4. Elite sports taught Karim the founder superpower: discipline beats adrenaline. 5. The factory of the future is calm, predictable, and safe — not chaotic. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Karim’s story & Cerrion’s mission 02:13 – Growing up in manufacturing & seeing frontline pain 06:59 – What’s broken in factories today 10:39 – How Cerrion’s AI agents work in real time 12:34 – Human–AI partnership on the shop floor 15:40 – Success stories from 15 countries 18:22 – Athlete mindset → founder mindset 21:29 – Hypergrowth: what broke first 24:50 – The factory of the future 26:42 – Rapid Fire with Karim Saleh If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/

Is Europe really at an AI crossroads — or are we already picking a lane? This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Emmet King, Founding Partner at J12, VC with presence in Stockholm, London, and Paris, backing founders early at the frontier of AI, to unpack what the AI moment actually looks like on the ground for European founders. Emmet argues that Europe has world-class AI talent, but faces real constraints in capital deployment, energy capacity, and regulatory timing. The question isn’t “can Europe build iconic AI companies?” — it’s whether we’ll move fast enough on energy, compute, and policy to let them scale here. Together, we dig into: • What “Europe at an AI crossroads” means in practical terms for founders today • Where talent density is an advantage — and where capital, energy, and regulation still bite • Why calling AI a “bubble” is lazy, and where the froth really is (application layer) • Where the real compounding value lies: infra (DataCrunch, etc.) vs applied AI (Dropcode, Kovant, Pistachio, Dema…) • Energy reality: China’s lead, US flexibility, and how Europe can close the gap • The non-negotiables for building an AI startup in Europe in 2026 • What kind of regulation timing helps, instead of smothering, AI scaleups • Signals that the tide is turning: talent flows, new strategies, infra investment • A concrete “order of operations” for Europe: capital, energy, compute, data, visas We also run through a quick rapid-fire round: • Europe’s AI superpower — and kryptonite • One regulation to keep, one to rewrite • How to spot the copilot mirage (shiny but 0.2% impact) • What proves an infra startup can actually compound • And Emmet’s finish to: “AI isn’t a bubble if we…” Takeaways • Europe has the AI talent to build global leaders — but still underpowers them with capital, energy, and policy. • The AI “bubble” narrative is lazy; froth is in shallow apps, while infra quietly compounds. • Energy capacity and compute access are now strategic levers, not back-office concerns. • Winning AI startups in Europe will be trust-first, productivity-proven, and talent-dense. • Europe’s path is clear: align capital, energy, compute, data, and visas around its best teams. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to AI in Europe 03:10 – Europe at an AI Crossroads 08:16 – Energy Infrastructure and AI 10:41 – The AI Bubble Debate 18:01 – Non-Negotiables for AI Startups 22:55 – J12’s Investment Lens & Thesis 26:22 – If Europe Led for a Day: What to Fix First 31:16 – Contrarian Bets, Safe Bets & Myths 35:14 – Rapid Fire with Emmet King If you’re building AI in Europe — or thinking about where to found your next company — this conversation is a roadmap, not a hot take. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #ai #technology #startup #investing #business

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Zuzanna Stamirowska, CEO & Co-Founder of Pathway — the company building the world’s first post-transformer AI model. Transformers took us far, but they’re showing real limits: they recite instead of reason, freeze instead of adapt, and break under real-time complexity. Zuzanna’s team is rewriting the foundations. Pathway introduces a new architecture with native memory, temporal awareness, and glass-box visibility, enabling models to adapt on the fly—more like humans, less like static prediction engines. Backed by the minds behind Transformers and GPT o1, and trusted by organizations like NATO, La Poste, and Formula 1 teams, Pathway might be the most important AI company you haven’t heard of yet. In this conversation, we dive into: • Why AI’s next leap requires new foundations—not bigger transformers • How Pathway updates reasoning mid-stream as new evidence arrives • Visibility as a feature: what “glass-box AI” actually looks like • How long-range context can survive without latency or cost exploding • Why post-transformer models need far less data to specialize • The operational patterns across NATO, La Poste & F1 that justify a new paradigm • What Pathway’s #1 ranking on Hugging Face opened up • The next 12 months: the capability Zuzanna is most excited to ship If you care about where AI is really going — not incremental tweaks but a genuine architectural shift — this is the episode. Takeaways: • AI’s next leap is architectural, not incremental. • Memory + time unlock adaptation transformers can’t touch. • Context beats parameter count. • Glass-box visibility will become an enterprise requirement. • Less data, more reasoning — the future is efficiency over scale. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Zuzanna & Pathway 02:57 – Why AI Needs New Foundations 05:58 – Memory & Time: The Missing Ingredients 09:09 – Adaptive Reasoning in Real Time 11:57 – Less Training, More Understanding 15:06 – NATO, La Poste, F1: Field Proof 18:01 – Building Teams at the Frontier 21:09 – Hugging Face #1: The Ripple Effect 23:58 – What Comes Next If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #ai #technology #startup

Most healthcare only really starts when something goes wrong. Even is trying to flip that. Recorded live during Italian Tech Week in Turin, this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast features Matilde Giglio, Co-Founder of Even, India’s leading healthcare startup redesigning access to affordable, high-quality care for over 1.3 billion people. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Founders Fund, Lachy Groom, Alpha Wave and others, Even has raised over $60M since launching in 2021, grown to a 400+ person team, and built a unique membership that gives Indians unlimited, cashless access to primary care, diagnostics, specialists, and hospital cover – all wrapped around a strong preventive model. We talk about: – Why Matilde chose India and what she saw in the system – Why most “prevention” models fail – and how Even makes it work at scale – How they redesigned incentives so doctors, patients and Even are aligned – What it means to build hospitals that feel like part of life, not a last resort – Where AI is genuinely useful today – and what stays deeply human – The hardest founder moments building in a complex, regulated system – And the headline Matilde wants Even to make five years from now Takeaways: – Even blends care + cover in one model, not two separate worlds. – The core bet is prevention first, not “wait for sickness then pay big.” – Incentives are redesigned so patients, doctors and Even win on better outcomes, not more procedures. – AI augments care, handling workflows and insight – but trust and empathy stay human. – Success is measured in health outcomes and satisfaction, not just ARR or procedure volume. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Even Healthcare's Model 02:21 The Decision to Operate in India 05:05 Innovative Healthcare Solutions and Prevention 06:19 Redesigning the Hospital Experience 09:17 The Role of AI in Healthcare 12:40 Challenges Faced by Founders 16:21 Future Aspirations for Even Healthcare 19:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #health #healthcare

If your coffee tastes the same delicious every morning, there’s a good chance Cropster is involved. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Andreas Idl, Co-Founder & CEO of Cropster, the quiet tech force behind the global specialty coffee boom. Founded after Andreas spent time in Colombia and saw how hard it was for small farmers and roasters to access the global market on fair terms, Cropster builds software that helps producers and roasters hit specialty-grade quality, roast after roast—while sending more value back down the supply chain. Today, Cropster works with hundreds of roasters and cafés worldwide, including every winner of the World Coffee Roasting Championship. Their tools help map the entire journey from cherry to cup, capture and analyze roasting data, and keep quality consistent from one batch—and one location—to the next. With the recent acquisition of FireScope, Cropster is also deepening its footprint in Asia, one of the fastest-growing coffee markets in the world. We talk about: – What specialty coffee actually is—and why it’s exploding globally – Where quality is won or lost along the coffee production chain – The frictions that keep smallholders and emerging roasters out of premium markets – What Cropster’s software actually shows on-screen—and how it changes tomorrow’s roast – Why World Coffee Roasting Champions trust Cropster, and what any roaster can copy – The thinking behind the FireScope acquisition and expansion in Asia – How data can help farmers and roasters get fairer pricing and longer relationships – Where Cropster is going next: product roadmap, more M&A, and opening specialty to more roasters Takeaways: – Specialty coffee is won or lost at multiple steps—from cherry to cup. – Small roasters are often blocked by outdated trading systems and lack of data. – Cropster turns roasting into a measurable, repeatable process, not guesswork. – The FireScope acquisition accelerates Cropster’s growth in Asia’s fast-growing coffee market. – Great coffee is about balance—of flavor, process, and consistent quality. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cropster and Andreas Idl 06:30 Understanding Specialty Coffee 09:03 The Coffee Production Process 12:19 Challenges for Small Holders and Emerging Roasters 19:48 Cropster's Role in the Coffee Industry 30:02 Acquisition of FireScope and Market Expansion 37:50 Future Plans for Cropster 38:35 Rapid Fire Questions with Andreas Idl If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #coffee #business #technology

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Rebecka Löthman Rydå, General Partner at Norrsken Evolve. Rebecka calls herself a nerd at heart passionate about supporting early stage founders building transformative companies that tackle meaningful problems. She's an investor in over 30 companies like Truecaller, through Zenith (IPO $2b), Funnel (series C $66m), TrusTrace (series B $25m), Formulate (exit to Relex) and Zound Industries (now Marshall exit at $1b). Norrsken Evolve is a new €57M oversubscribed pre-seed fund backing founders building Europe’s resilient and sustainable future. It’s an evolution of Norrsken Accelerator—since 2021 they’ve backed 80 startups—now doubling down with €250k upfront + follow-on, a world-class in-person sprint, and a top-tier advisory network. We dig into: • Europe’s “defining moment” and the courage founders need now • What Evolve looks for at pre-seed (problem-obsession, resilience, honesty) • Why storytelling + direct feedback beat vanity metrics at day-zero • Hiring truths (why a Founder’s Associate / Chief of Staff early can 10x output) • How “resilience” gets real across energy, logistics, cities, food, health & society Takeaways: – Pre-seed is courage + clarity: narratives matter more than noisy metrics. – Back problem-obsession, not just credentials. – Resilience = real-world stress-tests, not buzzwords. – Hiring a Founder’s Associate early saves the CEO from context collapse. – Direct, fast feedback compounds founder learning. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Evolve & AI Bubble Discussion 03:08 How Evolve Works 06:04 Courage in European Innovation 08:58 Founder Traits: Problem-Obsession & Grit 12:02 Hiring & Early Team Dynamics 15:06 Fundraising & Metrics at Pre-Seed 17:56 Radical Candor: Feedback & Transparency 20:58 Resilience & Sustainability in Practice 23:03 Sector Impact & What’s Next 24:02 Final Thoughts & Rapid Fire If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #funding #sustainability #business #technology

Abacum is the all-in-one FP&A platform helping CFOs forecast revenue, plan headcount, and model financial scenarios—so finance can drive efficient growth in tough markets. With 100+ employees across Barcelona, New York, and London, Abacum is used by hundreds of mid-market companies in 31 countries—trusted by Strava, Trilogy, Abridge, JG Wentworth, Mastercam, and more. The company recently closed a $60M Series B led by Scale Venture Partners (total funding $105M) with investors including Y Combinator, Cathay Innovation, Atomico, Creandum, and K Fund. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Julio Martinez, Co-Founder and CEO of Abacum. Julio shares how Abacum turns spreadsheet-heavy workflows into real-time, collaborative planning. We cover how finance teams adopt Abacum in practice, Spain’s tech rise, and why the company is doubling down on U.S. expansion. We also dive into Julio’s personal operating system—Vipassana, Stoicism (Epictetus), journaling, family-first—and yes, his near-career as a paella cook (although he didn't say his last word about it yet) and much more. Takeaways: – Excel works… until scale, collaboration, and cadence break it. – One live model for revenue, headcount, and OPEX = forecasts you can defend. – Headcount discipline (role → timing → ramp → ROI) beats top-down totals. – AI enhances productivity; decisions stay human. – EU vs U.S.: EU optimizes for control; U.S. for speed—Abacum serves both. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Abacum and Julio Martinez 03:00 Identifying Pain Points in Finance 05:55 The Spreadsheet Dilemma 08:52 Hiring and Business Growth Traps 11:56 The Role of AI in Finance 14:59 Cultural Differences: EU vs US Finance 18:12 Raising Capital and Business Foundations 20:59 Personal Habits and Leadership 23:49 Rapid Fire Questions If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #finance #business

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Vidya Peters, CEO of DataSnipper—the Dutch unicorn automating document-heavy audit and finance with enterprise-grade, traceable AI. Founded in 2017, DataSnipper is used by 600,000+ professionals across 2,000+ customers in 175 countries—including the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and enterprises like Volkswagen, Morgan Stanley, Paramount, Siemens, Baker Tilly. In 2024, DataSnipper raised a $100M Series B led by Index Ventures at a $1B valuation, was the #1 fastest-growing company in the Netherlands for two years, and completed its first acquisition (UpLink). With multi-language support and industry-specific automation, DataSnipper focuses on what auditors actually need: speed with a regulator-ready audit trail. In this exciting conversation, Vidya shares her background, the importance of auditors in society, and how DataSnipper is transforming the auditing landscape by automating tedious tasks and enhancing efficiency. The conversation delves into the future of auditing with AI, the significance of trust in the auditing process, and the impact of partnerships, particularly with Microsoft. Vidya also engages in a rapid-fire segment, sharing personal insights and thoughts on the evolving role of AI technology in people's lives. We go deep on: – What “traceable AI” looks like for regulators (step-by-step breadcrumbs) – The one process that makes auditors smile by Friday – Where agents should own work this quarter—and where humans stay in the loop – How partnerships (incl. Microsoft ecosystem) make Monday mornings effortless – The moment auditors say, “I’ll never go back” Takeaways: – Traceable AI = evidence, not guesses: every extraction, match, and check leaves a breadcrumb. – Automate reality, not theory: start with evidence collection & tie-outs (fastest “auditors smile by Friday” win). – Agents own the repetitive; humans own the judgment: let agents prep, reconcile, and validate; keep materiality & risk with people. – Trust beats speed when it’s close: preserve human sign-off where stakes are high. – Platform vision: industry-specific automation + partners + app ecosystem → repeatable outcomes at scale. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to DataSnipper and Its Impact 02:30 The Role of Auditors in Society 06:01 Transforming Auditing with Technology 09:33 The Future of Auditing: AI and Automation 12:33 The Importance of Human Auditors 14:25 Partnerships and Effortless Workflows 15:56 Milestones and Future Vision 17:29 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #ai #technology #data #audit

This is the best time to build a startup ever. To young people thinking whether to build something: Start Now. This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Laura Modiano (Startups EMEA at OpenAI) to turn her “love letter to European founders” into a build-now playbook. We break down OpenAI’s latest platform updates—Apps in ChatGPT + Apps SDK (a brand-new distribution channel), AgentKit (agents that actually do), Codex (GA) for developer speed, Sora 2 / Sora 2 Pro via API for high-ROI video, and GPT-5-pro for higher-stakes reasoning—into concrete steps founders can run today. You’ll learn: – The fastest path from idea → prototype using OpenAI’s stack (weekend-level speed) – Apps in ChatGPT: how discovery + monetization change—and what founders should prep before day one – Where AgentKit beats basic API calls (state, tools, guardrails → outcomes) – How to fold Codex (GA) into your PR flow without slowing teams – Sora 2: responsible, high-ROI uses that move real metrics – GPT-5-pro vs. cheaper models: a practical decision rubric (stakes, accuracy, latency, cost) Takeaways: – Speed is a moat: scaffold with GPT-5-pro, then optimize to cheaper models. – Don’t “add AI”—remove steps: redesign the workflow; kill clicks, not add them. – Apps in ChatGPT = new distribution: 800M weekly users; EU/UK—prep your app listing, onboarding, and pricing now. – Agents vs. endpoints: with AgentKit, combine state + tools + guardrails to deliver outcomes, not demos. – Codex (GA) ≠ novelty: pair-programming, repo refactors, doc hygiene—without slowing PR velocity. – Sora 2: use where dynamic video outperforms static—product demos, instructionals, simulations. – Europe’s edge: talent density + research depth; the bottleneck is belief + shipping cadence, not brains. Chapters: 00:00 Building in Europe: A Love Letter to Founders 05:15 Europe’s Competitive Edge 12:16 From Idea to Prototype: Leveraging OpenAI Tools 13:45 Integrating AI: Common Mistakes to Avoid 15:10 Apps in ChatGPT: Discovery, Distribution & Monetization 18:22 AgentKit: Unlocking New Possibilities 19:14 Codex (GA): Enhancing Developer Workflows 21:44 Sora 2 & GPT-5-pro: The Future of AI 25:15 AI & Jobs: A Balanced Perspective 32:01 Best Time to Build: A Call to Action 38:45 Final Thoughts: AI’s Role in Our Lives If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: / eu-startups-menlo-media Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #ai #chatgpt

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Scott van den Berg, founder of HotStart VC, to unpack how celebrity and creator-led brands actually win. HotStart VC's team has been involved in 55+ celebrity-founded brands, including investments in companies founded by Selena Gomez, DJ Khaled, Jake Paul, and more. They also co-founded two of the most successful celebrity-founded brands: Feastables w/ MrBeast ($375M revenue in Y3) and The Honest Co. w/Jessica Alba ($1.4B IPO in 2021). Most recently, HotStart VC welcomed actress Sasha Pieterse (20M followers) and creator Marina Mogliko (17M followers) as venture partners, further strengthening our access and expertise in the space. We dive into why distribution is the new moat, why product quality (not hype) drives repeat purchase, how authentic creator–product fit builds trust, and the signals & metrics that matter beyond follower counts. Scott also shares how to structure teams around a creator, what most investors miss about the category, and why ownership changes commitment. You’ll learn: – Distribution as a competitive edge (and how to build it) – Authenticity & problem-solving always beat endorsements & logos – The metrics that predict revenue: engagement, retention, LTV/CAC – Team design for creator-led companies (ops, brand, growth, supply) – Why B2B for creators is an underpriced opportunity Takeaways: – Distribution is the moat; reach + repeatable channels beat one-off virality. – Product quality drives retention; hype may launch, quality compounds. – Authenticity converts; creator–product fit builds trust and pricing power. – Engagement is more important than the number of followers; comments, saves, CTR, and repeat purchase predict revenue. – Ownership matters; real skin-in-the-game changes creator commitment. – Right team, right roles; brand + ops + growth + supply around the creator. – Zero-to-one differs; creators start with audience, still must earn product–channel fit. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HotStart VC and Scott van den Berg 02:33 The Role of Distribution in Celebrity Brands 05:01 Understanding the Challenges of Celebrity Brands 08:08 Identifying Early Signals of Success 10:32 Key Metrics for Long-Term Revenue 12:37 Building a B2B Company as a Creator 15:56 The Importance of Team Structure in Celebrity Brands 19:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #creator #celebrity #venturecapital

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Rocío Alcocer Magirena, Managing Director of Norrsken Barcelona — Europe’s largest hub for tech & impact startups — during Impact/Week (Oct 1–2). We dig into Norrsken’s “infrastructure for hope”, the Impact/100 2025 list (where AI tops tomorrow’s impact unicorns), and why Spain’s startup economy is surging (📈 €3.8B). Rocío breaks down the momentum in healthcare, biotech, biodiversity, and home-care — and what Barcelona needs next: more talent and more patient capital. Spanish finalists spotlighted in the episode: Deepull (2019) — 1-hour, culture-free molecular test for ~95% of sepsis pathogens + resistance genes. Sycai Medical (2020) — AI that flags abdominal lesions & predicts pancreatic cancer risk. Biorce (2024) — Streamlining clinical trials with an AI platform, Jarvis. Ocean Ecostructures (2018) — “Life Boosting Units” regenerate marine biodiversity; 300+ species & 1.5t CO₂ captured. Qida (2017) — Scalable home-care to transform healthcare delivery. What you’ll learn: – How Norrsken builds infrastructure for hope (community + capital + space) – Why AI leads in the next wave of impact unicorns – The Impact/100 methodology & what makes a company “impact-ready” – Europe’s healthcare & biodiversity challenges + where startups can win – Community design: how Barcelona is shaping a global impact hub for 2026 Takeaways: – AI is shaping the next wave of impact unicorns – solving real problems, not hyping demos. – Spain’s startup ecosystem is breaking out – €3.8B and rising, with global attention. – Impact thrives when capital meets purpose – patient, aligned money solves hard problems. – People move markets – founder stamina beat paperwork. – Community is the multiplier–the best hubs are engineered, not accidental. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impact Week and Norrsken 03:07 The Growth of Spain's Startup Ecosystem 05:49 Impact/100: AI and the Future of Impact Unicorns 09:08 Spotlight on Spanish Startups 11:51 Challenges in Healthcare Startups 14:58 Biodiversity and Economic Impact 18:07 Home-Care Innovations 21:11 Community Design in Startup Ecosystems 24:00 Looking Ahead: Barcelona's Impact Scene in 2026 26:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: / eu-startups-menlo-media Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #impact

Most growth teams run on incentives. Most incentives run on… spreadsheets, guesswork, and disputes. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Sergio González, CEO & Co-Founder of Remuner—the AI-powered sales compensation platform that turns commissions from confusion into a growth system. Fresh off a €5.5M Seed (led by Seaya, with Pear VC and others), Remuner is expanding globally and doubling down on AI to become Europe’s reference platform for sales compensation. We unpack: – Why incentives break (misalignment, opacity, manual ops) – How AI nudges help reps maximize earnings (and hit targets) – Why transparency kills shadow accounting and builds trust – The power of no-code plan design (business teams, not IT) – What “global by design” means for currency/compliance/culture – The future: compensation as a strategic, data-driven growth lever Takeaways: – Automation + AI turn commissions from manual to strategic – Transparency builds trust and ends shadow accounting – Fix sales/comp cycle misalignment to unlock growth – No-code design = faster changes, fewer IT bottlenecks – AI nudges guide reps to maximize earnings, in real time – “Global by design” matters: currency, compliance, culture – Compensation is becoming a data-driven growth lever Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Remuner and Sergio González 01:29 What Remuner Actually Does (in plain English) 02:34 Why Transparency is the Trust Engine 04:01 Designing Effective, Fair Compensation Plans 06:14 Predicting Paychecks with Confidence 08:51 Before & After: A Customer Turnaround Story 11:10 AI Compensation Manager: Nudges & Insights 13:49 Ending Disputes & Shadow Accounting 15:57 No-Code Plan Design (No IT Dependency) 18:36 Global Compensation: Currency & Compliance 20:28 The Strategic Future of Compensation 23:32 Rapid Fire with Sergio If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #sales

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Beth Susanne, global pitch coach trusted by over 3,950 startups and clients across 60 countries. She has helped entrepreneurs raise over $10 billion to date! Her work spans industries from medtech and biotech to fintech, AI, and cleantech, and she has collaborated with organisations such as Singularity University, Oxford Foundry, Barclays, BMW, and Disney. Known for her “dogged determination to extract the very best” from founders, Beth specializes in crafting clear, confident messages that resonate across investors, markets, and culture. She is the person European and Asian entrepreneurs call when they want to learn how to loosen up and exude confidence before meeting with a group of Silicon Valley investors. In this episode, Beth breaks down how to capture and maintain investor attention, map motivations such as risk, upside, and speed, and master delivery through voice, pace, pause, and presence. She also shares why simplicity is a superpower, how founders can remove 70% of words to double their impact, and much more! You’ll learn: – Why attention is the only currency in a pitch—and how to earn it fast – How to map investor motivations (risk, upside, speed) and speak to them directly – Delivery that lands: voice, tempo, pause, and eye contact – Simplicity as a superpower: remove 70% of words, double the impact – Visualization & rehearsal: training confidence on command Takeaways: – Attention is the currency. Open strong, cut filler. – Motivation mapping: speak to risk, upside, speed. – Delivery makes meaning: breath, pace, pause, eye contact. – Simplicity scales: fewer words, clearer claims. – Visualization works: rehearse the state you need to feel. Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Pitching: Understanding Investor Attention 02:33 Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Structure and Delivery 05:05 Transformative Coaching: Real-Life Success Stories 08:14 The Importance of Simplicity in Pitch 10:48 Mastering Delivery: Techniques for Confidence 13:33 Visualization and Mindset: Preparing for Success 16:02 Universal Pitching Rules Across Industries 19:00 Cutting Through the Fluff: Effective Communication 21:19 Body Language and Credibility in Pitching 23:56 Feedback and Growth: The Coaching Process 26:30 Rapid Fire: Insights and Advice for Founders If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #pitching #venturecapital

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, Founder & CEO of EGYM, the German fitness tech unicorn transforming how the world approaches health. EGYM’s mission is simple yet bold: make fitness accessible to everyone. By rethinking the traditional gym experience and integrating fitness into healthcare, EGYM is pioneering a shift from repair to prevention. We dive into: – Why 80% of gym-goers don’t actually benefit from their workouts – The role of strength training in longevity and healthy living – How technology personalizes and enhances fitness journeys – What Europe can learn from the US (and vice versa) about health and fitness – Philipp’s bold vision for the future of EGYM and preventative healthcare Takeaways: – EGYM’s mission is to make fitness accessible for all, not just the motivated 20%. – Traditional gyms fail because most members don’t get real results. – Strength training is one of the biggest unlocks for longevity. – Integrating fitness into healthcare lowers costs and saves lives. – Technology can personalize workouts, making prevention more engaging. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to EGYM and Its Mission 05:11 – The Broken Gym Experience 09:53 – Integrating Fitness and Healthcare 14:47 – The Future of Gym Technology 20:11 – Global Perspectives on Fitness 24:49 – Bold Bets and Future Aspirations If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #fitness #gym #technology

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Des Traynor, Co-founder of Intercom, creators of Fin.AI, to unpack what it takes to transform a unicorn into an AI-first company. Des shares the story of how Intercom embraced AI at its core, building Fin.AI, a customer service agent now handling millions of conversations. He explains the challenges of creating an AI-first culture, the risks of transition, and why companies that fail to adapt will not survive. This is a must-listen for founders, builders, and investors navigating the AI revolution. We also dive into: – The future of AI-powered customer experiences – Why Europe has untapped opportunities in AI vs. Silicon Valley – What investors should know about backing AI startups today – Des’s vision for the future of Intercom and Fin.AI – And lessons from his angel portfolio (Notion, Algolia, Miro, Synthesia, and more) Takeaways: – AI isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation shift. – Transforming a company into AI-first means changing culture, not just code. – Customers measure AI by trust, not accuracy. – Europe has the talent to lead in AI — speed is the missing piece. – The biggest AI wins will come from industries still waiting to be disrupted. Chapters: 00:00 – From Unicorn to AI Transformation 06:08 – Building an AI-First Culture 12:03 – Success Stories with Fin 17:48 – Europe vs. Silicon Valley in AI 24:12 – Future Vision for Fin and Intercom If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #ai

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Marco Trombetti, seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and Co-Founder & CEO of Translated and Pi Campus. Translated provides translation services in more than 200 languages with over 500.000 professional translators working in symbiosis with the best translation AI ever created. Marco’s story is one of curiosity, long-term vision, and relentless optimism. From building software at just 15 to co-founding one of Europe’s leading translation platforms, Marco shares the lessons learned from decades at the intersection of technology, language, and entrepreneurship. Packed with wisdom from a career of building, investing, and learning, this is a masterclass in how to play the long game as an entrepreneur. We explore: – Why naivety is often an entrepreneur’s superpower – The importance of loving your users’ problems, not just your product – How AI and humans can complement each other in translation and beyond – Why physical spaces matter for innovation (and how Pi Campus was designed for that) – Why optimism and long-term thinking are the most underrated startup strategies Takeaways: – Entrepreneurship is a long game: think 10–15 years, not 10–15 months. – Optimism is an edge in building companies. – Naivety isn’t a weakness — it’s what lets you try the “impossible.” – AI won’t replace humans — it will enhance them. – Founders should fall in love with their users’ problems, not their own ideas. – The future is built by those who show up to build it. Chapters: 00:00 – From Early Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Spirit 03:08 – The Birth of Translated and the Internet Revolution 10:05 – Building Companies: The Long Game 16:13 – The Importance of Physical Spaces for Innovation 19:34 – Optimism and Naivety in Entrepreneurship 21:16 – Rapid Fire Insights: Wisdom from Marco Trombetti If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #entrepreneurship #ai #translation

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Joe Seager-Dupuy, Partner at TRUE, the $1bn consumer-specialist VC and innovation advisory firm that’s reshaping the retail, leisure, and consumer tech sectors. Joe shares his unique journey from a family of firefighters to venture capital, explains why brands today need a strong point of view, and reveals the “superpowers” that make TRUE one of the most interesting players in consumer VC. The conversation dives into: – How TRUE integrates sustainability beyond just a label – The evolution (and reality check) of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models – How AI is transforming consumer behavior and entrepreneurship – Lessons learned working with Richard Branson – And what makes a founder truly stand out Takeaways: – Great founders reshape consumer habits, not just follow them. – Market size matters — even the best idea struggles without it. – Copy-paste advice is dangerous; context defines success. – Brands with a bold point of view earn loyalty faster. – AI is an accelerant — amplifying both good business models and bad ones. This episode is packed with insights on where consumer markets are heading — and what it takes to build a business that actually changes behavior. Chapters: 00:00 From Firefighter to Venture Capitalist 04:11 The Superpowers of TRUE 08:20 Sustainability Beyond the Label 12:14 Brands Need a Point of View 16:17 The Evolution of D2C 19:11 The AI Revolution and Consumer Behavior 22:15 The Impact of AI on Entrepreneurship 25:29 Lessons from Richard Branson and Early Stage Founders 26:04 Identifying Promising Founders 29:43 Challenges in Consumer Market Size 31:01 Red Flags in Startup Pitches 33:02 Rapid Fire Insights on Consumer Trends Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #consumer #ai #venturecapital

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jens Wohltorf, CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane — the premium global chauffeur service that’s transforming the way business travelers move through the world. Jens shares the journey from concept to becoming a trusted name in luxury mobility. We discuss how Blacklane scaled across continents while maintaining exceptional service, navigated complex local regulations, and adapted during the pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. You’ll hear insights on: – Building trust in the luxury service industry – The importance of anticipating customer needs before they even ask – How to scale without sacrificing quality – Why sustainability must be more than a marketing line – The skills and mindset entrepreneurs need to thrive in global markets Takeaways – Trust is your most valuable currency. – Global expansion demands local understanding — and patience. – Scaling too fast can compromise quality beyond repair. – Anticipation and empathy separate good service from great service. – Crises (like the pandemic) can be catalysts for reinvention. Chapters 00:00 The Spark of Blacklane 02:57 Scaling Luxury Mobility 06:09 Building Trust in Service 09:01 Navigating Global Expansion 11:58 Sustainability in Luxury Travel 14:51 Lessons from the Pandemic 18:11 Future of Mobility 21:02 Rapid Fire Insights Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #mobility #luxury #travel

What does it take to build one of world's highest-performing sales teams — fully remote? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Maxime Chareton, Head of Sales at Revolut, to explore what makes the fintech giant’s sales engine run. Revolut's powerhouse of products helps 50+ million customers get more from their money every day. They have 10,000+ people working around the world, from their offices and remotely, to help them achieve their mission. We cover: – How Revolut scaled a remote sales team across global markets – Why autonomy and ownership beat micromanagement – How to hire sales talent with curiosity and resilience – The role of AI in augmenting (not replacing) human sales – How to shift the conversation from price → to value Takeaways: – Sales is emotional intelligence in motion. – Culture is the glue in remote-first teams. – Great sellers don’t push — they guide. – Hiring for mindset beats hiring for resume. – The future of sales is part tech, part trust. Whether you're building a sales org, hiring your first reps, or selling across borders — this episode is packed with real tactics and fresh thinking. Chapters: 00:00 Scaling Sales in a Remote World 01:57 Building a Unique Sales Culture 03:29 Maintaining High Performance at Scale 05:23 Hiring for Success 07:02 Localizing Sales Efforts 09:44 Autonomy and Ownership in Sales 10:27 Leveraging Technology for Productivity 12:39 The Role of AI in Sales 14:36 Personalization in Sales Outreach 15:46 Shifting Conversations from Price to Value 17:12 Sales Enablement Strategies 18:22 Creating Urgency Without Pressure 19:45 Rapid Fire Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #sales #finance

Airbnb? Timeshare? Nope. This Is Better. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Nikolaus Thomale, Founder & Managing Director of MYNE Homes. MYNE Homes is building Europe’s leading co-ownership platform for vacation homes. They make buying, owning and selling your dream vacation home more accessible and hassle-free. While more than 20 million vacation homes across Europe are sitting empty most of the year, millions of people dream of owning such a second home. MYNE was started to bring together those homes and those people with dreams. We explore: – Why traditional vacation home ownership is outdated and inefficient – How MYNE creates a seamless co-ownership experience across Europe – What makes MYNE different from Airbnb, rentals, or timeshares – How luxury, flexibility, and sustainability can go hand-in-hand – The role of community and emotional value in second-home ownership Takeaways: – Ownership is shifting from solo to shared, from status to story. – The new luxury is flexibility, community, and meaning. – Technology unlocks emotional value in real estate. – Co-ownership redefines what it means to “own” a place. – Vacation homes are no longer just for the 1%. Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Vacation Home Ownership 04:34 The Rise of Co-Ownership Models 06:12 Differentiating from Traditional Models 08:35 Luxury Meets Accessibility 09:53 Market Expansion Strategies 12:01 Creating a Sense of Ownership 14:58 The Future of Property Ownership 16:17 Personal Dreams and Experiences 17:39 Rapid Fire Questions If you've ever dreamed of a beachside villa in Mallorca or a mountain retreat in the Alps — this one’s for you. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #realestate #technology

🎙️ Skills Over Signals: TestGorilla CEO Wouter Durville on the Future of Hiring In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Wouter Durville, Co-Founder and CEO of TestGorilla, to discuss the shift from traditional hiring to skills-based recruitment. With over $80m in funding TestGorilla is placing people in dream jobs with talent assessments that identify the best candidates at the start of the recruitment process. With companies like Google and EY dropping degree requirements, and AI entering the hiring process, the future of recruitment is getting a massive upgrade. Wouter explains: – Why résumés don’t work – How to test for the skills that really matter – What founders, hiring managers, and HR leaders get wrong – How to make hiring fairer, faster, and more human Takeaways: – Traditional hiring methods are becoming obsolete. – Résumés are dying — skills are the new currency. – Degrees are optional. Talent and hard work are not. – AI + assessment = fairer, faster hiring. – Human values like critical thinking and being kind are crucial. – The future of hiring will focus on skills, not signals. Chapters: 00:00 Rethinking Hiring: The Skills-First Approach 03:02 The Role of AI in Modern Recruitment 06:03 Identifying Key Skills for Success 08:56 The Importance of a Holistic Hiring Process 12:07 Creating a Positive Candidate Experience 14:54 Balancing Technology and Human Touch in Hiring 17:59 The Future of Hiring: A Vision for Skills-Based Recruitment 💡 If you’re hiring, applying, or just curious about how AI and assessments are reshaping work — this is a must-listen. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #work #hiring #jobs

In this special edition of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by the editorial team behind EU-Startups: Antonio Escarzaga (Head of Content) and David Cendon Garcia (Head of News). Together, they unpack the evolving world of startup media — from AI-generated content and traditional journalism to what actually makes a startup story land in today's crowded feed. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or just startup-curious, this episode is your backstage pass to how media works — and what’s changing fast. Takeaways 1. AI is changing the way content is created and optimized for search engines. 2. Traditional media still plays a crucial role in curating and contextualizing news. 3. Startups should connect their stories to current events for greater relevance. 4. Hyperbole in pitches can turn people off; authenticity is key. 5. Understanding the audience and what content works for them is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EU Startups Podcast 02:59 The Evolving Landscape of Startup Media 06:06 The Importance of Personal Connection in Media 08:56 Insights from the European Startup Media Landscape Infographic 12:00 What Makes a Compelling Startup Story? 18:00 Building Relationships Beyond Coverage 19:50 Trends in Startup Content and Media 24:00 The Future of Startup Media 25:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #media

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by Trevor Neff, Partner at Headline Growth, a global VC firm with offices in San Francisco, Berlin, and Paris. Headline raised $865M for its fourth growth fund, with half of it dedicated to Europe. Headline’s portfolio includes powerhouses like: Sonos, Farfetch, goPuff, Bumble, AppFolio, Creditas, Segment, The RealReal, and Sorare. Trevor shares insights on the importance of building personal relationships with founders, the transition from Sound Ventures to Headline, and the evolving landscape of European startups. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the European market, the significance of trust in investor-founder relationships, and offers valuable advice for founders navigating their journey. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Trevor's perspectives on venture capital and entrepreneurship. Takeaways 1. The best startups today are built global from day one. 2. Build trust early – it’s your most valuable currency. 3. Your investor should know you before your deck. 4. Relationships still matter more than metrics early on. 5. VC is a long game – play it with aligned partners. Chapters 00:00 Building Relationships in Venture Capital 04:45 Lessons from Sound Ventures 06:52 The Vision for Headline's Growth Fund 09:08 The Rise of European Startups 12:31 Balancing Local Nuances with Global Ambition 15:33 The Importance of Trust in Investment 18:26 Advice for Founders and Investors 22:45 Rapid Fire Questions with Trevor Neff If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital

How do you turn travel into a cure for loneliness? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Erika De Santi, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad. With over 125 destinations worldwide and $36m in funding, WeRoad is one of the fast-growing travel startups that's redefining what it means to explore the world — with strangers who become friends. They dive into: – How WeRoad uses group travel to create deep connections – Why group dynamics and coordinators make or break a trip – The role of early growth hacks in building community – Why unexpected moments are the most powerful memories – How the new WeMeet app is tackling loneliness in local communities Takeaways: – WeRoad creates shared experiences that fight loneliness. – Travel is a tool to build belonging, not just escape. – People don’t just want destinations — they want connection. – Real-life friendships need intentional design. – The best travel products are designed for emotion, not logistics. 🎧 Whether you’re a travel junkie, community builder, or just curious how tech and real-life connection intersect — this one’s worth your ears. 👇 Timestamps 00:00 Fighting Loneliness Through Travel 03:02 Designing Unique Travel Experiences 06:00 The Role of Travel Coordinators 10:13 Building Community and Connection 13:07 Lessons on Human Nature and Loneliness 17:58 Introducing WeMeet: A New Platform 21:50 Social Responsibility and Community Impact 24:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Travel Wisdom If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #travel

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Charlie MacGregor, Founder & CEO of The Social Hub – a bold reimagination of what hospitality, connection, and community can look like in the 21st century. Starting from a personal desire to improve student housing, Charlie went on to build a hospitality powerhouse that blends hotels, coworking, student residences, coliving, events, and social impact – all under one brand. We dive deep into: – The origin story behind The Social Hub – Why belonging is the most underrated business model – How diverse communities can thrive in shared spaces – The role of design in shaping behavior and connection – How to build spaces where people actually want to connect – The future of hospitality This conversation isn’t just about hotels. It’s about how we live, work, learn – and what happens when you design spaces to bring people together on purpose. Takeaways – Hospitality is evolving from service to connection. – Design is not just aesthetic — it’s behavioral architecture. – Purpose and profit can scale together – if culture leads the way. – The best growth stories are rooted in human transformation. – The future of hospitality is human and hyper-local. Chapters 00:00 The Vision Behind The Social Hub 02:50 Creating Spaces for Connection 05:39 Engineering a Sense of Belonging 08:09 Designing for Local and Global 10:57 Navigating Growth and Sustainability 13:35 Community Impact Stories 16:11 Future Aspirations and Innovations 18:41 Reflections on Hospitality and Leadership If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #hospitality #travel

Most AI startups don’t fail because of the tech. They fail because they don't know how to go to market. Enter Carles Reina, the first investor and GTM strategist at ElevenLabs — the voice AI juggernaut redefining what product-market fit sounds like. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin and Carles talk about the real playbook for scaling AI startups. No fluff. Just unfiltered truths from a builder who's done it at breakneck speed. We cover: ✅ Why AI GTM ≠ SaaS GTM ✅ How to confirm PMF with enterprise contracts ✅ When to hire GTM leaders — and who not to hire ✅ The underrated power of cultural intelligence ✅ Why brand is your best-performing growth channel ✅ And how AI founders can avoid the #1 GTM trap: shipping without strategy This is the go-to-market MBA every founder and early-stage investor needs — especially if you're building at the intersection of AI, speed, and global ambition. 🔥 Takeaways: – The first GTM move should focus on sustainable growth – Execution speed is more important than ever – PMF in AI is often validated via enterprise contracts – Global scaling demands deep cultural empathy – Hiring for energy and adaptability beats experience alone – GTM isn’t sales. It’s narrative, community & trust – Brand is not fluff — it’s a growth engine – Community drives traction before PR ever hits Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI GTM Strategies 02:14 The Unique Nature of AI GTM 05:28 Achieving Product-Market Fit in AI 07:42 Scaling AI Globally: Cultural Considerations 09:57 Common Pitfalls in AI GTM for Founders 12:05 The Importance of Product-Led Growth 14:07 Hiring for GTM Success 16:17 Balancing Brand and Distribution 18:27 Investing in AI Startups: Key Patterns 20:14 Misconceptions About GTM Talent 21:55 Building a GTM Playbook for AI 22:54 Rapid Fire Insights on GTM If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #ai #artificialintelligence

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski speaks with Miki Yokoyama, Managing Director and Partner at Aurum Impact – an investment firm working at the intersection of family offices and climate innovation. Miki breaks down the unique role family offices can play in funding a livable future and why we need to rethink how we define impact. From choosing the right fund managers to measuring what actually matters, this conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of channeling wealth into meaningful climate action. 🔍 Topics Covered: – Why the ‘what’ matters more than the ‘how’ in impact – The difference between investing in startups vs. funds – The need for standardized impact metrics – Why founders need to understand corporate structures – How family offices can shift the climate capital landscape – What empathy has to do with successful investing – The future of pricing natural resources 💬 Whether you're an investor, founder, or just climate-curious — this episode offers a rare window into how capital can drive planetary change. Takeaways: – Family offices can play a significant role in impact investing – Impact should focus on what is being done, not just how – Interconnected environmental issues require systemic thinking – Standardized impact metrics are urgently needed – Empathy is a vital skill in both investing and leadership – Long-term climate funding needs to reflect the real cost of nature Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aurum Impact and Climate Innovation 02:54 Family Offices vs. Venture Capitalists 06:10 Assessing Fund Managers and Their Stories 09:02 Impact vs. Sustainability in Investments 12:02 Navigating Corporate Life and Startups 14:53 The Need for Standardization in Impact Metrics 17:51 Future of Climate Tech Funding 20:57 The Interconnectedness of Environmental Issues 23:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #climatechange

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski chats with Niklas Terrahe, the CEO & co-founder of Pick’em — the D2C brand reinventing one of the most unsexy products on the market: the toothpick. It started as a student project. Now it’s chewing gum’s worst nightmare. With millions of views on TikTok, influencer shoutouts from people like Ryan Reynolds, and a toothpick that literally went to space, Pick’em is now one of the fastest-growing Gen Z-led brands, flipping the script on chewing gum and building a social-first movement around flavored toothpicks. Yes — toothpicks. And it's working. But here’s the kicker: This isn’t a fluke. It’s brand storytelling, social-first strategy, and insane execution from a team that just gets what moves people. 🎯 In this episode, Niklas breaks down: – How to turn the unsexiest product imaginable into a viral D2C darling – How to hijack culture to build brand love – Why sustainability is table stakes (but not the headline) – The secret sauce behind authentic influencer marketing – Why entertainment might just be the best growth hack of all 🔥 Takeaways: 1. Every “boring” market is a canvas for reinvention 2. Build a brand that entertains and connects, not just sells 3. Narrative is the growth lever most founders overlook 4. Sustainability should be real — but not preachy 5. Flexibility & feedback loops win in D2C 6. You don’t need a big budget to build buzz — just story and soul 📍Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Pick'em and Niklas Terrahe 03:03 The Birth of a Lifestyle Brand 05:57 Disrupting the Chewing Gum Market 08:57 Turning Hype into a Sustainable Brand 12:06 Navigating Product Market Fit 14:59 The Challenges of D2C Business 18:10 Building a Brand with Purpose 20:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 23:57 Creative Marketing Strategies 26:56 The Future of Pick'em If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #founders #entrepreneurship #content #marketing

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Antonia Eneh, CEO of Wave Ventures, the trailblazing Gen Z-led VC fund that just launched Wave III — their boldest fund yet to invest in the world’s most ambitious Gen Z founders backed by the people behind Bolt, Slack, Wolt, and Supercell. We dive deep into what makes this generation of entrepreneurs tick: 🌍 Their hunger for purpose 💥 Their refusal to accept the status quo 🚀 And their vision to build the world they want to live in Antonia also pulls back the curtain on Wave Ventures’ radically personal investment model, why relationships beat ideas, and how VC must evolve to reflect the diversity and creativity of a new era. If you're building the next big thing — or just want a window into the minds shaping tomorrow — don’t miss this one. 🧠 Takeaways: 1. Gen Z is actively building a world that reflects their values 2. Gen Z founders are driven by purpose, not perks 3. Wave Ventures backs people, not just traction 4. Grit, ambition, and the "X-factor" matter more than resumes 5. The best VCs build with founders — not just write checks 📍Chapters: 00:00 Intro to Wave Ventures & Gen Z Founders 01:46 Building a Better World 03:42 Spotting Wave Material 05:52 A Fund by Students for Students 07:48 People Over Ideas 09:40 Relationship-Driven VC 11:57 Personalized Investment Process 13:45 The Future of VC 19:10 Rapid Fire Game If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Zoltan Vardy, a seasoned B2B sales advisor, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience in driving revenue growth. Zoltan has generated $2 billion in sales throughout his career, serving as a C-suite executive at major media companies like NBCUniversal International and ProSiebenSat.1 Media. He is the creator of The Launch Code, a comprehensive sales and marketing blueprint that has helped over 200 startups across 26 countries close high-ticket deals and scale their businesses . In this conversation, Zoltan shares insights from his newly published book, The Launch Code, offering practical strategies for startup founders to simplify their sales processes. Topics include: – Common pitfalls founders face in sales – The importance of understanding your ideal customer – Building a minimum viable sales setup – Selling with confidence and avoiding time wasters – Crafting effective value propositions – The significance of referrals and optimizing sales decks – The psychology behind pricing strategies Takeaways 1. Understanding your ideal customer is crucial for sales success. 2. Sales is a learnable skill, not a magical talent. 3. Focus on solving problems rather than pushing products. 4. Sales decks should focus on the customer's problem first. 5. Avoid pitching to unqualified leads to save time. Whether you're a founder looking to improve your sales approach or someone interested in B2B sales strategies, this episode provides valuable takeaways to help you build a predictable revenue engine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sales Simplification 03:07 Understanding the Sales Mindset 05:59 Building a Minimum Viable Sales Setup 08:54 Selling with Confidence as a Founder 12:05 Focus and Product-Market Fit 15:07 Avoiding Time Wasters in Sales 18:00 Crafting Effective Value Propositions 21:08 Turning Clients into Advocates 24:00 Optimizing Sales Decks 26:58 Emergency Moves for Dry Pipelines 29:54 Pricing Strategies for Startups 32:08 Cold Outreach vs. Warm Introductions Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #entrepreneurship

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Ash Arora, the youngest Partner at LocalGlobe — the #1 early-stage VC fund in EMEA and a backer of legendary companies like Wise, Canva, Twitter, Robinhood, and more. In this episode, Ash shares her journey from Delhi to leading investments in frontier tech across London and beyond. We dive into her days at Polygon Ventures (managing a $100M fund with LPs like Sequoia, Lightspeed, SoftBank), her time advising the Indian Prime Minister’s Office with a focus on emerging tech startup investments and strategic policy impacting 1.5 billion people, and what she’s learned about power, adversity, and intuition along the way. We explore: – Why adversity builds better founders – How gut instinct is actually pattern recognition – What VCs get wrong about hardware and DeepTech – Why most startups don’t actually need venture money – How to read people like the best investors – And the worst (and best) advice she’s ever received Whether you're a founder, investor, or just someone curious about how the next generation of VCs think — this conversation will challenge what you think you know about success, strategy, and venture capital. 🔥 TAKEAWAYS: 1. Perfect is the enemy of launch. Ship it. 2. Trust your gut — even when it goes against the grain. 3. Most startups don’t need venture funding. 4. Reading people is an underrated investor skill. 5. Gut instinct = subconscious pattern recognition. 6. Zombie startups are born from too much capital. 7. Adversity creates clarity, drive, and vision. 8. Pay it forward. Always. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro: Ash Arora (LocalGlobe) 03:02 - From Delhi to VC Partner 06:02 - Big Career “Holy Sh*t” Moments 09:02 - Power, Money & What People Don’t Say 11:55 - Gut Instinct in Investing: Science or Myth? 15:04 - Adversity as Fuel for Success 17:59 - Unpopular Opinions About Venture 18:25 - The Role of Big Vision in Startup Success 20:12 - Why Reading People is a Superpower 23:04 - Pattern Recognition and Gut Feelings 26:20 - Most Startups Shouldn’t Raise VC 30:15 - Building a Contrarian VC Dream Team 32:20 - Best & Worst Advice She’s Heard 35:27 - Ash’s Life in Five Words #startup #venturecapital #entrepreneurship Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Meiran Galis, Founder & CEO of Scytale, a global leader in security compliance automation, helping companies get compliant and stay compliant with security frameworks like SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR and PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. They serve hundreds of customers around the world and holds a world-class service team that advises & supports customers with their continuous GRC requirements. This episode is a must listen for startup founders. Marcin and Meiran talk all things compliance, startups, security, automation, AI, trust, regulations, SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR. They discuss the importance of compliance for startups, the challenges founders face, and how to build trust with customers. Meiran shares insights on creating a compliance checklist, the role of AI in compliance, and lessons learned from startup challenges. The conversation emphasizes that compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial tool for growth and trust in the market. Takeaways 1. Startups need compliance to grow and build trust. 2. Compliance is often seen as complex and costly by first-time founders. 3. Understanding the relevant regulations is crucial for startups. 4. Building a compliance portfolio model is essential for success. 5. Mapping data flows and creating policies is necessary for compliance. 6. Automation can significantly streamline compliance processes. 7. Trust is foundational for customer relationships in business. #startup #cybersecurity #compliance Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sat down with Christian Noske, Partner at NGP Capital. NGP is a global VC investing in technology companies across Europe and the US. For two decades, NGP has invested in more than 120 companies, of which 19 became unicorns and 11 went on to IPO. Some of the companies NGP has backed include Lime, GetYourGuide, The Exploration Company, and ANYbotics. In this episode, they discuss the longevity of NGP Capital, the shifts in investment focus from B2C to deep tech, and the importance of founders in the success of startups. Christian shares inspiring founder stories, including resilience during challenging times, and reflects on unsexy deals that turned out to be blockbusters. He also discusses lessons learned from missed opportunities and offers insights into the future of venture capital, particularly in Europe, emphasizing the need for a supportive political ecosystem. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on advice and life. Takeaways 1. The founder's unique DNA is what makes startups succeed. 2. Grit and resilience are key in overcoming challenges. 3. Unsexy businesses can yield great returns. 4. The future of VC will favor small, specialized firms. 5. Europe has great talent and strong potential for innovation. 6. Bureaucracy hinders entrepreneurial growth in Europe. 7. Best advice you've ever received: Be present and engaged #startup #entrepreneurship #venturecapital Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve, Co-Founder and CEO of Alan. Alan is your one stop health partner giving everyone access to a healthy & productive life, empowering the body and the mind. Alan's services include the most intuitive health insurance offering, Alan Clinic to navigate the healthcare system and Alan Mind, a mental well-being offer, and newly launched Alan Play among other things! They cover more than 730.000 members and are partners of 33.000 companies for the health of their employees. Alan has raised €747 million. In this episode, Jean-Charles discusses his journey from aerospace to healthcare innovation. He emphasizes the importance of making prevention a norm in healthcare, the challenges faced in the industry, and the need for behavioral change. The conversation also covers Alan's global expansion, the future of healthcare, and personal insights on work-life balance and mental health. Takeaways 1. Behavioral change is crucial for effective healthcare prevention. 2. Innovation in healthcare requires understanding regulations and consumer needs. 3. Gamification can enhance user engagement in health management. 4. The future of healthcare will involve more personal health management tools. 5. Personal health and happiness should be prioritized alongside professional success. #startup #health #entrepreneurship Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with David Nothacker, Co-Founder & CEO of Sennder, the leading digital freight-forwarder platform in Europe. Sennder recently made a game-changing deal and signed an agreement to acquire C.H. Robinson’s European Surface Transportation operations. With this move, their combined business is estimated to hit 1.4bn euros in revenue, unite 1,700 employees and make sennder a top 5 FTL player in Europe by the end of next year. The company has also secured significant support from prominent investors, having raised more than $350 million to date. In this episode, Marcin and David talk about Sennder's remarkable growth from a small startup to a major player in the logistics industry, including recent acquisitions and the challenges of integrating new businesses. David shares insights on the importance of technology in logistics, the need for trust in traditional industries, and the impact of sustainability on transportation. He also reflects on leadership lessons learned during hyper-growth and offers personal insights into his approach to efficiency and discipline. Takeaways 1.Sennder's journey to 1.4 billion euros in revenue is a testament to resilience and adaptability. 2.The logistics industry is on the brink of transformation due to technology and changing market dynamics. 3.Technology adoption in logistics is crucial for efficiency and sustainability, despite industry resistance. 4.Building trust with traditional freight carriers is essential for successful digital transformation. 5.Reducing empty kilometers in logistics significantly impacts CO2 emissions and overall efficiency. #startup #venturecapital #investing #founders #entrepreneurship Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Claudia de la Riva, CEO of Apolo Kids. Claudia is a mother of two and a serial entrepreneur. Apolo for our kids means a new way of learning following their own paths and interests. Apolo for parents means tool to conciliate while better preparing their kids for the future. Apolo is the perfect complement to motivate children through interest-based, autonomous, on-the-go learning thanks to our different solutions focused on the talents of each of them. As Claudia says: "There is nothing more powerful than children's curiosity, let's invest in their Education." In this episode, Claudia shares her journey as an entrepreneur and mother, discussing the challenges and motivations that drive her. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth, the chaos of parenting, and the need for a reimagined educational system that caters to the diverse needs of children. Claudia's insights on parenting myths, the impact of personal experiences, and her vision for the future of learning provide a rich and engaging conversation. Takeaways 1.Apolo Kids aims to provide personalized education for children. 2.Letting go of perfection is key in parenting. 3.Chaos in life can be beneficial and is often unavoidable. 4.A good song can change the energy of a household. 5.Children learn best when they are allowed to explore and make mistakes. 6.Education should focus on understanding rather than memorization. 7.The legacy Claudia hopes to leave is one of love and encouragement for children to dream big. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Claudia de la Riva and Apolo Kids 03:06 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Motherhood 05:52 Parenting Insights and Myths 08:57 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Parenting 12:02 Reimagining Education for Children 14:56 The Future of Learning and Legacy 18:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion #startup #education #entrepreneurship Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Yaron Valler, Founder & Partner at Target Global. Yaron is responsible for Target Global's growth stage investment practice where he led the investments in well-known companies including Wefox, DocPlanner, Delivery Hero, Bird, and numerous others. In this episode, Marcin and Yaron discuss the current state and future of European defense technology. They explore the challenges Europe faces in building a competitive defense ecosystem, drawing lessons from Israel's approach to defense and technology. The conversation also touches on the importance of education, the role of immigration in revitalizing Europe, and the potential of AI and DeepTech startups. Yaron emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in mindset and policy to harness Europe's strengths and address its challenges in the defense sector. 1.A fundamental shift in mindset is needed for success in Europe. 2.Success should be redefined beyond just work-life balance. 3.Education systems must adapt to support innovation and entrepreneurship. 4.Investors should focus on strategic industries like semiconductors and AI. 5.Immigration can drive economic growth and innovation in Europe. 6.Europe must leverage its manufacturing strengths to remain competitive. #startup #venturecapital #investing #founders #entrepreneurship Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Tim Draper, a legendary billionaire venture capitalist. Tim founded Draper Associates, DFJ and the Draper Venture Network, a global network of venture capital funds. He funded Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Focus Media, Robinhood, Athenahealth, Box, Cruise Automation, Carta, Planet, PTC and 15 other unicorns at the seed stage. He is a supporter and global thoughtleader for entrepreneurs everywhere, and is a leading spokesperson for Bitcoin, Blockchain, ICOs and cryptocurrencies, having won the Bitcoin US Marshall’s auction in 2014, invested in over 50 crypto companies, and led investments in Coinbase, Ledger, Tezos, and Bancor, among others. Tim created viral marketing, a marketing method for exponentially spreading an electronic service from customer to customer, instrumental to the successes of Hotmail and Skype and other applications, particularly effective for mail and communications applications. Arguably, social media, crowdsourcing and growth hacking are all outgrowths of viral marketing. He has received various awards and honors including the World Entrepreneurship Forum’s “Entrepreneur of the World,” and is listed as one of the top 100 most powerful people in finance by Worth Magazine, the top 20 most influential people in Crypto by CryptoWeekly, #1 most networked VC by AlwaysOn, #7 on the Forbes Midas List, and #48 most influential Harvard Alum. Global Guru listed Tim as one of the top 30 Startup Gurus in the world. In promoting entrepreneurship, he created Draper University of Heroes, a residential and online school based in San Mateo, Ca to help extraordinary people accomplish their life missions. The school has trained 1200 entrepreneurs, from 84 different countries, who have built 400 companies including NVision, and crypto leaders, QTUM, Spacecash, and DataWallet. He started Innovate Your State, a non-profit dedicated to crowdsource innovation in government, and BizWorld, a non-profit that teaches young children how business and entrepreneurship work. And he wrote the book, “How to be The Startup Hero.” In this episode, Tim shares insights on his childhood beliefs, the evolution of Bitcoin, and his predictions for the future, including advancements in space travel and governance. He discusses the common traits of successful entrepreneurs, his missed investment opportunities, and the impact of Draper University in cultivating fearless entrepreneurs. Tim also reveals his bucket list aspirations, including a desire to walk on the moon. Takeaways 1.The future belongs to the bold – If you’re not taking risks, you’re already behind. 2.Skepticism is a sign you’re onto something big – If everyone agrees with your idea, it’s probably too late. 3.Decentralization will change everything – Money, governance, and business will never be the same. 4.Your craziest idea might be your best one – If it excites you and scares others, keep going. 5.Life’s too short to play it safe – Whether it’s investing in Bitcoin or walking on the moon, dream bigger. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast our host Marcin Lewandowski sits down with the amazing Anna Alex, entrepreneur & investor in sustainability and nature. Anna's a Co-Founder of companies such as Nala Earth, Planetly, Outfittery and a SPIEGEL Bestselling Author. Her latest venture, NALA Earth, is at the forefront of measuring biodiversity and nature for companies. Before co-founding NALA Earth, Anna launched Planetly, a leading carbon management solution, which she successfully scaled to 250 employees and over 350 customers in just three years before its acquisition by a US software company in 2021. Earlier in her entrepreneurial journey, she also co-founded Outfittery, now Europe’s top curated shopping company. In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Anna actively invest as an angel in the climate tech sector and serve on several boards, including the Vodafone Sustainability Board. She is also a member of the advisory council "Young Digital Economy" for the German Minister for Economics. Through her foundation, the Wild&Free Animal Fund, Anna support organizations dedicated to combating livestock farming. In this engaging conversation, Marcin and Anna explore her journey through entrepreneurship, her deep connection to nature, and the misconceptions surrounding biodiversity in business. Anna emphasizes the importance of recognizing nature as a critical supplier for businesses and discusses the risks associated with neglecting environmental concerns. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being a founder, the intersection of climate and nature tech, and the pressing issue of greed in relation to environmental preservation. Anna shares her vision for NALA Earth and the importance of integrating nature into corporate decision-making. Takeaways 1.Nature is a critical supplier for businesses. 2.Misconceptions about nature lead to inaction in businesses. 3.Translating scientific data into business language is essential. 4.The Amazon rainforest is nearing a tipping point of deforestation. 5.50% of global GDP depends on intact nature. 6.Sustainability should be a financial priority for companies. 7.Greed is a significant threat to environmental preservation. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Nicole Buttner, Founder & CEO Merantix Momentum, Founding Partner at Merantix Capital and WEF Digital Leader for Europe. Nicole is an entrepreneur, economist and tech optimist. She believes artificial intelligence will create deep positive impact on individuals, businesses and society as a whole. In this engaging conversation, Marcin and Nicole talk about the current state and future of AI. They discuss the balance of risks and rewards in AI implementation, the challenges within Europe's AI ecosystem, and the seamless integration of AI into daily life. Nicole shares insights on the importance of focusing on real-world applications, the potential of AI in underrated industries, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI regulation. They also touch on the role of women in tech and how AI could redefine humanity's relationship with work. Takeaways 1.The focus on AI should shift from risks to opportunities. 2.Europe has exceptional talent but struggles with storytelling. 3.AI will become an invisible layer in our daily lives by 2035. 4.Real-world applications of AI should address pressing issues. 5.AI for science and fraud prevention are underrated areas. 6.Regulation should not set technology to a higher standard than humans. 7.Women in tech should embrace their unique value rather than conforming. 8.AI will help us rethink our relationship with work. 9.The future of AI holds the potential for the renaissance of humanity. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Yoram Wijngaarde, Founder & CEO of Dealroom, to talk about "Startups backed by the EU's Framework Programmes" report. A first-of-its-kind report compiled by Dealroom, with Dealflow.eu and EU-Startups, reveals that a €12 billion investment made up of EU grants and Framework Programmes such as Horizon, has helped generate €520 billion in total company value. According to the findings, European Union Framework Programmes have provided €12 billion in direct funding to startups. These startups secured an additional €70 billion in venture capital funding, with the supported companies now collectively valued at €520 billion. This represents 10% of all venture-backed startups in Europe. Over the past 40 years, EU research and innovation initiatives have allocated significant funding through programmes including the Seventh Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, and Horizon Europe. Of the total €225 billion deployed through these three programmes, approximately €12 billion (5%) went directly to startups. Notable success stories include BioNTech, which developed a Covid vaccine, and ARM, a leader in mobile chip technology. While ARM benefited from an earlier 1990s Framework Programme and is not included in the €400 billion valuation of current startups, including it brings the total value creation to €520 billion. As much as 74% of EU-backed startups manufacture physical products, mostly in frontier tech areas, compared with 25% in the total European ecosystem. EU support also plays a key role in sectors including SpaceTech, Semiconductors, ClimateTech, and Robotics. These EU-backed startups also have a significantly higher graduation rate between VC rounds, compared with European VC-backed startups that did not receive any EU funding. These findings show the important role that EU programmes play, often at the early stage, in de-risking the growth journeys of European tech champions. Key observations from the report include: 1.Only 5% of EU innovation funding is allocated to startups, despite their critical role in Europe’s future and global innovation. 2.Over the last three EU framework programmes, 13,600 startups have received funding, totaling €12 billion from the EU and €70 billion from private VC, already worth €520 billion. 3.EU-backed startups, particularly in DeepTech sectors like AI, Robotics, and ClimateTech, have higher graduation rates and show promising outcomes, though most remain in early stages requiring further funding to scale. 4.The complexity and number of current EU funding programmes create challenges for startups to access the support available. 5.EU funding has provided a successful launchpad for startup at early stages, and can be considered fruitful hunting ground for private investors to back in further rounds Recommendations to the European Commission include: 1.Expand Startup Investment - Increase the funding allocation to startups in Horizon Europe’s successor programme (FP10) to capitalise on their measurable economic and societal impact. 2.Streamline Support Mechanisms - Consolidate fragmented programmes into a single pathway for grants, equity, and mentorship drawing on the current work of Europe Startups Nation Alliance (ESNA) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). 3.Promote Visibility - Scale up EU startup summits and pitch days to connect EU-backed startups with private investors and corporates. 4.Leverage Digital Platforms - Scaleup existing tools such as Dealfllow.eu and Innovation Radar with real time startup insights and matchmaking to empower stakeholders. Full report here: https://dealroom.co/reports/startups-backed-by-the-eus-framework-programmes This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eus

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Hannah Leach, Partner at Antler. Antler is known for investing in founders on day zero and is now the most active private early-stage investor in the world. In Europe, Antler has backed more than 500 tech startups in the last five years. In 2024, Antler was more selective than ever before, with only the top 2.5% of founders being accepted to residencies. Hannah is also a Co-Founder of VentureESG, the non-profit organization driving ESG integration in venture capital. In this episode, Hannah talks about her journey in venture capital, the startup ecosystem, and the importance of community. Hannah shares her insights on leading Antler's UK team, the potential of the UK startup scene compared to San Francisco, and what sets exceptional founders apart. She also discusses the growing importance of ESG in venture capital, the need for diversity in the industry, and the significance of building strong relationships in business. Hannah concludes with valuable advice for aspiring founders looking to raise from Antler. Takeaways 1.The UK startup ecosystem is thriving with talent and opportunities. 2.London has unique advantages over San Francisco for startups. 3.Exceptional founders demonstrate curiosity, urgency and extremely strong communication skills. 4.Diversity in venture capital is essential for long-term success. 5.Building relationships is key in the startup ecosystem. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Filip Kozera, Founder and CEO of Wordware, a startup that enables anyone to build complex AI Agents and applications. Wordware recently raised $30M seed round, which was one of the biggest rounds in the Y Combinator history, before graduating the program. In this episode, Filip talks about his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building AI solutions, and the importance of empowering domain experts to create AI agents without technical skills. Filip shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding AI, the unique approach of Wordware, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. He emphasizes the need for trust in AI outputs and the importance of iteration in development. The conversation also touches on personal growth through adventure and the lessons learned from climbing some of the most difficult mountains in the world. Filip summited 3 of the 7 highest peaks on each continent and a few 7-thousanders in the Himalayas. One of the most technical mountains he climbed was Ama Dablam. Takeaways 1.Entrepreneurship is about daring to try and keep iterating. As Filip puts it "I failed more times than you tried". 2.Deep conviction in the problem and mission is crucial for founders to succeed. 3.Adoption of AI is hindered by a lack of understanding. 4.Building AI requires clear communication of tasks and trust in outputs. 5.AI will transform knowledge workers into creatives. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Bianca Zwart, the Chief Strategy Officer at bunq. bunq has raised a total funding of $373M and is valued at $1.85B and is making mobile banking that makes life easy. They call themselves the bank of THE FREE and are know for their extreme attention to users. Bianca shares her unconventional career journey, starting from answering support tickets to leading strategy at a fintech company that prioritizes user experience. She discusses the importance of a user-centric approach in banking, the unique business model of bunq, and the lessons learned from her experiences in startups. Bianca emphasizes the significance of a growth mindset and the need for constant adaptation to user needs. The conversation concludes with her vision for the future of bunq and valuable advice for those navigating non-linear career paths. Takeaways 1.bunq's culture encourages questioning the status quo and prioritizing user needs. 2.User feedback is essential for improving banking services and products. 3.bunq's business model focuses on profitability before scaling, ensuring a sustainable approach. 4.A growth mindset is crucial for success in fast-paced environments. 5.Leadership is about matching problems with the right people. 6.bunq aims to be a global bank that adapts to local realities. 7.The importance of hiring the right talent cannot be overstated. 8.Bianca believes in challenging conventional wisdom and embracing discomfort for growth. 9.True success lies in the journey and the person you become, not just the end goal. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Robert Gaal, Founder of Vesper, a growing library of unique narrative games made by your favorite creators. They discuss Robert's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of finding product market fit, entrepreneurship as a lifestyle, and the opportunity behind ethical AI. Robert shares insights on empowering creators through Vesper, common mistakes in AI startups, and the significance of building a network and craft. He envisions a future where anyone can create interactive stories through video games, making storytelling more accessible by turning words into worlds. Takeaways Startups often fail by trying to solve too many problems at once. Discipline and structure are key traits of successful founders. Building a network is about creating long-term meaningful relationships. Ethical AI presents the next big opportunity for creators. The future of storytelling lies in interactivity and accessibility. Vesper empowers anyone to create video games through storytelling. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski catches up with Michael Hurnaus, CEO of Tractive, a leading GPS tracker for pets that recently achieved $100 million ARR. They discuss the journey of building Tractive, the challenges of bootstrapping, the importance of company culture, and the innovative health monitoring features of their products. Michael shares insights on market expansion, particularly in the U.S., and highlights the impact of their technology on pet owners' lives. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of PetTech and Tractive's commitment to enhancing pet health and safety. Takeaways 1.Achieving $100 million ARR is a big deal - few subscription companies even get there. 2.Bootstrapping has allowed Tractive to maintain financial independence. 3.The success with the US market was possible because of a strong foundation from Europe. 4.Tractive's culture is build with a focus on cost-efficiency and hiring is based on cultural fit and raising the team's average quality. 5.The PetTech market is still in its infancy and is way less digitized compared to human HealthTech and fitness space, which means there's a big room for growth. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

In this episode of the EU Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Paulina Jansch, one of the youngest Founding Partners in Europe at Leanox Impact Capital. Paulina is a mentor at various startup organizations, NGOs, and universities. She is a voice for female empowerment and is known for her inclusive and empathic leadership style. She has been named among the TOP100 most influential women in the VC and startup scene in Europe and TOP10 investors in Germany. Marcin and Paulina talk about her journey in setting up the fund, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of ongoing networking. Paulina shares her insights on impact investing, gender equality in the industry, and the exciting collaboration between Europe and Korea in the investment landscape. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of venture capital and the need for inclusivity and innovation in the sector. Takeaways 1.Fundraising can be an emotional roller coaster. 2.Successful fundraising requires a well-thought-out strategy. 3.Networking is crucial for opening doors in venture capital. 4.Impact investing can yield competitive returns. 5.Youthful perspectives drive innovation in investing. 6.Gender equality is essential for a balanced investment portfolio. 7.Trusting your intuition can lead to valuable opportunities. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Bennet Barth, Co-Founder and Managing Director of RESPOND, a leading European accelerator for climate tech entrepreneurs, focused on responsible leadership and transitioning towards a net-zero economy. They discuss the startup pitches that have inspired Bennet, the recurring blind spots in climate tech, and the importance of focusing on the human aspects of entrepreneurship. Bennet emphasizes the need for building relationships in sustainability, understanding planetary boundaries, and the role of entrepreneurs in climate action. They also touch on the myths surrounding impact investing, Europe's potential leadership in climate tech, and the lessons learned from nature through surfing and mountain climbing. The conversation concludes with a call to action for climate entrepreneurs to persevere in their efforts. Takeaways 1.Building relationships is key to aligning corporates, policymakers, and entrepreneurs on sustainability. 2.The planetary boundaries framework helps identify critical areas for action to maintain a healthy economy. 3.There is a growing mindset shift among entrepreneurs towards using business as a lever for positive impact. 4.Education and awareness are essential for scaling climate action and integrating it into everyday discussions. 5.Impact investing is often misunderstood, with a belief that it detracts from financial returns. 6.Europe is well-positioned to lead in clean tech and climate tech innovation. 7.Lessons from nature, such as humility and patience, are vital for navigating challenges in building a sustainable economy. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups