Explore every episode of the podcast Follow the Gradient
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintaining Entrepreneurial Culture in Hypergrowth: Lessons from ON’s Chief People Officer Noa Perry-Reifer | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:41:10 | |
In this episode of the Follow the Gradient podcast, we explore how to maintain an entrepreneurial culture during hypergrowth with our guest, Noa Perry-Reifer, Chief People Officer at ON. As ON grew from 100 to over 3,000 employees, Noa played a key role in ensuring the company retained its startup mentality while scaling globally. She shares valuable insights on:
Whether you're a founder navigating the challenges of hypergrowth or a startup operator focused on preserving culture, this conversation is full of actionable advice to help your company scale without losing its entrepreneurial spirit. CONNECT WITH NOA: 💼 LinkedIn: Noa Perry-Reifer 🌐 Website: On CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: https://x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| Startup Legal Essentials with Karim Maizar: Protecting Your Startup's Future | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:47:49 | |
Join us as we talk with Karim Maizar, partner at Kellerhals Carrard and head of the firm's Startup Desk. Karim has helped establish the firm as a leading Swiss law firm for tech entrepreneurs and investors. In this episode, Karim shares crucial legal advice for startup founders, including:
Whether you're a new founder or preparing for your next milestone, this episode offers actionable insights to navigate the legal landscape of entrepreneurship. CONNECT WITH KARIM: 💼 LinkedIn: Karim Maizar 🌐 Website: Kellerhals Carrard CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: https://x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| From Doer to Leader: Mastering Startup Leadership with Stanislaw Grunstein | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:45:46 | |
In this episode of the Follow the Gradient podcast, we dive deep into the challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to an effective leader in fast-growing startups. Our guest, Stanislaw Grunstein—founder of CNTRD and an expert in leadership, organizational psychology, and behavioral change—shares invaluable insights on:
Whether you're a founder scaling your startup or a new manager stepping into a leadership role, this conversation is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you and your team thrive. CONNECT WITH STANISLAW: 💼 LinkedIn: /stanislawgrunstein 🌐 Website: stay-cntrd.com CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: https://x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| How to Prepare Your Startup for a Future Exit: Early Steps Every Founder Should Take – with Francine Gervazio, CEO at Shiftmove | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:50:17 | |
In this episode of the Follow the Gradient podcast, we sit down with Francine Gervazio, CEO of Shiftmove, who shares her invaluable insights on merging companies, preparing your startup for acquisition, and navigating complex exit strategies. Francine, who has led the successful merger of Avrios and Vimcar, reveals the steps every founder needs to take to position their company for a successful sale. Whether you're planning for an exit or simply want to better understand your startup's value in the market, Francine’s experience offers actionable tips and strategies. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on navigating the acquisition process from someone who’s been through it and is now on the buying side. This episode is packed with actionable insights for CEOs, founders, and startup operators. Don't miss it! CONNECT WITH FRANCINE 🌐 LinkedIn: Francine Gervazio CONNECT WITH US
📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE | |||
| Mastering Media: How Startups Can Get Noticed—Insights from Amy Lewin, Editor at Sifted | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:33:21 | |
In this episode of Follow the Gradient, we’re thrilled to be joined by Amy Lewin, Editor of Sifted, a leading media platform for European startups backed by the Financial Times. Amy shares invaluable advice on how startups can effectively engage with the media, build relationships with journalists, and craft stories that stand out in today’s crowded landscape. Learn the secrets behind what journalists look for in a pitch, the common mistakes founders make when reaching out, and why press releases still matter in 2024. Amy also dives into the current trends dominating tech journalism, including AI and climate tech, and offers practical tips for handling negative press. Whether you're a startup founder looking to secure your first article or an operator looking to refine your media strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can't afford to miss! Key Takeaways:
Tune in for an expert breakdown of what it takes to get your startup in the headlines! Watch the key moments of our conversation with Amy on Youtube And now we would love to hear from you! How did you like our first episode? What should we improve, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guest? Please let us know. CONNECT WITH AMY 🌐 Website: https://sifted.eu 📬 amy at sifted dot eu CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient | @tinyf1sh | @melanieXgabriel 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient | @melanieXgabriel 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient | Christian | Melanie 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast | |||
| We're live with Follow the Gradient! | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:00:26 | |
Building a business is tough Whether you're starting, running, or scaling up, it can push you to your limits. What makes the journey manageable is hearing and learning from those who've been there before, who know what it's like to build a plane while flying. Today, we're thrilled to launch the Follow the Gradient podcast. Who is we? Melanie Gabriel and Christian Woese - we have spent countless hours swapping insights and tackling challenges, always on the lookout for scalable solutions. We've navigated tough yet exciting and fun times and often wished for a reliable source of information. That's why we created Follow the Gradient. Join us on this journey as we explore and share together with our podcast guests real-world and hands-on strategies for overcoming business challenges. As Jensen Huang, co-founder & CEO of Nvidia, famously said, “I wish you suffering.” It's more fun to suffer when you’re not alone. Let’s go! HUNGRY FOR MORE? WE HAVE A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Each Tuesday morning we send you insider knowledge, open positions, must-attend-events, and real stories on how to build a business in Europe while staying sane. Subscribe now and stay tuned: followthegradient.io LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK How did you like the show so far, what should we improve, do you have any suggestions, ideas, or dream podcast guest - please let us know via team@followthegradient.io. Every feedback is much appreciated! CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient | @tinyf1sh | @melanieXgabriel 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient | @melanieXgabriel 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient | Christian | Melanie 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE | |||
| Mastering Communication: Key Strategies for Startup Founders with Ruth Barnett | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:41:27 | |
Join us for an insightful conversation with Ruth Barnett, an expert in startup communication and storytelling. With a wealth of experience in guiding founders to articulate their vision, Ruth emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication in scaling a business. In this episode, Ruth shares essential strategies for founders, including:
Are you interested in reading more about the two crisis comms examples that Melanie mentions in the introduction? Here we go:
CONNECT WITH RUTH: CONNECT WITH US:
LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| Is Venture Capital Right for Your Startup? Insights from Henrik Grosse Hokamp, Partner at Revent | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:35:48 | |
In this episode of Follow the Gradient, we dive into the intricacies of venture capital funding—what it really means, who it's suited for, and whether it’s the right fit for your startup. Our guest, Henrik Grosse Hokamp, Co-Founder and Partner at Berlin-based VC firm Revent, shares his candid perspective on the dynamics of VC investments. Forget the glorification or vilification of venture capital—Henrik breaks down how VCs think, what they look for, and how founders can decide if this type of funding is truly right for them. You’ll learn:
Henrik's insights provide a fresh, realistic view that cuts through the noise, helping founders navigate the often confusing world of venture funding. Join us as we explore the pros, cons, and everything in between about getting VC funding for your venture. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. CONNECT WITH HENRIK: 💼 LinkedIn: /henrikgrossehokamp/ 🌐 Website: https://www.revent.vc/ CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| The Patent Playbook: Why Your Startup Needs A Patent Strategy - with Bastian Best | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:40:08 | |
In this episode, European and German Patent Attorney Bastian Best unpacks why every startup needs a patent strategy—and why it’s never too early to start. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in software and AI patents, Bastian shares actionable advice for founders, including how to protect core innovations, attract investors, and turn patents into strategic business assets. Using real-world examples like Humane’s AI Pin and RobCo’s robotics journey, this episode is packed with insights to help startups build a defensible position in competitive markets.
Bastian’s practical approach helps founders move beyond the myths of patenting to create lasting value for their startups. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. CONNECT WITH BASTIAN: 💼 LinkedIn: /bastianbest/ 🌐 Bastian’s patent law firm BESTPATENT: https://bestpatent.eu/ 💡fundingmagnet.de - Bastian’s AI-powered coaching program that helps European founders achieve their first patent-pending status with just a few hours of time. CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| Startup Rebranding 101: When, Why, and How to Get It Right | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:37:10 | |
Rebranding is more than a new logo or fresh name—it’s about reshaping how the world sees your startup and setting the stage for future growth. In this episode, we dive into the art and science of rebranding with insights tailored for founders and startup operators. 💡 What you’ll learn:
Plus, Melanie shares behind-the-scenes insights from Yokoy’s transition from Expense Robot, and our guest, Andrea von Kaenel, offers a corporate perspective on rebranding at scale. 🎙️ Tune in for actionable tips and candid discussions about what it takes to redefine your startup’s identity—without losing your audience or your momentum. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION:
CONNECT WITH ANDREA: 💼 LinkedIn: /andreavonkaenel/ CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| How To Find Real PMF: Rob Snyder’s Playbook for B2B Startups | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:33:44 | |
In this episode, Harvard Innovation Labs Fellow Rob Snyder reveals his no-BS approach to finding product-market fit for early-stage B2B startups. After spending two years in the ‘pain cave’ without traction, Rob developed four essential frameworks that have since helped numerous founders scale from $0 to $1M ARR and beyond. You’ll learn:
Rob’s insights go beyond typical startup advice, offering actionable steps to help you reach sustainable PMF. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. CONNECT WITH ROB: 💼 LinkedIn: /rsnyder1/ 🌐 Website: https://reframeb2b.com CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| Pivoting, Exiting & Starting Over – Hard Truths from Jessica Holzbach | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:38:03 | |
For many founders, an exit is the ultimate goal. But what happens after the deal is done? Is it the finish line—or just the start of a whole new challenge? Jessica Holzbach knows this firsthand. She’s a serial fintech founder and angel investor who co-founded Penta, scaled it to 35,000 SMEs, and later exited both Penta and her second venture, Pile. In this episode, we dive deep into three critical moments in every founder’s journey:
If you’re a founder, operator, or thinking about what’s next, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Plus, get exclusive insights from Jessica in this week’s newsletter—sign up at followthegradient.io | |||
| Turning Underestimation Into an Advantage: Startup Lessons from 24-Year-Old Founder Nils Feigenwinter | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:30:28 | |
At 20, Nils Feigenwinter co-founded Bling and turned a pocket money app into a full financial platform for families – covering banking, investing, and mobile plans. In this episode of Follow the Gradient, he breaks down how he scaled fast, raised funding without connections, and turned being underestimated into an advantage. What you'll learn: Flipping skepticism into an asset – Winning as a young founder. Fundraising without connections – How he got VCs to bet on him. Scaling without losing focus – When to expand vs. when to double down. Gen Z leadership – What startups get wrong about hiring & motivating young talent. The Child CEO experiment – Why Bling appointed a 12-year-old Chief Executive.👉 Get exclusive insights from this episode at followthegradient.io | |||
| Navigating uncertainty: Lessons from solo founder Leoni Runge | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:39:48 | |
In this episode, Leoni, founder of Zaya Care, shares her journey of building a business while navigating uncertainty and growing strategically. Discover how she managed early pivots, built a strong network in new markets, and stayed aligned with her team despite challenges. Leoni’s story offers valuable insights for solo entrepreneurs and those looking to scale. Key Takeaways: How to navigate uncertainty with a step-by-step MVP approach Why building a strong network in a new market is important How to pivot a business while maintaining team alignment How to build confidence and resilience as a solo entrepreneur 🎧 Tune in for practical advice on scaling your business, growing your team, and navigating the complexities of international expansion! Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. Connect with Us: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient | |||
| Go-to-Market Strategies and Scaling Lessons from Brite Payments Founder Lena Hackelöer | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:37:06 | |
In this episode, Lena Hackelöer, founder and CEO of Sweden-based Brite Payments, shares her journey scaling a fintech company across 27 markets and multiple verticals. From entering new markets without local teams to hiring senior talent and balancing frugality with growth, Lena offers valuable lessons on building a sustainable and efficient business. Key Takeaways:
🎧 Tune in for practical advice on scaling your business, growing your team, and navigating the complexities of international expansion! Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. Connect with Us: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient | |||
| Stop Dreaming, Start Doing: Bootstrapping a D2C brand - Insights from AMELI Co-Founder Christina Stahl | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:41:16 | |
In our first episode of Season 2, Christina Stahl, Co-Founder of AMELI Zurich, shares how she and her husband turned an idea into a thriving handbag brand - starting with community feedback, DIY prototypes, and an authentic social media presence. From bootstrapping with personal savings to learning tough lessons in paid marketing and scaling internationally, Christina reveals the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways:
🎧 Tune in for actionable insights on starting small, embracing imperfection, and learning as you go! Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at followthegradient.io. | |||
| Mastering Startup Communication: Storytelling and Crisis Strategies with Ruth Barnett [REPLAY] | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:41:27 | |
As part of our most-listened replays this holiday season, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes of the Follow the Gradient podcast. Mark your calendars—Season 2 returns on January 9th, 2025! In this episode, Ruth Barnett, a seasoned expert in startup communication, shares practical strategies every founder needs:
Whether you’re new to communications or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your startup’s presence. Read More: Curious about the two crisis communications examples referenced by Melanie in the introduction? Check them out here:
Connect with Ruth Barnett: Connect with Us: Support Us: Got feedback or ideas? Reach us at team [at] followthegradient [dot] io. | |||
| From Doer to Leader: Top Startup Leadership Lessons with Stanislaw Grunstein [REPLAY] | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:45:46 | |
As part of our most-listened replays this holiday season, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes of the Follow the Gradient podcast. Mark your calendars—Season 2 returns on January 9th, 2025! In this episode, we explore the critical transition from being an individual contributor to becoming an impactful leader in fast-growing startups. Stanislaw Grunstein—founder of CNTRD and a renowned expert in leadership, organizational psychology, and behavioral change—delivers actionable advice on:
Whether you’re a founder scaling your company or a manager stepping into leadership, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you and your team thrive. Stanislaw also shared exclusive insights that he hasn't shared on the podcast, find them https://followthegradient.io/p/why-most-startup-leaders-fail-and-how-you-can-succeed
CONNECT WITH STANISLAW: CONNECT WITH US: LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE We’d love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for the future? Got a dream guest for Season 2? Let us know at team@followthegradient.io. | |||
| Mastering Media Outreach: Sifted's Editor Amy Lewin’s Essential Advice for Startups [REPLAY] | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:32:29 | |
Before diving into this special replay, we’d love your feedback! As we prepare for an exciting Season 2 launching on January 9th, your input will help us create even more valuable content for you in 2025. Take just one minute to share your thoughts at bit.ly/follow-survey. Your feedback means the world to us! This week, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes from Season 1 featuring Amy Lewin, Editor of Sifted, Europe’s leading media platform for startups. Amy delivers a masterclass in media engagement, covering:
Whether you’re a founder looking to secure your first article or an operator refining your media strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your startup stand out. We’ll be sharing more of the best moments from Season 1 over the next three weeks, so stay tuned—and don’t forget to fill out the survey at bit.ly/follow-survey to help shape what’s coming next! | |||
| End of Year Reflections: Staying Sane, Building Better, and What’s Next for 2025 | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:35:03 | |
As we wrap up an incredible SEASON 1 of Follow the Gradient, join us - Melanie and Christian - in this reflective and deeply personal finale. In this episode, we share:
A PERSONAL ASK TO YOU We’re taking Follow the Gradient to the next level in 2025, and we need your input to make it even better! Please share 1 minute of your time to help us improve by filling out this quick survey. Thank you so much for taking the time and for being part of this journey! And if you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter with exclusive insights (such as the template we're talking about in this episode) and more at followthegradient.io. HOW TO REACH US Reach out us on LinkedIn: Melanie and Christian 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient | |||
| Startup Hiring Masterclass: Building Exceptional Teams with Paddy Lambros from Atomico | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:43:55 | |
What does it take to build and scale a successful startup team? Join us as Paddy Lambros, Talent Director at Atomico, shares invaluable insights from over a decade of experience working with early-stage companies and hyper-growth startups. In this episode, Paddy reveals actionable strategies for founders navigating the complexities of team building, including:
Whether you're a first-time founder or an experienced operator, this episode offers practical advice to help you build and lead a team capable of thriving through startup challenges. 👉 Sign up for exclusive insights and more at followthegradient.io. Tune in now: 🎧 Apple: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast or 🎧 Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify CONNECT WITH PADDY: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklambros/ CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: x.com/followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io | |||
| The Ultimate Growth Unlock - Frontify Founder and CEO Roger Dudler on building brands and culture | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:42:10 | |
In this episode, Roger Dudler, Founder and CEO of Frontify shares his learnings from building a Brand platform:What you’ll learn:
And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. | |||
| From Zero to 100K Users in 8 Months: Vivid Money's Blueprint for Fintech Disruption with Alex Emeshev | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:33:48 | |
In this episode, Alex Emeshev, co-founder of Vivid Money, reveals the growth strategies, product insights, and key lessons behind their success. What you’ll learn:
And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. | |||
| How to Build and Manage a Successful Startup Board with Nicole Herzog | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:32:27 | |
Many founders struggle to make their board a real asset. Nicole Herzog has been on both sides—co-founding b2venture and Umantis (exited to Haufe-Lexware) before serving as President of the Board at Sherpany, which later exited to Datasite. She now sits on the boards of VIU Eyewear, Maestrani, and Polydata Group and is a member of the advisory board at the ESA Business Incubator at ETH Zurich. What You’ll Learn:
And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. | |||
| Scaling Without Breaking: Hard Lessons from Kai Eberhardt, CEO & Co-founder of Healthtech Oviva | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:29:48 | |
Scaling a startup is hard. Scaling it in healthcare, where regulation slows everything down, is even harder. Kai Eberhardt, CEO & Co-founder of Oviva, knows this first-hand. Since 2014, he has built one of Europe’s leading virtual clinics for obesity and diabetes, treating over 800,000 patients and raising $120 million. But behind those numbers are the real challenges of growth—navigating reimbursement, expanding across markets, hiring the right people, and staying ahead as a leader. In this episode, Kai shares:
Tune in now to learn from one of Europe’s most successful healthtech founders. Before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. Now, let’s dive in. | |||
| Scaling Tech Teams: OKRs, Hiring Right & Avoiding Startup Pitfalls with Christof Roduner, Co-founder of Scandit | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:34:54 | |
What does it take to turn research into a thriving business? To build high-impact engineering teams? In this episode, we speak with Christof Roduner, co-founder of Scandit, about the journey from academia to entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that shaped their success.
Want more insights? We break down the latest startup trends and have exclusive guests with hands-on advice on how to build a business - twice a week in our free newsletter. Sign up under followthegradient.io | |||
| The VC Trap, Failure Myths & The Power of Bootstrapping with Lea von Bidder | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:36:48 | |
Every founder faces a choice: Raise VC and chase hypergrowth, or bootstrap and stay in control? Lea von Bidder has done both. She scaled Ava with $50M in funding, lost control when the money dried up, and now builds differently. In this episode:
Tune in for unfiltered startup lessons! Want more insights? We break down the latest startup trends, open roles, and exclusive guest insights twice a week in our free newsletter. Subscribe at followthegradient.io. | |||
| The Hidden Cost of Success: Burnout, Mental Health & Building a Life That Works – with Adrian Locher | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:46:43 | |
Founders chase success at all costs. But what happens when the cost is too high? ForAdrian Locher, that cost was everything. As a serial entrepreneur, he built multiple startups, scaled across continents, and took 120+ flights in a year. At the peak of his career, his personal life collapsed. He missed the birth of his son. His marriage ended. He lost himself in the relentless pursuit of success. This conversation isn’t just about burnout. It’s about what happens next– and how to build a life that works. Key insights Adrian shares:
This episode is for every founder who’s felt the pressure to sacrificeeverything for success. Before you go: | |||
| How to End a Startup and What Comes After – Tobias Gunzenhauser, Co-Founder and former CEO of Yamo | 01 May 2025 | 00:35:53 | |
Tobias Gunzenhauser co-founded Yamo with a mission to bring fresh, healthy baby food to families across Europe. After years of growth and recognition, the startup ultimately had to shut down. In this conversation, Tobias shares the rarely discussed realities of ending a company–from team communication to emotional processing, legal steps, and what he wishes he’d known. It’s a thoughtful, practical episode for any founder navigating uncertainty–and proof that endings can also lead to beginnings. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Go big or go home: Lessons from SumUp’s Early Days – with Petter Made | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:42:41 | |
Petter Made, co-founder of SumUp and today partner at EWOR, reflects on the chaotic early days of SumUp – assembling an all-WHU founding team, designing custom card readers in-house, and building a global payments company from Berlin with expansion playbooks and local MDs. He shares how SumUp nearly ran out of money three times, what it means to scale with intention, and why founders who neglect sleep are "literally unlearning their own lessons." A raw, tactical episode on what it really takes to build a European fintech giant. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| From Acquisition to Reinvention: Tuomas Toivonen on Leading Holvi Through Crisis | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:39:38 | |
What do layoffs, leadership, and letting go have in common? In this episode, Tuomas Toivonen, co-founder and CEO of Holvi, shares what it really took to rebuild his company after a major acquisition and painful downsizing. We get into why charging for your product might be the healthiest move you can make, how growth can mask broken fundamentals, and what true leadership looks like when everything falls apart. Tuomas opens up about the hard decisions that followed Holvi’s buyout by BBVA, the lessons he learned from cutting his team by more than half, and why startups are never just about solving one problem. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Robots, Grit, and One Really Dark Night in 2012 – with Roman Hölzl, Founder of RobCo | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:30:23 | |
What do robots, risk, and resilience have in common? In this episode, Roman Hölzl, founder and CEO of RobCo, shares how he went from elite freestyle skier to building one of Europe’s most capital-efficient robotics startups. We get into what it takes to sell robots to people who don't want to buy robots, how to say no to average and build a Champions League culture, and move hardware at software speed – all while staying sane under extreme pressure. And yes, we unpack that one night in 2012 that still shapes how Roman leads today. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| What It Takes to Build a Hardware Startup: Vincent Martinez on Scaling Real Tech | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:35:16 | |
In this week's episode we dive deep into hardware entrepreneurship: Vincent Martinez shares what it actually takes to build and scale a physical product company in a software-first world. From his early PhD research to the successful acquisition of Nanoleq, this episode is packed with raw insights founders need to hear. Here’s what you’ll learn:
And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. | |||
| From Excel Chaos to Strategic Finance: Simone Rüschenberg on Building a Resilient Finance Function | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:33:44 | |
In this episode, Simone Rüschenberg - finance leader behind Gorillas, SoundCloud, and TIER - shares how she helped scale some of Europe’s fastest-growing startups by building finance teams that actually enable growth. From ditching Excel at the right moment to avoiding ERP nightmares, Simone breaks down what every founder and CFO needs to know to stay sane while scaling. You’ll learn:
Simone’s story is a playbook for modern finance leaders navigating speed, scale, and change. Get bonus insights from Simone that didn’t make it into the episode at followthegradient.io. | |||
| Scrappy by Design: Victoria Ransom on turning grit into a startup superpower | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:34:28 | |
In this episode, Victoria Ransom, founder of Wildfire (acquired by Google) and Prisma, shares the scrappy, principled, and deeply human approach that shaped her startup journey - from asparagus farming in rural New Zealand to building and selling a high-growth tech company. Victoria opens up about how she scaled Wildfire from a humble tool to 400 employees, maintained a strong culture during hypergrowth, and navigated an acquisition without losing the soul of the company. She also shares the realities of co-founding with her husband and raising three kids while running startups — without burning out or burning bridges. You’ll learn
Victoria’s story is proof that you don’t need a Silicon Valley pedigree to build something world-class — just grit, clarity, and a whole lot of heart. Get bonus insights from Victoria that didn’t make it into the episode at followthegradient.io. | |||
| From art school to $40M ARR—with no money, no network, no plan B: Sabba Keynejad on building VEED | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
As co-founder of VEED, Sabba Keynejad spent years building without funding, optimising for what users actually searched for, and scaling through obsessive customer focus—not pitch decks. In this episode, we get into: • Why getting rejected by YC twice in a weekend became fuel for growth • How to build for what users search for (not what they say they want) • What makes SEO and YouTube a powerful GTM engine—if you’re scrappy • How loving your users more than your investors changes your roadmap 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| The Hidden Cost of Success: Burnout, Mental Health & Building a Life That Works - with Adrian Locher [REPLAY] | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:46:43 | |
Founders chase success at all costs. But what happens when the cost is too high? For Adrian Locher, that cost was everything. As a serial entrepreneur, he built multiple startups, scaled across continents, and took 120+ flights in a year. At the peak of his career, his personal life collapsed. He missed the birth of his son. His marriage ended. He lost himself in the relentless pursuit of success. This conversation isn’t just about burnout. It’s about what happens next– and how to build a life that works. Key insights Adrian shares:
This episode is for every founder who’s felt the pressure to sacrifice everything for success. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| AI Won’t Replace GTM Teams. But This Might. Patrick Spychalski, Co-Founder of The Kiln, on Building GTM Systems That Scale | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:35:43 | |
Most AI-powered outreach is trash. Patrick Spychalski is helping fix that. As co-founder of The Kiln | A Clay Agency, he helps B2B teams build scalable GTM systems using AI, automation, and a strategy-first approach, not generic playbooks. In this episode, we get into:
🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Why OKRs Fail (and How to Make Them Work) - with Omid Akhavan | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
Omid Akhavan has guided organizations from scrappy startups to global enterprises through one deceptively simple tool: OKRs. In this episode, he breaks down the messy reality behind goal-setting frameworks - what actually works, what usually fails, and how founders can lead with clarity instead of control. From deciding when to start using OKRs, to aligning cross-functional teams without micromanaging, to avoiding the trap of turning goals into spreadsheets no one reads - this is a grounded, high-impact conversation for any founder scaling fast. It’s a reminder that real alignment isn’t about rigid systems - it’s about intentional leadership. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Designing for tomorrow, hiring today - with Enzo Wälchli of ANYbotics | 28 May 2025 | 00:36:34 | |
Enzo Wälchli helped scale Anybotics from an early-stage robotics startup to a 200-person company redefining physical AI. In this episode, he opens up about the real work behind startup growth: evolving from founder hustle to strategic leadership, navigating organizational design, hiring senior leaders, and staying present at home with two small kids. It’s a candid, practical conversation for anyone growing a deep tech company - and a reminder that building fast doesn’t mean losing focus on what matters most. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| How to Break Into YC from Europe: David Oort Alonso’s Playbook for Early Stage Founders | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:24:45 | |
In this episode, David Oort Alonso, co-founder of Bloom and Y Combinator alum, breaks down what it really takes to get into YC as a European founder. After six applications, multiple pivots, and finally raising $3.4M in just five days, David shares the lessons that helped him and his team stand out to investors and YC partners. You’ll learn:
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| How to Find Real Product-Market Fit: Rob Snyder’s Playbook for B2B Startups [Summer Best Of Series] | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:33:44 | |
In this episode, Rob Snyder, founder of Waffle and Reframe and Harvard Innovation Labs Fellow, shares his no-nonsense approach to finding product-market fit for early-stage B2B startups. After spending two years in what he calls the "pain cave" without traction, Rob developed four key frameworks that have helped founders grow from zero to over one million in annual recurring revenue. You’ll learn
Rob's approach is grounded in experience and focused on results. If you're navigating early-stage growth, this episode offers clear, actionable advice. Sign up for exclusive insights from Rob that didn’t make it into the episode at followthegradient.io. | |||
| How Founders Can Master Storytelling and Crisis Comms – With Ruth Barnett [Summer Best of Series] | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:41:27 | |
As part of our most-listened replays this holiday season, we’re bringing back one of the standout episodes of Follow the Gradient. In this replay, Ruth Barnett—former Comms Lead at Sequoia Capital and ex-journalist—breaks down how startup founders can sharpen their storytelling, build reputation, and handle crisis communication like a pro. You’ll learn:
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| How Christina Stahl Bootstrapped AMELI to 50’000 Sales in a Crowded Market [Summer Best of Series] | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:41:16 | |
Christina Stahl, co-founder of AMELI Zurich, shares how she bootstrapped a premium handbag brand to over 50'000 sales across 60 countries. She explains how to test demand fast, grow with limited resources, and avoid early-stage mistakes. Key takeaways:
🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| How Lena Hackelöer Took Brite Payments to 27 Markets Without Local Teams [Summer Best of Series] | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:37:06 | |
From Klarna to Brite Payments, Lena Hackelöer has built fintechs that thrive across 27 markets—without blowing the budget. In this episode, she shares battle-tested strategies for international expansion, hiring senior talent at the right moment, and balancing growth with financial discipline. Whether you're entering a new market or navigating leadership hires, Lena breaks down what actually works—and what doesn't. You’ll learn:
Lena’s approach to building a capital-efficient, scalable business is a must-hear for any founder aiming to do more with less—and stay sane doing it. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Most Startups Die by Suicide, Not Murder — Jake Bornstein on Coaching Founders Through Chaos | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
What actually kills startups? It’s rarely the competition. It’s self-inflicted. Jake Bornstein has coached over 150 founders and execs through hypergrowth, brutal pivots, messy exits, and all the personal chaos behind it. Before that, he worked directly with Ray Dalio at Bridgewater, until a total health collapse forced him to rethink everything. In this episode, Jake gets brutally honest about why most startups die by suicide, not murder. We dig into how founders sabotage themselves, what a truly great coach actually does (and doesn’t do), and why you can’t outsource the hard clarity work that scaling demands. 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| From science risk to market fit - Cradle’s Stef van Grieken on building a biotech venture in Europe | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:38:30 | |
Most founders wait until Series A to clean up their cap table. Stef did the opposite - and spent $70K upfront just to get the foundations right. As co-founder of Cradle, he built a biotech company for global scale from day one: navigating European legal complexity, validating science in skeptical labs, and paying early customers out of pocket to prove it worked. In this episode, we get into:
🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| How Stoicism Helps You Stay Grounded When Everything Falls Apart — Alex Limpert of GuestReady on Leading Through Chaos | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:30:55 | |
As co-founder and CEO of GuestReady, Alex hit a wall during COVID: a crumbling travel industry, a vanished funding round, and 140 salaries he couldn’t pay. What saved him wasn’t a new strategy - but an ancient one: Stoicism. In this episode, we get into: • How “focus on what you can control” became a survival strategy• Why transparency builds trust in the worst of times• What it takes to lead when your startup becomes a rollercoaster• How detaching self-worth from business outcomes protects founders 🟢 And before you go, subscribe to our free newsletter at followthegradient.io. Twice a week, we break down startup and tech news, share exclusive insights from our podcast guests, highlight top job openings from European startups, and provide food for thought you won’t find anywhere else. 🟡 | |||
| Radical Responsibility in Leadership - Jake Bornstein on building your own clarity as a leader | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:41:42 | |
In this episode, Jake Bornstein — executive coach to founders and co-founder of Studio Medis — shares how personal growth and leadership frameworks can unlock scale when startups hit the limits of chaos. You’ll learn:
Jake’s insights are a playbook for founders who want to scale not just their companies, but themselves. | |||
| Europe Isn’t Behind, It’s Playing the Wrong Game | Judith Dada, Visionaries Club | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:51:03 | |
What happens when Europe stops cheering itself on and starts taking responsibility for the outcome? In this episode of Follow the Gradient, we sit down with Judith Dada, Partner at Visionaries Club, to unpack one of the most uncomfortable conversations in European tech right now. Drawing on her work as an investor, writer, and ecosystem builder, Judith brings a rare mix of conviction and realism to questions many founders quietly avoid. This conversation is not about tactics or trend-chasing. It is about agency, moral responsibility, and what it really means to build companies in Europe at a moment when technology, geopolitics, and personal choices are colliding. We talk about:
This episode offers a lens, not a manual. It explores how founders make decisions when the stakes are unclear, the odds are uneven, and opting out feels easier than staying in the fight. Our biggest takeaways, including Judith’s view on what founders fundamentally misjudge about responsibility and long-term impact: https://followthegradient.io/p/judith-dada-podcast — Where to find Judith Dada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-dada/ Visionaries Club: https://visionaries.vc/ Opensource Nanny: https://opensourcenanny.com/ Relativity Collective: https://relativitycollective.com/ — 🎙 Follow the Gradient: conversations about building a business from Europe while staying sane. Follow us: Melanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniexgabriel/ Christian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-woese/ Subscribe to our channels: Newsletter: https://www.followthegradient.io YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@followthegradient LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/followthegradient/ X: https://x.com/followgradient Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followthegradient/ — 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Why European tech sovereignty suddenly feels urgent 05:39 Why realism and agency must coexist 08:58 Where Europe is too optimistic about AI layers 10:01 Why statistics don’t define Europe’s future 12:22 AI as a civilizational rather than technical shift 15:05 The widening gap between AI frontier and reality 20:12 Choosing hard problems despite low odds 25:29 Realizing no one else is driving the bus 27:56 From leaving Europe to fixing its foundations 30:21 Speaking up when silence feels safer 35:31 Parenting ambitious careers without pretending it’s easy 45:14 Building peer environments that raise ambition 48:37 Rapid fire questions | |||