Startup Sensations – Details, episodes & analysis

Jesse DeCosta is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of DeCosta Global, a leading branding and marketing firm working with some of the world’s biggest names, from Hollywood stars to global corporations. In this insightful episode, Jesse shares the unvarnished truth behind his journey – from drawing caricatures at a theme park to building a multi-division business with decades-long partnerships in the entertainment industry. The conversation touches on the realities of starting up with no clear plan, the challenges of constant reinvention in the face of technological change (including the rise of AI), and the delicate balance between creativity, efficiency, and reputation management.  Jesse also reflects on the importance of humility, resilience, and treating people with respect, offering rich lessons for founders and creatives alike. 🎙️ Key Topics: Breaking into the entertainment industry and working with names like Will Smith, Kevin James, the Jacksons, and more The three pillars of DeCosta Global: product development, creative services, and marketing Crisis and reputation management for high-profile clients in the age of social media The impact (and heartbreak) of AI on creativity, job roles, and the future of creative businesses Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Jesse DeCosta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-decosta-021557141/ DeCosta Global - https://www.decostainc.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep11 – Ted Elvhage is a pioneering Swedish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Expansion Aerospace Ventures, one of Europe’s largest space and defence-focused VC funds. In this enlightening episode, Ted joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to unpick the accelerating world of space technology, revealing how “space” is already an essential part of our daily lives. From his own transformative journey—from Harvard Medical School to leading pan-European investment in aerospace—Ted discusses the seismic changes in rocket and satellite tech, the pivotal role of software, and the challenges unique to building and funding startups in this frontier sector. Expect candid insights into everything from pan-European collaboration to the real qualities investors seek in founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: The evolution of Europe’s commercial space and defence sector Cultural differences in entrepreneurship and investment across Europe and the US The unexpected ways satellites and space tech support climate action, agriculture, and telecoms Top mistakes founders make when pitching for investment and how to rectify them Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Ted Elvhage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedelvhage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep2 - Fabrice Marquet is an accomplished entrepreneur and the innovative Co-Founder of Monaco Foundry, a venture dedicated to fast-tracking access to market for innovation and revolutionising the fundraising process for startups. In this fascinating episode, Fabrice shares his journey from being a scientist to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing his impressive academic background and his enriching experiences in both Europe and the US. He delves into why Monaco Foundry was founded, the challenges they faced, and the crucial pivot that has now positioned them to support a wider range of creators and entrepreneurs. With discussions ranging from the inefficiencies in the venture capital space to the future prospects of AI and intellectual property, this is a conversation brimming with insights for any startup enthusiast. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Inception and Evolution of Monaco Foundry Challenges in the Venture Capital Space and the Importance of Pivoting Differences Between European and American Entrepreneurial Cultures The Disruptive Potential of AI and the Future Landscape for Startups Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep1 - Kyle Whitehill, CEO of Avanti Communications, reflects on his career, personal values and experiences with the startup community. In this insightful episode, Kyle joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to delve into the nuances of transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurial ventures. Kyle shares wisdom from his career, discusses the impact of personal values, and explores the challenges and opportunities within the business landscape. The conversation covers the evolving dynamics of sales, the importance of education and communication, and Kyle's future ambitions, including his plans to buy a farm in Scotland. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Evolving Nature of Business Interactions and Sales Cycles Balancing Personal Values with Career Objectives Insights on the African Market and Avanti's Strategic Expansion Advice for Entrepreneurs Navigating Corporate Sales FOLLOW the show on your favourite podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Kyle Whitehill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-whitehill-9b8469/ Avanti Communications - https://www.avanti.space/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep5 - Phill Robinson is the founder of Boardwave, a networking community connecting CEOs and founders of software companies across Europe. With his belief that access to knowledge, skills, and experience is critical to success, Phill provides a space for software leaders to share best practices and ideas.  In this conversation with Bulent and Shelley, he discusses why it is important we create a community of start-up businesses to help with business growth and provide peer support when needed. This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Phill Robinson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillrobinson/ Boardwave - https://www.boardwave.org/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Turner founded Angel Academe 11 years ago to make a real difference. She has built this successful angel investor network into a supportive and empowering environment to encourage more women to join the startup ecosystem.  In this episode, Sarah discusses the key issues faced by women founders and early-stage investors, offering practical advice for both. Key points include: The qualities investors seek in a founder, including Emotional Intelligence  How best to pitch your business  Typical mistakes founders and angel investors make and how to avoid making them.  Sarah Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahturneruk/ Angel Academe - https://www.angelacademe.com/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep3 - Scott Kaplan is a born salesperson, with a natural instinct for the art of selling. From a young age, he was already honing his skills, with his first foray into sales at the age of six. However, he understands that training and processes are also important in the world of startup sales. Having spoken to numerous salespeople, he recognizes the difference between those who have a natural talent and those who need more guidance and training.  In this conversation, Scott explains what he looks for in potential salespeople for a startup and provides guidance on how to maximise your sales potential. This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Scott Kaplan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkaplan/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep2 - Gilly Regev is co-founder and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of SaNOtize, an exciting young pharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada. The company has developed a disruptive, first-in-class technology that delivers the antimicrobial benefits of Nitric Oxide to treat a variety of infectious conditions.   In this episode, Gilly revisits her early experiences as a sommelier, shares the inside story of SaNOtize from inception to today, and describes the key challenges in the pharma sector. She also opens up about being in the army and her personal leadership philosophies and tactics. Key topics include:   ●      Strategies for building and motivating a core team ●      How to choose meaningful company values ●      Importance of ‘doing the hard things’   This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Gilly Regev - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilly-regev/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep1 - Raj Singh, Managing Partner at JLL Spark in Silicon Valley, shares his insights with Bulent & Shelley about what investors are looking for in you as a founder of a UK or US startup company.   In this episode, Raj shares his insights into the different approaches taken by VCs on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the importance of understanding how businesses generate and capture value.   This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH   Raj Singh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajsingh/   Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Ep12 - Faisal Khan, an influential figure at the Institute of Directors, serves as the chair for the southern region and is a pivotal member of the IoD's expert advisory group for Science, Innovation, and Technology. In this engaging episode, Faisal Khan sits down with Shelley and Bulent to delve into the critical role of corporate governance in startups, exploring the intricate relationship between cybersecurity and effective management. Faisal highlights the paramount importance of education for board members, the role of a non-executive chairman, and the benefits of establishing strong governance principles from the outset. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI on business and offers a reflection on Faisal's esteemed career at IBM, emphasising patience and diligence. 🎙️ Key Topics: The essential role of governance in running a successful business The significance of the relationship between a CEO and the chairman The intersection of cybersecurity and corporate governance The need for board members to understand cybersecurity risks and regulations Follow us on your favourite podcast platform and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page.  Watch exclusive video highlights on our YouTube channel and share your feedback at hello@startupsensations.com. Faisal Khan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanfaisalali/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices