Welcome toĀ The Startup Sensations Podcast, the weekly transatlantic business podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of startupsĀ fromĀ BothĀ Sides ofĀ TheĀ Pond.Ā Join usĀ asĀ weĀ explore the stories, strategies, and successes from the most innovative startup founders, industry expertsĀ and active investors inĀ North America, the UK and from around the world.
The show is hosted from the UK byĀ Bulent Osman, exited tech founder, and from the USĀ byĀ Shelley Bays, founder of three international advisory firms. From Silicon Valley to London's tech scene,Ā they willĀ bring you interviews with inspiring founders, investors and experts who are making waves in the startup world.Ā Ā
Whether you're a serial entrepreneur or just starting out, an investor, a sector service provider, or someone who is fascinated to learn more, The Startup Sensations Podcast has something informative and motivational for you.Ā
Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.Ā
Email us atĀ hello@startupsensations.com.
Join our community on TheĀ Startup Sensations PodcastĀ LinkedIn PageĀ and watch video highlights onĀ YouTube.
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From Dial-Up Failures to Hollywood Success: A Startupās Journey with Branding and Reinvention
Season 5 Ā· Episode 12
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 ⢠Duration 38:51
Jesse DeCosta is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of DeCosta Global, a leading branding and marketing firm working with some of the worldās biggest names, from Hollywood stars to global corporations.
In this insightful episode, Jesse shares the unvarnished truth behind his journey ā 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.Ā
Jesse also reflects on the importance of humility, resilience, and treating people with respect, offering rich lessons for founders and creatives alike.
šļø 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/
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Space: The Final Frontier - Investing in Startups, Satellites and European Innovation
Season 5 Ā· Episode 11
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 ⢠Duration 44:16
S5 Ep11 ā Ted Elvhage is a pioneering Swedish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Expansion Aerospace Ventures, one of Europeās 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 āspaceā is already an essential part of our daily lives. From his own transformative journeyāfrom Harvard Medical School to leading pan-European investment in aerospaceāTed 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.
šļø Key Topics:
The evolution of Europeās 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 weekās episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP
Ted Elvhage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedelvhage/
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Bridging the Gap in Venture Funding: Insights from Fabrice Marquet
Season 5 Ā· Episode 2
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 ⢠Duration 36:15
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.
šļø 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.
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From CEO to Entrepreneur: Lessons from an Industry Leader
Season 5 Ā· Episode 1
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 ⢠Duration 51:20
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.
šļø 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/
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Creating a European Startup Community
Season 4
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 ⢠Duration 42:12
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.Ā
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.
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How to Seek Funding from an Angel Investor Network
Season 4
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 ⢠Duration 35:40
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.Ā
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 IntelligenceĀ
How best to pitch your businessĀ
Typical mistakes founders and angel investors make and how to avoid making them.Ā
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.Ā
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How To Develop Killer Sales Skills for Startups
Season 4
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 ⢠Duration 40:30
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.Ā
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.Ā
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From Sommelier to Leading a High-Growth Pharma Company
Season 4
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 ⢠Duration 38:52
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.
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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:
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āĀ Ā Ā Strategies for building and motivating a core team
āĀ Ā Ā How to choose meaningful company values
āĀ Ā Ā Importance of ādoing the hard thingsā
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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.Ā
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What Do Tech Investors Look For In You?
Season 4
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ⢠Duration 39:02
S4 Bonus Ep1 -Ā 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.
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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.
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This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees withĀ Deel.com. VisitĀ Deel.comĀ by clicking hereĀ https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH
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Raj Singh -Ā https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajsingh/
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Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations PodcastĀ LinkedInĀ page. Watch video highlights onĀ YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us atĀ hello@startupsensations.com.Ā
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The Critical Role of Corporate Governance in Startups
Season 4 Ā· Episode 12
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 ⢠Duration 35:47
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.
šļø 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.Ā Watch exclusive video highlights on our YouTube channel and share your feedback at hello@startupsensations.com.
Faisal Khan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanfaisalali/
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