EU-Startups Podcast

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 a refugee colony in 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 Refugee Colony 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