Disruptive by Barclays Eagle Labs

Communicating by voice remains one of the most important ways for you to interact with customers. It’s also one of the most complex things to get right with AI. PolyAI, recently named a ‘gamechanger’ in the Barclays AI: 100 , is helping demonstrate what’s possible. In this episode, Luke Christoforidis, Head of AI and Software at Barclays Innovation Banking, is joined by Nikola Mrkšić, Co-Founder a...

We’re marking the 50th episode of Disruptive by Barclays Eagle Labs by diving into the UK space tech sector. In this episode, Stephen Brown, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, is joined by Stuart Preston, founder and CEO of Ochil Astronautics, to discuss how space innovation is evolving. Stuart shares the story behind building Ochil Astronautics and how his transition from military service to startu...

For this special International Women’s Day episode of Disruptive by Barclays Eagle Labs, we’re joined by two Barclays International Women’s Day award winners to discuss what it really takes to build, fund and scale a business as a woman in tech. Rojin Yar, Co-Founder and CEO of PolyBox, and Olivia Parkes, Founder and CEO of Persi, share honest reflections on their beginnings as founders, finding p...

The UK is entering a “Goldilocks moment” for AI. According to NVIDIA’s Anthony Hills, all the conditions are right for success, they just need pulling together. That’s where sovereign AI comes in. In this episode, Anthony joins us to explain what this national‑scale infrastructure means for startups, with new AI factories giving unprecedented access to tech, skills and opportunities. Join the Barc...

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and become a growing innovation that improves how people access everyday care – including frustration at what’s not available. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Krishan Ramdoo, founder of TympaHealth, who shares the story behind building a healthtech company that’s making ear and hearing care accessible for all. Having grown tired of how overlooked ear and hea...

In this episode, Ritu Kiran, Founder and CEO of Aubilities, explores how accessibility can be a driver for innovation and inclusion. Ritu shares practical ways for businesses and leaders to embed accessibility at the heart of their strategy, moving beyond compliance to create truly inclusive cultures. She explains how to integrate inclusive design into business practices and offers actionable insi...

This special episode of the Disruptive podcast celebrates a decade of UK innovation by reflecting on the evolution of the ecosystem since Eagle Labs’ launch. It’s hosted by Amanda Allan and features guests Jonny Clark, CEO of Capital Enterprise, and Tim Brownstone, founder of KYMIRA and Eagle Labs Innovation Award winner. They’ll discuss how the landscape for founders has changed, highlighting shi...

This Disruptive podcast episode explores the future of the UK innovation ecosystem, covering emerging trends, the importance of AI-first startups and the evolving landscape for founders. It’s hosted by Steve Brown, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, talking to guest Katie Lockwood, co-founding partner at Twin Path Ventures. They’ll be discussing regional growth, investment priorities and the challen...

In this episode, we learn more about the journeys of two remarkable founders, Giovanna Forte of Forte Medical and Trina Nicole of A Noble Gift, as they share what it takes to build purpose-led startups in complex industries. From their early inspirations and industry challenges to navigating fundraising, regulation, and building mission-aligned teams, Giovanna and Trina discuss the resilience and...

In this episode, host Dana Clouston, Head of Business Bank Sustainable Finance, explores regenerative farming and agritech with two knowledgeable voices in the field. Joining Dana are research agronomist Tom Storr from Dyson Farming, a leader in innovation within agriculture and Martin Lines, a Cambridgeshire farmer and CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, known for championing biodiversity...

In this episode, we speak with Phil Atkinson, Managing Director of BTS Fabrications. Phil discusses the company's culture of innovation and continuous improvement and its impact on their sustainability efforts. He also addresses some early challenges, the role of stakeholder engagement, and ways manufacturers can implement changes that could support long-term business goals. Find out more abou...

In this episode, we’re joined by Toyosi Ogedengbe of Ascension to discuss the evolving venture capital landscape.  We cover: The sectors drawing the most attention – like AI, climatetech and healthtech The challenges VCs face in a shifting economy What it takes to thrive in today’s market The persistent funding gaps for underrepresented founders and what’s being done to close them Toyosi’s persona...

In this episode, recorded in November 2024, we brought together Steve King, Head of Sustainability Solutions at Visa, and Peter Bance, CEO of Spine (formerly CEO of Origami Energy), for a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of scaling a climate tech business. Joined by Emma Walsh, our Head of Technology and Creatives, they explored the role of technology, investment, and collaboration...

In this episode we meet James Rogers, director and owner of Bristol Golf Centre LTD, who tells about how he’s innovating to take his leisure business from strength to strength. James is using technology to bring new and larger audiences to his venues, as people look to take part in competitive activities when socialising. He’ll also talk about how he’s increased staff efficiency and is improving t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven, and Christina Richardson, founder of Foundology, for an open conversation about the challenges they witness behind the scenes. From navigating constant pressure and loneliness to building the support systems that make a difference, Rupert and Christina share their insights. You’ll hear their practical strategies for manag...

In this episode, we sit down with Annie Leeson, CEO and co-founder of AgriCarbon, to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of agriculture. Joined by Dana Clouston, our Head of Sustainable Finance for business, they’ll discuss soil carbon measurement, data-driven farming and investment in the future of agriculture. Dana and Annie will also talk about how farms can integrate techno...

In this special edition episode of Disruptive by Barclays Eagle Labs, we explore our recent report examining the current state of growth infrastructure across the UK. The report examines key components of the UK’s infrastructure network, including the availability of office and lab spaces, the UK's computing capacity, and its energy infrastructure. Hosted by Henry Whorwood, MD for Research and Con...

In this episode, we're joined by Amit Mehta, founder and CEO of Inspired Learning Group (ILG). Amit shares how his entrepreneurial background shaped his approach to running a large portfolio of independent schools and nurseries. He also talks about overcoming the challenges of scaling and the role innovation plays in staying ahead of the curve. Amit also discusses the emerging trends he predicts w...

In this special edition episode of Disruptive by Barclays Eagle Labs, host Katherine Morgan, Head of High Growth and Entrepreneurship at Barclays, is joined by Sarah Daniel, Co-CEO and Co-Founder at Hey Savi and Rupa Popat, Founder and Managing Partner of Araya Ventures. Sarah and Rupa talk about their journeys to entrepreneurship, the funding landscape for female-led businesses, the support that’...

For this latest episode, we’re joined by Dr Eve Hanks, CEO and founder of MI:RNA, a veterinary medicine diagnostic testing company. Eve shares her journey from starting the business as a solo female founder to building a team and raising investment. She also discusses how she brought together her ambition to do something different in veterinary medicine, having been a vet herself, and her interest...

For this episode, we’re joined by Luis Lancos, founder and CEO of Data Whisper, which develops safe and compliant AI solutions for regulated organisations. Luis shares his story about what inspired him to become an entrepreneur – from working for a small consultancy and creating one of the first apps of its kind on the market, to a change of career to financial services. He shares the challenges h...

In this episode, Sarah Collins, Head of SME industries at Barclays, is joined by Dr. Rotimi Alabi, Founder and CEO of RAB Microfluidics and winner of the Eagle Labs Innovation Award at the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2023. He shares his journey from academic research to founding a company that addresses equipment failure globally with innovative, real-time monitoring solutions. Gain insights into...

A special edition podcast on Northern Ireland’s journey to becoming a hub for startups and scaleups – part of our Entrepreneurs Week programme. Join Amanda Allan, Director of Eagle Labs, as she discusses their entrepreneurial ecosystem, recorded from the vibrant Ormeau Labs in Belfast. Amanda is joined by Claire Halliday, CEO of Ormeau Labs, and Lisa Bailie, Eagle Labs Ecosystem Manager for Belfas...

Benjamin Chemla, CEO of Shares, believes it’s his failures that have helped make him the success he is today. For this episode, we’re joined by the serial entrepreneur to discuss the highs and lows of his business journey, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He talks about what inspired him to start his businesses, the challenges he’s faced, and the character traits he...

In this episode, we welcome Ralph Peters, business coach and author of The Essential Leadership Guide. Hear from Ralph about his passion for team development and his journey – from being a team leader to starting his own consultancy to help developing founders. Ralph shares some of the characteristics he believes make great leaders and the skills that can help build a successful team. If you have...