First Moves

In this episode, we sit down with Olga Kosjakova from Recharging the Batteries to explore how their groundbreaking work is testing the use of stem cell treatments to help cure a certain form of blindness. Olga also shares her unique blend of passions as both an artist and a scientist and how her drive to create and learn keeps her motivated. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the intersect...

In this episode, we delve into the world of social entrepreneurship with Abel Diaz Gonzalez, Assistant Professor at Maastricht University. Abel discusses the importance of social entrepreneurship, the role of ecosystems in supporting these ventures, and the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. Learn how his experiences across Latin America and a million euro project he started have shaped his...

Discover how irritation sparked innovation for Sebastian Nyrup, founder of Unshackled. In this episode, Sebastian discusses building a value-driven team, navigating the rollercoaster of starting a business, and redefining success through experience. Learn how social media skews our perceptions and how he’s trying to build a business for long-term fulfillment.

Join us as we explore how Marta Pareja Boto, founder of Appipen, combines a personal drive for impact and her powerful support network to start and grow her various projects. Marta discusses the vital role of support systems (both formal and informal), her journey as a finalist in the Maastricht University Challenge, and innovative problem-solving in entrepreneurship.

Join us in this episode as we chat with Giuseppe di Rosa, the founder of Sicilery, about his journey of bringing authentic Sicilian street food to the Netherlands. Giuseppe shares his story of starting in Maastricht, expanding rapidly, and his vision for making Sicilery an intercontinental food brand. We speak about juggling different responsibilities, overcoming obstacles, and shaping our definit...

Join us as we speak with Stijn Willemse, founder of DIS-ORDER, about using vulnerability as a strength to create social impact. Driven by past struggles with mental health, Stijn has built a clothing brand that sparks conversations around mental health which has sold its pieces across 17 countries. We discuss the importance of support, building the right team, and the unique challenges of being a...

In this episode, we speak with Elena Mallus, co-founder of Uni View, about transforming a classroom idea into a young start-up. Elena shares how Uni View helps new students find safe housing in the Netherlands, the importance of networking, and testing assumptions. Learn how they won multiple prizes at the Maastricht University Challenge and are making their first steps to expand their business an...

Roy Broersma, Managing Director at Maastricht University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation shares his insights from years of experience in guiding start-ups to success. We discuss the 5 critical questions every founder must answer, the intersection of academics and business, and how he helps to both realise and kill business dreams for a living.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast! In this episode, we speak with Lily Pepper, the founder of CiRCEE, to understand how she is revolutionising the clothing industry. Lily shares her unique journey and provides valuable insights into how creative and innovative thinking can drive change and make a significant impact.

First Moves is a podcast by Sebastian Nyrup, founder of Unshackled, and Stijn Willemse, founder of DIS-ORDER and AURORI, aimed at enriching Maastricht’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We interview entrepreneurs, researchers, and local organization representatives to share insights on starting, growing, and sometimes closing a business.