Holding on to Unicorns and Rainbows

What happens when a bold business idea meets the messy reality of the real world? In this episode, Elena and Kerstin talk to Nick, founder of Mash Paddle Brewery in London, about building a business that lets people brew their own beer. From the original idea to crowdfunding, finding the right space, hiring a team, and rethinking the business model along the way, this conversation is a refreshingl...

In this episode, Elena and Kerstin talk about pitch decks, storytelling and why even the best scientific ideas need to be communicated clearly. They discuss how to distill complex messages, build a stronger narrative and use structure, visuals and simple language to make ideas easier to grasp. From investor decks to scientific communication, the episode explores why good data rarely speaks for its...

Can health data actually change behavior, or are we just getting better at measuring? In this episode, Elena and Kerstin explore the world of health tracking technologies, sharing insights from their personal experiments with devices like Fitbit, Oura Ring, and continuous glucose monitors. They discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and future possibilities of health data, with a particular...

In this episode, hosts Kerstin and Elena welcome Merel Brouwer, a business coach specializing in productivity and scaling businesses. Merel shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to establishing her own consulting and coaching practice. She emphasizes the importance of building scalable systems through a structured methodology, ensuring both quality and growth. Merel advocates...

In this episode, Elena and Kerstin welcome Melina and Agata, co-founders of Ovo Labs, a startup focused on improving egg quality and fertility treatments. They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of founding Ovo Labs, the science behind egg aging, and the emotional impact of infertility. The conversation highlights the importance of innovative solutions in reproductive health and the challenges...

In this end-of-year episode, Kerstin and Elena reflect on their personal and professional journeys throughout the year. They discuss the challenges faced in the biotech investment sector this year, celebrate their wins, and share insights on navigating the ups and downs of business. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI, the importance of maintaining personal connections, and their asp...

In this episode, hosts Kerstin and Elena discuss the importance of exercise for health and longevity, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to incorporate physical activity into busy lives. They explore strategies for making exercise enjoyable, the role of accountability, and the impact of childhood sports on adult fitness habits. The conversation also touches on innovations in fitness...

In this episode, Elena and Kerstin discuss the challenges of modern life, including feelings of overwhelm and loneliness, particularly among parents. They introduce the concept of the MVP (Minimal Viable Product) approach to life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and lowering expectations to reduce stress. The conversation touches on societal pressures, the impact of urba...

In this inaugural episode of 'Holding on to Unicorns and Rainbows', hosts Elena and Kerstin discuss the landscape of female founders in deep tech startups. They share their personal journeys, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, and the motivations that drive them to start their own ventures. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, the perception of risk, and the n...