Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

On the final Starting Up with Virtuzone before the summer break, Katie Chambers and Paul Bryson from Virtuzone are joined by Dan Ashburn, CEO and Founder of the Titan Network, and product development and supply chain expert Kian Golzari to explore what it really takes to build a successful e-commerce business in 2026. From identifying winning products and avoiding costly sourcing mistakes to launc...

Blurb:Georgia Tolley and Paul Bryson speak to executive communication strategist Maher Elusini about presence, influence and the habits that help leaders communicate with clarity. They also learn about confidence and self-worth with. Luke Mind Power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch find out why summer could be one of the most underrated growth seasons for founders and SMEs. Pedro Antunes from PCA Events joins the show to talk about preparation, planning and what businesses should be doing when the pace slows down. Then Lauren Hamilton, Founder and General Manager of Ride Skipper, shares what it takes to build momentum, win support, and keep growin...

We look at different ways to access capital for startups with:  Tala Khlat, who's Director of Philanthropy for Dubai Holding Peter Tavener, CEO and Co-founder of Beehive Omar Al Yawer, Partner and Chief Capital Formation Officer at Ruya Partners See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esat Canli of Echo Twin AI tells us how to work with the public sector to improve our cities.  Got an idea but don't know how to take it further? Here's Simon Lewis - founder and CEO of 3D Actio and Zhupar Teleubayeva, Managing Director of Avela Middle East, formed IDEAS MADE REAL - a programme that gives young GCC nationals a structured pathway to take an early idea, test it, build around it...

When products are late, prices rise and stock suddenly disappears, supply chains stop being an invisible business function - and start being front and centre of the business conversation.  This week on Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch look at how UAE businesses are adapting, from national track-and-trace technology and smarter forecasting to the real-life pressures faci...

But as crypto companies set up and more people put more money into crypto, we need to know who's regulating these crypto companies. There is a company that works with authorities to ensure your crypto wallet is safe and crypto companies here are all operating above board.  That's ACX Compliance. Joining us  is Toms Pauders, its CEO and Co-Founder. What does it take to build an AI platfor...

Lush Cosmetics has won the retail game for decades - through economic ups and downs. What's their secret? Anita Baker, MD of Lush Middle East tells Starting Up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we rethink the real estate game during uncertain times?  Tom and Paul exchange insight with our expert panel: Manar Mahmassani, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentify Liam Chase, Associate Director at Arabian Acres See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re talking about the sharing  economy — and why some of the smartest businesses today are being built on the fact that many people now… don’t like to OWN things.  From cars you access by the minute, to kitchens and workspaces you lease flexibly, to homes turned into high-performing short-term rentals — the old rules of business are changing. We are joine...

Charlie Wright tells Tom and Paul how he built a UAE brand that is now recognisable in the UK and other parts of the world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under500 founder Mahmoud Bartawi says those who freeze during tough times will be left behind.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ziina, GLEAC and Letswork have found opportunities to still grow and keep the business going during challenging times.  If you're a business owner, this is a must listen.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yango Ride says it will match customers' tips to help their drivers. Plus, we chat about practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat with Chris Purdie of Receiptable and Nathan Kearny of Executive Search. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outside, the picture looks strong. Women are visible. Women are launching businesses. Women are building brands and communities. But visibility and genuine support are not always the same thing. Three women who know this first-hand join us on Starting Up this week: Carmen Taubman, Founder of Crew Club, a business community that promises real results from collaborations and connections Amr...

We're joined by Denise Lim of Calo and Carnistore's Dan Wanies to talk about what they're doing to reassure their teams and maintain a "business as usual" environment during unusual times.  Organisational psychologist Nathan Cornwell and International SOS General Manager Sebastian Bedu also gave advise to business leaders on how to approach uncertainty and talk to their teams about it. ...

HelpBnk, a platform that helps entrepreneurs, has brought the Doorbell of Dreams initiative to Dubai, helping entrepreneurs in the city with support like funding, connections and execution.  We meet CEO Adam Moss, and Ahmad and Kareem from DOPA Media, one of the businesses that caught HelpBnk's attention.  We also look into how Gen Z consume with Mohammed Virji, Founder of Fashion Rerun,...

Dubai has no shortage of talented and successful business owners. How did they raise capital, and what did they use the money on? We hear from Erika Doyle of DrinkDry, and Rami Tabbara of Stake.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we teaching our kids to be their own boss? Well, we should be. Tom and Neil chat with Raya Bidshahri, Founder and CEO of School of Humanity and Marilyn Pinto, Founder of KFI Global. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Dragon's Den Piers Linney warns companies and bosses about the dangers of not having an AI strategy. He is now helping SMEs to navigate its use with his startup Implement AI See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom explores how some businesses set up their models to help other people. Carl Gough, Founder of meetmagic, talks about their Ramadan campaign with Dubai Cares.  He is joined by seasoned CTO Adrian Hobbs, who's benefitted from the initiative. Plus, Dubai newcomer Marc Black tells Tom why he moved his property and clean energy businesses to the UAE from the UK and Marbella.  See omnystud...

We explore why personal branding matters in business, with Tracy Harmoush, tech entrepreneur and speaker, and social media expert Alexandra, founder of Alex’s House of Social. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom and Neil tell us why a great idea and an amazing team aren't enough grow a business. The boring stuff, like setting up systems, will ensure scalability and longevity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes but with a caveat: We hear from Atinirmal Pagarani, Managing Director of Yogi Group, a Dubai-born family business that spans real estate, property management, facilities services, and construction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur Simon Squibb has inspired millions of people to achieve their dreams.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.