Startup Sensations

S4 Bonus Ep3 - Scott Kaplan is a born salesperson, with a natural instinct for the art of selling. From a young age, he was already honing his skills, with his first foray into sales at the age of six. However, he understands that training and processes are also important in the world of startup sales. Having spoken to numerous salespeople, he recognizes the difference between those who have a nat...

S4 Bonus Ep2 - Gilly Regev is co-founder and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of SaNOtize, an exciting young pharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada. The company has developed a disruptive, first-in-class technology that delivers the antimicrobial benefits of Nitric Oxide to treat a variety of infectious conditions.   In this episode, Gilly revisits her early experiences as a sommelie...

S4 Bonus Ep1 - Raj Singh, Managing Partner at JLL Spark in Silicon Valley, shares his insights with Bulent & Shelley about what investors are looking for in you as a founder of a UK or US startup company.   In this episode, Raj shares his insights into the different approaches taken by VCs on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the importance of understanding how businesses generate and capture...

S4 Ep12 - Faisal Khan, an influential figure at the Institute of Directors, serves as the chair for the southern region and is a pivotal member of the IoD's expert advisory group for Science, Innovation, and Technology. In this engaging episode, Faisal Khan sits down with Shelley and Bulent to delve into the critical role of corporate governance in startups, exploring the intricate relationship be...

S4 Ep11 - Fred Cohen and Mike Mortimer are two distinguished American investors based in London, each with a unique approach to investing in healthcare and life sciences companies. In this insightful episode, Fred and Mike share their experiences and strategies for successful investing. They discuss the importance of finding the right terms for a deal, aligning with strong management teams, and na...

S4 Ep10 - Phil Szomszor runs a consultancy company, Brightside, which helps business leaders with social media engagement, particularly on LinkedIn in the B2B landscape. In this engaging episode, Phil Szomszor discusses the oversaturation of LinkedIn podcasts and the necessity to serve a specific niche. He shares his extensive experience helping clients with social media strategy, emphasising the...

S4 Ep9 - Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos is a major player in the emerging health tech ecosystem, the founding director of the Global Health and Innovation Foundation, and a passionate advocate for transformative innovation in healthcare. In this insightful episode, Dimitrios shares his journey from growing up in a medical family in Greece to spearheading innovative initiatives in the UK. He tackles the...

S4 Ep8 - Paul and Jeannie McGilvery are not just skilled business owners; they are the pioneering minds behind the innovative company called Remote, focusing on software development and business operations. In this engaging episode, Paul and Jeannie take us on a journey from their artistic beginnings to getting married and becoming successful co-founders of a thriving business. They share insights...

S4 Ep7 - Betsy Dorudi is an accomplished regulatory lawyer and the Head of Public Policy at ClearBank, a major player in the UK’s fintech ecosystem. In this enlightening episode, Betsy sits down with Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to explore her remarkable career journey from Cincinnati to the heart of London’s financial district. The conversation spans her roles in both startups and established in...

Join us for the second of two special bonus episodes of The Startup Sensations Podcast, where we have compiled excellent funding advice from another five expert guests from the first 3 seasons of the show.  In this episode, our guests offer guidance on how best to raise capital, what investors look for and how to avoid common mistakes.   🎙️ Key Topics from our experts: Raj Singh - on how to pitch...

Join us for the first of two special bonus episodes of Startup Sensations, where we have compiled the finest funding advice from 5 expert guests from the first 3 seasons of the podcast.  In this episode, our guests offer excellent advice on how to raise capital, what investors look for and how to avoid common mistakes.   🎙️ Key Topics from our 5 Experts: Reuben Wilcock - on the importance of the t...

S4 Ep6 - Fiona Blades is a pioneering marketing professional who has successfully expanded her business across international territories, including establishing a presence in New York. In this insightful episode, Fiona delves into her journey from studying English and drama to becoming a leader in real-time experience tracking technology space. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of settin...

S4 Ep5 - Steve Pao - Join us for an illuminating conversation with Steve Pao, a seasoned tech executive, advisor, and investor based in Portland, Oregon.  In this insightful episode, Steve shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences spanning the tech startup landscape, from the dot-com boom to the current AI revolution. Explore the evolution of AI and its profound impact on startups, a...

S4 Ep4 - Leslie Danford, Founder of Vitaminis and a trailblazing entrepreneur, joins us to share her inspiring journey from a corporate career to launching her own functional food and beverage brand in Chicago, USA. In this intriguing and motivational episode, Leslie recounts her transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship after being laid off during the pandemic. She discusses the incremen...

S4 Ep3 - Jay Shen is the founder and CEO of Transreport, a tech company committed to improving accessibility for disabled people using public transport. In this enlightening episode, Jay shares his remarkable journey from a small city in China to becoming a key player in the UK startup scene. Despite initial challenges and feelings of isolation, Jay found his purpose in enhancing mobility for the...

S4 Ep2 - Pete Ferrari. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Pete Ferrari, founder and president of Global Foods Group, as he shares his incredible journey from real estate to transforming the food industry with rare sugars. Discover how Pete navigated the challenges of bringing innovative food products to market in a tech-dominated investment landscape, while also overcoming personal obstac...

S4 Ep1 - Roei Samuel. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Roei Samuel, founder of the successful tech company Connectd and a respected mentor and advisor. In this insightful episode, Roei shares his remarkable journey from overcoming academic obstacles to mastering the world of tech startups. Explore essential traits for successful founders, strategies for maintaining mental and physical we...

S3 Ep12 - Amber Vodegel - For the final episode of Season 3, step into the world of women's health technology with Amber Vodegel, a visionary entrepreneur on a mission to revolutionise global health, particularly in women's wellness. In this captivating episode, Amber shares her inspiring journey in the tech world, driven by her ambition to make a significant impact on women's health worldwide. Di...

S3 Ep11 - Lynda Clarizio - Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Lynda Clarizio, a trailblazer in venture capital and technology, renowned for her advocacy of female leadership and innovation. As the influential co-founder of the 98, an early-stage venture fund, Lynda has dedicated herself to investing in technology enterprises led or co-led by women. In this episode, Lynda sheds light o...

S3 Ep10 - Gary Turner - Join us for an illuminating journey into the world of AI and cloud technology with Gary Turner, former MD of Xero and tech visionary. In this episode, Gary shares invaluable insights into the seismic shifts reshaping the tech industry and offers actionable advice for startups navigating this dynamic landscape. Explore the challenges and triumphs of launching the cloud-based...

S3 Ep9 - Marsha Wulff - Join us as we embark on an exciting exploration of tech innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa with Marsha Wulff, a true pioneer in the field. With over 15 years of experience in establishing a New York-listed stock exchange company's office in Johannesburg, Marsha brings a wealth of insights into the African startup landscape. In this episode, Marsha shares her remarkab...

S3 Ep8 - Anthony Rose, a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary, is the founder & CEO of SeedLegals, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionises the traditional legal services industry for startups and growing businesses. In this captivating episode, Anthony takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings crafting circuit boards to his groundbreaking work at the BBC, where he led the team beh...

S3 Ep7 - Prepare to be inspired by Susanne Lyons, the remarkable leader who stepped into the spotlight during one of the most challenging crises in sports history. From her unexpected role as the reluctant leader amidst the 2018 crisis at the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, to her triumphant leadership in securing the bid for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Susanne's journey is nothing...

S3 Ep6 - Step into the world of David Mansfield, a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience across diverse sectors. Beyond his executive roles, David embodies the essence of a coach, mentor and investor, leveraging his consultancy expertise to guide founders through the pivotal early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. In this illuminating episode, David shares invaluable insight...

S3 Ep5 - Get ready to embark on a legal journey with the esteemed Tina Baker, a seasoned legal professional from the US who has left an indelible mark on the tech investment landscape. With two decades of experience in London's vibrant tech startup scene, Tina's expertise is second to none. In this captivating episode, Tina shares her invaluable legal wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. From the nu...