Uppersky Podcast

A strong pitch is more than a polished deck or a list of impressive numbers. It is a clear story that helps people understand the problem, see the value, and become curious about what comes next. In this conversation, pitch and storytelling coach Kate Douskova explains why founders often lose their audience by adding too much detail, using the same message for everyone, or positioning themselves a...

Martin Felcman leads the Core Product at Productboard. In this episode, he shares his story of becoming a product person, from building websites as a teenager, to growing a digital agency, to moving into product management because he wanted to build products that last. We then break down how strong product teams work: how to collect customer feedback without drowning in it, how to spot the real pr...

Vanda Seidelová, founder and exited CEO of Twigsee, looks back at how building an EdTech company shaped her view on education and how it led her to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. She shares lessons on leadership, fundraising, and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, while also speaking openly about the personal stage of life she experienced during those years and what it ta...

In this episode, we speak with Emilia Mamajova, Managing Partner at Everita Capital and founding partner of Espira Investments. Emilia shares her journey from being the only woman on a 20-person investment team to launching two private equity funds focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Central and Eastern Europe. Her approach combines hands-on support, digital transformati...

In this episode, we sit down with Seen Aquin, entrepreneur, investor, and Chief Growth Officer at Ententee , to explore his journey from the aerospace industry into healthtech, entrepreneurship, and early-stage investing. We talk about how a trip to Bali sparked the idea for BodyBody, a fitness franchise built around EMS training, with the first version of the business model sketched out on a napk...

We talk with Ilya Novodvorskiy, co-founder of Readmio, a storytelling app that helps parents and children connect through shared moments and imagination. We talk about how Ilya went from building apps for others to launching a product of his own, what he learned from the ups and downs of growing a B2C startup, and why Readmio focuses on making families happier instead of chasing screen time. Ilya...

In this episode, we talk with Clara Vincenc Cismaru, a former product leader who now helps others grow as a leadership coach. We go into the importance of mental fitness, how to build real confidence, and why soft skills are key when working with stakeholders. Clara shares her journey from tech to coaching, how product managers can stay human in the age of AI, and what it really takes to lead with...

In this episode, we sit down with Karel Obluk, partner at Evolution Equity Partners and president of the Czech Business Angel Association. Karel shares his journey from leading R&D at AVG to backing founders building the future of cybersecurity. We talk about his early days in the Czech tech scene, how companies like AVG and Avast became global players, and the critical lessons he’s learned as...

In this episode, Šárka shares the story behind WebExpo’s growth, what makes it such a unique and welcoming space for developers, designers, product people, and tech lovers, and why in-person still matters in an AI-driven world. We talk about the power of community, the lessons learned from 15+ years of organizing, and how to make the most out of any conference — whether you’re going to learn, conn...

In this episode, we talk with Vratislav Zima, CEO of MeguMethod and Chairman of the Association of Software Agencies. We explore how his team built mobile apps used by over 10 million people, the mindset behind creating products users truly love, and how he’s helping software agencies grow and collaborate through ASWA. If you're into building great products or leading a tech team, you'll find plen...

Barbora Pešek is one of the key organizers behind Maker Faire Czech Republic and FAB25. She brings together people who love to create, whether it’s digital fabrication, robotics, 3D printing, computers, arts and crafts, or hacker culture. In this episode, she shares what’s coming next for Maker Faire and FAB25, how they’re helping schools introduce more hands-on learning, and what it takes to orga...

Join us for a conversation with Jakub Rychlý, co-founder of Nekrachni / Not Broke, a project helping young people in the Czech Republic take control of their finances. Jakub shares why he started Nekrachni, the biggest financial challenges Gen Z faces, and how their app makes managing money easier. He also talks about securing a Google Impact Challenge grant and the role of community in their succ...

What if cutting-edge research from one of the world’s most advanced scientific institutions could power the next generation of startups? In this episode, we sit down with Linn Kretzschmar, Program Lead at CERN Venture Connect , to uncover how CERN is helping deep tech startups turn groundbreaking technology into real-world applications. We explore how CERN’s expertise, network, and unique technolo...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Bob Moesta, a leading innovator and co-creator of Jobs to be Done (JTBD). Bob has helped countless companies succeed by focusing on how customers make decisions and solving their real struggles with empathy. In this episode, Bob talks about: The origins of JTBD and his journey from a curious child to an industry pioneer. How JTBD helps you uncover what c...

Are you curious about DeepTech? We had a great chat with Ondrej Lipold, Principal at Tensor Ventures. They invest in exciting technologies like AI, Quantum Computing, and Biotech. Ondrej shared his story of how he got into venture capital and explained what DeepTech really means in a way anyone can understand. He also talked about the right time to seek funding, the challenges founders face, and t...

Join us as we chat with Julia Binder, IMD Professor of Sustainable Innovation and co-author of The Circular Business Revolution . Julia is passionate about helping leaders build businesses that are good for both people and the planet. In this episode, Julia explains what sustainability and the circular economy mean in simple terms. She shares practical tips to get started, real-world examples of c...

Join us for a conversation with Eva Mejtová, EIT Community Officer for the Czech Republic. Eva is part of Europe’s biggest innovation network, connecting entrepreneurs, research institutions and local governments with the resources, expertise and partnerships they need to drive impactful projects forward. In this episode, Eva talks about her journey in innovation, explains what EIT does, shares th...

Join us for a conversation with Beáta Vörösová, Portfolio Manager at Seed Starter ČS. Seed Starter ČS, backed by Česká spořitelna, helps tech startups grow sustainably in areas like FinTech, Energy, Real Estate, and more. In this episode, Beáta talks about what Česká spořitelna brings to startup partnerships. She shares why she enjoys working with startups, what types of founders she’s met, and wh...

We’re happy to talk with Alain Wildanger, the Founding Partner of Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital (IVC). They focus on investing in startups, particularly in FinTech and ClimateTech. In this episode, Alain opens up about his journey in starting Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital. He also shares practical tips on finding the right market for your product, explains why sales and marketing are crucial for startup...

Join us for a conversation with Regula Bleuler, the Managing Director of the Swiss Startup Association (SSA). The SSA advocates for startups in Switzerland, aiming to improve their conditions by working with politics, business, and the public. In this episode, Regula shares her journey with the association, explaining how they support Swiss startups, the services and resources they offer, the key...

Join us for a conversation with Quentin Dupraz, Principal at Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital (IVC). IVC invests in early-stage start-ups developing new technologies to combat climate change. In this episode, Quentin talks about his journey in the venture capital industry and his focus on ClimateTech. He shares the story of IVC, the technologies he's most excited about, his favorite podcasts and boo...

Join us for a chat with Romana Voříšková, founder and CEO of Kodu, a company making affordable and sustainable housing for everyone. In this episode, Romana shares: Why she started Kodu What makes her unique Lessons from her time as co-founder of Slevomat and other roles The products and services Kodu offers Insights from working with Tomáš Čupr Resources she recommends for other entrepreneurs Sta...

Join us for a chat with Nathalie Moral, the co-founder and CEO of Clima Now. Clima Now invests in early-stage startups focusing on energy transition, food systems, and carbon reduction. They also work on policy and advocacy to help Switzerland reach its net zero goal. In this episode, Nathalie discusses why she started Clima Now, what makes their venture capital fund and community special, and her...

Meet Matthew Gertner, the founder of Salsita Software, a digital product agency with over 14 years of experience. They’re now creating their products, including a 3D configurator for e-commerce sites. In this episode, Matthew shares: What Salsita Software does How they’re shifting from offering services to creating products Tips on hiring developers and product managers Why User Experience Researc...

Meet Lucie Neumanova! She loves helping people grow through her community, Femme Palette. What began in the Czech Republic is now expanding to Germany and the Netherlands. In this episode, Lucie takes us back to the start of Femme Palette, discussing how the community has developed and the good they’ve achieved. She opens up about her guiding principles, what she’s learned from organizing events a...