Beyond StArtups

In this episode, we speak with Angus Robertson, Portfolio Manager within the High Growth Ventures team at Scottish Enterprise. Angus and his team work with early-stage, high-potential companies at the critical point where substantial investment is needed to scale from creation to revenue. With a focus on de-risking and adding value, Angus helps founders navigate leadership development, team buildi...

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand inspired by a love of nature and a commitment to empowering women through design. With a background in fashion and textiles, Alex set out to rethink performance wear, creating high-quality, ethically made garments that blend style, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Along...

In this special STAR Radio live edition of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Dr Abd Alsattar Ardati, Lecturer in Computer Science, and Digital Strategy Officer at the University of St Andrews. With a PhD in Computer Science and a passion for collaboration and impact, Abd’s work focuses on bridging the gap between researchers and communities to tackle pressing social challenges, from digital poverty...

In this week's special EdenTay roundtable episode of Beyond Startups , we’re spotlighting the importance of female founders by sitting down with three women whose ventures challenge the norms of their industries through thoughtful design, technical creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. 👗 Noemie Jouas , founder of NoeDresses , shares her journey in building a sustainable slow fashion brand fr...

In this episode, we speak with Caragh Keane, founder of Superkeen, an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)-friendly cereal brand, offering allergen-free, gut-friendly products designed to support anti-inflammatory lifestyles. Inspired by her own experience living with lupus, Caragh created Superkeen to make it easier for people with autoimmune conditions or dietary restrictions to access nourishing, enjoyabl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Leonardo Binetti — the Chief Technology Officer, Co-founder, and Scientific Director of Arabat, a circular economy startup pioneering a game-changing lithium battery recycling process using agri-food waste. Arabat recovers valuable metals from used batteries using organic waste such as oranges, marking a leap forward in sustainable tech. Leonardo holds a PhD in Opt...

In this episode, we are joined by Ali-Reza Omidvar who is the Co-founder & CEO of Inoox, an AI task management platform designed to keep you in control and reduce anxiety. This platform integrates sentimental analytics with proactive task management, empowering teams to stay organized and focused while enhancing productivity and well-being. His expertise in anxiety and mental health extends be...

In this episode, we are joined by Carlos Navarro, a Computer Science graduate from the University of St Andrews and the co-founder of Wayak AI - a tech startup that provides an AI operating system to help businesses automate operations using large language models. Carlos discusses how his company, Wayak, evolved from a cross-border payment platform into a full-scale AI automation solution. He dive...

In this episode, we are joined by Emilio Rimini who is the co-founder and owner of The Green Company, which addresses the challenge of finding alternatives to single use plastic products through its goal of offering condensed cleaning solutions to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions from household staples. Emilio Rimini is a St Andrews Alumnus who graduated from the University last June with...

In this episode, we are joined by Johnny Jain, the founder of JJ Agency, a relocation service dedicated to helping international students secure rental housing in the UK. Johnny is a psychology student at the University of St Andrews, and has started his entrepreneurial journey over a year ago, having to balance academics with the demands of running a business. He shares his experience of launchin...

In this episode, we are joined by Farshad Nowshadi, the business mentor and VC of Level39(UK), with a background as the ex-VP of Technology for one of the largest banks in the Middle East and experience mentoring original startups such as WISE and Revolut. Farshad hosted our Fin-Tech workshop at the University of St Andrews during Innovation Week last semester, and joined us once again on the Beyo...

In this episode, we are joined by Noemie Jouas, the founder of NoeDresses , a slow fashion brand specializing in made-to-order garments. Noemie began her entrepreneurial journey during her final year as a management student at the University of St Andrews. After graduating in 2021, she moved to London to continue growing her business. Noemie shares her experience of turning a lifelong passion for...

In this episode, we’re joined by Abdhesh Kumar, founder of Copper & Carbon Ltd., an energy tech startup creating innovative wind turbine solutions to fast-track the global transition to net zero. Abdhesh shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a small town in India, to moving to the UK in pursuit of better education, to launching a cutting-edge business in the UK. He discusses the dev...

In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Rieback, CEO and founder of Radically Open Security, a social enterprise transforming cybersecurity through ethical practices and social impact. Melanie shares her inspiring journey—from addressing cybersecurity issues in the banking sector to building a company with a mission to drive change. She dives into the concept of Post Growth Entrepreneurship, cha...

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Sidey, the founder of KindHive, a reward-based crowdfunding platform that enables contactless donations to homeless people that can only be used on essential services. In this episode, Robert Sidey reflects on his journey founding and building KindHive at St Andrews, engaging with the Entrepreneurship Centre, graduating with a degree in Physics from the Uni...

In this episode, we are joined by Bryan and Annabella, the two St Andrews University student entrepreneurs that started OutNAbout. OutNAbout is a social platform which aims to empower students to have a fulfilling and enriching university experience by matching them with lifestyle events in St Andrews. Bryan and Annabella return to the Entrepreneurship Centre where they first met to share all: fro...

In this episode we are joined by Oliver Lee, the cofounder of a molecular modeling software - Digichem. Oliver is a postgraduate student at the University of St Andrews, and had developed his product alongside his PhD supervisor. In the past Oliver has won grants from the Entrepreneurship Center helping him start his business. Oliver shares his experience in being a first time entrepreneur, discus...

Today we are joined by Paul Cheek, a Senior Lecturer at MIT in the Sloan School of Management as well as the Executive Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. Paul delves into the creation of his New Advanced Programme “Venture Creation Tactics” as well as the release of his book Disciplined Entrepreneurship: Startup Tactics , which is based on this course. Paul also shares h...

In this live edition of our podcast, we are joined by guest Harry Bremner, the founder and CEO of Tuggs and an alumnus of the University of St Andrews. Harry revisits his time studying Mathematics at St Andrews as well as the moment he took his first leap into entrepreneurship and founded 'Local Student Storage' - a student storage coming which, eight years later, is still fully operational. Harry...

In this episode we are joined by Rachel Hanretty, founder of Mademoiselle Macaron. This award winning female entrepreneur started her business at age 23 from her kitchen table after living in Paris and completing her degree in English and French at the University of St Andrews. Rachel delves into her experience working with a vast variety of clients including Gatwick Airport and Warner Brothers, a...

Today we are joined by Rosemary Scrimgeour, founder of the Building Workshop, an architecture and design practice specialising in sustainable, innovative and adaptive re-use of buildings that are no longer fit for purpose. Rosemary delves into the Design Thinking process that she employs throughout her work, an expertise she aims to transmit to others which is why she built and teaches the Design...

In this episode we are joined by Roger Flint, founder of SPOT, the Safer Prescription of Opioids Tool. This tool reduces unwarranted prescriber variation when opioids are prescribed for patients at the end of their lives. Roger revisits his journey to training to become a GP by taking us back to his years studying in St Andrews and later Dundee, describing his experience learning about the biodesi...

In today's episode, we talk to Corinna Sahl about her startup LernLust, a non-profit education initiative based in Germany. Tune in to listen to her thoughts on the German education system, what we can learn from failure, and how St Andrews creates an environment that allows you to sit with your thoughts.

Today we are joined by Jade Mkparu, who founded Braidar. Jade talks to us about importance of braids in identity and community, her experiences with the Entrepreneurship Centre, and where to find support as a solo founder.

In this episode, we are joined by Ideja Bajra. Ideja is a Cell Biology student, soon to start her fourth year at the University of St Andrews. She founded EdvanceAI, an AI automation agency that combines the power of AI with the dynamic e-learning sector to improve the efficiency and content of educational technology platforms across the globe. In this episode, we delve into building a support net...