Best Startups.com Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 115: Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve: Co-Founder & CEO of Alan - Live A Longer, Better Life 37:21

4d ago37:21

37:21

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve, Co-Founder and CEO of Alan.Alan is your one stop health partner giving everyone access to a healthy & productive life, empowering the body and the mind. Alan's services include the most intuitive health insurance offering, Alan Clinic to navigate t…

1
When Being in the 1% Feels like Failure 34:27

4d ago34:27

34:27

Ryan and Will discuss the psychological challenges founders face by constantly looking ahead and rarely celebrating their achievements. They explore how important it is for founders to practice gratitude and recognize their progress, even if their ultimate goals haven't been reached. The conversation delves into personal experiences, including Ryan…

1
We Need Outside Interests that Consume Us 50:24

12d ago50:24

50:24

Dive into the common struggle founders face with burnout and the inability to truly relax. Ryan and Will share their personal experiences and discuss how traditional relaxation methods often fail for them. Instead, they highlight the importance of finding other meaningful and challenging obsessions outside of work to channel their energy. From wood…

1
Episode 114: David Nothacker: Co-Founder & CEO of Sennder - What's the Future of Logistics? 23:12

17d ago23:12

23:12

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with David Nothacker, Co-Founder & CEO of Sennder, the leading digital freight-forwarder platform in Europe. Sennder recently made a game-changing deal and signed an agreement to acquire C.H. Robinson’s European Surface Transportation operations. With this move, their combined busin…

1
Kimberly Rothenberg, President at Lagree YYC. The Personal Trainer 21:53

18d ago21:53

21:53

In a recent Between Meetings episode, Kimberly Rothenberg, president of Lagree YYC, shared her transition from financial services to personal training after the birth of her first daughter. She opened Lagree YYC after discovering the Lagree workout in New York, seeing it as a perfect fit for Calgary. Kimberly discussed balancing business growth wit…

1
You probably should be TERRIFIED. At least a bit.. 31:19

19d ago31:19

31:19

Ryan and Will discuss the prevalent fear in the market due to economic uncertainty in April 2025. They delve into how fear is a constant companion for founders and argue that it's not a weakness but a strength. Drawing on personal experiences, including public speaking and risky business moves, they illustrate how leaning into fear can drive massiv…

1
Episode 113: Claudia de la Riva: CEO of Apolo Kids - Empowering Every Child's Way Of Learning 19:25

23d ago19:25

19:25

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Claudia de la Riva, CEO of Apolo Kids. Claudia is a mother of two and a serial entrepreneur. Apolo for our kids means a new way of learning following their own paths and interests. Apolo for parents means tool to conciliate while better preparing their kids for the future. Apolo is…

1
Make Money First - Then Make a Product 41:00

26d ago41:00

41:00

In this episode, Ryan and Will discuss the common misconception that startups need funding before generating revenue. They emphasize that the actual business isn't just the product but the revenue it generates. The discussion covers various strategies to bootstrap and generate cash flow, including building a minimal viable product, offering related…

1
Episode 112: Yaron Valler: Founder & Partner at Target Global - How Immigration Can Save Europe 39:00

1M ago39:00

39:00

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Yaron Valler, Founder & Partner at Target Global. Yaron is responsible for Target Global's growth stage investment practice where he led the investments in well-known companies including Wefox, DocPlanner, Delivery Hero, Bird, and numerous others. In this episode, Marcin and Ya…

1
It's really HARD to REPEAT A WIN 31:25

1M ago31:25

31:25

Will and Ryan discuss the dangerous mindset founders can fall into after hitting it big with their startups. They reflect on the story of Peter Chesky, co-founder of Wish, who became a billionaire during the tech IPO boom of early 2021 but saw his net worth plummet as the company's stock tanked. The episode emphasizes the importance of treating any…

1
Episode 111: Tim Draper on Startups, Bitcoin, Governance & Space Exploration 42:17

1M ago42:17

42:17

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Tim Draper, a legendary billionaire venture capitalist. Tim founded Draper Associates, DFJ and the Draper Venture Network, a global network of venture capital funds. He funded Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Focus Media, Robinhood, Athenahealth, Box, Cruise Automa…

1
Stephanie Horner, AVP, Banking at RBCx. The Capital Growth Specialist 24:36

1M ago24:36

24:36

In a recent episode of Between Meetings, I interviewed Stephanie Horner from RBCx in Calgary about her work supporting startups within the growing tech community. She explains RBCx's unique approach to assisting high-growth tech companies, the key factors that determine whether startups thrive or struggle, and the advantages of the Canadian startup…

1
Does LOCATION matter for your startup? 36:57

1M ago36:57

36:57

Ryan and Will discuss the evolution of startup location strategies. They reminisce about the bygone era when relocating to major hubs like San Francisco was essential for success due to access to talent, investors, and networking opportunities. Now, with advancements in remote work, AI, and digital connectivity, these factors have become less relev…

1
Episode 110: Anna Alex: Founder of NALA Earth - Nature vs. Greed 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast our host Marcin Lewandowski sits down with the amazing Anna Alex, entrepreneur & investor in sustainability and nature. Anna's a Co-Founder of companies such as Nala Earth, Planetly, Outfittery and a SPIEGEL Bestselling Author. Her latest venture, NALA Earth, is at the forefront of measuring biodiversity and nat…

1
Are The Sacrifices Worth It? 47:45

2M ago47:45

47:45

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, the guys tackle the big question: was the entrepreneurial journey worth it? They discuss the sacrifices, the missed experiences, and the immense pressures that come with being a founder. Will shares a touching story about his daughter's unprompted appreciation for his hard work, leading to a reflectio…

1
Episode 109: Nicole Buttner: Founder & CEO of Merantix Momentum - AI: The Renaissance of Humanity 28:29

2M ago28:29

28:29

This week on EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Nicole Buttner, Founder & CEO Merantix Momentum, Founding Partner at Merantix Capital and WEF Digital Leader for Europe. Nicole is an entrepreneur, economist and tech optimist. She believes artificial intelligence will create deep positive impact on individuals, businesses and society as a …

1
Are Founders Forged Over Youth? 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss how childhood experiences influence the entrepreneurial journey. They explore why many founders' origin stories trace back to their early years and how formative events can plant the seeds of entrepreneurship. Will shares his personal story of selling candy as a ch…

1
Episode 108: Yoram Wijngaarde - Founder & CEO of Dealroom - EU Startup Funding Creates Over €500 Billion Economic Impact 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

This week on EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Yoram Wijngaarde, Founder & CEO of Dealroom, to talk about "Startups backed by the EU's Framework Programmes" report. A first-of-its-kind report compiled by Dealroom, with Dealflow.eu and EU-Startups, reveals that a €12 billion investment made up of EU grants and Framework Programmes such a…

1
Assets OVER Exits 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

In this episode of Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter challenge the startup world's focus on big exits and venture capital. They highlight the benefits of cash-flowing businesses, showing how consistent profits can lead to financial security. Using real examples, they explain how making $10K a month can be as powerful as having millions…

1
Episode 107: Hannah Leach: Partner at Antler - Investing on Day Zero 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Hannah Leach, Partner at Antler. Antler is known for investing in founders on day zero and is now the most active private early-stage investor in the world. In Europe, Antler has backed more than 500 tech startups in the last five years. In 2024, Antler was more selective than ever befo…

1
You Only Have to Be Right Once 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, Ryan and Will chat about how startup success isn’t always a straight path. They use Mark Cuban’s story as a prime example, showing why sticking it out for the long run is so important—because success can happen at any time in a founder’s career. They also talk about how those early small wins can buil…

1
Episode 106: Filip Kozera: Founder & CEO of Wordware - The Fastest Way to Build AI Stack 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Filip Kozera, Founder and CEO of Wordware, a startup that enables anyone to build complex AI Agents and applications. Wordware recently raised $30M seed round, which was one of the biggest rounds in the Y Combinator history, before graduating the program. In this episode, Filip talks ab…

1
Episode 105: Bianca Zwart: Chief Strategy Officer at bunq - bank of THE FREE 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Bianca Zwart, the Chief Strategy Officer at bunq. bunq has raised a total funding of $373M and is valued at $1.85B and is making mobile banking that makes life easy. They call themselves the bank of THE FREE and are know for their extreme attention to users. Bianca shares her unco…

1
Episode 104: Robert Gaal: Founder of Vesper - Empowering Anyone to Create Your Own Video Game 23:40

3M ago23:40

23:40

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Robert Gaal, Founder of Vesper, a growing library of unique narrative games made by your favorite creators. They discuss Robert's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of finding product market fit, entrepreneurship as a lifestyle, and the opportunity behind ethical AI. Rob…

1
Ed Kang, CSO at Startups.com. The Startup Advisor 24:19

3M ago24:19

24:19

On Between Meetings, I interviewed Ed Kang, CSO of Startups.com, about his startup journey, Startups.com's unique non-dilutive model, and his passion for helping founders (especially with pitch decks via his YouTube channel). He also shared insights on AI in startups/consulting, emphasizing investor understanding and the current AI saturation. Take…

1
What Would I do Differently 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

In this episode of The Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the 'what if' scenarios that often preoccupy founders. Will shares personal milestones, showing how taking bigger risks shaped his journey. They discuss the hidden costs of success, the pitfalls of romanticizing alternative outcomes, and the importance of realistic risk as…

1
Episode 103: Michael Hurnaus: CEO of Trcative - What's the Future of PetTech 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski catches up with Michael Hurnaus, CEO of Tractive, a leading GPS tracker for pets that recently achieved $100 million ARR. They discuss the journey of building Tractive, the challenges of bootstrapping, the importance of company culture, and the innovative health monitoring features of t…

1
When Can I Afford to GAMBLE? 30:41

3M ago30:41

30:41

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter dive into an interesting perspective: taking risks in entrepreneurship is actually a luxury, not the norm. They break down what it really costs to take risks, how to figure out your "minimum viable risk pool," and why having a financial cushion is key to surviving setbacks…

1
Can Founders Find Contentment? 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter delve into the anxiety surrounding contentment in the startup ecosystem. They question the conventional wisdom that equates contentment with stagnation and probes whether startup founders should aim for contentment as a goal. Through personal anecdotes and industry exampl…

1
Episode 102: Paulina Jansch: Founding Partner at Leanox Impact Capital - Fundraising: the good, the bad and the ugly 29:05

4M ago29:05

29:05

In this episode of the EU Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski interviews Paulina Jansch, one of the youngest Founding Partners in Europe at Leanox Impact Capital. Paulina is a mentor at various startup organizations, NGOs, and universities. She is a voice for female empowerment and is known for her inclusive and empathic leadership style. She has …

1
Why do Investors FIRE Founders? 45:48

4M ago45:48

45:48

Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter discuss the complexities and challenges faced by startup founders, particularly the frequent occurrence of founders being replaced by investors. The conversation delves into the motivations behind such investor decisions, the difficulties in replicating a founder's passion and vision, and the common pitfalls and conseq…

1
Episode 101: Bennet Barth: Co-Founder & Managing Director of RESPOND - How to Maintain the Planetary Boundaries 39:58

4M ago39:58

39:58

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski hosts Bennet Barth, Co-Founder and Managing Director of RESPOND, a leading European accelerator for climate tech entrepreneurs, focused on responsible leadership and transitioning towards a net-zero economy. They discuss the startup pitches that have inspired Bennet, the recurring blind…

1
David Cree. Founder of CMNGD Linens. The Growth Officer 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

In a recent episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Cree. Our conversation delved into his experiences leading the mission-driven venture Common Good, the challenges he faced along the way, the growth of Calgary's startup ecosystem, and his aspirations to bring innovation to city governance as a city council candidate.…

1
Episode 100: Special Edition: Celebrating Best of 100 EU-Startups Podcast Episodes 46:44

5M ago46:44

46:44

This week, the EU-Startups Podcast celebrates a huge milestone—our 100th episode! To mark the occasion, we’ve created a special edition featuring the best moments from an incredible lineup of founders, investors, and changemakers shaping the world.We cover a range of topics including the importance of hiring for purpose, the urgency of addressing c…

1
Episode 99: Jan Lozek: Founder & Managing Partner of Future Energy Ventures - Building the Future of Energy Together 32:27

5M ago32:27

32:27

In this episode we catch up with Jan Lozek, Founder and Managing Partner of Future Energy Ventures. Future Energy Ventures is a unique venture capital and collaboration platform that brings together corporate partners and world-class startups to shape the future energy landscape. The fund managed by Future Energy Ventures already has a volume of 11…

1
Benjamin Reeves, SVP of Data Science & Engineering at Viewpoint. The Data Scientist 28:30

5M ago28:30

28:30

In a recent episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing Benjamin Reeves, SVP of Data Science & Engineering at Viewpoint and the Founding Director of the YYC Data Society. Our conversation spanned a range of thought-provoking topics, including the current state of data science and AI development, the ethical implications of apply…

1
Episode 98: Maya Raichoora: UK's Leading Mental Fitness Expert - How To Think, Feel & Perform Like Top 1% 24:47

5M ago24:47

24:47

In this episode, we catch up with Maya Raichoora, UK's leading mental fitness expert who's building the Nike of mental fitness to help C-suites, founders & elite athletes become the top 1% by mastering their mind and performance. Maya also has her new book "VISUALISE" coming in March 2025. She was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis- an incurable inf…

1
The Burden of Unrealistic Expectations 38:00

5M ago38:00

38:00

In this episode Ryan and Will delve into the intense pressures faced by founders from investors, peers, and the startup community. They discuss how these external expectations often drive founders to pursue goals misaligned with their personal beliefs and values. The conversation explores how unchecked expectations can lead to burnout and misguided…

1
Episode 97: BMW i Ventures - Investing in the Future of Sustainable Mobility 40:23

5M ago40:23

40:23

In this episode, we catch up with Marcus Behrendt and Kasper Sage, Managing Directors of BMW i Ventures. BMW i Ventures has offices in San Francisco and Munich and invests in high-performance companies and helps them execute quickly by delivering agile precision ensuring real-world impact on hardware, software, sustainability across manufacturing, …

1
How do I Stay Positive In Tough Times? 43:37

5M ago43:37

43:37

Ryan and Will discuss the omnipresent challenges that come with running a startup. They delve into the perpetual 'shit storm' that founders face and share practical advice on how to keep moving forward even when everything feels like it's falling apart. Key points include regaining perspective, converting anxiety into actionable tasks, breaking dow…

1
Episode 96: Julia Hawkins: General Partner at LocalGlobe & Latitude - Transforming Healthcare with Technology 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

In this episode, we catch up with Julia Hawkins. Julia is General Partner at LocalGlobe and Latitude, having previously set up Universal Music’s corporate venture arm, as well as being stationed at Goldman Sachs, Last.fm, and BBC Worldwide. LocalGlobe is a London-based venture capital firm that seeded impactful founders since 1999 at places like Ci…

1
Are Investors Trying to Push Us a Cliff? 20:06

6M ago20:06

20:06

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will delve into the often misunderstood motivations of venture capitalists. They discuss why investors push startups to grow rapidly, the pressures VCs face to deliver returns within a specific timeframe, and the fundamental differences between the stakes for founders and investors. The episo…

1
Episode 95: Sophia Velastegui: Former Microsoft Chief AI Officer - Lessons Learned From Google, Apple and Microsoft 24:29

6M ago24:29

24:29

In this episode, we catch up with Sophia Velastegui, former Microsoft Chief AI Officer and Fortune 100 Executive who worked with companies like Google and Apple. Sophia was named ‘The Most Powerful Female Engineer’ from Business Insider. Additionally, her roles as Co-chair at the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council and as a board director …

1
What Previously Funded Founders Do Differently 33:21

6M ago33:21

33:21

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the daunting realities of raising capital for startups. By sharing insights and experiences from both first-time and repeat founders, they delve into the recurring theme of regret found amongst entrepreneurs who've gone through the funding process. Topics include the hidden costs…

1
Episode 94: Paulo Rodriguez - Head of International at Vanta - On a Mission to Secure the Internet 37:33

6M ago37:33

37:33

In this episode, we catch up with Paulo Rodriguez, Head of International at Vanta, who's on a mission to secure the internet and protect consumer data. Funded in 2018, Vanta is the leading trust management platform that helps simplify and centralize security for organizations of all sizes and has customers in 58 countries with offices in Dublin, Ne…

1
Are Startups Easier for Experienced Founders? 33:01

6M ago33:01

33:01

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will debunk the myth that each startup venture becomes progressively easier with experience. They explore the truths and fallacies surrounding repeat entrepreneurship, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their extensive history of building and acquiring startups. Discussing expectati…

1
Episode 93: Gerard Grech - MD of Founders at Cambridge & CEO of Tech Nation - Driving Innovation Trough Tech Ecosystems 29:40

6M ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, we catch up with Gerard Grech, Managing Director of Founders at the University of Cambridge, a new strategic initiative focused on accelerating the formation and scaling of new deep technology-based companies. Gerard is also the founder, advisor and former Chief Executive of Tech Nation before it was acquired by the Founders Forum …

1
Who's Working for Who? 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the intricate and often misunderstood relationship between founders and their startups. They tackle the question of whether the founder works for the startup or vice versa, challenging common perceptions shaped by societal views and political discourse. The hosts discuss the unspoken 'contract' entrepreneurs for…

1
Episode 92: Diyala D'Aveni - Head of Vento & Italian Tech Week - What's the Future of the Italian Startup Ecosystem? 28:52

6M ago28:52

28:52

In this episode, we catch up with Diyala D'Aveni, Head of Vento, an Italian chapter of Exor Ventures. With $520M invested in 76 startups globally, Exor Ventures is focusing on discovering exceptional founders with the ambition to build great companies and backing them from pre-seed to pre-IPO. Diyala is also the organizer of Italian Tech Week, the …

1
Let's Get Back to Our WHY 36:35

6M ago36:35

36:35

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the vital importance of maintaining a startup's foundational 'why' – the core reason for its existence. They discuss the excitement and clarity that founders experience in the early stages, the operational challenges that can cause them to lose sight of their missi…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Startups.com Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen