EU-Startups Podcast

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Marco Trombetti, seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and Co-Founder & CEO of Translated and Pi Campus. Translated provides translation services in more than 200 languages with over 500.000 professional translators working in symbiosis with the best translation AI ever created. Marco’s story is one of curiosity, long-term vision, and relentless optimism. From building software at just 15 to co-founding one of Europe’s leading translation platforms, Marco shares the lessons learned from decades at the intersection of technology, language, and entrepreneurship. Packed with wisdom from a career of building, investing, and learning, this is a masterclass in how to play the long game as an entrepreneur. We explore: – Why naivety is often an entrepreneur’s superpower – The importance of loving your users’ problems, not just your product – How AI and humans can complement each other in translation and beyond – Why physical spaces matter for innovation (and how Pi Campus was designed for that) – Why optimism and long-term thinking are the most underrated startup strategies Takeaways: – Entrepreneurship is a long game: think 10–15 years, not 10–15 months. – Optimism is an edge in building companies. – Naivety isn’t a weakness — it’s what lets you try the “impossible.” – AI won’t replace humans — it will enhance them. – Founders should fall in love with their users’ problems, not their own ideas. – The future is built by those who show up to build it. Chapters: 00:00 – From Early Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Spirit 03:08 – The Birth of Translated and the Internet Revolution 10:05 – Building Companies: The Long Game 16:13 – The Importance of Physical Spaces for Innovation 19:34 – Optimism and Naivety in Entrepreneurship 21:16 – Rapid Fire Insights: Wisdom from Marco Trombetti If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #entrepreneurship #ai #translation

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Joe Seager-Dupuy, Partner at TRUE, the $1bn consumer-specialist VC and innovation advisory firm that’s reshaping the retail, leisure, and consumer tech sectors. Joe shares his unique journey from a family of firefighters to venture capital, explains why brands today need a strong point of view, and reveals the “superpowers” that make TRUE one of the most interesting players in consumer VC. The conversation dives into: – How TRUE integrates sustainability beyond just a label – The evolution (and reality check) of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models – How AI is transforming consumer behavior and entrepreneurship – Lessons learned working with Richard Branson – And what makes a founder truly stand out Takeaways: – Great founders reshape consumer habits, not just follow them. – Market size matters — even the best idea struggles without it. – Copy-paste advice is dangerous; context defines success. – Brands with a bold point of view earn loyalty faster. – AI is an accelerant — amplifying both good business models and bad ones. This episode is packed with insights on where consumer markets are heading — and what it takes to build a business that actually changes behavior. Chapters: 00:00 From Firefighter to Venture Capitalist 04:11 The Superpowers of TRUE 08:20 Sustainability Beyond the Label 12:14 Brands Need a Point of View 16:17 The Evolution of D2C 19:11 The AI Revolution and Consumer Behavior 22:15 The Impact of AI on Entrepreneurship 25:29 Lessons from Richard Branson and Early Stage Founders 26:04 Identifying Promising Founders 29:43 Challenges in Consumer Market Size 31:01 Red Flags in Startup Pitches 33:02 Rapid Fire Insights on Consumer Trends Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #consumer #ai #venturecapital

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jens Wohltorf, CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane — the premium global chauffeur service that’s transforming the way business travelers move through the world. Jens shares the journey from concept to becoming a trusted name in luxury mobility. We discuss how Blacklane scaled across continents while maintaining exceptional service, navigated complex local regulations, and adapted during the pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. You’ll hear insights on: – Building trust in the luxury service industry – The importance of anticipating customer needs before they even ask – How to scale without sacrificing quality – Why sustainability must be more than a marketing line – The skills and mindset entrepreneurs need to thrive in global markets Takeaways – Trust is your most valuable currency. – Global expansion demands local understanding — and patience. – Scaling too fast can compromise quality beyond repair. – Anticipation and empathy separate good service from great service. – Crises (like the pandemic) can be catalysts for reinvention. Chapters 00:00 The Spark of Blacklane 02:57 Scaling Luxury Mobility 06:09 Building Trust in Service 09:01 Navigating Global Expansion 11:58 Sustainability in Luxury Travel 14:51 Lessons from the Pandemic 18:11 Future of Mobility 21:02 Rapid Fire Insights Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #mobility #luxury #travel

What does it take to build one of world's highest-performing sales teams — fully remote? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Maxime Chareton, Head of Sales at Revolut, to explore what makes the fintech giant’s sales engine run. Revolut's powerhouse of products helps 50+ million customers get more from their money every day. They have 10,000+ people working around the world, from their offices and remotely, to help them achieve their mission. We cover: – How Revolut scaled a remote sales team across global markets – Why autonomy and ownership beat micromanagement – How to hire sales talent with curiosity and resilience – The role of AI in augmenting (not replacing) human sales – How to shift the conversation from price → to value Takeaways: – Sales is emotional intelligence in motion. – Culture is the glue in remote-first teams. – Great sellers don’t push — they guide. – Hiring for mindset beats hiring for resume. – The future of sales is part tech, part trust. Whether you're building a sales org, hiring your first reps, or selling across borders — this episode is packed with real tactics and fresh thinking. Chapters: 00:00 Scaling Sales in a Remote World 01:57 Building a Unique Sales Culture 03:29 Maintaining High Performance at Scale 05:23 Hiring for Success 07:02 Localizing Sales Efforts 09:44 Autonomy and Ownership in Sales 10:27 Leveraging Technology for Productivity 12:39 The Role of AI in Sales 14:36 Personalization in Sales Outreach 15:46 Shifting Conversations from Price to Value 17:12 Sales Enablement Strategies 18:22 Creating Urgency Without Pressure 19:45 Rapid Fire Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #sales #finance

Airbnb? Timeshare? Nope. This Is Better. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Nikolaus Thomale, Founder & Managing Director of MYNE Homes. MYNE Homes is building Europe’s leading co-ownership platform for vacation homes. They make buying, owning and selling your dream vacation home more accessible and hassle-free. While more than 20 million vacation homes across Europe are sitting empty most of the year, millions of people dream of owning such a second home. MYNE was started to bring together those homes and those people with dreams. We explore: – Why traditional vacation home ownership is outdated and inefficient – How MYNE creates a seamless co-ownership experience across Europe – What makes MYNE different from Airbnb, rentals, or timeshares – How luxury, flexibility, and sustainability can go hand-in-hand – The role of community and emotional value in second-home ownership Takeaways: – Ownership is shifting from solo to shared, from status to story. – The new luxury is flexibility, community, and meaning. – Technology unlocks emotional value in real estate. – Co-ownership redefines what it means to “own” a place. – Vacation homes are no longer just for the 1%. Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Vacation Home Ownership 04:34 The Rise of Co-Ownership Models 06:12 Differentiating from Traditional Models 08:35 Luxury Meets Accessibility 09:53 Market Expansion Strategies 12:01 Creating a Sense of Ownership 14:58 The Future of Property Ownership 16:17 Personal Dreams and Experiences 17:39 Rapid Fire Questions If you've ever dreamed of a beachside villa in Mallorca or a mountain retreat in the Alps — this one’s for you. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #realestate #technology

🎙️ Skills Over Signals: TestGorilla CEO Wouter Durville on the Future of Hiring In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Wouter Durville, Co-Founder and CEO of TestGorilla, to discuss the shift from traditional hiring to skills-based recruitment. With over $80m in funding TestGorilla is placing people in dream jobs with talent assessments that identify the best candidates at the start of the recruitment process. With companies like Google and EY dropping degree requirements, and AI entering the hiring process, the future of recruitment is getting a massive upgrade. Wouter explains: – Why résumés don’t work – How to test for the skills that really matter – What founders, hiring managers, and HR leaders get wrong – How to make hiring fairer, faster, and more human Takeaways: – Traditional hiring methods are becoming obsolete. – Résumés are dying — skills are the new currency. – Degrees are optional. Talent and hard work are not. – AI + assessment = fairer, faster hiring. – Human values like critical thinking and being kind are crucial. – The future of hiring will focus on skills, not signals. Chapters: 00:00 Rethinking Hiring: The Skills-First Approach 03:02 The Role of AI in Modern Recruitment 06:03 Identifying Key Skills for Success 08:56 The Importance of a Holistic Hiring Process 12:07 Creating a Positive Candidate Experience 14:54 Balancing Technology and Human Touch in Hiring 17:59 The Future of Hiring: A Vision for Skills-Based Recruitment 💡 If you’re hiring, applying, or just curious about how AI and assessments are reshaping work — this is a must-listen. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #work #hiring #jobs

In this special edition of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by the editorial team behind EU-Startups: Antonio Escarzaga (Head of Content) and David Cendon Garcia (Head of News). Together, they unpack the evolving world of startup media — from AI-generated content and traditional journalism to what actually makes a startup story land in today's crowded feed. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or just startup-curious, this episode is your backstage pass to how media works — and what’s changing fast. Takeaways 1. AI is changing the way content is created and optimized for search engines. 2. Traditional media still plays a crucial role in curating and contextualizing news. 3. Startups should connect their stories to current events for greater relevance. 4. Hyperbole in pitches can turn people off; authenticity is key. 5. Understanding the audience and what content works for them is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EU Startups Podcast 02:59 The Evolving Landscape of Startup Media 06:06 The Importance of Personal Connection in Media 08:56 Insights from the European Startup Media Landscape Infographic 12:00 What Makes a Compelling Startup Story? 18:00 Building Relationships Beyond Coverage 19:50 Trends in Startup Content and Media 24:00 The Future of Startup Media 25:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #media

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by Trevor Neff, Partner at Headline Growth, a global VC firm with offices in San Francisco, Berlin, and Paris. Headline raised $865M for its fourth growth fund, with half of it dedicated to Europe. Headline’s portfolio includes powerhouses like: Sonos, Farfetch, goPuff, Bumble, AppFolio, Creditas, Segment, The RealReal, and Sorare. Trevor shares insights on the importance of building personal relationships with founders, the transition from Sound Ventures to Headline, and the evolving landscape of European startups. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the European market, the significance of trust in investor-founder relationships, and offers valuable advice for founders navigating their journey. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Trevor's perspectives on venture capital and entrepreneurship. Takeaways 1. The best startups today are built global from day one. 2. Build trust early – it’s your most valuable currency. 3. Your investor should know you before your deck. 4. Relationships still matter more than metrics early on. 5. VC is a long game – play it with aligned partners. Chapters 00:00 Building Relationships in Venture Capital 04:45 Lessons from Sound Ventures 06:52 The Vision for Headline's Growth Fund 09:08 The Rise of European Startups 12:31 Balancing Local Nuances with Global Ambition 15:33 The Importance of Trust in Investment 18:26 Advice for Founders and Investors 22:45 Rapid Fire Questions with Trevor Neff If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital

How do you turn travel into a cure for loneliness? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Erika De Santi, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad. With over 125 destinations worldwide and $36m in funding, WeRoad is one of the fast-growing travel startups that's redefining what it means to explore the world — with strangers who become friends. They dive into: – How WeRoad uses group travel to create deep connections – Why group dynamics and coordinators make or break a trip – The role of early growth hacks in building community – Why unexpected moments are the most powerful memories – How the new WeMeet app is tackling loneliness in local communities Takeaways: – WeRoad creates shared experiences that fight loneliness. – Travel is a tool to build belonging, not just escape. – People don’t just want destinations — they want connection. – Real-life friendships need intentional design. – The best travel products are designed for emotion, not logistics. 🎧 Whether you’re a travel junkie, community builder, or just curious how tech and real-life connection intersect — this one’s worth your ears. 👇 Timestamps 00:00 Fighting Loneliness Through Travel 03:02 Designing Unique Travel Experiences 06:00 The Role of Travel Coordinators 10:13 Building Community and Connection 13:07 Lessons on Human Nature and Loneliness 17:58 Introducing WeMeet: A New Platform 21:50 Social Responsibility and Community Impact 24:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Travel Wisdom If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #travel

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Charlie MacGregor, Founder & CEO of The Social Hub – a bold reimagination of what hospitality, connection, and community can look like in the 21st century. Starting from a personal desire to improve student housing, Charlie went on to build a hospitality powerhouse that blends hotels, coworking, student residences, coliving, events, and social impact – all under one brand. We dive deep into: – The origin story behind The Social Hub – Why belonging is the most underrated business model – How diverse communities can thrive in shared spaces – The role of design in shaping behavior and connection – How to build spaces where people actually want to connect – The future of hospitality This conversation isn’t just about hotels. It’s about how we live, work, learn – and what happens when you design spaces to bring people together on purpose. Takeaways – Hospitality is evolving from service to connection. – Design is not just aesthetic — it’s behavioral architecture. – Purpose and profit can scale together – if culture leads the way. – The best growth stories are rooted in human transformation. – The future of hospitality is human and hyper-local. Chapters 00:00 The Vision Behind The Social Hub 02:50 Creating Spaces for Connection 05:39 Engineering a Sense of Belonging 08:09 Designing for Local and Global 10:57 Navigating Growth and Sustainability 13:35 Community Impact Stories 16:11 Future Aspirations and Innovations 18:41 Reflections on Hospitality and Leadership If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #hospitality #travel