EU-Startups Podcast

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 about his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building AI solutions, and the importance of empowering domain experts to create AI agents without technical skills. Filip shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding AI, the unique approach of Wordware, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. He emphasizes the need for trust in AI outputs and the importance of iteration in development. The conversation also touches on personal growth through adventure and the lessons learned from climbing some of the most difficult mountains in the world. Filip summited 3 of the 7 highest peaks on each continent and a few 7-thousanders in the Himalayas. One of the most technical mountains he climbed was Ama Dablam. Takeaways 1.Entrepreneurship is about daring to try and keep iterating. As Filip puts it "I failed more times than you tried". 2.Deep conviction in the problem and mission is crucial for founders to succeed. 3.Adoption of AI is hindered by a lack of understanding. 4.Building AI requires clear communication of tasks and trust in outputs. 5.AI will transform knowledge workers into creatives. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

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 unconventional career journey, starting from answering support tickets to leading strategy at a fintech company that prioritizes user experience. She discusses the importance of a user-centric approach in banking, the unique business model of bunq, and the lessons learned from her experiences in startups. Bianca emphasizes the significance of a growth mindset and the need for constant adaptation to user needs. The conversation concludes with her vision for the future of bunq and valuable advice for those navigating non-linear career paths. Takeaways 1.bunq's culture encourages questioning the status quo and prioritizing user needs. 2.User feedback is essential for improving banking services and products. 3.bunq's business model focuses on profitability before scaling, ensuring a sustainable approach. 4.A growth mindset is crucial for success in fast-paced environments. 5.Leadership is about matching problems with the right people. 6.bunq aims to be a global bank that adapts to local realities. 7.The importance of hiring the right talent cannot be overstated. 8.Bianca believes in challenging conventional wisdom and embracing discomfort for growth. 9.True success lies in the journey and the person you become, not just the end goal. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

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. Robert shares insights on empowering creators through Vesper, common mistakes in AI startups, and the significance of building a network and craft. He envisions a future where anyone can create interactive stories through video games, making storytelling more accessible by turning words into worlds. Takeaways Startups often fail by trying to solve too many problems at once. Discipline and structure are key traits of successful founders. Building a network is about creating long-term meaningful relationships. Ethical AI presents the next big opportunity for creators. The future of storytelling lies in interactivity and accessibility. Vesper empowers anyone to create video games through storytelling. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

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 their products. Michael shares insights on market expansion, particularly in the U.S., and highlights the impact of their technology on pet owners' lives. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of PetTech and Tractive's commitment to enhancing pet health and safety. Takeaways 1.Achieving $100 million ARR is a big deal - few subscription companies even get there. 2.Bootstrapping has allowed Tractive to maintain financial independence. 3.The success with the US market was possible because of a strong foundation from Europe. 4.Tractive's culture is build with a focus on cost-efficiency and hiring is based on cultural fit and raising the team's average quality. 5.The PetTech market is still in its infancy and is way less digitized compared to human HealthTech and fitness space, which means there's a big room for growth. This podcast episode is brought to you by Scytale - making compliance super easy for startups, helping them get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat. Learn more at https://scytale.ai/eustartups/.

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 been named among the TOP100 most influential women in the VC and startup scene in Europe and TOP10 investors in Germany. Marcin and Paulina talk about her journey in setting up the fund, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of ongoing networking. Paulina shares her insights on impact investing, gender equality in the industry, and the exciting collaboration between Europe and Korea in the investment landscape. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of venture capital and the need for inclusivity and innovation in the sector. Takeaways 1.Fundraising can be an emotional roller coaster. 2.Successful fundraising requires a well-thought-out strategy. 3.Networking is crucial for opening doors in venture capital. 4.Impact investing can yield competitive returns. 5.Youthful perspectives drive innovation in investing. 6.Gender equality is essential for a balanced investment portfolio. 7.Trusting your intuition can lead to valuable opportunities. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups

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 spots in climate tech, and the importance of focusing on the human aspects of entrepreneurship. Bennet emphasizes the need for building relationships in sustainability, understanding planetary boundaries, and the role of entrepreneurs in climate action. They also touch on the myths surrounding impact investing, Europe's potential leadership in climate tech, and the lessons learned from nature through surfing and mountain climbing. The conversation concludes with a call to action for climate entrepreneurs to persevere in their efforts. Takeaways 1.Building relationships is key to aligning corporates, policymakers, and entrepreneurs on sustainability. 2.The planetary boundaries framework helps identify critical areas for action to maintain a healthy economy. 3.There is a growing mindset shift among entrepreneurs towards using business as a lever for positive impact. 4.Education and awareness are essential for scaling climate action and integrating it into everyday discussions. 5.Impact investing is often misunderstood, with a belief that it detracts from financial returns. 6.Europe is well-positioned to lead in clean tech and climate tech innovation. 7.Lessons from nature, such as humility and patience, are vital for navigating challenges in building a sustainable economy. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups

This special edition highlights the best moments from 100 inspiring conversations. Topics include the crucial hiring of purpose-driven talent and the urgent need for climate action. Guests share insights on innovative communication through AI and the challenges of entrepreneurship, including fundraising strategies. Personal stories illustrate the balance between profit and social impact, alongside effective product development approaches. Finally, a powerful visualization exercise emphasizes mindset for founders, concluding with excitement for future conversations.

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 110 million euros and a target size of 250 million euros. With an average initial ticket size of between €1-10 million for early-stage investments and with operational hubs in Germany, Israel and Silicon Valley, Future Energy Ventures looks for startups whose mission is to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonize society. Marcin and Jan discuss the evolution of climate tech, the challenges and misconceptions faced by startups in the energy sector, and the importance of collaboration across global ecosystems. Jan shares insights on the urgency of addressing climate change, the role of emerging technologies like AI, and the need for sustainable practices in urban planning. The conversation emphasizes the potential for innovation and investment in climate tech, as well as the importance of engaging decision-makers in the energy industry. Takeaways 1.The energy transition is now economically viable with available technologies. 2.Changing established energy systems is a complex challenge. 3.China's leading the way with its massive investment in energy transition. 4.AI will be crucial for managing future energy systems. 5.Collaboration across global ecosystems is a must to drive climate innovation. 6.Even small personal choices can significantly impact emissions reduction. 7.The future of climate tech looks promising with potential unicorns on the horizon. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups

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 inflammatory bowel disease. She endured crippling physical, emotional and mental pain. Visualization saved her life and now she is teaching this powerful technique to others. Maya shares her journey of discovering the transformative power of visualization in her own life. She explains the difference between mental fitness and traditional mindfulness or meditation practices. Maya discusses the common challenges faced by high-performing individuals and how Remap's techniques help overcome them. She guides listeners through a mini visualization exercise to manage emotions. Maya also talks about the impact of mental fitness live events and the importance of community and personalization in mental fitness. She debunks the myth that the brain stops changing after a certain age and highlights the key mindset shifts and practices of top performers and much more. Takeaways 1.Visualization is a powerful mental training technique that can be used to improve performance and well-being. 2.Mental fitness goes beyond traditional mindfulness or meditation practices and focuses on actively training the brain. 3.High-performing individuals often struggle with balancing high performance and well-being, as well as suppressing their emotions. 4.Visualization and self-talk are key mindset shifts and practices that set top performers apart. 5.The brain is constantly changing, and it's never too late to train and rewire it. 6.Community and personalization are crucial in making mental fitness accessible and effective. 7.Building confidence and belief in oneself is a fundamental mental fitness challenge. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups

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, transportation, and services. Marcus and Kasper share insights on their successful investments and the future of mobility technology. They talk about the unique perspectives brought by their locations in Silicon Valley and Munich, the value of being affiliated with a large corporation, and the importance of sustainability in startup investments. The conversation also covers the challenges of innovation in the automotive industry, the investment decision-making process, and the differences between European and American startup ecosystems and much more. Takeaways 1.Sustainability has to become the core value in evaluating startups. 2.The automotive industry requires a unique approach to innovation. 3.Successful startups often target multiple industries for scalability. 4.Late-stage funding is a significant challenge in Europe. 5.The European startup ecosystem needs to foster a more risk-taking attitude. EU-Startups Podcast is brought to you by Vanta. Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Trusted by over 7,000 companies, Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for ISO 27001,SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Learn more here: http://vanta.com/eustartups