40 Minute Mentor

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, the UK-based satellite company on a mission to monitor and combat climate change. Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos delivered its first satellite in record time with a team of just five people. Since then, the business has scaled to over €100 million in satellite contracts, a team of over 130 employees in Spain, Portugal, Greece and the UK, and $50 million in Series B funding from leading Investors. In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Rafel’s journey into entrepreneurship, lessons from scaling such a successful business and the important role of satellites in combatting climate change. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ A surprising route into aerospace engineering [03:15] ➡️ The origin story of Open Cosmos [07:30] ➡️ The huge impact of data [11:30] ➡️ The decision not to fundraise straight away [14:15] ➡️ More about today’s episode sponsors [18:30] ➡️ Scaling the team & attracting high-performers [23:40]  ➡️ Spotting great talent & Rafel’s secret weapon [31:30] ➡️ Using data to tackle climate change [39:50] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Rafel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaeljorda?originalSubdomain=uk ✨ More about Open Cosmos: https://www.open-cosmos.com/ 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Steve Etherton: Building the NASA of the Ocean with DEEPPierre Paslier: Making Packaging Disappear with Earthshot Prize Winners NoplaAdrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author. Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a trailblazer inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. In today’s episode, we won’t just explore Adrienne’s incredible career to date but also discuss her latest book ‘Decision That Matter’ in detail. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The power of storytelling [04:50] ➡️ Career milestones and pivots [12:00] ➡️ Her new book: Decisions That Matter [21:20] ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [24:40] ➡️ Understanding & unblocking analysis paralysis [25:40]  ➡️ Intentional decision making [27:30] ➡️ Overcoming procrastination [34:15] ➡️ Redefining success for every season [41:20] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ More about Adrienne: https://adrienneadhami.com/ ✨ Get a copy of “Decisions That Matter”: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460246/decisions-that-matter-by-adhami-adrienne/9781529925494 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Raj Kaur Khaira: How ethical AI will change the world Helen Tupper: Building a squiggly careerElizabeth Uviebinené: Building the Headspace for Journaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the first to hear about our next episode launching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, our final episode of our VC feature series, we’re joined by Pooja Sikka, General Partner at KHP Ventures. KHP Ventures is a collaboration between King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The fund offers equity investments with Healthcare expertise for groundbreaking MedTech and digital startups. In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Pooja’s squiggly career into Venture, and KHP’s brand new mental health immersion programme. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ A career in Healthcare  [04:00]➡️ Pooja’s squiggly journey into Venture [08:30] ➡️ Opportunities in Healthcare [14:35] ➡️ Building strong relationships with Founders [20:00] ➡️ The crucial skill of spotting talent [25:00] ➡️ Launching a new Mental Health fund [30:00] ➡️ Advice for Mental Health startup Founders [38:00] ➡️ The importance of authenticity in pitching [44:00] ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one. Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early career in the Coastal Ranger Command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and at McKinsey, where he worked with the world’s top energy companies, helping them apply machine learning to renewable and non-renewable energy. Since founding Antler, the team have invested in over 1,000 companies addressing meaningful challenges and opportunities across six continents.📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Lessons from the Military  [04:00]➡️ The beginnings of Antler [09:00] ➡️ More about Antler’s successful portfolio [12:00] ➡️ Lessons from the beginning of Antler that still hold true today [15:00] ➡️ The perfect Founder for Antler [18:00] ➡️ International expansions [20:00] ➡️ Why you need optimism as a Founder [25:00] ➡️ Predictions for the next decade in Tech [31:30] ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraiseGeorge Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial. Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next fundraise. From the key metrics and data points investors really care about, to the biggest red flags and crucial questions Founders should ask their potential investor - this episode will equip you with everything you need to keep in mind as you’re raising your next round. 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraiseGeorge Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by George Robson, Partner at Sequoia, the fund helping daring Founders build legendary companies from idea to IPO and beyond. From Investment Banking to Revolut and becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25, George’s CV is nothing but impressive and minutes into today’s episode, you’ll understand where his incredible drive and entrepreneurialism comes from. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The impact of education  [03:30]➡️ Foundations in Investment Banking [08:30] ➡️ Joining Revolut & lessons learned [16:00] ➡️ Navigating cultural fit [18:00] ➡️ More about our sponsors [20:20] ➡️ Joining Sequoia & investment approach [21:45] ➡️ What makes a great Founder [28:30] ➡️ Common mistakes during pitches [31:30] ➡️ Sequoia’s Arc Program [33:45] ➡️ The future of VC & the European ecosystem [36:00] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with George here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgerobson/ ➡️ Learn more about Sequoia: https://www.sequoiacap.com/ 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with NorthzoneDinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry VenturesCorinne Thompson: Preparing for your fundraise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special three-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson. In today’s episode, Corinne shares helpful advice for setting up your company and team for an exit. We’ll discuss: ✅ What it actually means to “set up for an exit” as a Founder✅ When you should start thinking about preparing for an exit ✅ The do’s and don’ts of navigating the transition 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraiseMolly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with NorthzoneDinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Molly Alter, Partner at Northzone, the multi-stage fund partnering with Founders from Seed to Growth, across Europe and the US. Molly started her career in VC in 2016, straight out of Harvard University. Since then, Molly has worked with some of the biggest funds in the industry, including Insight Partners and Index Ventures. Now, at Northzone and back in New York, Molly focuses on vertical SaaS and AI, across early and growth stages. In today’s episode, we dive into her career in VC and her transatlantic focus. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ A foundation in theatre & first entrepreneurial ventures [04:00]➡️ Joining VC early on [09:00] ➡️ Characteristics needed in VC [14:45] ➡️ Advice for getting into VC [20:00] ➡️ Why Northzone [21:30] ➡️ Focusing on SaaS & AI [24:00] ➡️ Advice for Founders currently fundraising [28:30] ➡️ US vs European market [32:00] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Molly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-alter-3ab1159a/ ➡️ Learn more about Northzone: https://northzone.com/ 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry VenturesNicolas d’Audiffret: How To Build A $2 Billion Unicorn In Under 3 Years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special 3-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson. In today’s episode, Corinne helps us take it all the way back to the beginning of the fundraising journey. We’ll discuss: ✅ The key steps you need to follow before your investor meeting ✅ Figuring out when the time is right to start fundraising ✅ What to keep in mind when choosing between VCs, angels or alternative funding routes ✅ How to mentally prepare for the fundraising journey ahead 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry VenturesFrom Operator To VC – Busting Industry Myths with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin VenturesCatherine Lenson: From Being The First Female Managing Partner at SoftBank to Building a Portfolio Career Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices