
The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding. Host Mehmet Gonullu leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. From emerging technologies to startup investment strategies, the show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world.
mehmet@yassiventures.com
Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 50min
#400 Exploring the Future of Digital Health: AI, Wearables, and Empathy with RJ Kedziora
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the transformative world of digital health with RJ Kedziora, Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Estenda Solutions. RJ joins us to discuss how AI, wearable technology, and an empathetic approach to user needs are shaping the future of healthcare. With over two decades of experience leading Estenda, RJ brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and patient care.
The conversation begins with RJ’s journey into tech and healthcare, including his motivations for focusing on patient-centered solutions that have a direct impact on people’s lives. He shares insights into Estenda’s projects with Fortune 50 medical companies and startups alike, shedding light on how data analytics, custom software, and AI applications are driving innovation in health tech.
We explore the evolution of digital health over the last 20 years, from the early challenges of accessing healthcare data to today’s rapid advancements enabled by APIs like FHIR and the advent of wearables. RJ discusses the role of continuous monitoring through devices such as glucose monitors and heart rate sensors, highlighting how these technologies empower individuals to understand their health better and enable healthcare providers to make more informed decisions.
One of the key themes RJ emphasizes is the importance of privacy and security, particularly when handling sensitive patient data. He dives into the complexities of regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in the EU, explaining how these frameworks protect patient information while promoting data sharing to improve care.
As we move into the AI discussion, RJ shares his perspective on the revolutionary potential of generative AI in healthcare. He highlights applications such as ambient listening and note-taking, which are beginning to assist doctors in managing patient information more effectively. RJ also envisions a future where AI can support healthcare professionals by suggesting relevant questions based on patient data, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
More about RJ:
RJ Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda, has over 25 years of software product design, development, and management experience. At Estenda, he focuses on people and process management and provides strategic technical direction, guidance, and innovative insights into creating cost-effective digital health solutions that make a difference in people’s lives, helping them live longer and healthier. His work has won multiple awards, including a HIMSS Davies Award and, recently, the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award.
00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show with Mehmet
00:48 Introducing RJ Kedziora
01:16 RJ's Journey and Estenda Solutions
04:17 Impact of Digital Health and AI
06:41 Evolution of Healthcare Data
11:32 Privacy and Security in Healthcare
16:08 Generative AI in Healthcare
33:11 Wearable Devices and Future Trends
45:25 Advice for Aspiring Professionals
47:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Oct 11, 2024 • 46min
#399 Unlocking Employee Loyalty: Kirill Morozov on the Power of Motivation and Recognition in MENA
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the vital topic of employee motivation and loyalty, specifically within the MENA region, with Kirill Morozov, CEO of TEAL HR. Kirill joins us to discuss his journey and the driving force behind founding TEAL HR, a platform designed to transform how businesses motivate and retain their employees. Drawing from his background in industries ranging from medical equipment to smart cities, Kirill shares his unique perspective on why employee satisfaction is crucial for a thriving business and how he’s working to bridge the gap between business goals and employee happiness.
We explore the story behind TEAL HR, focusing on the need to create a balanced environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Kirill shares insights on the psychology behind loyalty and why it’s essential to use motivational approaches that genuinely resonate with employees. By adopting practices like recognition, rewards, and psychometrics, TEAL HR has developed a comprehensive framework for enhancing employee engagement and retention. Kirill emphasizes the importance of communicating directly with employees, understanding their perspectives, and fostering a feedback-driven culture.
Kirill also discusses the specific challenges and opportunities in the MENA region, noting cultural nuances that shape how employees respond to motivation strategies. He explains how TEAL HR adapts its approach to suit these unique dynamics and shares fascinating insights into the role of psychometrics in understanding employee needs. We touch on the power of AI in HR analytics, with Kirill highlighting how data can reveal patterns and correlations that inform better decision-making while maintaining the human element in leadership.
Towards the end, we celebrate a recent win for TEAL HR as they receive the Middle East Technology Excellence Award for Analytics in Human Resource Consultancy. Kirill and his team’s commitment to a people-centered approach has clearly made an impact. To close, Kirill shares how listeners can connect with him and learn more about TEAL HR, inviting open conversations with anyone interested in enhancing their HR strategies.
More about Kirill:
Kirill has experience in implementing loyalty programs in different industries: manufacturing, IT, healthcare, retail.
∙ Product Owner at Teal HR — a platform for employee motivation and loyalty.
∙ Expert in the field of employee benefits. Conducts CustDev and market research, implements the best HR tools that meet business needs.
∙ Over 5 years of HR consulting around the world.
∙ Author of HR articles for the Innovative Human Capital, HR Observer, etc.
∙ Participant of international exhibitions (HRSE KSA 2024, HR TECH MENA SUMMIT 2024)
https://teal-hr.ae/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciril-morozov/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:14 Kirill Morozov's Background and Journey
01:58 The Story Behind TEAL HR
05:41 Employee Motivation and Loyalty
10:58 Cultural Differences in HR Practices
17:21 The Role of Psychometrics in HR
24:50 Challenges in Employee Assessments
37:09 The Impact of AI on HR Analytics
42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Oct 9, 2024 • 48min
#398 Building Value in Big Data: Tommy Ogden’s Take on Analytics, Frameworks, and AI
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Tommy Ogden, Director at Activera Consulting, to explore the intersection of analytics, frameworks, and AI in driving value within the big data landscape. Tommy, a seasoned consultant with experience across both boutique and big-name firms like Accenture, shares insights into why he returned to the world of boutique consulting, where agility and flexibility are key to rapid and impactful transformations.
Tommy dives into his journey from the energy sector to leading consulting projects for major oil and gas clients, emphasizing the unique benefits of working in a smaller, more agile consulting firm. He discusses how Activera Consulting focuses on tailoring frameworks and applying structured approaches to solve client-specific problems, particularly in the context of digital transformation. For Tommy, consulting is about balancing structure with the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of clients, and he details how design thinking and empathy play crucial roles in creating solutions that work for each business’s unique challenges.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Tommy explains Activera’s innovative framework recommendation engine, designed to help consultants choose the right framework based on specific project variables. He also touches on his approach to measuring the ROI of digital transformation efforts, drawing an insightful analogy to venture capital where constant tracking of business impact is crucial.
With the rapid adoption of AI technologies, Tommy shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping the consulting industry itself. He explains how AI tools can serve as a “copilot” for consultants, offering fresh ideas and enhancing problem-solving processes. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into traditional consulting roles, underscoring that while AI can enhance certain aspects, human-driven empathy and strategy remain irreplaceable.
As the conversation wraps up, Mehmet and Tommy discuss future trends in consulting and big data, from the continued rise of AI to the critical role of structured analytics in value creation. Join us for this insightful conversation packed with practical advice on using analytics, frameworks, and AI to drive value in today’s data-centric world.
About Tommy:
Tommy is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting. He has 20+ years of consulting and business experience in energy and technology. He has earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). Tommy also holds two Master degrees in business administration – an MBA and a Master of Global Management in International Business & Consulting – and has most recently worked for two Fortune 20 companies in both the technology and energy industries.
https://www.activeraconsulting.com/frameworkfindings
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyogden/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Tommy Ogden's Professional Journey
02:53 Boutique vs. Big Firm Consulting
05:27 Importance of Frameworks in Consulting
08:38 Balancing Flexibility and Structure
10:01 Digital Transformation in the Energy Sector
12:44 Pre-Product Development Best Practices
18:09 Overcoming Resistance to Change
25:02 Integrating Analytics for Business Impact
25:34 Simplifying Technology Communication
28:20 Value Tracking in Analytics
30:35 Implementing Value Tracking
34:00 AI in Consultancy
39:50 Future of Consultancy
45:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

Oct 7, 2024 • 43min
#397 Creating a Winning SaaS Strategy: Nick Jain on Retention, Growth, and Innovation
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, a leading B2B SaaS platform focused on innovation management. Nick shares his journey from Wall Street to the world of SaaS and innovation, bringing with him years of experience in investment and executive leadership. Starting with his background in mathematics, physics, and an MBA from Harvard, Nick describes how his career pivoted toward running businesses with a focus on driving value for customers and managing scalable growth.
Throughout the discussion, Nick explores the current demand for innovation in business and the shift in how organizations approach it. He explains how IdeaScale’s software helps large, complex organizations identify valuable ideas from within and turn them into actionable solutions. Nick also dives into the core elements of a sustainable innovation culture, emphasizing the importance of leadership, incentives, and the right technological processes to support creative ideas.
Nick and Mehmet tackle some of the biggest challenges organizations face today, including the shift from viewing technology departments as cost centers to recognizing them as core business enablers. They discuss the role of AI in business transformation and how AI tools can boost operational efficiency and creativity. Nick provides insights on the selective use of AI, advocating for a measured approach to ensure that it adds real value rather than just following trends.
The conversation also covers key metrics for SaaS success, including net retention rate, ARR, profit margins, and incremental ROI. Drawing from his experience as an investor, Nick explains how these metrics can offer a roadmap to sustainable growth. He underscores the importance of hiring for strengths that complement founders’ skills, particularly for young companies looking to balance product innovation with sound business operations.
More about Nick:
Nick has lived an inspiring rags to riches story. Nick started his life by being raised by a single grandmother in a small city in India and graduated at the top of his class from Harvard Business School.
Along the way, Nick has worked at some of the top investing firms in the world such as Bain Capital and Greenlight, and has led dramatic business transformations in 3 entirely different industries: trucking, men's shoes, and now B2B software.
Nick is an expert at marketing, team management, and creating win-win-win outcomes for his 3 stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjain/
https://www.ideascale.com/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Nick Jain's Background and Career Journey
02:17 The Role of Innovation in Business
05:14 Building and Sustaining an Innovation Culture
06:53 Leadership and Responsibility in Driving Innovation
10:23 The Evolution of Technology Departments
18:00 AI's Impact on Business and Creativity
30:05 Key Metrics for SaaS Business Success
38:52 Advice for Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs
40:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Oct 4, 2024 • 46min
#396 The Intersection of AI, Security, and UX: Hubert Behaghel’s Insights on Digital Trust
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hubert Behaghel, CTO of Veriff, to discuss the critical intersection of AI, security, and user experience in the digital age. As the internet continues to evolve, establishing digital trust has become more essential than ever, especially with the rise of identity fraud and impersonation threats.
Hubert shares his journey from his early career as a consultant to becoming the CTO of Veriff, a company dedicated to making the internet safer through identity verification solutions. He highlights the challenges of balancing security with a seamless user experience, exploring how Veriff uses AI to enhance trust while combating threats like deepfakes. We also dive into the unique security requirements across industries, from banking to the gig economy, and how Veriff’s solutions help businesses prevent fraud without compromising user convenience.
The conversation also touches on leadership, with Hubert offering valuable advice for fellow CTOs and engineering leaders on scaling technology in fast-growing environments. He emphasizes the importance of building a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining accountability as companies transition from startups to scaleups.
Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, or the evolving landscape of digital identity, this episode provides key insights from one of the industry’s leading technology minds.
About Hubert:
Hubert brings two decades of experience to Veriff from his tenure with industry giants like Amazon, Marks and Spencer, and Sky, where he spearheaded substantial growth in their engineering divisions through the introduction of innovative initiatives and the enhancement of existing ones. As Sky’s Head of Technology, Hubert more than tripled the size of its engineering team. He also played a pivotal role in scaling the Discovery platform to accommodate tens of millions of users worldwide. Likewise, was instrumental in the launch of NBC Universal’s Peacock streaming service.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaghel/
https://www.veriff.com/
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:07 Hubert's Career Journey
02:43 Current Role at Veriff
03:49 Challenges in Identity Verification
08:51 AI and Fraud Prevention
13:21 Balancing Security and User Experience
17:34 Long-term Business Vision
29:15 Leadership and Building Culture
34:49 Advice for Startups Scaling Up
40:33 Shifting Industries and Final Thoughts
44:12 Conclusion and Farewell

Oct 2, 2024 • 42min
#395 The Role of Data in AI Innovation: Erik Salo’s Take on HPC and Storage Systems
In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Erik Salo, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Vdura, to dive deep into the critical role that data plays in AI innovation. Erik shares his extensive career journey, starting from his early days in data storage to his leadership roles at major tech companies like AMD and Seagate, and now at Vdura, where he is at the forefront of storage solutions for High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI.
Throughout the conversation, Erik discusses the evolution of data storage, the importance of scalable and reliable data platforms, and how these elements are crucial for machine learning and AI development. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of managing large-scale data in AI applications, providing real-world examples of how Vdura is pioneering advancements in this space.
Erik also shares his thoughts on the convergence of enterprise storage reliability with the speed of HPC systems, explaining how this balance will shape the future of AI infrastructure. The episode covers various use cases beyond AI and machine learning, such as autonomous systems and predictive maintenance, showcasing the widespread impact of data-driven technologies.
Get in touch with Erik:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-salo-a9b5a9/
https://www.vdura.com/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Erik Salo's Career Journey
04:06 The Importance of Data in AI and Machine Learning
06:35 Challenges in Data Storage and Management
09:36 The Evolution of High-Performance Computing
18:02 Future Trends in AI and Data Centers
27:52 Insights on Product Management
38:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Sep 30, 2024 • 55min
#394 Demystifying Startup Fundraising: Gagan Singh on Private Markets and Secondary Deals
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Gagan Singh, Founder and CEO of WOWS Global, to discuss the intricacies of startup fundraising, navigating private markets, and the increasing importance of secondary transactions. Gagan shares his unique perspective, having experienced both sides of the table as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur. He dives deep into how WOWS Global is reshaping the fundraising landscape for startups by providing liquidity solutions and essential tools for private markets.
Gagan starts by detailing his journey from a small town in India to becoming a venture capitalist in Southeast Asia and eventually founding WOWS Global. He reflects on the challenges he faced, especially as a founder and group CFO of the B2B logistics startup Delivere, and how his experiences informed the creation of WOWS Global. The platform, often described as an “operating system for private markets,” facilitates fundraising through various means, including venture debt, revenue-based financing, and secondary transactions, which offer founders and early investors liquidity without the need for a full exit.
One of the key topics discussed is the critical role of cap table management and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) planning. Gagan emphasizes the common pitfalls many founders encounter, such as the lack of awareness regarding dilution and the risks of post-money valuation caps. He explains how improper cap table management can make companies unattractive to investors, particularly as they advance to later stages of funding.
Mehmet and Gagan also explore the recent trends in Southeast Asia’s private markets and the global implications of the “funding winter.” Despite the challenges, Gagan highlights how WOWS Global is helping founders prepare for fundraising by providing essential tools like virtual data rooms, which streamline the due diligence process for both startups and investors. He stresses the importance of being investor-ready from day one to maintain momentum and capitalize on investor interest.
The conversation also touches on the future of startup funding, with Gagan providing insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia and other emerging markets, such as MENA. He discusses the consolidation trends in various sectors and how platforms like WOWS Global are positioned to support smaller M&A opportunities.
About Gagan:
Gagan Singh serves as the CEO of WOWS Global, a Fintech platform that facilitates investor matching. This platform creates connections between promising startups and investors, streamlining both primary and secondary transactions.
Gagan's professional background includes being a Chartered Accountant by qualification. He initiated his career in the realm of corporate finance with Vedanta Resources, a conglomerate based in the UK. Subsequently, he relocated to Southeast Asia to contribute his expertise at Polyplex.
During his career journey, Gagan ascended to the role of Partner & CFO at Inspire Ventures. In this capacity, he made strategic investments in startups like aCommerce, Deliveree, Super Awesome, Totally Awesome, and Softbaked.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaganajmani/
https://WOWSglobal.com/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Gagan Singh's Background and Career Journey
02:51 Founding WOWS Global
03:09 WOWS Global's Offerings and Services
04:47 Challenges and Solutions in Private Markets
12:02 Importance of Cap Table and ESOP Management
18:00 Valuation and Fundraising Strategies
25:30 Impact of Funding Winter and Market Corrections
28:11 Building Fundamentally Solid Businesses
28:23 The Complex Journey of Founders
30:02 Understanding Fundability and Traction
33:00 The Importance of a Virtual Data Room
38:10 Streamlining the Investment Process
44:39 Trends in Southeast Asia and MENA Markets
51:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sep 27, 2024 • 47min
#393 Gen AI and Technical Due Diligence: Matt Van Itallie on Navigating Software Acquisition Risks
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet welcomes Matt Van Itallie, founder and CEO of SEMA, to explore the evolving world of technical due diligence, particularly in the context of generative AI in coding and software acquisition. Matt shares his journey from a non-professional coder to leading SEMA, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between tech and non-tech teams. He explains how SEMA treats code as data and why understanding the nuances of software is essential, especially during moments of evaluation such as mergers, acquisitions, and investment decisions.
Matt dives into the importance of technical due diligence, describing it as a crucial step for evaluating the health and risks of a software company’s codebase. He explains the common misconceptions about technical due diligence, such as its perceived focus on merely checking code quality, and elaborates on the deeper aspects, including functional and non-functional assessments, legal risks, and maintaining the involvement of key developers. He emphasizes that the presence of knowledgeable coders is often the most significant factor in passing technical due diligence, comparing it to having a GPS without the satellite.
The conversation then shifts to the growing impact of generative AI tools on software development. Matt highlights the dual nature of these tools, celebrating their ability to significantly boost productivity and coder satisfaction while also pointing out the associated risks, including intellectual property, security, and maintainability concerns. He outlines the critical need for companies to manage these tools carefully, ensuring that AI-generated code is properly vetted, improved, and integrated within existing development processes.
Mehmet and Matt discuss how the adoption of generative AI has rapidly transformed technical due diligence, making it essential for investors and acquirers to assess not just the quality of the code but also the extent and manner of AI usage. Matt introduces the concept of the Generative AI Bill of Materials (GBOM), a tool developed by SEMA to measure the presence of AI-generated code within a codebase and manage its associated risks.
The episode wraps up with Matt’s insights on the future of software engineering and the evolving role of developers as project managers who leverage AI to enhance their work. He offers practical advice for CTOs on making their work comprehensible to non-technical stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and contextualizing technical aspects in business terms.
More about Matt:
Matt Van Itallie is the Founder and CEO of Sema. He and his team have developed Comprehensive Codebase Scans, the most thorough and easily understandable assessment of a codebase and engineering organization. These scans are crucial for private equity and venture capital firms looking to make informed investment decisions. Sema has evaluated code within organizations that have a collective value of over $1 trillion. In 2023, Sema served 7 of the 9 largest global investors, along with market-leading strategic investors, private equity, and venture capital firms, providing them with critical insights.
In addition, Sema is at the forefront of Generative AI Code Transparency, which measures how much code created by GenAI is in a codebase. They are the inventors behind the Generative AI Bill of Materials (GBOM), an essential resource for investors to understand and mitigate risks associated with AI-generated code.
https://www.semasoftware.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvi/
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:18 Matt's Journey and SEMA's Mission
04:40 Understanding Technical Due Diligence
11:08 Importance of Coders in Technical Due Diligence
20:03 Generative AI in Software Development
36:34 Value Creation in Software Companies
40:53 Emerging Technologies in Technical Due Diligence
43:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Sep 25, 2024 • 47min
#392 Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: How Elona Lopari Aligns Vision, Purpose, and Profit
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Elona Lopari, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership coach who helps companies align purpose with profit. Elona shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in a Fortune 500 company to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to find fulfillment and make a greater impact. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from a secure corporate job to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship, highlighting the personal development and mindset shifts required to make such a move.
Elona emphasizes the importance of connecting with one’s intuition and values, explaining how listening to that inner voice guided her toward a new path that aligned with her passion for helping others. She shares her insights on the seven foundational pillars of building a purpose-driven company, which include branding, marketing, sales, systems, and team dynamics. Elona draws parallels between the growth phases of a company and human development, offering a unique perspective on how businesses evolve from startup to maturity.
The conversation also explores the delicate balance between maintaining a company’s purpose and ensuring profitability. Elona provides practical advice on aligning purpose with measurable business outcomes, such as employee engagement, sales growth, and overall company performance. She stresses the importance of conscious leadership, open communication, and collaboration within teams, encouraging founders to embrace diverse perspectives and nurture their talent.
Elona and Mehmet also delve into the evolving landscape of business and leadership in the modern world, discussing the role of technology and education in shaping today’s entrepreneurs. Elona shares her views on conscious decision-making, the importance of personal alignment with business goals, and how leaders can inspire their teams to stay true to the company’s mission.
As the episode concludes, Elona offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs feeling unfulfilled or at a crossroads in their journey. She emphasizes the need to follow one’s calling, take calculated risks, and continuously learn from every phase of life and business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply someone interested in aligning your work with your personal values, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
About Elona:
Elona is the Visionary CEO of The Life School , Speaker, Best Selling Author to numerous books, Show and Speaking Events Organizer to an audience of over 30,000 heart driven service based entrepreneurs and corporations.
She is both a servant community builder and a people connector.
She is a Prior Fortune 500 CEO also Featured in Disrupt, NY Weekly, Business Insider, CEO Weekly, The Business News & Famous Times.
She is the CEO of The Life School where they help Visionary Leaders CEOs grow legacy purpose driven businesses through Inner Alignment, Branding, Marketing, Sales and Team so that they can maximize their Impact and Income to do more good in the world.
https://www.elonaloparicoaching.com/media-press-speaking.html
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elona-lopari/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:06 Elona's Journey to Entrepreneurship
02:08 Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
03:24 Personal Development and Overcoming Fear
06:52 Building Purpose-Driven Companies
11:48 Aligning Purpose with Profit
18:00 Leadership and Company Culture
22:44 The New World of Business
25:58 The Essence of Fulfillment and Happiness
26:30 The Power of Education and Awareness
28:06 Connecting the Dots Backward
32:57 The Cycle of Growth and Change
35:58 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear
36:59 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
42:19 Upcoming Events and Staying Connected
45:34 Closing Remarks and Audience Engagement

Sep 23, 2024 • 34min
#391 Building Confidence in Crypto: Peter Curk on Regulation, Strategy, and Growth
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Peter Curk, the CEO and CPO of Iconomi, a leading crypto portfolio management platform. Peter shares his journey from a non-technical background in industries like retail, energy, and telecommunications to leading a company at the forefront of crypto investments. He discusses the founding story of Iconomi, which was born from the need to simplify access to crypto investments for everyday users. With deep insights, Peter explains how the platform caters to both individual and institutional investors, providing a regulated and secure environment for managing digital assets.
Peter dives into the challenges retail investors face, such as the complexity and risks associated with crypto investments, including the prevalence of fake projects and scams in the early days of the market. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right platform, like Iconomi, which conducts thorough due diligence on listed tokens to ensure only credible assets are available for trading. Peter also highlights the importance of setting a personalized crypto investment strategy, tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance, while cautioning against the pitfalls of emotional trading and unrealistic expectations.
Throughout the episode, Peter addresses the evolving regulatory landscape in the crypto world, comparing approaches in the UK and the European Union. He explains how increasing regulatory scrutiny aims to protect consumers and establish a more stable market environment, benefiting both investors and legitimate platforms. Peter outlines the advantages of working with a regulated platform like Iconomi, which follows stringent KYC and AML procedures, offering users a safe entry point into the volatile world of digital assets.
Peter also provides valuable advice for new investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics, liquidity, and setting clear take-profit rules to avoid turning investments into a stressful second job. He shares insights into why institutional investors have already moved beyond Bitcoin, exploring a broader range of digital assets, and why retail investors should consider diversified strategies rather than waiting on the sidelines.
Wrapping up, Peter discusses the importance of education in crypto investing and how Iconomi supports users with a wealth of resources, from market updates to social feeds where investors can share insights and strategies. He also touches on Iconomi’s B2B offerings, catering to financial advisors and wealth managers looking to integrate crypto into their service portfolios.
About Peter:
Peter Curk is the CEO at ICONOMI, a trailblazing digital assets portfolio management platform designed to democratize access to the new economy, crafting tailored cryptocurrency solutions for all investor types. As an FCA-registered entity, ICONOMI ensures a secure, diversified, and carefully managed investment experience.
With a decade of diverse experience, Peter’s expertise includes product marketing, growth marketing, brand strategy, and customer experience.
At ICONOMI, he sets the vision and strategy, driving the company’s mission forward. Peter’s passion for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship fuels his commitment to leading teams that deliver impactful solutions. His success in scaling businesses, launching new products, and developing engaged customer communities is a testament to his transformative leadership.
https://iconomi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercurk/
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:07 Peter Curk's Background and Journey
02:04 The Story of Iconomi
04:25 Challenges for Retail Investors in Crypto
07:30 Formulating a Personalized Crypto Investment Strategy
11:35 The Role of ETFs and Diversification
17:37 Identifying Healthy Assets vs. Scams
21:12 Iconomi's Services and Platform Features
27:01 Regulation in the Crypto World
31:04 Final Advice and How to Connect
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