Best Startups.com Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 87: AI Innovator Spotlight - Pitch Edition 1:01:49

3h ago1:01:49

1:01:49

In this special episode, we present to you The AI Innovator Spotlight, which is part of the Innovation Radar Bridge initiative, unveiling some of Europe’s most exciting AI startups backed by EU initiatives. This session served as a crucial platform for these emerging companies to present their innovative technologies and engage with leading venture…

1
Episode 86: Jan Reichelt - Founding Partner of 10x Founders - Are Former Entrepreneurs Better Investors? 34:11

3h ago34:11

34:11

In this episode, we catch up with Jan Reichelt, Founding Partner of 10x Founders. Jan is an entrepreneur at heart who has spent his professional career in tech startups, online businesses, professional information services, and digital media. He started and exited two companies and he has been awarded "European Founder of the Year" by TechCrunch / …

1
Should Kids Follow in our Founder Footsteps? 36:25

4h ago36:25

36:25

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will explore the complexities of encouraging their children to become entrepreneurs. With nearly 300 episodes discussing the founder's journey, they delve into whether they'd want their kids to follow the same path. They recount personal experiences, weigh the pros and cons, and discuss the i…

1
Episode 85: Andre Retterath - Partner at Earlybird VC - How AI Is Changing Venture Capital 32:54

23h ago32:54

32:54

In this episode, we catch up with Andre Retterath, Partner & EagleEye Lead at Earlybird Venture Capital and Author of Data-Driven VC. Earlybird VC was founded in 1997 and is a European early-stage VC firm that invests in all development and growth phases of technology companies. With more than EUR 2 billion under management, eight IPOs and 31 trade…

1
The Evolution of Entry Level Workers 46:31

3d ago46:31

46:31

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the evolving landscape of entry-level hiring for startups. They dive into why U.S. college graduates have fallen to the fourth pick for entry-level positions, overtaken by AI, global talent, and experienced young professionals who leverage new tools and platf…

1
Episode 84: Madeline Lawrence - CBO of Aikido Security & Former Partner at Peak - What's Wrong with Venture Capital? 23:32

13d ago23:32

23:32

In this episode, we catch up with Madeline Lawrence, CBO of Aikido Security, former Partner at Peak, and one of the most colorful voices in the European tech and venture capital scene. Aikido recently raised $17M to bring “no BS” security for devs. This round comes just 6 months after they raised $5.3M in seed funding. Aikido is the get-it-done sec…

1
Assume Everyone Will Leave in Year One 32:31

13d ago32:31

32:31

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the challenges of managing early-stage startup teams, particularly the high likelihood of turnover and the risks of handing out equity prematurely. They talk about the emotional toll of losing key team members and offer practical advice on creating vesting schedules and setting r…

1
Episode 83: Joaquin Cuenca - Co-Founder & CEO of Freepik - Bootstrapping A Startup To $300M Valuation 33:11

16d ago33:11

33:11

In this episode, we catch up with Joaquin Cuenca, Co-Founder and CEO of Freepik. Located in the center of the sunny Malaga, Spain, Freepik is a leading global tech company with a goal to help anyone create great designs faster by producing and distributing high-quality graphic and audiovisual resources. Freepik has over 500 employees and more than …

1
Was Mortgaging My Life Worth it? 37:49

27d ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter delve into the sacrifices that come with building startup companies. They explore the dangerous ambiguity of not having specific goals and timelines, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the costly trade-offs. Will reflects on his milestone birthday and the realiza…

1
Episode 82: Martin Schilling - Managing Director of Techstars Deep Tech Berlin - How To Scale Startups Into Unicorns 28:42

27d ago28:42

28:42

In this episode, we catch up with Martin Schilling, Managing Director of Techstars Deep Tech Berlin Accelerator; author of the book "The Builder’s Guide to the Tech Galaxy – 99 Practices to Scale Startups into Unicorn Companies"; former COO of the FinTech N26 where he scaled operations from 100 full-time employees to 900 full-time employees and sca…

1
What's my Startup Worth in an Acquisition? 40:35

1M ago40:35

40:35

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Startups.com founder Will Schroter discuss the unrealistic expectations that many startup founders have when it comes to selling their business. They detail the common pitfalls and misconceptions about startup valuation, the differences between raising capital and selling, the realities…

1
Episode 81: Pablo Pedrejon - Partner at Seaya - Climate Change Is The Biggest Challenge We Have Ever Faced 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

In this episode, we catch up with Pablo Pedrejon, Partner at Seaya. Seaya has closed Seaya Andromeda, the first Article 9 climate-tech fund based in Southern Europe, at €300 million. Seaya’s new fund will invest anywhere between €7-40 million as a first cheque, and will retain capital for follow-ons. It plans to make 25 investments in total between…

1
Is my AMBITION my ENEMY? 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the often overlooked costs of ambition in the startup world. They explore how ambition, while necessary for building innovative companies, can become a debilitating force, leading to severe health issues, strained relationships, and emotional burnout. Using persona…

1
Episode 80: Benedikt von Schoeler - General Partner of Vsquared Ventures - Going All In On European Deep Tech 30:56

1M ago30:56

30:56

In this episode, we catch up with Benedikt von Schoeler, General Partner of VSquared Ventures, Europe’s leading early-stage Deep Tech fund, backing some of Europe’s most promising Deep Tech companies, including Isar Aerospace, Zama, IQM Quantum, Inbrain Neuroelectronics and The Exploration Company. Vsquared recently announced the successful closing…

1
Are Startups in a "Silent Recession"? 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

In this episode we discuss the current state of the startup ecosystem, which they describe as a 'silent recession.' Despite economic indicators suggesting otherwise, many startup founders are struggling with reduced capital flow and stagnating customer acquisition. The episode delves into the effects of the economic downturn on startups, the impact…

1
Episode 79: Rob van den Heuvel - Co-Founder & CEO of Sendcloud - Building The #1 Platform To Solve Shipping Globally 25:07

1M ago25:07

25:07

In this episode, we catch up with Rob van den Heuvel, Co-founder and CEO of Sendcloud. With access to 100+ carriers, 7000+ shipping methods, and 400,000+ parcel points across Europe, Sendcloud enables online merchants of any size to own their shipping from checkout to returns. With a growing ecosystem of 60+ webshop integrations and 750+ partners, …

1
Do Founders Deserve Their Profit? 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder navigate the complexities founders face regarding success and societal scrutiny. They delve into the common critiques founders encounter about their profits and perceived entitlement while emphasizing that success should be celebrated not vilified. The conversation provid…

1
Episode 78: Thomas Rebaud - Co-founder & CEO of Meero & Blast Angels - From Startup to Unicorn in 3 Years! 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

In this episode, we catch up with Thomas Rebaud, Co-founder and CEO of Meero. Meero has become a unicorn and the worldwide leader in AI-powered photography in 3 years. Having fundraised 300+ million euros, Thomas discusses his journey in building Meero and his new venture, Blast Angels. With Blast Angels Thomas is on a mission to build the largest …

1
The Utter STUPIDITY of "Risking it All" 21:31

2M ago21:31

21:31

In this episode we discuss the myth of the 'bet it all' startup mentality. They highlight the importance of downside risk planning and how successful risk management plays a crucial role in startup success Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st…

1
Episode 77: Dominik Angerer - Co-Founder & CEO of Storyblok - Get Value From Content Faster 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

In this episode, we catch up with Dominik Angerer, Co-Founder and CEO of StoryBlock. Storyblok is a content management system (CMS) that empowers developers and marketers to create better content experiences across any digital channel. Leading brands such as Adidas, Tesla, Oatly and 200,000+ other developers and marketers love Storyblok. Dominik di…

1
Why Most Founders Don't Get Rich 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the common struggles of making money in the startup world. They explore the 'noble' but flawed narrative that founders shouldn't pay themselves, why aiming too big too soon can prevent profitability, and the cycle of raising funding that often leaves founders broke. Sign up for the Startups…

1
Episode 76: Kelly Kinnard - Operating Partner & Head of Talent at Khosla Ventures - Building Winning Startup Teams 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

In this episode, we catch up with Kelly Kinnard, Operating Partner and Head of Talent at Khosla Ventures, one of the absolute top venture capital firms in the world. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Khosla Ventures was founded by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems and twenty-year veteran of Kleiner Perkins. They have $19B in AUM, 100+…

1
Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital 47:10

3M ago47:10

47:10

In this episode, we discuss the potential obsolescence of venture capital due to advancements in AI technology. We explore how reduced startup costs and increased efficiency might reshape the future of funding in the startup ecosystem. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https:/…

1
Episode 75: Robert Jackle - Partner at Visionaries Club - Bringing Together 30 Unicorn Founders To Back Future Leaders 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, we catch up with Robert Jackle, Partner at Visionaries Club, a leading European early stage VC fund with offices in London and Berlin backed by Europe's most successful digital founders and family business entrepreneurs. Visionaries Club's founders and operators are behind companies such as UiPath, Miro, Flixbus, Mollie, Spotify, P…

1
Why is a Founder so HARD to replace? 38:16

3M ago38:16

38:16

The Irreplaceable Founder. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the irreplaceable role of founders in startups. They explore why removing a founder often leads to failure, the unique value and vision founders bring, and the difference between operational tasks and the founder's core contributions. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.sta…

1
Episode 74: Andreas Loy - Co-Founder & CEO of KONUX - Building Sustainable Future Through Compassionate Leadership 28:24

3M ago28:24

28:24

In this episode we catch up with Andreas Loy, Co-Founder and CEO of KONUX. Before Andreas turned 30 Andreas created more than €500m in shareholder value, more than hundred jobs, and built an outstanding team to create a transformative digital leader for sustainable impact - KONUX. KONUX is a leading German AI scale-up, transforming railway operatio…

1
We Can't Grow by Saying "No" 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan (CMO at Startups.com) and Wil Schroter (CEO at Startups.com) discuss the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities that startups have not previously tried. They emphasize that startups thrive by committing to new challenges, even if the path isn't immediately clear, and how this will…

1
Episode 73: Sabina Wizander - Partner at Creandum: Creandum VII - €500M Fund To Back Europe's Winners 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

In this episode, we catch up with Sabina Wizander, Partner at Creandum, one of the most successful venture capital funds in Europe, backing some of Europe’s greatest tech companies including Spotify, iZettle, Depop, Klarna, Bolt, KRY, Epidemic Sound and Small Giant Games. Creandum recently rolled out an oversubscribed €500 million fund, the Creandu…

1
This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems 31:01

3M ago31:01

31:01

Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing liabilities can be riskier than anticipated and the importance of balancing growth with stability. Sign up for the Startups Newslette…

1
Episode 72: Hugo Amsellem - Co-Founder and GP of Intuition: Backing Founders Building For Millions Of People 31:39

3M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, we catch up with Hugo Amsellem, Co-Founder and General Partner of Intuition. Intuition is a new €15M early-stage fund backing founders focused on Consumer & Culture across the US and Europe with one of the coolest Manifestos and approach to investing in the Venture Capital space. Hugo discusses his journey from helping artists beco…

1
Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die 29:28

4M ago29:28

29:28

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions. Tune in to learn why decisive, individual leadership is key to startup success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.st…

1
Episode 71: Dirk Hoerig - Co-Founder and CEO of Commercetools: Reimagine Digital Commerce Starting Now 34:51

3M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode we're catching up with Dirk Hoerig, the Co-Founder and CEO of commercetools. commercetools is empowering some of the world's biggest brands like Audi, Sephora, and NBCUniversal to revolutionize their digital commerce experiences. They have raised $140 million in funding at a $1.9 billion valuation at the end of 2021 led by Accel and…

1
Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First 37:54

4M ago37:54

37:54

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. Tune in to learn why patience and cautious decision-making are key to safegu…

1
Episode 70: Renaud Visage - Co-Founder of Eventbrite & Founding Partner at Slate: We Back Future Climate Tech Leaders 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

In this episode, Renaud Visage, Co-founder and ex-CTO of Eventbrite and Founding Partner at Slate Venture Capital, shares his experiences in scaling the platform and navigating challenges. He discusses the transition to climate tech investing and the promising developments in the field. Renaud also shares lessons learned from angel investing and hi…

1
Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help? 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of knowledge available? You will find tips on how to develop the muscle for asking the right questions — founders do not need to reinve…

1
Episode 69: Shirley Romig - Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars: Investing in Amazing Unstoppable Founders 25:27

4M ago25:27

25:27

In this episode, Shirley Romig, Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars, discusses the future of accelerator programs and the importance of ecosystem development. She highlights the need to tap into talent globally and create partnerships that fuel growth for Techstars' portfolio companies. Shirley also shares valuable lessons she has lea…

1
The Value of Actually Getting Paid (Avoid This Big Danger) 34:28

4M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stability. See the importance of paying yourself regularly, even when building a high-potential startup. Consistently getting paid, no m…

1
Episode 68: Alex Berriche - Co-Founder & CEO of Fleet and Sequoia Capital Scout: Lessons Learned From 100 Angel Deals 24:08

4M ago24:08

24:08

In this episode, Alex Berriche, Sequoia Capital Scout and the Co-founder and CEO of Fleet, a French B2B startup focused on simplifying equipment management for startups and SMBs, shares lessons learned from over 100 angel investments. He also discusses the idea behind Fleet and the challenges of IT equipment management. Alex shares his transition f…

1
Will Investors Bail Me Out? Brutal Truth About Startup Investments 31:29

4M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how founders commonly believe that future investments will pay back their personal financial commitments. They emphasize that the only…

1
Is the problem the Player or the Coach? Team Building Hacks 35:10

5M ago35:10

35:10

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significance of both recognizing the need for improvement and taking actionable steps towards building a higher quality team. Sign up for th…

1
Episode 67: Johannes Siebers - Co-Founder & CEO of Holidu: Find Your Holiday Happiness 27:44

5M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, Johannes Siebers, Co-Founder and CEO of Holidu, shares the founding story and growth of the travel tech company. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of building a strong team and culture. Johannes also highlights the company's focus on sustainability and supporting local communities. He…

1
Do people really want me to succeed? Founders vs World 37:14

5M ago37:14

37:14

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succeed. You will hear about receiving superficial praise, the impact of social media on perception, and the psychological reasons behin…

1
Episode 66: Tim Schumacher - General Partner at World Fund: Decarbonizing The Global Economy 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

In this episode, Tim Schumacher, General Partner at World Fund, an impact investor and entrepreneur, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges of being a founder. He shares the remarkable story of Ecosia, the largest independent European search engine that uses its profits to plant trees. Tim also introduces the World Fund, a vent…

1
You only THINK you work HARD — The Hard Work Illusion 31:38

5M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort does not necessarily equate to progress or beneficial outcomes. The need for clear benchmarks within organizations to truly rewar…

1
Episode 65: Janneke Niessen - Co-Founder of CapitalT: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Women In Technology 30:04

5M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode, Janneke Niessen, a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of CapitalT, discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the transition to becoming an investor. She shares crazy moments from her entrepreneurial career and highlights the importance of team evaluation using proprietary technology. Janneke also talks about her involvement in I…

1
SMALL is the New Big - Embracing Efficiency in the Age of AI 38:59

5M ago38:59

38:59

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advancements in AI. The challenges of the past, such as massive payrolls, investor dependency, and expensive infrastructures highlighting…

1
Episode 64: Helene Huby - Co-Founder & CEO of The Exploration Company: What's The Future Of Space Exploration 29:41

6M ago29:41

29:41

In this episode, Helene Huby, co-founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, shares her journey in space exploration and entrepreneurship. She discusses the vision for space exploration, the transition from Airbus to entrepreneurship, nurturing innovation in large corporations vs startups, her involvement in Urania Ventures and the Microbiome Found…

1
Episode 63: Joaquim Lecha - CEO of Typeform: Creating World Class User Experience 37:29

6M ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, Joaquim Lecha, CEO of Typeform, talks about the company's mission to make online interactions more human and shares insights into their innovative approach to collecting zero party data. He also highlights the launch of Formless, an AI-powered form builder, and the future of digital interaction. Kim emphasizes the importance of tho…

1
Episode 62: Guy Kawasaki - Chief Evangelist at Canva, Podcaster at Remarkable People Podcast, Author of Think Remarkable 32:12

6M ago32:12

32:12

On A Mission To Make People RemarkableIn this episode, Marcin interviews Guy Kawasaki, the Chief Evangelist of Canva, former Chief Evangelist of Apple, Podcaster at Remarkable People Podcast and Author of the book Think Remarkable. They discuss Guy's upbringing in Hawaii and how it shaped his approach to life and business. They also delve into the …

1
Episode 61: Carmen Alfonso Rico - Founder & Angel Investor at Cocoa: How to Fundraise Like a PRO 42:15

6M ago42:15

42:15

In this episode, Carmen Alfonso Rico, Founder and Angel Investor at Cocoa, talks about her background and cultural influences, the story behind Cocoa and the chocolate making process, and the concept of in-house VC. Carmen also explains investment terms that she coined at Cocoa and shares her insights on fundraising. The episode concludes with a di…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Startups.com Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide