Best Nicolas Luna Podcasts (2024)

1
Nicola Piercy, Stripe and Stare - Securing investment for sustainable knickers 43:14

10M ago43:14

43:14

Join Julia Elliott Brown, Founder & CEO of Enter the Arena as she sits down with Nicola Piercy, the Founder of Stripe and Stare, the world's most comfortable knickers sustainably sourced from trees. Nicola shares her life as a serial entrepreneur, from founding Stripe and Stare with co-founder Katie Lopes to getting £3.6million in investment. Whils…

1
Lisa Eaton, Fabric Academy - The Power of Advisors 34:02

1y ago34:02

34:02

Being new to the world of investment, Lisa mapped out local experts in the North East of England that could fill certain knowledge gaps. It was after discovering who could add value to the business that she “accidentally” found her Angel investors and went on to successfully close her round with £225K of funding. Listen to Lisa’s investment journey…

1
Rebekah Brown, MPowder - Raising Money for Menopause 47:25

1y ago47:25

47:25

Like many women starting businesses, the motivation for Rebekah Brown’s entrepreneurship, MPowder, was in response to her own experiences and spotting a gap in the market. She was struggling with a multitude of symptoms during perimenopause and felt there was barely any information on how to deal with it. Since then, Rebekah has listened to the sto…

1
Polly McMaster, The Fold - Don’t Fold under pressure 48:10

1y ago48:10

48:10

Being an entrepreneur is an incredibly turbulent journey. Polly McMaster is the founder of modern luxury workwear brand, The Fold, and she’s been experiencing the highs and lows since 2011. As Polly says in this episode, “that's something you have to have your eyes wide open to, when you go into it”. So how did Polly approach her fundraising strate…

1
Sheila Hogan, Biscuit Tin - Raising For DeathTech 41:58

1+ y ago41:58

41:58

Biscuit Tin won the COVID response competition from Innovate UK, being one of 800 out of thousands of applications which gave the business runway through the pandemic. With no marketing budget, Sheila used partnerships to get the business to market and has been on Dragon’s Den which has certainly helped with PR and awareness. She used the media opp…

1
Cindy Gallop, MakeLoveNotPorn - Funding a real sex website 41:29

1+ y ago41:29

41:29

No investors wanted to “touch the business with a barge pole” fourteen years ago, when the company was started by Cindy, due to fear of being associated with SexTech. However, Cindy saw an opportunity in the market. She feels sex is essentially a recession-proof industry and the niche of “socially acceptable” sex, which normalises it and allows peo…

1
Katy Cottam, Luna Daily - Funds, vulvas, knees and toes 51:19

1+ y ago51:19

51:19

Katy secured a pre-seed funding round from several angel investors. She remembers hearing from multiple people “That's not possible" and is really glad she didn't listen to that advice and instead pushed to get on board the right angel partners that fully believed in the vision. The relationships Katy has built have been fundamental to the success …

1
Vivi Cahyadi Himmel, AltoVita - Investor herd mentality 38:05

1+ y ago38:05

38:05

As digital nomads, Vivi and her co-founder had the ambitious goal of building a global empire. With Vivi being from an investment banking background, she had some financial skills, but starting a business was a whole new challenge. It’s why being humble is core to the culture of the business now, and not knowing everything is okay. The co-founders …

1
Lucy Hall, LOANHOOD - Failed your investment round? Go again 35:49

1+ y ago35:49

35:49

Lucy started raising for Loanhood by building a rewards-based Crowdfunder and receiving a grant from NatWest. This helped establish the brand’s community and opened their eyes to the crowdfunding ecosystem. After some questionable advice, they tried to raise £400,000 from VCs who, from the get-go, said, "No, you're not ready for this. You haven't g…

1
Stamena Dimitrova, Refillable - Think big to win the investment game 39:13

1+ y ago39:13

39:13

Stamena’s co-founder is her daughter, which occasionally means sparks with their differing yet complementary approaches to business. The first thing they did was research the market, to validate their idea and strengthen the vision. Then they found a shop to rent and purchased stock but just before the agreement signing, the owner pulled out. At th…

1
Linda Wade, Spinview - Spinning funding plates 33:00

2y ago33:00

33:00

Linda had no experience in raising investment before starting the company, but luckily, her manager at Microsoft become Spinview’s chairman and championed the business, which helped elevate Linda. He advised her on how to go about doing a pitch deck, standing in front of an investor, and what kind of things they were looking for. This valuable supp…

1
Vineeta Tripathi, Vitarka Therapeutics - From scientist to CEO 36:20

2y ago36:20

36:20

Vineeta founded the company in 2021 after 15 years in drug development in major pharmaceutical companies and is a co-inventor on 13 granted patents and 4 filed patents. Biotech start-ups like Vitarka Therapeutics need funds for research and development from the get go and Discovery Park Ventures invested £150,000 as part of a seed round. More recen…

1
Abbie Miranda, Beija London - Explaining bras to investors 39:07

2y ago39:07

39:07

Abbie launched the business in 2016 with her co-founder and sister Maizie, with Abbie managing design and Mazie heading up the brand. The sisters grew up in a family lingerie manufacturing business with their mum as a successful entrepreneur which was understandably inspiring. However, with the family’s successes came some pressure for Beija to be …

1
Gabi Jennings, Love Ocean - Facing your fundraising fears 40:26

2y ago40:26

40:26

When Gabi overcame her fear of the ocean, a love of the ocean emerged, so the inspiration behind the brand was born. Being out of your depth is a common part of entrepreneurship! By taking a different approach to developing a product, and beginning with storytelling, Love Ocean differentiated itself in the kids’ bath product market. Gabi has raised…

1
Alexandra Pluthero, Freedom Underwear - Challenges Of Funding A Non Tech Business 45:25

2y ago45:25

45:25

Alexandra needed investment early on to launch, buy stock and begin marketing. Interest from family and friends led to her first round of £50K. Freedom Underwear launched in 2020 and Alexandra went for a second raise 6 months later. She realised the responsibilities as founder change as soon as you’ve launched from making bras… to finance, ops, and…

1
Farah Kabir, HANX - Funding for condoms 29:44

2y ago29:44

29:44

They both felt strongly that the current offering isn’t fit for purpose and wanted to create sexual wellness products to address the problem. They went about starting the passion project with thorough market research and surveyed 2,000 women on sexual health and buying habits. Funding the business as two female entrepreneurs and Farah being from a …

1
Nicole Smith, Flytographer - Accidental entrepreneurship 41:24

2+ y ago41:24

41:24

Before starting up Flytographer, Nicole was happy in her global marketing job at Microsoft, but had the idea and simply couldn't shake it. What started as a side hustle has grown into a global business, selling over $20 million in photo shoots and capturing millions of priceless memories. There was an inflection point for Nicole when she needed to …

1
Gayle Harrison, Untagged - Baptism of Fire 46:02

2+ y ago46:02

46:02

She started her fundraising journey with a friends and family round, which she found difficult, conceding, “it was horrible asking for money”. Gayle was repeatedly told by investors that she wouldn’t get investment as a single female founder and needed a co-founder. Since then, she realised through a “baptism of fire” that this isn’t true. Gayle is…

1
Tersha Willis, terrible* - Is it a pitch or is it a date? 42:22

2+ y ago42:22

42:22

Since 2017, terrible* has worked with 500+ creators, who’ve used their data and technology to manage their entire merchandise supply chain, helping them generate five times more revenue and 50% more profit than they would anywhere else. As a female founder, Tersha experienced every single fundraising horror story: being asked out on dates by invest…

1
Yang Liu, JustWear - Every No is a step closer to Yes 36:09

2+ y ago36:09

36:09

Yang previously worked for a VC fund and realised as an entrepreneur, the tables were now turned. Seeking VC investment was the plan after a successful Kickstarter campaign landing JustWears £150,000. But, without ‘enough traction’, VCs just weren’t ready to invest. In hindsight, Angels were the better route as their expertise and passion for suppo…

1
Krisi Smith, Bird & Blend Tea - The ideal blend: financials & storytelling 49:04

2+ y ago49:04

49:04

They now have a team of over one hundred staff, 15 retail stores and a thriving international online business. Krisi always dreamt of having a direct to consumer model and brick and mortar stores and vehemently believes it's all about building the business you truly want. Even if that means turning down lucrative wholesale deals from supermarkets l…

1
Priya Downes, Nudea - The value of an advisory board 42:44

2+ y ago42:44

42:44

Priya Downes is the Founder of Nudea, a sustainable underwear brand creating beautiful designs focussed on fit, comfort and looking great. The digital-first brand has grown exponentially since it started in 2019, acquiring over 15,000 customers and generating half a million pounds in revenue in the process. Priya has raised £750K so far from angel …

1
Claire Copeman, Adventure Tours UK - Not just any money 49:13

3y ago49:13

49:13

Adventure Tours UK was initially self-funded whilst Claire focused on building the brand through partnerships and PR trips that told a story and made it clear they were “going places”. With immense support from a business mentor, they went out and successfully found investors who really understand their goal to firmly stamp the UK onto the adventur…

1
Martha Keith, Martha Brook - Communication is the secret weapon 34:18

3y ago34:18

34:18

Martha started the brand on a shoestring budget and grew it to 7 figures with no external investment. She recently raised £220,000 through crowdfunding for the first time. With an amazing community behind the brand, they were fully funded in just two days with no lead Angel investor money. Incredible! Seeking investment is no longer something that …

1
Virginia Gardiner, Loowatt - When the VC money falls through 45:30

3y ago45:30

45:30

Virginia Gardiner is the founder, CEO and inventor of Loowatt, a waterless toilet addressing the fact that 40% of the world doesn’t have a toilet, and the rest of us are using solutions that aren’t sustainable. Virginia has been on quite a journey. She started the business as an engineering and humanities graduate with three male co-founders who ca…

1
Kike Oniwinde, BYP Network - Valuing your true growth potential 39:40

3y ago39:40

39:40

Kike Oniwinde is a Forbes 30 under 30, World Economic Forum Shaper, and has won three national pitch competitions. Kike has been a high achiever since she was raised in East London, throwing the Javelin for GB whilst crushing her grades. In 2020, she raised £900,000 through crowdfunding for her business, BYP Network, a platform that empowers and co…

1
Episode 86 - These Two Are Just Bad People 1:35:54

3y ago1:35:54

1:35:54

These two just did a lot of messed up things.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Tiffany Kelly, Beyond Bamboo - Funding a passion-based business 33:19

3y ago33:19

33:19

Fundraising expert Julia Elliott Brown, the CEO of Enter The Arena talks with Tiffany Kelly, the founder of Beyond Bamboo. Tiffany has always been deeply passionate about the environment. She saw an opportunity for an online marketplace where consumers and businesses can source ethical and sustainable goods. This includes upcycled, restored and rec…

1
Episode 85 - Do I want this inside of me? 1:23:16

3y ago1:23:16

1:23:16

2 cases this episode. BONUS!!! Just check it.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Kim Palmer, Clementine - Knowing when to bring in expert help 44:22

3y ago44:22

44:22

Fundraising expert Julia Elliott Brown, the CEO of Enter The Arena talks with Kim Palmer, founder of Clementine. Amidst a sudden onset of panic attacks at work, Kim Palmer discovered the power of hypnotherapy as a game changer for staying calm. As a passive option for busy brains, hypnotherapy provides a relaxed and accessible way to find calm and …

1
Episode 84 - Everyone Wants A Piece 58:29

3+ y ago58:29

58:29

The source material is from a show called "Betrayed". Who needs anymore info than that.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 83 - Step Porn 1:35:28

3+ y ago1:35:28

1:35:28

Family can be interesting sometimes. Just ask Aaron and Nick.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 82- Happy Pride Y'all (feat. Jessica Mystery) 1:21:54

3+ y ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Even though we did a pride episode, Nick was too lazy to edit it before the month was over. Great case peoples. They made a movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor about it. A mysterious Jessica can be heard in the background joining the show. The crew does a good job on this one.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Jessica & Louella Alderson, So Syncd - The importance of a lead investor 48:29

3+ y ago48:29

48:29

Jess and Lou Alderson have tapped a fresh niche in the online dating market using Myers-Briggs personality profiling for a perfect match. They've taken their market by storm and in a short time, managed to raise over £700,000 in investment. Launching in January 2020, the sisters have gone from strength to strength despite the global pandemic. With …

1
Episode 82 - Afterparty Madness 1:26:37

3+ y ago1:26:37

1:26:37

As three people come home from a night of partying only one leaves alive. The crew goes fully deep on this one.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 81 - Open Up Your Horizons 1:15:02

3+ y ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Gout poisoning? Party. The crew goes all in.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
KPI-based fundraising - Heinin Zhang, YHangry 45:55

3+ y ago45:55

45:55

Fundraising expert Julia Elliott Brown, the CEO of Enter The Arena talks with Heinin Zhang, founder of YHangry. Heinin Zhang, Founder of YHangry, and her co-founder Siddhi Mittal recognised that people no longer entertain at home. In Heinin’s words “Millennials, as ‘Generation Convenience’, have killed the dinner party!” They established YHangry as…

1
Answering preventive questions - Hele Väärsi, 9Plus 37:06

3+ y ago37:06

37:06

Hele Väärsi raised money early on after founding 9Plus1, when she and her co-founder were still at the idea stage. Bravely seeking investment so early on, Hele strategically contacted VCs who she thought might have an interest in the product. This strategy proved successful as Hele secured investment from Voulez Capital in 2020, a specialist VC for…

1
Episode 80 - Why Do You Reject Love (feat. Armani Cooper) 50:09

3+ y ago50:09

50:09

Armani Cooper comes back to join the boys while Osa is out of town. Case is cray cray.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Commit and take flight - Anushi Desai, Plant Pops 36:45

3+ y ago36:45

36:45

Anushi Desai started making snacks with popped lotus seeds as a side hustle whilst working as a management consultant at KPMG. She bravely handed in her notice with the “do it now or it might not happen” mentality and a sense of knowing it was time to do something else. Anushi and her co-founder self-funded to begin with, but as a product-based bus…

1
Episode 79 - This one has a lot of chest-poking 1:17:22

3+ y ago1:17:22

1:17:22

Former cops start their own security firm. One cop who is a body building type of dude. The other a Danny De Vito cigar smoking type of dude. Buff cop's mistress is the other cop's daughter. The Crew examines complicated relationships... and chest poking.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Timing is everything - Pip Wilson, Amicable 43:35

3+ y ago43:35

43:35

Pip brought her background in marketing and technology to the table whilst her co-founder, Kate, brought knowledge of psychology and family consulting. Their blend of skills were a perfect match for scaling the market changing business. Pip is an angel investor herself so had insider knowledge of how investors operate and what they look for. She re…

1
Episode 78 - Just Have Patience 1:27:34

3+ y ago1:27:34

1:27:34

The Crew realizes their greatest dreams and travels down to Amish country for some wholesome Amish adultery. They learn a lot about what it means to be good to one another. ...and also that technology is sinful.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 77 - Lester turned the wrong Paige 1:04:46

3+ y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Paige was a perfect person with a perfect life and nothing to hide, except some heavy duty skeletons in her closet which ultimately led to her disappearance and murder. The crew questions everything that is good and pure.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 76 - Mystery Salt 1:42:22

3+ y ago1:42:22

1:42:22

Richard thought he thought he was meeting his wife for some coitus. He did not get what he expected. The crew gets deep and introspective.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 75 - I'm Trying to Meditate Here 1:27:56

3+ y ago1:27:56

1:27:56

With the lure of the geshe, Michael Roach and his disciplew shows there's nothing in Buddhism saying stab your lover. The crew has a blast with this one.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Due diligence on investors - Jennifer Lam, Stitch & Story 34:37

3+ y ago34:37

34:37

After growing the business organically for the first few years, Jennifer found an angel investor who not only invested money into Stitch & Story but mentored Jennifer and supported her to raise further investment rounds. In 2020, to help fast-track growth, Jennifer went on the hunt for venture capital investment, and made sure she did her due dilig…

1
Episode 74 - Hiccup Girl 47:55

3+ y ago47:55

47:55

Living with hiccups for years can scar a person. Trust the crew, they know. When a robbery goes wrong, she finds out she cannot hiccup her way out of this one.By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Episode 73 - Let's Bring Harlot Back 1:38:30

4y ago1:38:30

1:38:30

From the 1990's, the deadliest decade, comes a tale of love and deception and self pleasure. The crew delves deep on this one and attempts to resurrect the word "Harlot".By LOVEisAMAZING

1
Nailing your investor narrative - Ashleigh Bishop, Bagboard 48:21

4y ago48:21

48:21

Ashleigh founded Bagboard as one of three co-founders who had never raised or run a business before. They initially funded it pre-launch through a ‘friends and family’ round of £500K, before raising £600K via crowdfunding in 2020. But the investment journey wasn’t easy. At the start of their crowdfunding campaign, they just weren’t getting the resp…

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