The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

Series home•Feed

The Difference Engine helps founders and funders maximise business growth through category design. Hosted by two British northerners with decades of experience in launching, managing, and marketing disruptive tech companies. Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett have been there, done it and thrown away the slogan t-shirts - now they'll help you become a category king. The Difference Engine - Disrupting Tech Strategy https://www.becategorical.com/

48 episodes

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

updated 9 days ago

Series home•Feed

48 episodes

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The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
47. Tariff Tech: Breakthrough tools for turbulent times 41:39

9 days ago41:39

41:39

When global trade becomes chaotic, tech steps up to create order. In today’s episode, we explore the idea of ‘Tariff Tech’. Born from disruption, driven by necessity, and poised to reshape supply chains, resilience, and trust in an uncertain world. Is there a golden opportunity hidden within Trump’s tariff turmoil? Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask how AI can downsize your team while dialling up your productivity, and we’ll continue to be Europe’s loudest cheerleaders by speculating how the dumping of Chinese electronics could give the continent a competitive edge. What to look forward to: 00:35 Market uncertainty and new category definition 13:49 What could the dumping of electronics mean for European inflation and investment? 26:23 Smaller marketing teams and AI There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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46. Interview with Steve Garnett: A lifetime building software giants (Oracle, Siebel, Salesforce) 59:14

23 days ago59:14

59:14

Welcome to the second in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development. This week, we are joined by Boardwave member and patron, Steve Garnett. A man of many accomplishments, Steve is best known as the former Chair of Salesforce in Europe, having built Category leader Salesforce’s operations in EMEA from scratch, a leadership challenge he’d previously risen to with both Siebel and Oracle. He is now a prolific SaaS tech investor and board member. From a council estate in Liverpool to the top of the enterprise software industry, Steve’s journey is both remarkable and inspiring. We’ll explore his path to success and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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45. Trump’s impact on the tech market 31:05

5 weeks ago31:05

31:05

Why would someone buy a stock? It’s a good question - one whose answer has changed in recent times. Stock markets are struggling to keep up with the chaos of a new world order. So in a market where a single Trump tweet can trigger massive, unpredictable swings where do tech investors turn and what impact will this have on the tech sector? Could it spell a Category opportunity? Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask if Salesforce is making a new case for Category leadership and are static workforces a sign of the times? What to look forward to: 00:29 The Trump Put = Tech Correction = Category Opportunity 10:37 Salesforce makes its new case for Category leadership 21:51 Static workforces - sign o’ the times There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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44. Interview with Stephane Kurgan: From Candy Crush to a $5.9 billion cash out 41:13

7 weeks ago41:13

41:13

Welcome to the first in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development. This week, we are joined by Boardwave member Stephane Kurgan. A man of many accomplishments in the IT and associated investment industries, Stephane is best known for being the COO of European Category leader, King Digital Entertainment. During Stephane’s tenure, King made social gaming their own, listing on NASDAQ and growing to become a multi-billion dollar turnover organisation before an eventual $5.9 bn exit to Activision Blizzard in 2015. There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
43. Is NVIDIA on track to 'do a Cisco'? 42:14

9 weeks ago42:14

42:14

It’s becoming increasingly clear that, despite our admiration for Nvidia, its future may not be as assured as it seemed just a few months ago. A striking graph from New Normal Consulting compares Cisco’s meteoric rise and sharp decline from 1990 to 2002 with Nvidia’s trajectory from 2014 to the present. The correlation is almost 100%. Spooky. Do stock market bubbles always follow the same pattern? What forces could be pushing Nvidia towards a similar fate? And, what can Nvidea do to avoid ‘doing a Cisco’? Also in today’s episode: Are we waving goodbye to SaaS and welcoming the era of AaaS? Plus, we take a trip across the Channel to unpack what the Paris AI Summit reveals about the shifting relationship between politicians and the tech industry. What to look forward to: 00:40 Will Nvidia `do a Cisco`? 20:57 Who does the EU think it is? Or the UK for that matter 28:57 Is SaaS a Dead Man Walking? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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42. The visionary behind the UK's biggest AI exit ($650 million): Interview with Husayn Kassai 40:55

11 weeks ago40:55

40:55

This week, we’re joined by one of Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs, Husayn Kassai. Born in Iran, Husayn moved to Manchester at the age of 10, where his occupied with playing video games and selling Iranian music CDs online. Husayn later attended Oxford University, where he secured £12,000 in funding to launch his AI start-up, Onfido. What started as a bold idea became a groundbreaking company, culminating in the UK’s largest AI exit to date with a $650M deal. Rather than stepping away after this milestone, Husayn has returned to the industry with fresh perspectives, renewed ambition and a new company called Quench. A key to Husayn’s success has been his ability to anticipate the societies and demands of the future. In this episode, we explore his journey up to now and discuss where he and the wider tech industry are heading next. https://quench.ai/ https://www.londonaihub.co.uk/ There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
41. AI PCs: Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo fight for the future of computing 38:40

13 weeks ago38:40

38:40

NVIDIA's groundbreaking Personal AI Supercomputer has shaken the PC industry, leaving giants like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo scrambling to find their footing. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Los Angeles, these manufacturers seized the opportunity to prove they belong in the emerging AI PC market. So, let's see what they’ve got to offer. Also in today’s episode, we’ll be asking if the EU’s tech police are losing control of the streets and be giving you a hands on guide on how to carve out your own category niche What to look forward to: 00:29 Desktop AI category wars hot up 09:11 How to carve out a sub-category from an established niche 27:09 Is it all over for the EU as tech’s police? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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40. Personal AI supercomputer: How NVIDIA created a new category 43:51

15 weeks ago43:51

43:51

In tech, it often feels like innovation is reserved for the big players - those with the money and means to lead the way. But this can change in an instant. Just look at cloud computing, 3D printing, and the internet. These technologies democratised the ability for people to explore and push the cutting edge. Now, it seems the wall around AI is poised to be shattered with NVIDIA’s personal AI supercomputer. So what happens when the full power of AI is placed in the hands of the masses? Also in today’s episode, we’ll dive into the history books to extract valuable lessons from past category blunders and analyse Europe’s prospects for tech success. What to look forward to: 00:23 Personal AI supercomputer - A new era of innovation 09:08 Category clangers 34:59 Which way for EMEA’s Category leaders? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
39. The breakdown and break up of Intel 33:41

17 weeks ago33:41

33:41

What happens if you fail to adapt to the age of AI? Intel's decline offers us a compelling insight into this question. They failed to keep up with the pack in 2024 and on the first of December CEO Pat Gelsinger was forced into an early resignation. So, what does 2025 hold for Intel? Is there a pathway back to industry leadership, or will this former giant be chipped away into obscurity? Also in today’s episode, we ask if our obsession with AI is distracting us from developing critical tech, and what has happened to the category plays of the past? Are they losing, schmoozing or simply snoozing? What to look forward to: 00:37 Something had to give at Intel 07:33 AI’s Category cloak 15:45 Losers, Snoozers, and Schmoozers There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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38. Top takeaways from 2024 and what lies ahead in 2025 37:26

20 weeks ago37:26

37:26

The world of tech never stands still. 2024 has been another year of breakthroughs, challenges, and trends. In this episode, we reflect on the most significant tech stories of the year, from AI's rapid evolution to blockchain's unprecedented expansion. Looking ahead, we share our predictions for 2025, highlighting the areas of tech that will redefine industries and reshape society. What to look forward to: 00:40 The magnificent seven that defined the IT industry in 2024/2025 20:11 Lynch’s legacy 26:47 The state of EMEA startup categories There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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37. Interview with Ben Marrel: How VCs can fix the world 40:02

21 weeks ago40:02

40:02

Today, we’re talking to Ben Marrel, co-founder of Breega, a fast-growing European VC firm that is on a mission to lead categories with its mission driven investments. Based in London, with offices in Paris and Barcelona, Breega has supported high-potential companies like Curve, Cuvva, Exotech, and Moneybox - recently valued at £550 million. In this conversation, we’ll explore Ben’s insights on the European startup ecosystem, the data driven link between diversity and profitability, and why he believes Africa will emerge as the next major hub for opportunity in the global economy. What to look forward to: 00:10 Ben Marrel introduction 01:18 Breega and the state of early stage start-ups in Europe 22:02 Diversity as a differentiator 31:26 Will Africa be the next tech hub? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
36. Google vs the DOJ: The showdown of the century 28:12

22 weeks ago28:12

28:12

Ding, ding! The bell has rung for the showdown of the century as the Department of Justice steps into the ring against Google. The DOJ throws a hefty hook in the form of a 23 page document which aims to chip and chisel away at Google’s monopoly. Could this blow crush Google’s category lead? Will Chrome be dislodged like a loose tooth? Or are we in for a gruelling twelve round slugfest? Also in today’s episode, we react to that Jaguar advert and ask if Stablecoin could be the category leader that crypto currency has been searching for. What to look forward to: 00:35 Google - Breaking up is hard to do 09:49 Jaguar - breakdown of a brand blunder 26:34 The Stablecoin Revolut-ion There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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35. Interview with Nigel Verdon: Fintech innovation is dead. So what next? 42:29

24 weeks ago42:29

42:29

Today, we have the privilege of speaking with someone who has a proven track record of founding and exiting category-defining companies. Nigel Verdon, born in Germany, began his journey studying Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University. After a brief stint in the automotive industry with EBS, he transitioned into financial services, carving out an impressive career. His roles include working at Swiss Bank Corporation, serving on the board of LCJ, and holding a director position at Dresdner Kleinwort Investment Bank. Nigel has made a particularly significant impact on the world of Fintech, founding three companies, including Currency Cloud - a unicorn that has revolutionised the way businesses manage international payments. In this discussion, we’ll dive into Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership, explore the future of Fintech, and uncover why the next wave of technological innovation feels decidedly artisanal. What to look forward to: 00:16 Introduction to Nigel Verdon 01:45 Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership 25:48 Where does Fintech go from here? 35:26 Tech’s artisanal future There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
34. Why did Stripe spend $1.1 Billion on a crypto startup? 36:13

26 weeks ago36:13

36:13

Europe's favourite unicorn, Stripe, has announced that it is picking up crypto Stablecoin player, Bridge, for $1.1 billion. But why is the fintech powerhouse spending nearly two percent of its valuation on the roll of a crypto dice? Could it be an ingenious category play? Also in today’s episode, we’ll be flicking through the history books to try and predict Apple’s future, and tackle the age-old question; what is the right amount of tech branding? What to look forward to: 00:35 Can Europe’s biggest unicorn change its Stripes? 07:20 Is Europe’s home of tech now struggling? 11:18 History repeats itself - Is Apple becoming the new Sony? 27:51 What’s the right amount of tech branding? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
33. Creating the world's first green software | Sumir Karayi 44:00

27 weeks ago44:00

44:00

Today, we explore the remarkable career of Sumir Karayi, whose journey took him from one of the UK's worst schools to becoming one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs. As the founder and CEO of 1E, Karayi grew his company organically over 20 years, serving 1,700 organisations across 42 countries with 26 million licenses deployed. 1E is now ranked in the Sunday Times International Track 100 league of top private companies and is recognised as one of the top 20 companies for CIOs. In this discussion, we’ll cover how Karayi developed the world’s first green software, why regulations can be a positive force in tech, and why he believes you shouldn’t start a start-up. What to look forward to: 00:09 Sumir Karayi introduction 01:45 The green challenge for tech 08:20 The Crowdstrike debacle 18:44 Why is Government not liked in tech 25:43 Sumir’s path to success & founder advice There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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32. Could the budget kill the UK tech scene? 38:31

29 weeks ago38:31

38:31

The Labour Party is about to unveil its first budget in over 14 years. This is a huge moment for the country as the foundations for its economic future are put in place. But the budget doesn’t only affect the UK’s bank balance, it also influences the behaviour and values of its citizens. So, will the red briefcase promote entrepreneurship and the category leaders of tomorrow or will it suffocate the UK’s promising tech scene? Also in today’s episode, we bring you the lessons from two of the UK’s most fascinating meetings of minds; DigiGov and the Sifted Summit What to look forward to: 00:42 The UK budget. Are we killing the golden goose 13:24 DigiGov Expo review 26:34 Sifted Summit review There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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31. What’s going on at the CMA? 35:10

30 weeks ago35:10

35:10

How did Microsoft’s controversial ‘partnership’ with UK AI firm Inflection slip through the CMA's (Competition and Markets Authority) net, while Adobe’s multi-billion-dollar Figma acquisition got blocked? In this episode, we dive deep into the paperwork to uncover the methods and motivations behind the CMA’s puzzling ruling on the Inflection deal. Is the regulator inconsistent, misunderstood, or simply out of its depth? Also in today’s episode, we share the intellectual spoils from this year's Boardwave event and discuss Intel’s uncertain future. What to look forward to: 00:30 Is the CSA’s clearing of the Inflection deal an inflection point or just a mistake 09:27 Intel’s crossroad 22:42 Broadwave review There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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30. The secrets to scaling your business | Phill Robinson 41:54

32 weeks ago41:54

41:54

In this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a major figure in the global software industry - Phill Robinson. With a career spanning multiple continents and as the CEO of Velocix, IRIS, and Exact, Phil's contributions to the tech world has been monumental. Today, he’ll share what he learnt from working in the heart of industry giants including Oracle, Sybase, Siebel, and Salesforce. We’ll also delve into his latest venture: Boardwave. A unique community aimed at helping Europe compete with Silicon Valley and create the next generation of tech category leaders. What to look forward to: 00:10 Phill Robinson introduction 01:22 Boardwave: addressing Europe’s category creation deficit 18:28 The lessons of serial category leadership 29:37 Grinds my gears - unicorns 33:33 Why authenticity matters if you want to be different There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

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29. Has Musk gone mad? 25:31

34 weeks ago25:31

25:31

We like Elon Musk's style. In previous episodes, we’ve championed him as a visionary innovator and category king. One of the things we’ve always admired is his bold approach to business. But, his recent posts on X seem less bold, and more barmy. Is Musk’s free speech starting to backfire? Will he be the engineer of his own downfall? Also in today’s episode, We’ll be looking at the love affair between politicians and tech jobs, asking if the SaaS playbook is the road to category leadership and analysing the aftermath of when Cisco and Linksys collided. What to look forward to: 00:34 Has Musk gone mad? 15:03 Why Tech jobs are not as helpful for politicians as they hope 20:32 When categories collide: Cisco and Linksys There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
28. Have we found Europe's AI category leader? 26:33

36 weeks ago26:33

26:33

If you’re a regular listener of the show then you’ll know that we’re always banging on about two things: European category leaders and AI. Well, while sniffing around this year's SaaStr event, our dreams came true. We think we found a potential AI category leader based in Cologne, Germany. Could Jaroslaw Kutylowski’s translation service, DeepL, be the golden goose? Also in today’s episode, We’ll take a look at how Apple is redefining privacy and why London Tech Week needs a big rethink. What to look forward to: 01:24 Can Europe create an AI category leader? 12:41 Apple will redefine the meaning of AI privacy. 17:54 What is the point of London Tech Week? There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
27. Putting the SDV in SUV 38:16

37 weeks ago38:16

38:16

Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. Three of the greats, and sometimes under-rated manufacturers of automobile. From Honda’s engines revolutionising motorsport to Nissan making the iconic British Austin 7 cars under license, they’ve got a rich history. But where will the future take them? How will their new joint research venture create fundamental software for the next generation of SDVs? It’s clear that not only are manufacturers seeing a shift in value from parts to software, but that consumers are too. Mainly, we just want Apple CarPlay… Also in today’s episode, we’ll look at whether it was Crowdstrike’s desire to pursue commercial hegemony that put the globe’s IT systems into disarray, why analysts are predicting that Apple will lose 4-5% of profits after the Google court ruling, and we’re not sure what this says about the UK’s tech industry but only six people are actually entrepreneurs in Computer Weekly’s list of UKTech50… What to look forward to: 0134 - Putting the SDV in SUV 1733 - What CrowdStrike teaches us about the wisdom of creating ‘platforms’. 2816 - The Sage of Omaha-ha isn’t funny over in Cupertino 3319 - The UKtech50 2024 - APPARENTLY the most influential people in UK technology There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
26. The top 5 greatest tech acquisitions of all time 37:04

38 weeks ago37:04

37:04

In the last episode, we began our exploration of the greatest tech acquisitions of all time, concluding with Booking.com at number six. Their purchase of Priceline returned an impressive $46.6 billion. Now, we move into the top five. These acquisitions dwarf what has come before, each one generating returns of over $100 billion. So, who is going to be number one? (It’s probably not who you think.) Also in today’s episode, We’ll ask who are the best people to lead a Category Design project and what can be learnt from when Dell and EMC collided. What to look forward to: 00:33 The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 2) 15:26 How to set up the ultimate category design team 25:54 When categories collide - Dell and EMC There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
25. Lessons from the greatest tech acquisitions of all time 30:19

40 weeks ago30:19

30:19

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Every workday is just a collection of decisions. Who to hire, when to sell, what shirt goes with this tie. We take a punt and hope it pays off. But what about the decisions with the biggest payoffs? What are the best business decisions of all time? In today’s episode we uncover the stories behind the greatest tech acquisitions ever. Were category leaders created or bought? Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is reframing the employee experience and what happened when Elon Musk and Twitter collided. What to look forward to: 00:37 The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 1) 18:22 How is AI re-framing the employee experience? 25:54 When Categories Collide - Elon Musk & Twitter There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
24. Which European fintechs have a shot at category leadership? 30:15

42 weeks ago30:15

30:15

Last month the start-up news publication Sifted introduced us to Europe's fastest growing fintechs. The 10 listed companies are successfully bucking the trend and managing to raise capital in these difficult times. Congratulations to them. However, today on the Difference Engine, we take it one step further. We find out which of these fintechs are not just better, but different. Do any have a shot at becoming a category leader? Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is promoting the proliferation sloppiness and learn from the chaos that arose from Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. What to look forward to: 00:36 Will Europe produce new fintech Category leaders? 14:47 Is AI creating sloppiness? 23:12 When Categories Collide - Microsoft & Activision Blizzard There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
23. The secrets to shaping Apple and beyond | Andy Cunningham 46:13

44 weeks ago46:13

46:13

In this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a pivotal figure in the tech world who helped shape one of the most iconic brands in history. Apple. Andy Cunningham had a seat at the table for one of the most exciting periods in the tech industry’s history. The birth of Silicon Valley, The emergence of the groundbreaking Macintosh in 1984 and the rise, fall and rise again of Steve Jobs. If it was happening, Andy was there. During this time she worked closely with Steve and other industry heavyweights, developing her skills and becoming one of the world leaders in tech positioning. As the founder of Cunningham Communications Inc. she has been influential in the success of numerous high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. In 2017 she released Get to Aha! Discover Your Positioning DNA and Dominate Your Competition, a book that shares the winning framework she uses to transform markets and industries. Her expertise has been a guiding force for many businesses looking to carve out their unique space in competitive markets. In our conversation today, we explore Andy's journey in the tech industry, her experiences working at Apple and her insights into effective brand positioning. We'll discuss the pivotal moments in her career and the invaluable lessons she's learned about category and beyond. What to look forward to: 00:13 Andy Cunningham Introduction 01:40 What makes Silicon Valley special? 05:54 Apple, the Macintosh and Steve Jobs 17:20 Tech positioning today 23:07 Utilising the DNA of your business 34:24 Andy’s category philosophy There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
22. Top 10 go-to-market mistakes: Lessons from SaaStr 2024 29:00

46 weeks ago29:00

29:00

Jason Lemkin is not afraid to admit to his errors. In fact, a few weeks ago he eagerly shared them with a room full of people in East London. The founder of SaaStr revealed his top 10 go-to-market mistakes at this year’s SaaStr conference. So, who should you avoid hiring? Which cuts should you steer clear of? And what single word on someone's LinkedIn profile should raise a red flag? In addition, we'll delve into the recent acquittal of long-suffering tech tycoon Mike Lynch and analyze the repercussions of eBay's acquisition of Skype. What to look forward to: 00:35 A conclusion to the Mike Lynch saga 06:45 Top ten go-to-market mistakes according to SaaStr 22:37 When Categories Collide - eBay and Skype There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
21. Will France’s €15 billion investment propel it to category leadership? 32:14

48 weeks ago32:14

32:14

All eyes will be on Paris next month as they welcome athletes and fans from all over the world for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the international sports day isn’t the only event drawing significant foreign investment into France. The 7th Choose France showcase announced €15 billion of industry investments, promising an estimated 10,000 jobs. Could this influx of capital be the driving force behind France’s sprint to category gold? Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the failed Apple advert. Are they losing touch with their audience? We’ll show you how a decent Category strategy can improve your chances of securing funding and we’ll go back in time to see what we can learn when categories collide. What to look forward to: 00:33 Is France heading for tech Category leadership? 10:02 Apple apologises for ad that ‘missed the mark’ 16:55 How does a decent Category strategy improve your chances of securing funding? 28:11 When categories collide: Avago & Broadcom There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
20. The age of regulation: Turning rules to your advantage 30:51

50 weeks ago30:51

30:51

We are living in the age of regulation. Going forward, category creators will have to dance to the tune of the CRA, NIRS2, GDPR and numerous other weighty rulebooks. But, can we learn to love the music? Embrace the constraints? Turn the rules to our advantage and waltz our way to success. Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the emergence of `Storytelling` as, apparently, a new tech marketing discipline and look into our crystal ball to see how the line between VCs and PEs will become increasingly blurred. What to look forward to: 00:30 Governments demand WhatsApp enforce age restrictions. 08:57 The emergence of `Storytelling` 12:41 What rules should you follow? 20:48 The age of casino PE There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
19. Electric vehicles: An automotive upgrade or brand new category? 34:27

1 year ago34:27

34:27

Electric vehicles are expected to make up 25% of all new passenger car registrations this year, with projections indicating that by 2030, EVs will capture two thirds of the market share. As consumer choices change, so does the whole transport ecosystem. This technological shift demands new fueling stations, tyres, job roles and even road design. So, are electric vehicles just an automotive upgrade or a whole new category? Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the aftermath of when categories collide, peer down our microscope to discover the unintended consequences of thinking small and learn how AI changing the design of every category blueprint? What to look forward to: 00:30 How is AI changing the design of every category blueprint? 12:03 What does the rollout of EVs tell us about building Categories? 21:21 The unintended consequences of thinking small 27:04 When categories collide - Microsoft & Nokia There is more information on how to design your category on our blog Follow us on LinkedIn: Paul Maher Jonathan Simnett Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.…

The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital

1
18. Pain & Suffering! A lesson in resilience from Jensen Huang and James Dyson 26:10

1 year ago26:10