The Innovation Conversation

di Ricardo Pascual

Stagione 1

Deep-Tech Investing, Global Markets, and Future Trends with Alexander Piskunov

Innovation Conversation: Deep-Tech Investing, Global Markets, and Future Trends with Alexander Piskunov In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Alexander Piskunov, Managing Partner at Kaan Ventures, to dive deep into the world of deep-tech investing. With over a decade of experience across the USA, Europe, and Asia, Alexander shares his global investment journey, the principles that guide his strategies, and his vision for the future of emerging technologies. They dive into: Alexander’s extensive background in venture capital and his focus on deep-tech startups. Key principles that shape his approach to evaluating and supporting breakthrough technologies. Unique challenges and opportunities in different markets — from the US to Europe to Asia. Tactical insights for entrepreneurs seeking investment in the deep-tech sector. Predictions for the evolution of deep-tech and what emerging trends investors are watching closely. The role of adaptability, long-term thinking, and innovation leadership in venture growth. Tune in for an in-depth look at how top investors navigate the complex world of innovation and shape the next generation of technology leaders. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Global insights from investing across USA, Europe, and Asia. Deep-tech investment strategies and evaluation principles. Challenges and opportunities in emerging markets. Predictions for the future of deep-tech innovation and venture growth.

S1 · E22

19 gen 2024

49:53

Innovation Conversation: Cultural Competence, Mental Health Innovation, and Startup Success with Sonia Kaurah

Innovation Conversation: Cultural Competence, Mental Health Innovation, and Startup Success with Sonia Kaurah In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Sonia Kaurah, Founder and CEO of Tala Thrive, a pioneering mental health platform focused on cultural competence. Sonia shares her powerful journey of self-discovery and how it led to building Tala Thrive — addressing gaps in mental health care for underrepresented communities. They dive into: Sonia’s personal journey and how it inspired the creation of Tala Thrive. The critical importance of cultural competence in delivering effective mental health care. Strategies for building a successful startup and assembling a mission-driven team. How Tala Thrive secured its first round of funding just 10 months after launch. Insights into fundraising beyond the UK and the untapped innovation opportunities closer to home. The transformative role of innovation in reshaping mental health services for a diverse world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on cultural identity, mental health entrepreneurship, and leadership in building impact-driven ventures. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points The founding story behind Tala Thrive and bridging cultural gaps in mental health. Building a winning startup team and raising funding early. Why cultural competence is essential for impactful innovation. Fundraising strategies beyond the UK and finding opportunities at home.

S1 · E21

14 dic 2023

1:01:20

Cross-Cultural Investing, Deep-Tech Trends, and Venture Wisdom with Alexander Piskunov

Innovation Conversation: Cross-Cultural Investing, Deep-Tech Trends, and Venture Wisdom with Alexander Piskunov In this Investor Special episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual welcomes back Alexander Piskunov, Managing Partner at Kaan Ventures, for an exclusive deep dive into his 10+ year journey across the USA, Europe, and Asia — navigating the complexities of venture capital with a sharp focus on deep-tech startups. They dive into: How to navigate cross-cultural investments and adapt strategies for different markets. Emerging trends shaping the future of deep-tech and breakthrough technologies. Lessons from overcoming challenges in an ever-evolving global startup ecosystem. Alexander’s investment philosophy and how it has evolved over a decade of global venture experience. What founders should know about fundraising, scaling, and aligning with visionary investors. Tune in for an enlightening conversation packed with real-world insights from one of the leading minds in deep-tech venture investing. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Navigating cross-cultural venture investing. Identifying and leveraging emerging trends in deep-tech. Overcoming investment challenges in dynamic global markets. Long-term strategies for success in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

S1 · E20

7 dic 2023

53:49

Innovation Conversation: EdTech Innovation, Academic Empowerment, and Startup Growth with Sally Lo

Innovation Conversation: EdTech Innovation, Academic Empowerment, and Startup Growth with Sally Lo In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Sally Lo, Co-founder and COO of EduCrate, an EdTech platform that’s redefining how students access resources and support within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). EduCrate is breaking down barriers to information, connecting students with personalised resources, expert guidance, and a global IB network to improve academic outcomes. They dive into: EduCrate’s mission to revolutionise the IB learning experience by eliminating information gaps. How Sally balanced full-time studies at King’s College London while building an international EdTech startup. The importance of community building in the education space and EduCrate’s role in fostering global collaboration. Challenges and successes of launching a UK-based startup catering to a global student audience. The transformative impact of mentorship and collaboration on Sally’s entrepreneurial journey. Insights into the future of EdTech and the evolving needs of students worldwide. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on education, innovation, and building impactful startups at the intersection of technology and learning. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Revolutionising IBDP education through EdTech innovation. Balancing academics and entrepreneurship as a university student. Building a global community for students and educators. The impact of mentorship and strategic collaborations on startup growth.

S1 · E19

29 nov 2023

35:43

Innovation Conversation: No-Code Development, MVP Success, and Startup Insights with George Thwaytes

Innovation Conversation: No-Code Development, MVP Success, and Startup Insights with George Thwaytes In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with George Thwaytes, Commercial Director of Decodifi, to explore the evolving world of no-code development and how startups can efficiently launch their MVPs and digital products. George shares how Decodifi empowers founders and companies to bypass tech barriers and build faster with smarter strategies. They dive into: Decodifi’s mission to help startups and companies bring their ideas to life through no-code development. How to navigate tech challenges with a focus on efficiency and informed decision-making. The importance of MVP pilots in gathering real data to guide founders and investors. George’s entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned, and his transition into angel investing. Success stories: How Decodifi-supported MVPs have helped startups raise between £150K–£300K. Practical advice for founders looking to launch faster, smarter, and with less risk. Tune in for an energizing conversation on how no-code is reshaping startup development and what it takes to build a winning MVP today. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

S1 · E18

22 nov 2023

45:02

Innovation Conversation: AI, Embedded Finance, and Startup Success with Thomas

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Thomas, founder of Start Up Loungeand the mind behind the AI-powered Cloud Basket® technology cleverly disguised within a sneaker platform. Thomas shares the journey behind reshaping e-commerce with deep tech, pioneering embedded finance, and his broader entrepreneurial adventures. They dive into: How Thomas and his team are revolutionizing product matching — moving beyond traditional barcodes. The launch of Aisle 3’s embedded finance product — creating a seamless virtual checkout connecting multiple retailers. wAll3t® — a digital cashback wallet with over 23,000 product sign-ups and innovative user profiles. Aisle 3’s social media growth story — 33K TikTok followers, 780 orders, and a Blue Tick Verified profile. The transformation of a 16-year pub crawl tradition into a #3 Amazon best-selling book — surpassing Jamie Oliver! Building a multinational corporation — expanding Aisle 3 to India and becoming CEO by 41. Fundraising success — raising over $1.5 million from VCs, family offices, and top angel investors. Tune in for an exciting deep dive into the fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and creative execution, and get inspired by Thomas’s journey from bootstrapping to scaling globally. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Revolutionizing product matching with AI and Cloud Basket® technology. Launching embedded finance for seamless multi-retailer checkouts. How wAll3t® powers digital cashback innovation. From a viral TikTok strategy to a best-selling Amazon book. Building an international startup and raising $1.5M+ in funding.

S1 · E17

15 nov 2023

49:32

Innovation Conversation: Audio Innovation, Diversity in Tech, and Crowdfunding Success with Thali Lotus

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Thali Lotus, Founder of CAYA Audio, to dive into her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the mission behind the CAYA X3E Creators Microphone — a revolutionary product reshaping the audio landscape. Thali shares how CAYA is working to "unmute the world" and amplify the next generation of voices. They dive into: How Thali’s ambition to shift the consumer-producer ratio inspired the launch of CAYA Audio. The story behind the CAYA X3E — the first high-spec microphone created by a Black British Female founder. The microphone’s versatility for musicians, educators, podcasters, and creators, offering both MEMS & Electret, cable, and Bluetooth options. Collaborations with institutions like Goldsmiths University and Innovate UK that helped validate her ideas and fuel innovation. How crowdfunding and community support have been instrumental in bringing CAYA to life. Thali’s personal experiences navigating the music industry and building a tech brand focused on empowerment through sound. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, diversity in tech, and the power of community in turning visionary ideas into reality. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

S1 · E16

10 nov 2023

34:54

Innovation Conversation: Revolutionizing Content Creation with AI — The Story of Jamr.AI with Alessio R.

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Alessio R., Co-Founder and CTO of Jamr.AI, to explore how they are reshaping the future of content creation. Founded by James Maloney and Alessio Ricco in 2023, Jamr.AI combines technical excellence and bold innovation to deliver AI-driven tools for creators at every level. They dive into: The inspiring founding story behind Jamr.AI and their vision for democratizing AI content tools. How Jamr.AI targets key sectors and unlocks new opportunities in the AI and content creation space. Building and launching an MVP in under three months and rapidly growing their user base. Jamr.AI’s unique approach to translating content into multiple languages and continuously evolving through AI learning. Insights into their fundraising journey and scaling strategy for the future. Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration, innovation, and practical insights at the intersection of AI and content creation. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Revolutionizing content creation with accessible AI tools. How Jamr.AI built an MVP and scaled quickly. Multilingual content creation powered by adaptive AI learning. Fundraising insights from an early-stage AI startup. The future of AI in creative industries.

S1 · E15

1 nov 2023

39:15

Innovation Conversation: Mindset Training, Mental Health in Sports, and Startup Growth with Chris McAdam

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Chris McAdam, Co-founder of Getahead, the on-demand sports psychology app revolutionizing how athletes approach mental fitness. Getahead’s personalized mental training programs are designed to boost self-belief, discipline, focus, and energy — bringing elite-level mindset training to everyone. They dive into: The founding story behind Getahead and how it’s reshaping mental training for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Why mental fitness deserves the same focus as physical training — and how Getahead is leading the mindset movement. The science behind their mindset routine and how it enhances performance across disciplines. How Getahead is making mental skills training accessible beyond elite athletes. Challenges of bootstrapping a startup in wellness and fitness, and their plans as they seek investors to scale. How Getahead is shifting the conversation from reactive mental health approaches to proactive performance optimization. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about the intersection of mental health, athletic performance, and innovation in the wellness industry. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Getahead’s mission to democratize mental fitness training. The science behind building self-belief, focus, and energy through mindset routines. Shifting the mental health conversation in sports from reactive to proactive. Bootstrapping a wellness startup and scaling challenges. How Getahead is creating a new standard for mental fitness.

S1 · E14

18 ott 2023

34:28

Innovation Conversation: Empowering Moms, Startup Growth, and Founders' Journeys with Lottie Ormerod and Kamila Turek

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Lottie Ormerod and Kamila Turek, Co-founders of OttieUp, to discuss their mission to rewrite the script for moms returning to work. Combining their backgrounds in safeguarding, well-being, business psychology, and leadership coaching, Lottie and Kam are on a mission to create real change in the workforce. They dive into: The founding story of OttieUp and how Lottie and Kam united their strengths to build a platform that empowers moms. The crucial role of their unlikely mentorship that helped them move from idea validation to MVP development. How they navigated early-stage growth through grants, accelerators, and preparing for angel investment. The challenges and triumphs of building a purpose-driven startup focused on inclusion and empowerment. Lessons learned from balancing impact with business growth and resilience through the startup journey. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about redefining careers, building with purpose, and the power of collaboration in the startup world. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Key Talking Points Empowering moms to return to the workforce through innovation. How mentorship accelerated OttieUp’s journey from validation to MVP. Navigating early-stage funding with grants, accelerators, and angel investors. Lessons on leadership, resilience, and mission-driven growth. Building an inclusive and supportive startup culture.

S1 · E13

11 ott 2023

34:10

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