Afleveringen
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In this episode of the Startup Leap Podcast, hosts Yvonne and Maria explore the five critical mistakes first-time founders often make.
Drawing from their extensive experience evaluating and investing in startups across Europe and Africa and previous guest episodes, they share valuable insights on founder-market fit, building with customers, focusing on distribution and sales, strategizing fundraising, and managing co-founder relationships.
Additionally, they provide crucial tips on equity management and building a strong startup team. Tune in for actionable advice and real-life stories from renowned founders like Sarah Blakely, Brian Chesky, and more. Don't miss the bonus segment on navigating co-founder dynamics!
In this episode, we dive into:
00:00 Introduction to Startup Challenges
00:31 Welcome to the Startup Leap Podcast
01:04 The Five Biggest Mistakes First-Time Founders Make
01:52 Mistake 1: Selecting a Poor Fit Problem
05:59 Mistake 2: Building a Complex First Product Without Customer Input
09:21 Mistake 3: Giving Away Incorrect Amount of Equity
13:07 Mistake 4: Not Focusing on Distribution and Sales
15:50 Mistake 5: Letting Ego Get in the Way
19:03 Mistake 6: Not Having a Fundraising Strategy
23:26 Bonus: Building a Company with a Co-Founder You Don't Know Well
26:11 Conclusion and Recap
Don’t miss this insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community-driven fashion!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert startup advice!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments – we’d love to keep the conversation going!
Join The Startup Leap Community: https://subscribe.thestartupleap.io
Website: www.thestartupleap.io
YouTube: https://youtu.be/HGtqTduaPro
#Startup #Technology #Business #Podcast #Entrepreneur #StartupSuccess #TechStartup #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #FounderLessons #ZeroToOne #StartupTips #BuildYourStartup #EntrepreneurMindset
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In this exciting episode of the Startup Leap Podcast, Hosts, Maria and Yvonne chat with Eshita Kabra-Davies, the visionary founder of the award-winning app By Rotation on her journey building technology for the world’s largest shared wardrobe.
Eshita shares her journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, inspired by a life-changing honeymoon to India.
Learn how By Rotation is reshaping fashion consumption, promoting sustainability, and creating a powerful community-driven marketplace.
In this episode, we dive into:
00:53 Meet Eshita, Founder of By Rotation
02:08 From Finance to Fashion: Eshita’s Journey
03:02 The Honeymoon Epiphany
03:50 Building a Sustainable Fashion Community
06:13 Navigating the Early Days of By Rotation
10:11 The Power of Digital Communities
17:49 Fundraising and Ownership
23:47 Solo Founder Challenges and Team Building
26:01 Reconnecting with Vlad: The App Journey Begins
26:59 Optimizing for Profitability: Key Metrics
28:14 Empowering Women: Stories of Impact
32:05 Building a Premium Marketplace
34:57 Expanding Internationally: The US Market
38:13 Navigating COVID: Challenges and Opportunities
45:31 Future Vision: Scaling and Profitability
46:04 Inspiration and Reflections
Don’t miss this insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community-driven fashion!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert startup advice!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments – we’d love to keep the conversation going!
Join The Startup Leap Community: https://subscribe.thestartupleap.io
Website: www.thestartupleap.io
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6TZ6INxsd2k
#VCFunding #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #SustainableFashion #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #FundYourBusiness #VentureCapital #TheStartupLeap #ByRotation #WomenInBusiness #FashionTech #MariaRotilu #YvonneBajela
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Thinking about VC funding for your startup? Before you make the leap, ask yourself these 5 crucial questions to see if venture capital is the right move for your business.
In this video, you'll discover:
Is your business scalable enough for VCs?Do you need rapid growth or steady profits?Are you ready to give up equity and control?Can you handle the pressure of scaling fast?Have you explored alternative funding options?Venture capital can fuel massive growth, but it comes with trade-offs. In this video, Yvonne and Maria break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision and choose the right funding path for your startup's success.
Chapters:
01:22 The Dilemma of Seeking VC Funding
02:39 Understanding Venture Capital
03:29 Key Questions Before Taking VC Funding
04:22 Real-Life Examples of VC Decisions
05:42 Considering Equity Dilution
10:22 Alternative Funding Options
12:55 Bootstrapping Success Stories
16:12 Recap and Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert startup advice!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments – we’d love to help!
The Startup Leap Community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
Website: www.thestartupleap.io
Youtube: https://youtu.be/6oJQYrTChnE
#VCFunding #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #FundYourBusiness #VentureCapital #TheStartupLeap #MariaRotilu #YvonneBajela
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In this episode of the Startup Leap Podcast, hosts Maria and Yvonne discuss one of the most pivotal steps in launching a startup: finding the right co-founder.
They highlight various ways, both traditional and unconventional, that successful founders have met their co-founders from their experience assessing over 6k startups, investing in £200m+ and investing in over 80+ startups.
This includes leveraging personal networks, attending meetups, using social media platforms, and even forming partnerships with rivals. They also discuss the importance of testing and building relationships before committing to a partnership. The episode is packed with real-life anecdotes and insider tips, making it an essential listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
00:54 The Importance of Finding the Right Co-Founder
01:47 Starting with Your Personal Network
03:46 Exploring Social Media and Online Communities
04:57 Educational Connections and Shared Experiences
05:44 Leveraging Startup Communities and Events
07:22 Accelerators and Co-Founder Matching Platforms
09:51 Unconventional Methods: Rivals and Cold Emails
13:52 The Role of Angel Investors and Advisors
14:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/U-GbFIRcRjE
Join The Startup Leap Community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io to get weekly startup resources
Enjoying the episode? Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and never miss an episode.
Website: www.thestartupleap.io
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In this episode, we share 10+ go-to-market strategies from experienced founders we’ve spoken to on The Startup Leap who have collectively raised over $1bn+ in venture funding.
Bring out your note apps and notepads for this one, it's filled with time-tested startup launch wisdom.
Learn how to build a solid and PROVEN GTM strategy that drives customer acquisition, revenue growth, and product-market fit, helping you from idea to launch from founders who have been there and done that.
Whether you're launching a B2B SaaS product, a marketplace, or a consumer tech app, these proven strategies from successful founders will help you get there faster.
Chapters
00:50 Deep Dive: Go to Market Strategies01:11 Understanding Your Customers02:31 Different Business Models03:10 Building and Validating Your Product05:06 Importance of Customer Feedback14:57 B2B Business Models and Sales Cycles16:17 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsEpisodes Referenced:
Seyi’s Episode (Gravity Sketch): https://youtu.be/TgpHw-BW68s?si=LbnFbtvVFg8QiLQaLouise’s Episode (GoHenry): https://youtu.be/gpTt9trU2Vo?si=YPU2CRCKi7O7dibHJas’s Episode (Luna): https://youtu.be/FBedSfDxmS0?si=MN0T8GiYT3friRSKTunde’s Episode (Vendease):https://youtu.be/8Vf4Fvb-uJA?si=MgkWTLzCBmeIBhmiElizabeth’s Episode (Aza Finance):https://youtu.be/riGIeRcootU?si=TiWdAmncjszl_xnzRaffi’s Episode (Passionfruit):https://youtu.be/boCHZj8kQOE?si=vRrToVCao8ESgWJJEd’s Episode (Stash):https://youtu.be/fke5EZz0e7g?si=vFuXYSBLLEyfVMpOMichelle’s Episode (Peanut): https://youtu.be/lQ4i3FU8Czw?si=QuTZYDwvfBnwWhYE#thestartupleap #gotomarket #business #technology #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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You asked, we delivered! Here's a re-run of our mind-blowing chat with Sait Cham. Even if you’ve heard it before, you’ll catch new gems on the second listen!
Key Insights:
Starting from scratch to leading in logistics techKey takeaways on resilience and leadershipThe benefits of focusing on unit economics earlyPractical insights on scaling for profitabilityConnect with Sait Cham, Hutch and Pimento on LinkedIn and Instagram: @saitcham, @tryhutch and @pimentohq
Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3-U4m_GJcsM?si=sP308qDuLSxYrvlb
#TheStartupLeap #SaitCham #rerun #entrepreneur #tryhutch #pimentohq #LogisticsTech #FoundersJourney #EntrepreneurLife #3PLSolutions #BusinessGrowth #podcast #StartupLessons #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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It’s the final leap of 2024! Reflecting on bold moves and big lessons, Yvonne and Maria take a walk down memory lane. They recall founder stories and highlights from a whirlwind year that made 2024 unforgettable. Let’s revisit the moments that sparked growth, laughter, and transformation.
Episode recap:
Be intentional: Founders share how clarity fuels successLeap stories: Startup journeys that began with a single stepBuilding connections: Lessons in trust and teamworkContrarian thinking: Why it’s sometimes key to go against the grainFrom laughs to lessons, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EAv5Yk9y1Rk?si=qQkTlA5sNcaFWsH-
Join The Community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#Startups #Entrepreneurship #YearInReflection #LessonsFrom2024 #HustleAndResilience #IntentionalLiving #PodcastHighlights #LeadershipLessons #StartupInsights #GrowthAndGrit #EndOfYearReflection
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On this episode of The Startup Leap, meet Carmelle Cadet, the visionary behind EmTech, a company revolutionizing financial systems for central banks worldwide! From IBM to entrepreneurship, Carmelle’s leap is packed with insights, pivots, and game-changing moments.
Tune in as she shares how blockchain, bold decisions, and sheer grit power her mission to create inclusive financial markets.
Key Highlights:
From IBM executive to global entrepreneur: the untold storyWhat it’s like to pitch a groundbreaking idea to central banksLessons from navigating risks, pivots, and big winsHow EMTECH is using blockchain to modernize financial marketsConnect with Carmelle Cadet and EmTech on LinkedIn & Twitter: @Carmelle Cadet and @emtech_inc
Stay Updated with The Startup Leap:
Instagram: @thestartupleappod Twitter, YouTube, & TikTok: @thestartupleapWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xx4l_vnFGNk?si=WdSw4V-878AGJD8a
Join The Community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#Startups #Entrepreneurship #CarmelleCadet #emtech #blockchain #financialservices #CentralBanks #solofounder #technology #innovation #CTOculture
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We know there’s an issue with the sound on this episode, but trust us—it’s worth it! Dive into this epic conversation with Tayo Oviosu, Founder of Paga, a groundbreaking African fintech solving payment access for a billion people.
Highlights:
Simplifying money for a billion people
Pioneering partnerships to scale fintech infrastructure
Lessons in resilience from over a decade of innovation
Want to hear how small sparks ignite big revolutions? Listen now for the ultimate leap of inspiration!
Connect with Tayo Oviosu and Paga on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @oviosu and @my_paga
Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, & TikTok: @thestartupleap
Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#Startups #Entrepreneurship #Techfounders #PagaSuccessStory #AfricanStartups #TechForGood #MoneyMadeSimple
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🎙️ In this re-run episode, we sit down with three-time founder Timothy Armoo @timarmoo, who shares his inspiring Leap story, starting his company while still at university and later starting @Fanbytes, which he sold for 8 figures at the age of 27.
Episode Episode Highlights:
Childhood and Early Influences: Discover how his journey from humble beginnings in Ghana to the UK fuelled his ambitions to be successful at an early age.
Growing as a CEO: Gain insights on how he evolved as a CEO as the company scaled and what he would do differently.
Team building: Hear valuable insights on what to optimise for when building a world-class team.
Fundraising: Tim shares his insights on why he chose to be very intentional around the type of funding he used to fuel his business.
Achieving an 8-figure exit: Hear about how Tim achieved that 8-figure exit and how his life has adjusted since. Join us for an intimate, enlightening conversation filled with gems, laughter, and lessons.
Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod
Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
New episodes drop every #Tuesday 🎙️
Join The Community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/s9dvf5b3qOo?si=AccBuEiPYnu1BLmn
#entrepreneurship #business #startup #thestartupleap #startup
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🚀 On this episode of The Startup Leap, we chat with Gabriel Shin, Co-founder of Landscape, a data-driven platform helping VCs discover early-stage founders and unlock market insights.
Their product, Compass, is transforming the venture capital space, one data point at a time. 🌟
💡 What to expect: 🏗️ How Landscape pivoted from VC reviews to a powerful data-driven venture tool 💼
Gabriel’s transition from operator to founder (and how he handles the pressure)
🤔 Tips for battling imposter syndrome and prioritizing like a pro
🔮 The future of data and AI in venture capital
Catch the full conversation and leap into Gabriel’s world of startups!
🌍 👉 Connect with Gabriel Shin and Landscape on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @gabshin & @Landscape_vc
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod
Twitter, YouTube, & TikTok: @thestartupleap 🔗
Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#Startups #entrepreneurship #LandscapeVC #Compass #techfounders #venturecapital #techinnovation #ai
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🎙️ This week, The Startup Leap shares with you the inspiring journey of Jasmine Schembri-Stothart, co-founder of Luna—a health and wellbeing platform for teenage girls.
🌟 Don’t miss these highlights:
✨ From consulting to creating a startup
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 Harnessing TikTok and grassroots efforts to connect with teens worldwide
💪🏽 Building a team passionate about their mission
📢 Ready to make puberty cool? Tune in to Jasmine Schembri-Stothart's incredible journey of building Luna!
👉 Connect with Jasmine Schembri-Stothart and Luna on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @wearelunaapp
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, & TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#Startups #Entrepreneurship #TechFounders #WellbeingApp #TeenWellness #PubertyEducation #FemaleFounders #TikTokMarketing
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🎙️ In this episode of The Startup Leap, we speak with Tunde Kara, Co-founder of Vendease, a groundbreaking platform empowering food businesses across Africa with technology and access to credit. 🍽️💰
🌟 Key takeaways:
From the Farm to Fintech: How Tunde’s upbringing inspired solutions for Africa’s fragmented food supply chain.Credit as a catalyst: Why proper financing is the backbone of scaling food businesses.Start scrappy, grow smart: Building a billion-dollar idea using Excel sheets and grit.🎧 Tune in to learn how Tunde is revolutionizing Africa’s $780 billion food market!
👉 Connect with Tunde Kara and Vendease on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @VendeaseAfrica]
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap 🔗
Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter for insider perks; 👉 www.subscribe.thestartupleap.io
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🚀 In our latest episode of The Startup Leap, we speak with Elizabeth Rossiello, Founder and CEO of AZA Finance, an innovator in African cross-border payment solutions and remittances. Elizabeth shares how her experiences in microfinance led her to tackle Africa’s currency exchange challenges.
Key Takeaways:
🔎 The journey from microfinance to building a fintech that addresses African liquidity needs.
🤝 Navigating regulatory landscapes and building trust through local hiring.
🚀 Insights on pivoting from consumer payments to B2B to meet demand.
👉 Connect with Elizabeth Rossiello and AZA Finance on LinkedIn and Instagram: @elizabethrossiello_ and @azafinance
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #ElizabethRossiello #AZAFinance #fintech #currencyexchange #microfinance #AfricaTech #AfricaBusiness #TechForGood #WomenInTech #FounderJourney #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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🚀 In this episode, Yvonne and Maria dive into essential hiring insights every founder needs. Explore team-building strategies, co-founder compatibility, and methods to attract talent with purpose. Founders know that building the right team is crucial. This episode revisits key insights on how to navigate the challenges of finding the perfect co-founders and team members to drive success. 👨🏿🤝👨🏼💰
Key insights:
🎯 The importance of hiring slow and intentionally
🤜🤛 How to find a team that aligns with your vision and values
🛠️ The balance between expertise and hands-on adaptability in a startup
Tune in and unlock the secrets to building your A-team!
👉 Connect with Yvonne and Maria on LinkedIn and Instagram: @yvonnebajela and @mariarotilu
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #FoundersJourney #EntrepreneurTips #TeamBuilding #BusinessGrowth #Teamwork #podcast #StartupLessons #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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🎙️Today on The Startup Leap, we feature Sait Cham, the Founder and CEO behind Hutch and Pimento. Learn how Sait built Hutch into a leading 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider, handling logistics for brands with customizable, tech-powered solutions, and how Pimento's software transformed the logistics game for 3PL providers everywhere.
Key Insights:
✨ Starting from scratch to leading in logistics tech
💼 Key takeaways on resilience and leadership
📈 The benefits of focusing on unit economics early
🚀 Practical insights on scaling for profitability
👉 Connect with Sait Cham, Hutch and Pimento on LinkedIn and Instagram: @saitcham, @tryhutch and @pimentohq
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod | Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #SaitCham #tryhutch #pimentohq #LogisticsTech #FoundersJourney #EntrepreneurLife #3PLSolutions #BusinessGrowth #podcast #StartupLessons #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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🎙️On this episode of The Startup Leap, we sit down with Raffi Salama, CEO & Co-Founder of Passionfruit, a B2B marketplace connecting top-tier freelance marketing talent with leading global brands like PepsiCo, Mars, and HSBC. 🚀
Key Takeaways:
💼 Discover how Raffi's journey—from working with David Beckham to building Passionfruit—was driven by luck, hard work, and smart strategies.
🎯 Learn the importance of focusing on high-leverage actions that produce the majority of results.
🌍 Hear why the traditional 9-5 work model is becoming obsolete, and how specialized freelancers are reshaping the future of work.
🔄 Passionfruit's innovative model: offering on-demand marketing talent through a dynamic, API-like approach.
👉 Connect with Raffi Salama and Passionfruit on Instagram and LinkedIn: @raffisalama and @usepassionfruit
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Learn More: www.thestartupleap.io
Subscribe to: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #RaffiSalama #passionfruit #FreelanceRevolution #entrepreneurship #techfounderstories #marketing #b2b #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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🎙️This week on The Startup Leap, we sit down with Sabrina Del Prete, Founder of KORE Labs—a pioneering company transforming how financial institutions design and launch digital products.🚀
Key Takeaways:
💡 Sabrina's bold leap: From senior roles at top banks to founding KORE Labs, Sabrina shares her journey of turning an innovative idea into a successful fintech startup.
🌍 Empowering Fintech: Discover how KORE Labs simplifies and accelerates the development of compliant, customer-friendly digital products.
🎯 Resilience and Vision: Sabrina talks about overcoming challenges and maintaining focus on a clear vision for KORE Labs' growth.
💼 Advice for Founders: Learn Sabrina’s insights on how to build a solid foundation and gain trust with clients in a highly regulated industry.
🌟 From banking to founder: Sabrina's transition into entrepreneurship and what sparked the idea for KORE Labs.
🔑 Overcoming challenges: Sabrina's advice for pushing through the tough times while staying focused on long-term success.
👉 Connect with Sabrina and KORE Labs on LinkedIn
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram @thestartupleappod, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #Entrepreneurship #KoreLabs #SabrinaDelPrete #podcast #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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In our latest The Startup Leap episode, we talk with Marta Krupinska, Co-founder of CUR8—a groundbreaking climate tech company focused on carbon removal and tackling the $1 trillion climate challenge.
Marta's journey from fintech to tackling climate change is filled with lessons about innovation, inequality, and the power of purpose-driven businesses.
🔗 Learn how CUR8 is pioneering the future of carbon removal solutions.
🌍 Discover how Marta transitioned from fintech to climate tech without a science background.
💡 Learn the role of inequality in shaping Marta’s understanding of climate challenges.
📊 Explore CUR8’s unique business model and its focus on carbon removals.
🚀 Get insider tips on startup culture and how Marta is reshaping what it means to build mission-driven companies.
👉 Connect with Marta and CUR8 on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @martaisnotoninsta
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #Entrepreneurship #StashApp #EdRobinson #Fintech #Startup #podcast #unicorn #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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On this episode of The Startup Leap, we have a conversation with with Ed Robinson, Co-Founder of Stash—a fintech platform valued at over $1bn empowering over 6 million customers and disrupting the traditional investing space. Stash has raised over $300 million in funding and employs 300+ people, making it easier for everyday individuals to start investing.
🚀 Ed shares his journey from Australia to London, then New York, and his leap from investment banker to co-founding a unicorn company valued at over $1 billion.
Packed with lessons on building a co-founding team, acquiring the first 1,000 customers, and scaling a regulated fintech app, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation!
👉 Connect with Ed and STASH on Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter: @stash.financial
🌟 Stay Updated with The Startup Leap: Instagram: @thestartupleappod
Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok: @thestartupleap 🔗
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter to join the community: subscribe.thestartupleap.io
#TheStartupLeap #Entrepreneurship #StashApp #EdRobinson #Fintech #Startup #podcast #unicorn #yvonnebajela #mariarotilu
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