Runway

Sam Marchant builds AI companies designed to exit at $20 to $100 million, and thinks the industry has been chasing the wrong animal.Sam is a partner at Inaugural, an AI venture studio that has built eight revenue-generating companies in 24 months, and the founder of Forward Pursuit, a Dubai-based family office. He also hosts the Now We Build podcast and runs Scaling MENA, the weekly newsletter for anyone paying attention to the Gulf and broader Middle East ecosystem. Before Dubai, he founded and exited a food brand at university, then spent years in early-stage VC in London.In this episode, Mauro sits down with Sam to unpack a deeply contrarian thesis on how AI companies should be built, funded and exited, and to get a clear-eyed view of what is actually happening across the MENA startup ecosystem.We discuss:🐫 Why he's betting on $20 to $100 million exits instead of billion-dollar unicorns, and why his LPs love it 🤖 How Inaugural takes AI companies to $20-30k MRR before handing the keys to founders 🏗️ The industry-insider partnership model that powers their bets🇦🇪 Why he chose Dubai over the US, and what most founders get wrong about the region 🗺️ Where to actually build each product in MENA🧢 How to balance multiple hats in VC📰 Why he thinks media will be one of the last industries flattened by AI 📧 🎙️ Scaling MENA, Now We Build and Sam's approach to media🗣️ Getting started with media and overcoming fears of cringe🌍 What the war has done to UAE deal flow, and why Q3 and Q4 could see record investmentGive it a listen. Follow Sam on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Scaling MENA newsletter.Episode links:Sam Marchant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-marchant/Inaugural: https://www.inaugural.ai/Forward Pursuit: https://forwardpursuit.vcNow We Build podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/65dN21XYOgD5wVzLWcPpRx Now We Build podcast (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-we-build/id1755152119Scaling MENA: https://substack.com/@scalingmena =================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Arthur Renard is a freelance football journalist who built his career hustling interviews as a teenager. Today, you can read him in publications in 20+ countries and languages, and see him on TV. We sat down to hear his story.Arthur Renard moved from the Netherlands to London at 18 with a few bags and no detailed plan. Within nine months he was in the Chelsea canteen interviewing José Mourinho.Today he's the BBC's go-to voice on Dutch football, a regular on Sky Sports and TNT, and has bylines in The Guardian, The Times, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gazzetta dello Sport, France Football, El País and many more.He's interviewed Jürgen Klopp, Louis van Gaal, Frenkie de Jong, and Vincent Kompany and other players and coaches writing history.Mauro sits down with Arthur to unpack how a freelance career in football journalism actually gets built, story by story, relationship by relationship. And a tiny dose of football chat!In this episode, we cover:🎯 The Mourinho story that kicked it all off📞 Why phone calls still have a role to play📨 Pitching cold versus warm🌍 Getting placed in multiple country markets⚖️ Balancing stories of personal interest with those that will sell for publications✈️ The economics of self-funded tournament journalism, and why Arthur keeps investing in being there❤️ Using "the heart as a compass": why Arthur prefers to focus on the personal stories🎤 Breaking into broadcast🔮 The next chapter: video, podcasts, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup🏆 World Cup 2026: predictions, the dark horse, and the off-pitch storylines Arthur thinks will define the tournamentGive it a listen! And do follow Arthur on LinkedIn & explore his portfolio. Links below.Links mentioned in the episode:Arthur's website: https://arthurrenard.comArthur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-renard-44ba0a88Arthur on X: https://x.com/arthurrenard87=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Raitis Puriņš built Latvia's biggest marketing team almost from scratch and helped make Printful a unicorn. Now he's Chief Growth Officer, a new role with some overlaps, over in B2B fleet management.Raitis spent seven years as Head of Marketing at Printful, scaling the team from 5 to over 100 people and helping the company reach a $1B valuation, making it Latvia's first unicorn. Before that, he was a computers teacher, a sports journalist, and (still to this day) a top-level handball goalkeeper.Currently, Raitis is Chief Growth Officer at Mapon, a fleet management company on an acquisition spree across Europe. In this episode, Mauro sits down with Raitis to hear the full Printful story told with the benefit of hindsight, and learn what it's like rebuilding a marketing playbook in B2B SaaS.We discuss:🔍 How SEO became Printful's most powerful growth channel, and what happened when they cut all ad spend during COVID📧 The one email mistake that cost millions🏗️ How to build a marketing team of 100🎯 Category creation and turning "print-on-demand" from a niche into a global industry🤝 The Printful-Printify merger📢 Leadership principles from the Printful years⚖️ Brand vs. performance🏷️ Why he's "Chief Growth Officer" and not CMO at Mapon🔀 What translates from ecommerce to fleet management SaaS🇱🇻 The marketing community he's building for Latvian marketers targeting export marketsGive it a listen! 🎧 Follow Raitis on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raitispurinsLearn more about Mapon: https://www.mapon.com/=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

If news is becoming data, what's left for journalists to do? How is AI changing media and journalism? We sat down with Andrii Degeler, one of the journalists in startup and VC media looking at this most closely.Andrii has been covering the European tech ecosystem for 19 years. He started in Ukraine reviewing smartphones, hustled his way into The Next Web, spent years at Tech.eu, and now serves as Head of News at Dealroom, where he's building a journalistic operation on top of one of Europe's most important startup data platforms. He also founded Unzip Media, a project dedicated to understanding what's happening inside the media industry.JJ and Mauro sat down with Andrii at TechChill 2026 in Riga, in collaboration with Unzip Media (thanks for the cameras! Look for a video version on YouTube), for a frank conversation about the forces reshaping journalism and European tech media.We discuss:📰 Why a growing share of "news" is actually structured data, and how that changes the newsroom🪦 The European tech media brands that have disappeared and what's filling the gap (are they like for like replacements?)🤖 The most dystopian scenario for journalism in the AI era... *suspense*📉 Lessons from the Facebook pivot-to-video era and why media risks repeating the same mistake with AI💸 Why the Substack model has a hard ceiling... with subscription fatigue is already biting🏢 Building editorial independence inside a brand: how Dealroom News approaches integrity... is this model the future?🔧 Andrii's real AI workflow as a journalist and editor (including why he's a Claude user)📊 Making daily data reels and why Andrii is "in love" with Dealroom's datasetGive it a listen.Follow Andrii on LinkedIn and check out Dealroom News for his latest reporting. His personal site is shlema.me. More links below.🔗 EPISODE LINKS:Episode on video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40kiFwmp7IoAndrii Degeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlema/Andrii's website: https://shlema.meDealroom News: https://app.dealroom.co/newsUnzip Media: https://unzip.media/=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

After hosting 200+ (scrappy and not so scrappy) startup and business founders and operators on The Pursuit of Scrappiness Podcast, Uldis developed the ultimate Baltic business-building knowledge base.On this episode of Runway, we unpack it together with him, and get to know his latest venture, OkoRide.Uldis Tēraudkalns co-created The Pursuit of Scrappiness, the most popular English-language business podcast in the Baltics. Over four years, he interviewed personalities from the Baltics and abroad, from the co-founder of Wise to the CFO of Intel, building one of the deepest perspectives on the Baltic startup ecosystem. He's also a finance and technology executive, former CEO of regulated fintech Nexpay, and has now co-founded OkoRide, a mobility startup running an electric car fleet on the Bolt platform in Riga.In this episode, Mauro sits down with Uldis to dig into the lessons from 200+ episodes, the traits that separate founders who make it from those who don't, and the full story behind his leap from podcast host to startup founder.We discuss:Part 1: Lessons from The Pursuit of Scrappiness💡 Why "scrappiness" in the Baltics is a structural advantage, not just a word.🌍 The small-market advantage: why being forced to think globally from day one outperforms having a comfortable domestic market🇱🇹 Lithuania's rise: how it went from Estonia's shadow to a serious challenger in Baltic tech🇪🇪 How Estonian founders support each other and boost the ecosystem in doing so🎯 What unicorn founders actually have in common across 200+ conversations: insanity, vision, and storytelling📉 The VC-only myth: why the unicorn path isn't the only valid model, and the wild story of ss.com in Latvia🎙️ Why The Pursuit of Scrappiness pausedPart 2: The OkoRide Journey as a Co-founder🛞 The OkoRide story: pivoting from fintech CEO to running a Tesla ride-hailing fleet in Riga🤖 Vibe coding internal ops systems🔧 Acquiring a Tesla workshop (OxWorks) and why uptime is the real competitive advantage in fleet management🇬🇧 UK expansion plans🔮 Where autonomous vehicles fit in EuropeFollow Uldis on LinkedIn and check out OkoRide!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Tarmo Virki has spent decades on both sides of the media divide. He covered technology at Reuters for more than a decade, crossed over into startup communications, and most recently co-founded FOMO.Observer, a newsletter-led publication covering the Estonian startup ecosystem from the inside.In this episode, Mauro sits down with Tarmo to talk about what journalists actually want from a pitch, why visuals should come before the press release, and what's quietly happening in one of Europe's most interesting startup ecosystems.We discuss:📰 How a chance encounter at a lecture in Helsinki in 1996 launched Tarmo's journalism career🎯 Why most startups only have 3-4 genuinely newsworthy moments per year — and how to make them count📸 The story behind PowerUP's €10M Series A photo that got picked up by Sifted as a cover image🌐 What changes when a journalist crosses to the "dark side" of communications✍️ Why a blog beats a €1,000 conference ticket for early-stage founders 🇪🇪 What FOMO.Observer is, why Estonia needed it, and how to pitch them 🔇 Why Estonia's startup scene seems quieter right now, and why that's not a bad sign=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Is it possible to cover fintech from every angle? Writer, editor, event programmer, author, and now newsletter founder, Ian Horne has done it all.In this episode, Mauro sits down with Ian Horne, former Head of Content at Money 20/20 Europe, author of Why DeFi Matters, and founder of the FinTech newsletter Let Fintech Grow (LFG). Ian shares his journey from sociology graduate to one of FinTech's most versatile voices, and what he's learned along the way.They dig into:Why DeFi was a wake-up call for the entire financial system, and where it's heading nextThe rise of stablecoins and tokenization as the real quiet revolution in FinTechHow AI is reshaping growth for startups (teams of two scaling to $100M revenue)The inside story on how Money 20/20 programmes its agenda, and how smaller companies can punch above their weight to get on stageWhat Let Fintech Grow is, why Ian built it, and what makes it different from the usual FinTech media landscapePlus: Snoop Dogg's virtual real estate, selfie-takers and credit scores, and the GOAT debate in tennis.Follow Ian on LinkedIn and subscribe to Let Fintech Grow!Episode links:Ian HorneIan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-horne-86335399/Why DeFi Matters (Kogan Page): https://www.koganpage.com/authors/ian-horneLet Fintech Grow: https://letfintechgrow.beehiiv.com/Companies & platforms mentionedBloxx: https://www.bloxxhome.comCredolab: https://www.credolab.com/ Decentraland: https://decentraland.orgMoney 20/20: https://www.money2020.comCitywire: https://citywire.comStripe: https://stripe.comKlarna: https://www.klarna.com=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

EU Startups Summit 2026: We got a special 25% discount code for you with the code BlackUnicorn25 - valid until end of March!About the episode:What does it look like to be the person shaping the narrative of the European startup ecosystem, one story at a time?In this episode of The Runway Podcast, JJ and Mauro sit down with David Cendón Garcia, Head of Editorial at EU Startups, one of Europe's longest-standing and most influential startup media outlets.David brings a genuinely rare perspective: born in Spain, raised in Montana, trained at the Irish Independent, forged in diplomatic communications for the Embassy of Ireland and the EU Commission, and now at the helm of editorial for a publication that's been covering European innovation since before most of today's ecosystem existed.Join us in this conversation about startup journalism, Europe's tech moment, and what it means to tell the stories that shape an ecosystem.We cover:🌍 David's unconventional path from Montana to EU Startups — and why his background makes him a better journalist 📰 How EU Startups thinks about its role as American outlets retreat from European coverage 🧠 Why context, not just news, is the most valuable thing a publication can offer 🚀 The European founders quietly becoming the ecosystem's loudest patriots ⚡ Where European tech is heading: defence tech, data infrastructure, EU Inc, and the "buy European" shift 🎙️ Taking over the EU Startups podcast and why human stories matter as much as headlines 🇲🇹 What to expect at the EU Startups Summit in Malta, May 7–8🎧 Give it a listen, and for more do check out the rest of our pod. If you find it useful, don't forget to give us a 5-star review!Episode links:EU Startups Summit 2026EU Startups podcast on SpotifyMarcin's TurnedVC show on YouTubeEU Startups homepage=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Welcome back to Runway! Today, Cate Lawrence, senior writer at Tech.eu, joins JJ and Mauro for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about what it takes to get covered, the realities of a journalist's inbox, and where European tech is headed.With over a decade covering startups across publications like The Next Web, DZone, ReadWrite and now Tech.eu, Cate has a unique perspective on the European tech ecosystem, and strong opinions on what founders and PR pros get right (and wrong) when pitching.In this episode, we explore:📬 What Cate's inbox really looks like: 180+ pitches a day and counting📰 The types of stories that actually get her excited (hint: it's not just funding rounds)⏰ How much notice journalists really need, and why Friday afternoon pitches are a bad idea🔍 Why journalists do their own outbound research, and how to make sure they find you🇪🇺 The state of European tech: momentum, layoffs, and the golden opportunity from US instability🌍 Which European ecosystems to watch: hint, a big one is in CEE!👀 Interesting startup ecosystems and diasporas: Armenia and more🤖 How AI is creating a strange new tension between founders and the journalists who cover them📻 The rise of alternative media formats and what it means for traditional newsrooms🕵️ The wild story of a fake hedge fund, stolen websites and a fraudster in India, investigated by Cate, with a bit of help from JJ and MauroWhether you're a startup founder, a comms professional, or just curious about how European tech journalism works from the inside, this one's packed with insights.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

How Community and Communications Are Reshaping Venture Capital — with Hege Tollerud of BrightEye VenturesIn this episode of The Runway, we sit down with Hege Tollerud, Head of Community and Events at Brighteye Ventures — Europe’s leading edtech VC fund. With a rich background in journalism, media, and ecosystem building from Oslo to China to London, Hege shares how VC is evolving beyond just capital to include real human connection, community, and strategic support.We dive into:Hege’s unique journey through media, city branding, and edtech leadershipWhy community and communications are now core to value creation in VCWhat founders should really be doing at startup eventsThe role of storytelling in early-stage fundraising and brand buildingHow BrightEye defines and supports the future of learning and workEmerging VC trends in platform, events, and contentTune in for a fresh take on the future of venture capital, and what it means to build truly founder-centric ecosystems.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Parker Olson on the Real ROI of Podcast GuestingParker Olson is co-founder of PodPitch, an AI-powered platform reshaping how startups and PR pros land podcast interviews. The platform has seen enormous growth and is quickly becoming the number one AI-powered tool for PR agencies.In this episode, Mauro sits down with Parker, who shares his unconventional journey and offers a masterclass in how startups can leverage podcast guesting to build trust, refine messaging, and grow their audience, even without massive budgets or big-name recognition.🎙️ We discuss:Parker’s wild entrepreneurial journey from viral Twitter pages to living in a tent for two yearsWhat makes podcasts such a powerful (and underutilised) channel for B2B and startup marketingSmart tactics for startup founders to refine their messaging through podcast interviewsThe importance of niche shows, host relationships, and content repurposing for ROIWhy podcasts can outperform traditional media for influence and conversionBest ways to leverage podcasts🎧 Tune in to learn how to podcast smarter.Chronology:Introduction and the PayPal SurpriseParker's Journey into EntrepreneurshipThe Evolution of PodpitchThe Value of PodcastingThe Influence of Podcasts on TrustNavigating the Podcast LandscapeThe Role of Niche PodcastsThe Future of Podcasting and BrandingMaximising ROI from Podcast Guest AppearancesStrategies for Startups in PodcastingThe Long-Term Value of PodcastingCorporate Podcasts: Trends and InsightsCase Studies: Success Stories in Podcast Guesting=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

From Journalism to VC Comms: Frederik Barsøe on Telling Startup Stories That StickWhat happens when a journalist turns PR pro and dives headfirst into the startup and VC ecosystem?In this episode, we sit down with Frederik Barsøe, PR & Comms Lead at Scale Capital, who shares his journey from Denmark’s top newsrooms to the heart of Europe’s tech scene. Still with a foot in both the media and PR worlds, Frederik, who also serves as a UK producer for TV2 Denmark, offers rare insights into what makes stories land in broadcast. Fred also shares his experience in the world of startup PR, whether you’re bootstrapped or backed, as well as VC.We cover:The divide between bootstrapped and VC-backed startup storytellingWhat VCs actually want to say (and what founders get wrong)Why founders should avoid buzzwords and over-polished commsHow to think like a journalist... and pitch like oneThe biggest PR mistakes startups keep making (and how to fix them)How to build visibility as a VC without hogging the spotlight🎧 Give it a listen, and for more do check out the rest of our pod. If you find it useful, don't forget to give us a 5-star review!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

What does it take to build a B2B marketing function from the ground up, and make it work? What is B2B marketing, and how does effective B2B marketing look like, in 2025?In this episode, we’re joined by Julieta Varsano, a seasoned B2B marketing leader with 10+ years of experience scaling brands across startups, scaleups, and global corporates. Now heading the marketing function at Upvest, Europe’s leading investment infrastructure provider, Julieta shares her playbook for setting marketing foundations, winning internal buy-in, and balancing strategic thinking with fast execution.Julieta is also a frequent public speaker on B2B marketing, co-founder of the B2B Marketing Meetup Berlin, and part of the Women in Fintech Powerlist.In the episode, we talk about:The first 100 days of a one-person marketing team.Why lead gen is out, and how demand gen drives real results.How to align with product, sales, and leadership.Using OKRs to connect marketing with company goals.The core principles every B2B marketing function should be built on.AI’s impact on junior roles and experimentation.And the biggest misconceptions about marketing (and how to fix them).This episode can help anyone in entrepreneurship and business, but if you're building a B2B startup, leading a B2B company or work in B2B marketing, it should be a no-brainer!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

What’s it like reporting on tech and startups from one of Europe’s most overlooked corners?In this episode, we sit down with Bojan Stojkovski, Editor-in-Chief of IT Logs and veteran journalist, to explore the Southeast European startup ecosystem—from its hidden potential to the challenges of funding, visibility, and cross-border collaboration.Bojan shares his journey from covering foreign policy to uncovering dark PR, troll farms, and underground tech worlds, and his latest role in the world of startup media, shining a light on emerging startup founders in North Macedonia and the Southeastern European region.We also talk media trends, PR dos and don’ts, and what it’ll take for the Balkans to catch up with the rest of CEE.Don't miss it!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Veteran journalist and content consultant Nick Huber joins JJ and Mauro to demystify how startup founders should think about comms. Drawing on 25+ years writing for outlets like the Financial Times, BBC, and The Guardian, Nick shares:Why founders should relax about PR and also stop treating it as a black boxThe biggest mistakes companies make when trying to get media coverageHow journalists actually pitch their editors, and what PR pros can learn from itWhat makes a story genuinely newsworthy (hint: it’s not just a product update)The difference between being newsworthy and being helpful as a sourceWhy founder involvement and thought leadership matters, and how to get it rightHis take on AI hype, accessibility for journalists, and trends in the European tech sceneIf you’re a startup founder, comms lead, or just curious about how journalism and PR intersect... you can't miss this one!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

🎙️ From Music Festivals to Startup Exhibitions: Ben Costantini on Building the Future of EventsIn this episode of the Runway Podcast, JJ and Mauro sit down with Ben Costantini, founder and CEO of Sesamers, a platform connecting various tech players around events to drive real-world traction.Ben truly is the GOAT of events, having studied them, collaborated and worked with them, as well as event attendees, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors for years. And he shows proof of that in plentiful golden nuggets of advice, the insights, tips and analysis from the conversation.We also dive into his origins story, from organising music tours in China to advising thousands of founders on event strategy, Ben shares his fascinating career journey and hard-earned insights on what makes events truly valuable.We cover, among many other things:Why exhibitions, not just tech conferences, can be growth accelerators for startupsHow to choose the right events at each stage of your startup journeyWhat makes an event great (and what to absolutely avoid)Practical advice for founders on networking, exhibiting, and speakingAnalysis of event organisation from the event organisers' perspectiveSesamers’ next big move: building the SaaS infrastructure that powers startup-event matchmakingBen hits it out of the park, and whether founder, marketer, or event organiser, this episode is packed with great advice and a fresh perspective on the role of events in the startup ecosystem.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

How does a tiny country with no natural resources, a legacy of Soviet occupation, and just 1.3 million people become one of the most digitally advanced nations on Earth?In this episode, Mauro sits down with Joel Burke, author of Rebooting a Nation: The Incredible Rise of Estonia, E-Government and the Startup Revolution, to unpack Estonia’s remarkable transformation.Drawing from his own experience and research for the book, Joel shares his journey from Silicon Valley and Berlin to helping lead Estonia’s e-Residency program, and what he learned about innovation, identity, and (e)government along the way.Having seen Estonia’s digital transformation first-hand, but through the eyes of an outsider, Joel offers a unique perspective. His experience in both governance and tech ecosystems puts him in a rare position to compare and contrast Estonia’s trajectory and dissect what makes it so distinctive. Coupled with historical research, this allows him to unpack how and why Estonia got there, the pivotal leaders who shaped the journey, the lucky breaks along the way, and what the Estonian model might teach other countries aiming to reboot their own systems.We cover:Overview of Estonia's economic policy post-USSR occupationWhat led Estonia to embrace digital transformation earlyWhat makes its startup ecosystem so uniqueThe new work and societal organisation culture in EstoniaHow e-residency works, and who’s using itWhat other governments can learn from Estonia’s bold movesWhy this Baltic nation continues to punch above its weightFor that and much more, tune in!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this Baltic special, we sit down with Anda Asere, journalist at Labs of Latvia and co-founder of business newsletter Finday.lv.Often referred to as the “godmother of Latvian startups.” Anda has been covering the Latvian startup scene since the very beginning... before “startups” was even a  thing in Latvia!We dive into:How Anda’s journey from business journalism led her to startupsThe origins and mission of Labs of Latvia, and why it matters for the ecosystemThe do’s and don’ts for PRs and founders when approaching mediaThe current state and future of Latvia’s startup ecosystem - beyond unicornsAnda’s Latvian startup sectors and startups to watch in 2025=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

David Johnson, Country Manager and Editor at Maddyness UK (part of Maddyness, of French origin), joins the show to share his winding journey from running a bookshop to shaping one of the UK’s most influential startup media platforms.We talk about:How David’s background in literature, architecture publishing, and Libya (!) led him to startupsThe real state of the UK tech ecosystem in 2025, and how it compares to FranceComparing France and the UK when it comes to startupsWhat founders and PR people still get wrong when pitching storiesWhy storytelling, not just news, still matters, and what makes a pitch stand outWhat to make of the hype around AI, defence tech, and the “next Silicon Valley”=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Vlad Andriescu, Editor-in-Chief of start-up.ro, joins Mauro in this Runway episode to unpack the evolution of Romania’s startup ecosystem, from the early days of €10K investments and hackathons... to the post-UiPath reality and the country’s cybersecurity edge.This is the perfect episode to get up to date with the Romanian startup ecosystem and learn about its history!We explore:💡 Romania’s startup history and how UiPath changed everything🚀 Why technical founders dominate the scene (and what’s changing)🌍 How smaller Romanian cities are building innovation hubs📉 The shift from unicorn dreams to sustainable growth🧠 What makes Romanian founders unique, and what they still need to work on📰 Plus, how start-up.ro became a key voice in the ecosystem and what’s next for the publication=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

The State of Climate Tech in 2025  With Nick van OsdolIn this episode, we’re joined by Nick van Osdol, writer, analyst, and founder of Keep Cool, the go-to newsletter for nearly 20,000 readers tracking what’s happening in climate tech. From mining and energy to early-stage startups, it's got you covered! Nick is also a Venture Partner at Climate Capital.We dig into what “climate tech” really means (and whether the term still makes sense), how the industry is evolving post-2024 election, and what areas of innovation, like EVs, methane reduction, or grid infrastructure, might still move the needle. Heads up: if you expect a conversation only about VC-funded startups, that's not how it went down! We explore where climate tech fits in the bigger picture: policy, economics, startups, and global power plays.🧭 Nick’s Unlikely Journey into Climate Tech – From literature and media to writing one of the most-read climate tech newsletters and investing with Climate Capital.🌍 What Is Climate Tech, Really? – Unpacking the blurry lines between climate tech, cleantech, energy, and sustainability... and whether “climate tech” is still a useful label.🗳️ Politics & Policy in 2025 – How Trump’s return and global political shifts are reshaping the climate tech landscape and forcing a rethink of what can thrive without "government support".💸 Venture vs. Infrastructure – Why VC alone won’t save the planet, and how real change will depend on large-scale infrastructure, grids, and old-school industrial deployment.🐄💨  The Methane Problem – How methane emissions can drive climate change, and solutions out there to mitigate.🔋 EVs, Batteries & the Grid – Chatting about recent developments and notable startups in charging reliability and EV infrastructure deployment.🇨🇳 China’s Dominance in Clean Tech – Why China, and not the US (!), may now be the most important player in global climate mitigation.Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just climate-curious, this one’s a wide-ranging, candid reality check on what’s next for the sector.🧊 Subscribe to Keep Cool🧠 Follow Nick on LinkedIn: Nick van Osdol=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

AI Regulation & Startups: Breaking Down the EU AI Act with Philip MohrThe EU AI Act. Innovation killer or necessary safeguard? In this episode, we sit down with Philip Mohr, founder of AddTrust, to break down the realities of AI compliance for startups.Philip, a seasoned entrepreneur turned AI compliance expert, explains what the EU AI Act really means for founders, who actually needs to worry, and why fears of overregulation may be overblown. We also discuss whether AI startups are really fleeing Europe, what founders should do now to prepare, and why AI compliance might become a competitive advantage rather than just a regulatory headache.Topics covered:🚀 Philip’s journey from founder to AI compliance expert📜 The EU AI Act explained: what’s regulated and what’s not💡 The truth behind “high-risk” AI categories🏃‍♂️ Are startups really leaving Europe over regulation?💰 How VCs and enterprise buyers are thinking about compliance🔎 What AI startups need to do today to stay aheadIs AI compliance a dealbreaker, or just another challenge to navigate? Tune in and find out.🎧 Listen now!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

🎙️ How do you build a media powerhouse and investment platform at the same time?In this episode of The Runway Podcast, we sit down with David Cruz e Silva, co-founder of EUVC, a one-of-a-kind business that combines podcasts, newsletters, events, and investments to shape the future of European venture capital.David shares the untold story of how EUVC started, from an industry insider’s frustration with the lack of transparency in venture to creating a platform that enables better access to knowledge of the European venture capital space.We unpack how EUVC went from a side project podcast to a multi-pronged business with a media core that spotlights Europe’s best investors and an investment side that backs emerging VC fund managers.In this episode, we cover:🎤 How EUVC started as a podcast and newsletter, and how it took off fast🔄 How media and investment fuel each other in euvc's business model📣 What goes into "platforming Europe’s top VCs" and what sets their content apart💰 Why euvc backs emerging fund managers instead of raising a traditional fund🔮 What’s next for euvc and the future of venture in Europe... and lots more! So go ahead and hit play to listen to the episode!🔗 Subscribe and follow euvc at eu.vc📲 Connect with David on LinkedIn for the latest from himFurther links:EUVC is a community of more than 25.000 VCs, LPs & Angels all contributing and enjoying:🎧 The European VC Podcast — The go-to podcast for all things European Venture.🧠 The EUVC Insights platform — The platform that collects & amplifies the best long-form pieces from the EUVC community.😇 The Super Angel Podcast — The go-to podcast for Europe’s angels.🏆 The EUVC Summit & Awards Show — The marquee summit & awards celebrating the champions of European venture.📅 The EUVC Events — Events like no other.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, we sit down with Sigvards Krongorns, Associate at Verge HealthTech Fund and former co-founder of CastPrint. From building a startup that Forbes called “the future of casts” to investing in early-stage HealthTech companies, Sigvards shares his journey from founder to VC.We dive into:🔹 Sigvards’ and CastPrint’s story🔹 Categories and ways of looking at HealthTech🔹 The 5 payer levels in HealthTech🔹 The biggest challenges facing HealthTech startups in 2025🔹 Common mistakes founders make when pitching investors🔹 The day to day as a VC in HealthTech🔹 How venture capitalists evaluate startups in this complex, high-impact industry🔹 Global issues, ageing and demographics, chronic diseases🔹 Barriers to tech adoption in healthcare🔹 The future of HealthTech, where innovation is heading and what’s next for the sectorWhether you’re a HealthTech founder, investor, or just curious about the future of healthcare innovation, this episode is packed with insights just for you!Check it out!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, we sit down with Dino Starčič, founder of higroup, to explore:🔹 Starting a (software consultancy) business at a (very) young age - Dino's and higroup's story – how Dino and three friends from school built higroup🔹 How software consultancies work – different models, collaboration styles & what clients should expect🔹 Startups & how they should work with external software development agencies – common mistakes, red flags, and what to look for in a tech partner🔹 Speed vs. quality in product development – how to balance quick launches with solid engineering🔹 Networking & scaling a service-based business – making the most of events, branding, and sales strategies🔹 Expanding into international markets – how higroup landed US clients and grew globally out of Slovenia (hint: some very unexpected beginnings)=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

🎙 Unlocking Podcast Growth with Data: A Conversation with Podder’s Christian SorensenIn this episode of The Runway Podcast, we dive into the evolving world of podcasting with Christian Sørensen, founder & CEO of Podder, the platform often called the Google Analytics for podcasts.If you’re a startup founder, marketer, or creator, this one’s for you—because just like in startups, data-driven decisions separate the winners from the rest.🔹 How Christian and his team went from an ad marketplace to building a podcast analytics powerhouse🔹 The biggest blind spots in podcast data and why most podcasters are flying blind🔹 Why podcasting is still in the “dark ages” of analytics and how Podder is changing that🔹 The best growth strategies for podcasts, from audience insights to smarter marketing📢 Listen now to get the inside track on podcast analytics, growth, and monetization!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, Mauro sits down with Stefano De Marzo, Senior Communications Manager at Openers PR in Berlin and former Head of News at EU Startups to talk about - you guessed it - startup PR, tech journalism and the biggest stories of 2024.Stefano shares the story of the journey from journalism in Peru, to startup and tech reporting roles across Europe, to his present PR role. An action-packed 30 minutes in which we dive into:-Stefano's story-How PR professionals can better collaborate with journalists-Trends in 2024 shaping European startups, including the rise of AI and the big stories of the year-The evolving media landscape—what legacy media, podcasts, newsletters, and niche outlets mean for the future of PR (if anything)Stefano also offers advice for startups exploring PR for the first time and reflects on how storytelling is at the heart of impactful communication.Happy listening and Merry Christmas!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini return to the mics as they are joined by Andra Bagdonaitė, Partner at venture capital firm FIRSTPICK, to explore:Andra’s journey: From studying economics and politics to becoming a consultant, to making the move to VC and supporting Baltic startups.What makes a great founder (what FIRSTPICK looks for): The importance of grit, resilience, and adaptability in building successful companies.The role of a VC partner: A deep dive into the day-to-day. Deal sourcing, portfolio management, and the realities of daily life in venture capital.Marketing for VCs: How FIRSTPICK stands out with bold branding, strategic communication, and authentic storytelling.Lithuania’s rise in tech: Why Andra believes the country is catching up to Estonia and poised to surpass it in the coming years.Trends for 2025: Tune in and find out!An unmissable episode packed with insights on VC and the Baltics! Wanna pitch FIRSTPICK? Listen to this first!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, Mauro sits down with Rana Rahman, founder and managing director of Raptor PR, the world’s only dedicated B2B PR agency for the global gaming industry. Rana shares his journey from tech enthusiast to PR expert, detailing the unique challenges and opportunities he’s encountered building a specialized agency in a fast-evolving sector. Together, they dive into the gaming industry’s growth, how B2B PR supports it behind the scenes, and what it takes to grow a resilient, successful agency in a niche market.Rana and Mauro discuss everything from Raptor PR’s early days to the importance of creating authentic, data-driven messaging. They explore the impact of emerging tech on gaming PR, how to keep agency culture strong, and why transparency matters in client relationships. Whether you’re in PR or fascinated by the games industry, this episode offers valuable insights from a leader at the intersection of both worlds.Summary:•Rana Rahman, founder of Raptor PR, shares his journey to establishing a B2B agency dedicated to the global games industry.•Insights on the unique challenges of B2B PR in a gaming-centric environment.•How emerging technologies like AI, fintech, and blockchain intersect with gaming and PR.•The importance of authenticity and transparency in agency-client relationships.•Strategies for building a niche agency brand and establishing a presence in the gaming industry.•Balancing PR fundamentals with the influence of micro-influencers and social content.•Key qualities to look for when hiring PR talent, especially for specialized industries.•Practical advice on integrating team members into the sales process.•Why B2B PR can be just as impactful as consumer PR in the gaming world.•Tips for aspiring PR professionals and gamers looking to break into the industry.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Join us for an insightful conversation with Zoltan Vardy, a seasoned business growth mentor who’s closed over $2 billion in B2B sales. Zoltan shares his journey from major executive roles at NBC Universal to helping startups through his Launch Code framework. Dive deep into B2B sales strategies, startup challenges, and Zoltan’s advice for founders navigating enterprise sales for the first time.Zoltan will launch a book with real life examples of applying the Launch Code. It's coming out in February 2025 and you can sign up here or through the link below to receive the first chapter of the book before it is published. Exciting!https://zoltanvardy.com/bookThe podcast episode goes through:1.Introduction to Zoltan Vardy and His $2 Billion Sales Journey2.Most Memorable Deals: From Corporate Giants to Startup Partnerships3.Transition to Startups: Why Zoltan Moved from Corporate to Mentoring Founders4.Sales Foundations for Founders: Where to Begin with No Experience5.Building Trust and Creating the Problem-Solution Connection6.Networking Tips: The Role of Events and Finding Warm Leads7.The Launch Code Framework: Structuring Sales for Scalability8.Delegation and Team Building: When to Hire Sales Support9.Closing the Deal: Steps to Onboarding and Maintaining Momentum=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of The Runway Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Gibb, an investor, founder, and connector of people, who shares his incredible journey from the corporate world and NGOs to startups and venture capital.Alex is a Brit who fell in love with Lithuania, helped it join the EU and then became one of the country's most well-known angel investors. With a focus on Triple Top Line startups—People, Planet, and Prosperity—Alex is a true catalyst for positive change.Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:•How Alex transitioned from government work and NGOs into the startup world•His involvement in Lithuania’s EU accession and his personal connection to the country 🇪🇺•The founding and growth of Tinggly, Katalista Ventures, and Paysolut (acquired by SumUp)•The fascinating story behind Paysolut’s exit and his fastest-ever startup exit to a US company•Key lessons from his startup failures and how they shaped his investing mindset•Advice for founders looking to secure funding from angel investors•Insights for aspiring angel investors on how to get startedWhether you’re a startup founder, an aspiring angel investor, or someone curious about the entrepreneurial journey, Alex has stories and advice that can help more than just a bit.Tune in for this jam-packed episode full of insights and actionable takeaways!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of the Runway Podcast, hosts JJ and Mauro are joined by Zane Bojare, a seasoned pitch coach and former Head of Brand at Startup Wise Guys. Zane shares her journey from branding expert to pitch coach, revealing what drew her to help founders refine their investor pitches.With experience training over 500 founders, Zane discusses the essential elements of a winning pitch, from storytelling and balancing data with narrative to managing stage fright and showcasing company culture.She also breaks down the common mistakes startups make when pitching and offers practical tips for founders looking to boost their confidence.Tune in to discover how to captivate your audience, avoid the “expert pitch” trap, and tailor your presentation to any audience, from clients to investors.Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Zane’s insights have something for everyone!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Mastering PR in Venture Capital: A Conversation with Elisheva Marcus, VP of Comms at Earlybird VCIn this episode, we’re joined by Elisheva Marcus, VP of Communications at Earlybird VC, for an insightful conversation on the role of PR and comms in the world of venture capital. Elisheva shares her unique experiences in helping Earlybird and advising its portfolio startups in crafting compelling narratives, building trust, and navigating the complexities of PR.From managing proactive and reactive communications to supporting startups through funding announcements, Elisheva offers expert tips on how to effectively leverage PR, both in-house and externally. Whether you’re a startup founder or part of a VC firm, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how PR can drive success in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem.Tune in to discover:•How PR for VCs differs from startups•The essential role of storytelling in building trust•Practical tips for creating effective funding announcements•Why having a dedicated comms team is a game-changer for VC firmsDon’t miss this episode—full of lessons from one of the leading voices in PR for VCs!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Thompson, Director of Sales Development for EMEA at Deel, the world’s leading global HR solution. Matt has played a pivotal role in scaling Deel’s sales development team from 4 to 150+ people, representing 40% of all opportunities created by the whole organisation and helping the company become the fastest-growing SaaS business in history.Join Mauro  as he and Matt dive into the intricacies of inbound sales, inside sales strategies, and scaling teams. Whether you’re looking to grow your own sales organization or just want to fine-tune your sales skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you. From team motivation to effective prospecting and the power of personalization, Matt shares his hands-on experience and advice on building a successful sales team.Listen as we cover:•Matt’s journey from managing inside sales teams to growing an inbound sales powerhouse (from 3 to 100+ team) at Deel•Best practices for structuring inbound and outbound sales teams•The critical role of collaboration and gamification in driving sales success•Tips for motivating and developing SDRs and account executives•The power of personalization in modern sales outreach=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

In this episode of Runway, hosts Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini engage in a captivating conversation with Eric Melchor, the founder of B2B PodPros and host of Innovators Can Laugh. Eric shares his unique journey from being a startup founder in Romania to becoming a trailblazer in the podcasting community. Discover how Eric leveraged his passion for connecting with people to create a thriving B2B podcast network and advertising model that benefits both brands and podcasters.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:•The Inspiration Behind Innovators Can Laugh and its butterfly effect: How a casual suggestion during  work led Eric to start his first podcast.•Building a Podcast Community: Insights into creating and nurturing a successful B2B podcast network with over 30 members. Since the podcasts on their own are rather small, Eric created an innovative approach to group sponsorships (the first ever of this kind!) and how it helps smaller podcasts monetise effectively.•Technical and Marketing Tips: Essential tools, strategies, and techniques for producing good podcast content and engaging audiences -- whether starting out or already podcasting.•The Power of Relationship Building: Why podcasts are a powerful medium for connecting with industry leaders and building valuable relationships.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn with Kotryna KurtIn this episode of Runway, we are thrilled to welcome Kotryna Kurt, a LinkedIn influencer, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Linkedist. Kotryna joins us to share her wealth of knowledge on how to effectively use LinkedIn for personal branding, marketing, and sales.Discover the evolution of LinkedIn from a simple job-seeking platform to a comprehensive professional network. Kotryna discusses practical strategies for optimizing profiles, creating engaging content, and leveraging LinkedIn’s features to drive business growth. Whether you’re a startup founder, CEO, marketer, or sales professional, Kotryna’s insights will help you navigate LinkedIn more effectively.Tune in to learn:•How to set up and optimize your LinkedIn profile•The importance of content creation and how to get started•The role of LinkedIn in a B2B marketing strategy•Tips for social selling and relationship building on LinkedIn•The do’s and don’ts of using LinkedIn for personal brandingDon’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. Listen now and start maximising your LinkedIn potential!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Exploring Affiliate Marketing with Vik Ratomske, co-founder & CEO of PartnergapIn this episode, we sit down with Vik Ratomske, the CEO of Partnergap, to demystify the world of affiliate marketing. With over 12 years of experience, Vik shares her journey from accountancy to becoming a leading expert in affiliate marketing.We discuss the basics and complexities of affiliate marketing, including its applications in both B2B and B2C markets, the importance of using the right tools and platforms, and how to measure success through key performance indicators. Vik also sheds light on the latest trends in affiliate marketing for 2024 and provides actionable advice for businesses of all sizes looking to harness the power of this marketing channel.Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or looking to enhance your current strategies, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to learn how affiliate marketing can drive growth and success for your business.=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Adam Jennings is the founder of design agency Made By Contour and a branding expert.  He's the man behind Black Unicorn's brand, website, logos and more. Proof that his work is great? Our logo got 'stolen' multiple times by a number of companies.Whether you're building your company's brand for the first time, are considering an upgrade or evolution, or just want a branding refresher -- after listening to this episode, all things branding should be clearer. Check it out!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Gregory Kennedy is the founder of BrandZen, a marketing strategy and content creation agency. With extensive experience as a Silicon Valley marketer, Gregory has a proven track record of driving significant growth and engagement for B2B clients.In just over a year, BrandZen has generated over 10 million organic impressions, created 1,000s upon 1,000s of leads, increased follower counts by over 300%, written multiple viral organic posts with more than 500,000 views each, and increased ARR by as much as 40%.In this episode, Gregory shares his invaluable insights of 20 years in marketing in Silicon Valley, including on authenticity in marketing, the importance of consistency, leveraging social media platforms and adapting to changes in SEO.Check it out!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

For our latest conversation for the Runway pod we had the privilege of speaking with Jake Meth, founder of op-ed writing and strategy firm Opinioned.Jake started Opinioned to support business leaders with thought leadership, with a laser focus on op-eds, after spending five years as Fortune Magazine’s opinion editor.Jake shares his journey from living in Egypt during the Arab Spring to becoming an editor at Fortune, before we begin unpacking all the goodies on how to write the perfect op-ed.What you’ll get from listening to the pod is Jake's journey as well as a breakdown on how to write the perfect op-ed.If you want to have your op-ed checked by Jake for free, you can do this by submitting it for review for his email newsletter, Pitches Get Stitches.Enjoy!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

Robin Wauters is the founder and also founding editor of ⁠Tech.eu⁠. He also announced a few weeks ago that he was stepping down from his role at Tech.eu.We caught up with him just before the ⁠Tech.eu Summit in London⁠, the first one in the UK’s capital after the two initial editions in Brussels.As well as talking about Tech.eu, its origins and the summit, we also asked him how he saw the business of media outlets, the impact of AI on a number of topics around European tech and his opinion of the ecosystem.Tech.eu, its Origins and First Investors, and the Tech.eu Summit, Impact on European Tech EcosystemThe Media Industry and Business, and Robin’s Views on Media and AIHow Robin Sees European Tech at the Moment, EU vs US, DeeptechCheck it out!=================================================================Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn.Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more.Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC.For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog