The Seed Podcast

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, hosts Hassan and Jan sit down with startup consultant, mathematician, and venture capitalist Ruth Cremer to pull back the curtain on Germany's Shark Tank. Drawing from her deep experience coaching candidates behind the scenes of the hit show, Ruth shares the most common pitching blunders that even the most promising founders make on television and in real-world VC meetings. She exposes the reality of what gets cut from the final broadcast, including intense deep dives into regulatory compliance and complex financial models. Beyond the glamorous world of TV pitches, the conversation shifts to a critical analysis of the modern startup ecosystem. Ruth breaks down the hidden traps of growth at all costs venture capital contracts and shares her candid, cautious perspective on the current generative artificial intelligence boom. Whether you are trying to master your company's metrics or trying to determine if your business is truly ready for investor funding, this episode delivers an honest reality check for the modern entrepreneur.Ruth's LinkedInRuth's Website

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Eric McHugh, the co-founder of Dataing, an innovative AI-powered matchmaking platform that is trying to rethink human connection in the age of artificial intelligence. Eric shares his fascinating journey from working on ad algorithms at Snapchat and navigating the highs and lows of the cryptocurrency space to building a platform designed to fix what is broken in modern romance.We dive deep into why legacy dating apps are financially incentivized to keep you single and how utilizing your digital footprint can create fundamentally better, more authentic matches. From the ethics of user data monetization to a surprising conversation about whether AI can ever truly replicate or replace genuine human consciousness, this episode explores the cutting edge of how technology is reshaping our most personal choices. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a startup founder, or someone tired of the endless swipe cycle, this conversation offers a refreshing and vital look at the future of relationships.Link to Eric's LinkedIn: linkLink to Dataing: link

In this special episode of The Seed Podcast, co-hosts Hassan and Jan step out from behind the interviewer mic to share their own entrepreneurial journeys. The duo dives deep into the realities of launching a startup, exploring the highs and lows of building tech in today's fast-paced world. Hassan breaks down the mission behind Rose, a hybrid couple's therapy platform aimed at breaking relationship stigmas through a blend of human counseling and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Jan shares the origin stories of his own ventures, including a health-tracking app designed to optimize sleep and nutrition. From mastering the perfect pitch to decoding how large language models actually process data, this conversation offers an open, honest look at what it takes to turn student ideas into real-world AI innovations.

What really happens behind the scenes of the world’s biggest blockbuster movies and what happens when a Hollywood insider decides to leave stability behind to bet everything on artificial intelligence?In this episode of The Seed Podcast, hosts Hassan and Jan sit down with Aaron Bhugobaun, a media production veteran who has worked on massive releases for Marvel, Disney, and Universal. From approving world-class VFX on films like Thor: Ragnarok and Spider-Man: No Way Home to managing pipelines for YouTube creators pulling in 9 billion views a month, Aaron has seen the entertainment machine from the inside out.Link to Aaron Bhugobaun

What does it actually take to build a business that someone wants to buy? In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur and investor Peter Hart to break down the realities of building, scaling, and acquiring companies. Peter shares his journey from funding his first venture with €6,000 of waitering money to surviving the intense pressure of Shark Tank (Die Höhle der Löwen), and eventually pivoting into a private equity firm that has acquired 7 companies.Whether you are just starting out with a laptop and a dream or looking for an exit strategy, Peter’s raw, no-BS insights will change how you look at your business operations.Follow Peter on LinkedInand see all his companies there!

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we are joined by Juan Prim, a two-time author and mentor who has navigated the high-stakes world of international corporate business and successful tech exits. Juan dives deep into the realities of the "Brutal Sales" mindset, explaining why traditional business schools often miss the mark on teaching the grit required to scale a company from scratch.We explore the evolving landscape of work, where Juan argues that while AI is rapidly transforming white-collar professions, the role of the entrepreneur remains the one position that cannot be automated. He shares his personal journey from cold-calling at a Spanish startup to managing massive investment rounds and eventually moving into the "acquisition CEO" space. Whether you are a student looking to break into the AI hub of Barcelona or a founder trying to understand what investors truly want beyond a pitch deck, this conversation offers a raw, unfiltered guide to surviving and thriving in the modern business ecosystem.--------Follow Juan on LinkedInCheck out his books: "The Lean Funding" and "Metodología Brutal Sales"

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Jérémie Benhamou, a French entrepreneur who has spent the last eight years transforming the technological landscape of Barcelona. Jérémie shares his fascinating journey from building the Spanish subsidiary of Extia - growing a team to 150 people in the middle of a global lockdown - to his latest ventures, TheTechNation.We dive deep into Jérémie's "intrapreneurial" spirit and his transition into the world of Generative AI. He explains why he believes Barcelona has surpassed other European cities to become a premier tech hub and shares behind-the-scenes insights into organizing the AI Summit Barcelona, a massive event bringing together 10,000 innovators.Key topics we cover:The Pivot to AI: Why Jérémie shifted from traditional consulting to an AI-first agency modelThe "Crouly" Vision: How AI agents and human "dream teams" are revolutionizing tech servicesSurvival Skills: Why curiosity is the only soft skill that matters in the age of AGIThe Future of Work: Jérémie’s bold take on why manual emails will soon be a thing of the past and how we are moving toward a "dev-less" worldLinkedIn: Jérémie BenhamouWebsites: AI Summit Barcelona | TheTechNation

Can a single month in Silicon Valley teach you more than a four-year degree? In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Victoria Clotet, the powerhouse CPO of Twintual, to discuss her rapid ascent from a CS student at the University of Virginia to the heart of the tech world. Victoria shares how she bypassed the traditional "Big Tech" route to dive into Founders Inc, an intense one-month accelerator known as the "Pre-YC" for hardware and high-stakes software. We explore the "insane" mentality required to build a unicorn and why the Valley remains the ultimate proving ground for ambitious builders.Victoria pulls back the curtain on her latest venture, Twintual, an AI-driven "second self" designed to manage and respond to your messages across email, Slack, and Discord. She breaks down the critical role of a Chief Product Officer, emphasizing why founders must prioritize user feedback and "ship" their first version before they feel ready. Whether you are a student wondering how to leverage your professors' industry experience or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for the right visa strategy to enter the US, Victoria’s "no-nonsense" advice on networking and relentless iteration is essential listening.Connect with our Guest:LinkedIn: Victoria Clotet Twintual Website: twintual.com

In this episode of the Seed Podcast, hosts Hassan and Jan sit down with Leo Bradshaw, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Upcap. Leo shares his remarkable transition from a decade in private equity and deal advisory to becoming a repeat startup operator and entrepreneur.Leo delves into his experience scaling Peckwater Brands, where he successfully raised over £30 million and navigated the complexities of internationalization across 11 countries. He offers invaluable insights into:The critical importance of market timing and recognizing opportunitiesThe challenges of fundraising and how to effectively engage investorsThe role of AI in streamlining the fundraising process for high-growth foundersThe necessity for founders to embrace ambiguity and build a strong company cultureWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Leo's advice on strategic outreach, financial modeling, and the accelerator experience is a must-listen.Connect with Leo and Upcap:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobradshaw/Upcap: ⁠https://upcap.ai

Did you know youth unemployment in Spain is at 25%?Meet James Archidona: Co-Founder from Joblanders. He wants to revolutionise the job market by creating an engine that connects applicants and recruiters on a "match basis” rather than having applicants sending hundreds of applications and recruiters receiving thousands. He leverages AI and a large data base to power that engine. In this episode we dig deeper into James' story, why and how he founded his company, job market dynamics for young people, and the future of AI. Stay tuned!If you’re a student, aspiring founder, or simply curious about how to enter the world of startups, this episode gives you a raw and honest look at the beginning of that journey. And if you are  a current job seeker, this one is perfect for you too.Follow his journey on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-archidona-11018431/ Website: https://www.joblanders.com/ —------Want to see more from the Seed Podcast?Find the episodes’ best moments on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseedpodcast_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-seed-podcast/

In this first episode of The Seed Podcast, season 2, we sit down with Minseo Jeong, a 22-year-old founder who has already built and scaled multiple ventures across education, crypto, and now private aviation.From launching his first company in high school and scaling it to six figures, to dropping out of university twice and raising funding for his latest startup, Minseo shares an unfiltered perspective on what it really takes to become a founder at a young age.We break down:How he identified and acted on early opportunitiesThe reality behind dropping out and pursuing entrepreneurship full-timeWhat students get wrong about startups and venture capitalWhy timing and execution matter more than ideasIf you’re a student, aspiring founder, or simply curious about how to enter the world of startups, this episode gives you a raw and honest look at the beginning of that journey.Follow his journey on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minseojeong/Website: https://www.flyatlas.ai/

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Gastón Bilder, General Counsel at ENOWA—part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project—and a prolific impact investor focused on cleantech and emerging markets.Gastón shares his remarkable journey from Argentina to the global stage, blending a career in international energy law with angel investing in over 100 mission-driven startups. He unpacks the key differences between business angels and venture capitalists, the power of resilience in entrepreneurship, and how the legal landscape informs smarter investment strategies.From negotiating global energy deals to scaling AI-enabled afforestation through Tree Geo Data, Gastón offers invaluable lessons on risk-taking, cultural adaptability, and building toward a sustainable future—one bold step at a time.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, Hassan and Alejandro sit down with Iván Wolf Olivares, co-founder and CEO of Saludtech, a growing digital clinic based in Chile. Iván shares his journey from software engineer to entrepreneur, reflecting on the challenges and milestones of building a telemedicine platform in Latin America.He talks about the importance of complementary co-founder dynamics, balancing technical and business responsibilities, and the power of networking in the startup ecosystem. Iván also discusses his personal approach to investing, the future of AI in healthcare, and what’s next for Saludtech. Whether you’re launching a startup or exploring the intersection of tech and healthcare, this episode is full of actionable insights and real-world advice.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Jason Bruckman, a seasoned HR leader and founder of BoldX Talent, to unpack two decades of experience in staffing, recruitment, and company culture. From climbing the corporate ladder to launching his own firm, Jason shares what it takes to attract top talent, build culture-first teams, and meet the evolving expectations of Gen Z in today’s workplace.He offers practical, no-fluff advice for job seekers—covering resume best practices, the value of networking, and how to confidently negotiate salaries and benefits. Jason also breaks down how AI is transforming recruitment, while making the case for why the human element still matters. Whether you're hiring, job hunting, or navigating modern career growth, this episode is full of insight you can put to work.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, Hassan and Alejandro sit down with Tobi Oyebade, an Associate at Patamar Capital, to explore his journey from Jos, Nigeria to the heart of San Francisco’s startup scene. Tobi shares how he "tripped up into venture," and how impact investing has become the core of his mission—blending financial returns with meaningful social outcomes.He dives into the real work behind the scenes in venture capital, the value of genuine relationship-building, and why cultural identity—down to how you dress—can play a powerful role in business. With a grounded, thoughtful perspective, Tobi offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and aspiring investors alike, especially those looking to create impact across borders.Whether you're new to VC or curious about what it’s like working in an impact fund, this conversation is full of insight, personal reflections, and global perspective.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, Henrique Campos, co-founder and CEO of Brazu, shares his journey from Brazil to building a globally expanding AI-powered startup. Brazu is revolutionizing video animation by automating over 80% of workflows in Adobe After Effects, helping creators save time and streamline production.Henrique dives into how he validated the idea, leveraged his hiring skills from past roles to build a strong team, and scaled internationally—primarily through bootstrapping. He also reflects on how global experiences have shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out in your entrepreneurial journey or exploring the AI x creativity space, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, we sit down with Biel Seuma, Chief of Staff at Factorial, to discuss his journey from engineering to consulting and into the world of startups, landing a key role at Spain’s HR software unicorn. Biel shares insights on decision-making in high-growth companies, the balance between being a generalist and a specialist, and the best ways to prepare for entrepreneurship. He highlights the power of mission-driven obsession, exposing oneself to opportunities, and openly sharing ambitions to unlock new possibilities. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break into the startup ecosystem.

In this episode of The Seed Podcast, Jessica Saade, Head of Investor Relations at Kibo Ventures, shares her path into the venture capital world. She delves into how she professionalized investor relations, built a powerful network while searching for the right role, and leveraged her international background to shape her career. Jessica also explores the key differences between corporate culture and VC, emphasizing the importance of passion, adaptability, and the right mindset for success in the industry.

In this episode, Robert Hangu, founder of Next Jobs, an AI-powered HR tech startup, shares insights on his entrepreneurial journey, the impact of AI on career choices, and how non-technical professionals can play a role in shaping the future of AI.

In this Spanish-language episode of The Seed Podcast, Alfons Mengual—entrepreneur and manager at Conector Startup Accelerator Barcelona—dives into the power of accelerators in kickstarting careers. He opens up about his personal startup journey, the lessons he's learned, and why students should jump in early to gain hands-on experience.

Pablo de Remedios takes us through his journey from Spain to the UK and eventually to Silicon Valley. In this episode, he shares his experiences navigating an international career, his relentless efforts to break into the venture space, his experience building a startup in a renowned accelerator program, and valuable insights into his role as a Venture Scout.

Camilo shares his journey as a young entrepreneur and investor, highlighting his ventures, strategies, and the value of attitude, networking, and risk-taking. Starting his investment firm at 19, he discusses balancing hard work with luck.

Welcome to the Seed Podcast! Our mission is to inspire and guide young people looking to break into the venture world. Every two weeks, we bring you new episodes featuring stories, insights, and advice from remarkable individuals in the industry. Tune in and take your first step into venture with us!