Deep Dive by South Summit

We close this incredible second season of Deep Dive with a special guest: Uri Levine, founder of Waze & Moovit, in conversation with Joe Haslam from IE Business School. Uri shares inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs who shaped his journey and leaves us with a powerful lesson: “You might die, but you never give up.” 💪 This episode is a celebration of resilience, vision, and determination—essential traits for every entrepreneur. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us throughout this season, brought to you in collaboration with Cloud District.

In this exciting new chapter of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, to discuss the power of real-world consumer feedback in building successful businesses. Greg shares his belief that there’s no better way to test an idea than by putting it directly in the hands of real consumers who truly understand it. From there, the path becomes clear: find the right investor and gain the momentum needed to propel your business forward. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to refine their ideas, attract the right funding, and scale with purpose. 🎧 Learn how to turn consumer feedback into a growth engine for your business!

In Episode 8 of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with John Elkington, founder and Chief Pollinator at Volans and a global leader in corporate sustainability. Known as the "father of sustainability," Elkington shares his insights on how companies can genuinely embrace sustainability, the challenges they've faced along the way, and the vital role of platforms like South Summit in this journey. One of the episode's core themes is the increasing need for innovation and collaborative partnerships. Elkington believes that while sustainability is challenging, it’s also an area where constant innovation is key to overcoming obstacles and driving meaningful change. He applauds South Summit for its role in fostering a dynamic ecosystem where startups, investors, and established companies come together to co-create sustainable solutions. According to him, platforms like South Summit are essential in advancing transformative ideas and nurturing the next wave of sustainable enterprises. For listeners interested in the intersection of business and sustainability, this episode offers rich insights. John Elkington’s perspective on sustainable business strategies is essential for anyone looking to understand the role companies can play in shaping a positive future.

In this episode of the Deep Dive podcast, our Chief Ecosystem Officer Liz Fleming welcomes Michele Romanow, a Serial Entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Clearco, one of the world's largest growth capital platforms for startups. Known for her disruptive approach to business, Michele shares valuable insights into the startup ecosystem, offering advice on scaling companies and staying ahead in fast-paced markets. For Michele, the key to entrepreneurial success lies in speed and execution. Her philosophy? Get things 70% right but do them five times faster than everyone else. This agile mindset allows founders to test, iterate, and grow their businesses at a much quicker rate, which is crucial in today’s competitive landscape. Michele also dives into the innovative model of Clearco, explaining how the company provides non-dilutive growth capital to e-commerce and SaaS businesses, empowering founders to retain equity in their startups. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, Clearco is transforming how startups access funding, offering a strong alternative to traditional venture capital. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in the world of startups, Michele’s advice is invaluable.

In our latest Deep Dive episode, we sit down with Jared Carmel, Managing Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to explore the intricacies of startup investment and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jared brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with countless founders and investors, and he shares some of the most crucial insights for anyone looking to succeed in this fast-paced world. Jared emphasizes a key principle for startup success: “The best founders have the best ideas, but they need the tenacity to make those ideas succeed.” Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or an investor looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice. Jared talks about the patterns he’s noticed in successful founders—those who not only come up with groundbreaking ideas but have the determination and grit to bring those ideas to life, even in the toughest environments. This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in building resilient startups, securing investment, and understanding the broader landscape of entrepreneurship.

In the fifth episode of our second season, Joe Haslam welcomes Megumi Ikeda, MD at Hearst Ventures and a prominent investor with a keen eye for spotting emerging opportunities. Megumi takes us through a day in her life as an investor, sharing the routines, practices, and insights that guide her decisions in the fast-paced world of venture capital. Ever wondered what it’s like to manage millions and decide where to invest? Megumi offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she navigates her day, from morning routines to late-night readings that help her stay ahead of industry trends. With a focus on continuous learning, Megumi reveals the types of content she consumes to deepen her understanding of the industries she invests in, ensuring that she’s always one step ahead of the curve. Megumi Ikeda’s episode is a fascinating exploration of the life and mindset of a successful investor. Her disciplined approach to daily routines, combined with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in venture capital or looking to understand how top investors think and operate.

In the fourth episode of our second season, Joe Haslam, Executive Director of the Owners Scaleup Program at IE Business School, receives Michael Baum, founder of The Yope Foundation and a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a wealth of experience in the startup world. Drawing from his own experiences and those of the many entrepreneurs he has mentored, Michael discusses how mental health challenges can affect decision-making, leadership, and the overall trajectory of a startup. His insights provide a powerful reminder that building a successful startup is about more than just having a great idea; it’s about being resilient, staying mentally strong, and knowing when to pivot or persevere. His approach to entrepreneurship is both practical and deeply empathetic, offering valuable lessons for anyone involved in the startup ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the human side of entrepreneurship. Michael’s wisdom on resilience and mental health is not just about surviving the startup journey, but thriving through it.

In the third episode of our second season, we're delighted to welcome Paul Murphy, the general partner of Lightspeed Venture Partners. Paul joins us to share his insightful journey into the world of investment, uncovering the patterns he identifies in successful entrepreneurs and the dynamic relationship between investors and the startup ecosystem. Paul Murphy's story is a fascinating dive into the venture capital realm, where intuition, strategy, and experience converge to support and nurture groundbreaking innovations. As a seasoned investor at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Paul has played a crucial role in identifying and backing some of the most promising startups. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and anyone curious about the inner workings of venture capital. Paul’s journey is not just about identifying and funding successful startups; it’s about fostering innovation, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth of vibrant ecosystems.

In the second episode of our exciting second season, we are honored to host Ida Tin, a entrepreneur and Chairman at Clue. Known for her pioneering work in the femtech industry, Ida shares her remarkable journey in entrepreneurship and how it intertwines with the development and growth of femtech. As a co-founder of Clue, one of the leading female health apps globally, Ida has not only revolutionized the way women understand their bodies but has also championed the femtech movement, a term she coined herself. In this episode, she delves into her entrepreneurial path, from the early days of her career to becoming a prominent figure in femtech.🎙️

We kick off the second season of Deep Dive with a stellar guest: Jeff Hoffman! This serial entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Priceline.com/Booking.com and Ubid.com, joins us to share his incredible journey in entrepreneurship from his childhood days to creating successful ecosystems. In this premiere episode, Jeff Hoffman dives into his early experiences that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. From his first business as a child to co-founding industry-leading companies, Jeff's story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the power of thinking big. He'll reveal the challenges he faced, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time. His journey is not just about building successful companies: it's about creating lasting impact and fostering environments where innovation can thrive.

Deep Dive is back!🎙️ Welcome to the second season of our podcast! After an amazing first season, we're excited to bring you more inspiring episodes and unmissable content. In this new season, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, gives us an overview of what's to come, highlighting the presence of renowned names from #SouthSummit24. We also have a special addition: Joe Haslam from IE University will join us as the host for some of the episodes, bringing his unique insights and expertise. Get ready to dive deep into fascinating topics and inspiring stories!

Join Robyn O'Brien, Co-founder at rePlant Capital, and Joe Haslam, Professor at IE Business, in the last episode of Deep Dive's first season as they explore the future of food. From innovative approaches for funding climate solutions on the farm and within the food industry to regenerative farming and sustainable practices. This conversation covers it all, revealing insights into companies reshaping strategies for environmental and social responsibility.

Our latest “Deep Dive” podcast hosted by Joe Haslam, features Scott Hartley, Co-Founder of Everywhere Ventures. Discover the vital role of humanities in AI, as Scott explores the synergy between tech expertise and human-centric thinking.In this episode, Scott responds to a thought-provoking question from @Jenny Fielding, adding depth to the ongoing conversation on the humanization of AI. Gain insights from a visionary bridging technology and humanity's essence, perfect for forward-thinking professionals. Explore the nexus of tech and humanity with Scott Hartley, reshaping your understanding of AI and its role in our shared future.

In this episode of "Deep Dive," host Joe Haslam explores Latin America's social development challenges with Mayra Castro, Founder of InvestAmazônia. Focused on the Amazon, they discuss its global implications, linking regional issues to broader worldwide concerns. Mayra shares success stories, providing a roadmap for collective action. The chapter concludes with a call for listeners to engage with local governments, emphasizing the urgency of creating a sustainable and equitable future for the Amazon and beyond.

In our sixth “Deep Dive” episode, meet Jenny Fielding, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Everywhere Ventures. Recognized as a top female seed investor, Jenny's journey from founder to VC powerhouse is awe-inspiring. Known for community-building and nurturing startups, Jenny's approach to Venture Capital challenges norms with a many-to-many relationship focus. Uncover insights into the evolving tech scene in New York and her commitment to supporting female founders. Jenny emphasizes trust over time as the secret sauce for successful venture building. At 18':47'', she throws a surprise question at her business partner, promising an intriguing answer in the next episode. Don't miss this captivating episode – tune in now for inspiration from a true tech powerhouse!

In this 5th episode of “Deep Dive,” Helena Díez-Fuentes hosts a conversation with Andreea Constantinescu, Managing Partner at Planet First Partners, where she shares insights from her role in guiding investments towards practices that benefit both the bottom line and the environment. With the claim “Better for the Planet, Better for the People”, this episode discusses the vital intersection of financial strategies and environmental responsibility, reflecting on the commitment to dual impact—creating value for investors while contributing to a healthier planet.

In episode 4, Helena Díez-Fuentes engages in a profound discussion with Jack Hidary, CEO at SandboxAQ, on the ethical challenges of AI and deep tech. The conversation explores the rapid advancements in AI and the delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.   A central theme is the potential of an AI-quantum computing partnership to address global challenges. Real-world examples illustrate the practical applications of this collaboration, envisioning solutions to issues like climate change and healthcare. The dialogue candidly addresses risks and pitfalls, contributing to a comprehensive narrative. A hopeful vision of a future where ethical considerations seamlessly guide AI and deep tech development. https://www.sandboxaq.com/

In this third episode, we journey into the world of sustainability with Andrew Winston, the visionary manager at Winston Eco-Strategies llc. We're on a mission to uncover the road to net zero and explore how companies are confronting the crucial issues of sustainability and social responsibility.  Over the years, he's been a guiding light for companies and leaders alike, using his influence to illustrate that sustainability isn't merely a passing trend; it's an integral part of our daily lives. Andrew's strategic expertise has paved the way for companies and communities to embrace a more sustainable way of living. Dive into the positive impact Andrew Winston has had on our ecosystem and learn how we can turn 'green' from a mere trend into a vibrant reality, especially for generations to come.

In this second episode, we explore the profound impact of human connection, compassion, and self-awareness within the realm of investment. Join us as we sit down with Ruchika Sikri, a true luminary in the field driving positive change by aligning impact investing, technology, and business in service of humanity. You'll gain insight into how Ruchika Sikri's expertise is facilitating connections between individual self-awareness and pressing global issues like climate change and social unrest. Advocating for a paradigm shift, emphasizing radical self-knowing and transformation as the catalysts for a brighter, more compassionate future. Join us on this inspiring journey as we explore Ruchika's vision and her remarkable work, all of which are poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of investment and beyond.  https://www.wisdomventuresfund.com/

In this first episode, Jared explores how biomimicry, the practice of emulating nature's designs and processes to solve human problems is revolutionizing technology and helping sustainability efforts across the globe. We uncover the myriad ways in which nature's genius is inspiring human creativity to build a more sustainable future. Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of nature-inspired innovation. Whether you're a seasoned expert or completely new to the topic, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on how nature can guide us toward a more sustainable and harmonious ecosystem.  https://biomimicry.org/