The Pool Podcast

Andreas Mihalovits is a former serial entrepreneur turned angel investor based in Marbella, co-founder of the Global Super Angels Club, and board member and early investor in The Pool. Born in Romania, raised in Germany, and now building one of the most active investment networks on the Costa del Sol, Andreas shares a remarkable story spanning decades of entrepreneurship, exits, and a deliberate shift toward a different kind of life.In episode of The Pool Podcast, host Christian Rasmusson and Andreas go deep into his journey from writing hotel management software for monasteries as a student, to building one of Germany's top internet auction platforms in the late 1990s, to surviving the dot-com crash and pivoting into subscription businesses that eventually gave him financial freedom in his mid-30s.They also talk about what it really takes to build a startup ecosystem from scratch, why Andreas chose Spain as his primary investment market, what he thinks the Costa del Sol is missing to become the Silicon Valley of Europe, and why he believes the next wave of unicorns could come from Marbella.Topics covered:- Growing up in communist Romania and moving to Germany at age 11- His first software business selling to monasteries while still a student- Turning down Amazon in 1996 to stay the entrepreneurial path- Building and exiting one of Germany's first internet auction platforms- Pivoting and surviving the dot-com crash with a subscription model- The decision to step back, move to Marbella, and start investing- Investing in 200+ startups and 16 VC funds- What Spanish startups get right and where they need to improve- The missing ingredients for a thriving Costa del Sol tech ecosystem- His AI music project under the name Cyber MCAFind Andreas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasmihalovits/ or search for his music on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@CyberMCA_official Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qnxFnMa8kKTUpelYomLt9?si=DBgzwnA3TkO7QOvh0x7oVA and SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/cybermca under the artist name Cyber MCA.

Stratify AI founder Tom Williams discusses building AI-readiness foundations, lessons from 12+ years at GE, enterprise consulting across industries, and practical guidance for startups. He also shares his family’s relocation to Spain, finding community in Marbella, and plans to lead the CTO Hub at The Pool.What you’ll learn:- Why validation and rapid iteration matter more than assumptions- How to balance discovery vs. solutioning in consulting- Common enterprise software pitfalls and the cost of replatforming- The five pillars needed to scale AI: business alignment, people, data, technology, governance- How to assess AI use cases against organizational readiness- Practical steps for 90-day and 1-year AI roadmaps- Relocation insights for families moving to Spain

In this episode of The Pool Podcast hosted by Christian Rasmusson, Semi Hakim shares his journey from chef to agri-food entrepreneur and outlines the vision for a new FoodTech Hub. He discusses climate-focused innovation, supporting startups in emerging markets, and positioning Spain as a practical bridge to Latin America. Semi also explains his upcoming venture fund for Emerging Europe and the importance of long-term relationships across regions.

Former Siemens executive and Airbus Defence and Space leader Zoltan Wirth discusses his career across global mission-critical communications, the evolution of cybersecurity, and how 5G/6G, AI, and blockchain are shaping resilient infrastructure and public safety. He also shares views on digital sovereignty, Europe’s competitiveness, tokenization of real-world assets, and the role of standards and regulation.Also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts here: https://bio.site/tpm.podcastConnect with Zoltan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltan-wirth-0b206b1/

In the episode of The Pool Podcast, Elizabeth chats with Maxim Kinds, founder of Claropark. Maxim shares how he turned a personal parking frustration into a growing platform that helps homeowners rent out unused parking spaces to long-term seekers. He discusses his background, why Claropark started in Madrid, operational focus before expansion, and the roadmap toward Barcelona and other European markets. Maxim also covers user acquisition, upcoming B2B listing tools, the Marbella startup environment, working routines, mentorship, challenges, and practical advice for first-time founders.

Crypto Megan join Vicente Ortiz in this special episode of The Pool in Podcast to discuss The Bridge 2025, a weekend hackathon supported by Sui Foundation, and how Marbella is growing as a hub for technology and digital assets. They cover local government support, the potential for initiatives like Draper University in Spain, and the impact of EU regulation (MiCA) on startups. Megan also references recent pro-crypto remarks by the head of the IMF and shares insights on building a sustainable ecosystem in Southern Spain.

Cristina Sancho shares her career journey across technology and media, from early social media roles to Amazon in Seattle, Netflix in Amsterdam and Madrid, leading Taringa as CEO, and co-founding Initia, an AI agents company. She discusses leadership, company culture, writing and measurement rigour, experimentation, handling rapid growth, managing through shutdowns, and the personal discipline of knowing when to quit. Cristina also covers building AI-powered conversational agents for real business impact, team development, and practical advice for young founders.Guest: Cristina Sancho — Co-founder, Initia; former Amazon and Netflix; ex-CEO of Taringa.Interviewer: Christian Rasmusson, CEO of The Pool MarbellaGet in touch with Cristinahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinasanchocastro/https://linktr.ee/cristina.sanchoFind out more about The Pool Marbella here: https://www.thepool.es/

In this episode of The Pool Podcast, gaming creator Jelly (Jelle) shares his journey from early YouTube uploads to 23+ million subscribers and 15B+ views. He discusses naming, first contracts, scaling with consistency, content strategy for a young audience, and how the pandemic impacted viewership. Jelly also covers workflow, team structure, health and balance, moving from the Netherlands to Monaco and now Marbella, travel for work, and what he is preparing for with GTA VI. The conversation includes advice for aspiring creators, responsibility when creating for kids, and lessons from merchandising attempts.Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and building impactful companies.Contact The Pool Marbellahttps://www.thepool.es/Jolly YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC0DZmkupLYwc0yDsfocLh0A

In this episode of The Pool Podcast. Christian Rasmusson chats with Marbella resident Cristina González-Pitarch (Cristina Pitarch), Managing Director for Security at Google Cloud in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Cristina shares her career journey and practical insights on leadership, cybersecurity, and building high-performing teams.What they discuss:Early life, competitiveness, and studies in Law and Business (ICADE), MBA at UC BerkeleyStarting in finance, moving to Salesforce in Dublin, and rapid growth in salesTransition to Google: from sales to technical support leadership and transforming customer satisfactionReturning to Google Cloud and scaling EMEA teams during hypergrowthJoining Chronicle (Alphabet’s security unit) and building the EMEA business from scratchVirusTotal and the Google Cybersecurity Center in Málaga: origins, impact, and community outreachReal-world cybersecurity during COVID: supporting critical institutionsPractical security advice for SMEs: MFA, strong passwords, employee training, VPN, phishing awareness, and basic controlsCareer advice for women and newcomers to cybersecurity: play to your strengths, technical and go-to-market pathsLife in Marbella, family decisions post-COVID, and community needs for teenagersSubscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and building impactful companies.Contact The Pool Marbellahttps://www.thepool.es/

CEO and Founder of Biocircular Fiber, Maziar Nodehi, shares his journey from building Sweden’s largest youth club at 13 to launching Spain’s first hemp processing facility in Seville. In this conversation with Christian at The Pool Podcast, Maziar discusses B2B sales, scaling SaaS, his experience at Serendipity, the EU’s Digital Product Passport, and the path to building a circular materials business in Andalusia. He also talks about local impact, market readiness, and practical advice for new founders.What you’ll learn:- Early entrepreneurship: community projects and events in Sweden- Breaking into business without a degree and fast-tracking career growth- Serendipity culture, B2B sales playbooks, and SaaS scaling- Why Spain for hemp processing and the Sevillian location decision- EU Digital Product Passport and implications for textiles, packaging, and construction- Hemp fiber benefits, supply chain localization, and circular economy- Building with local partners in Andalusia and market education- Forbes 30 Under 30 experience

Payl8r Co-founder and COO Samantha Fogerty discusses building a profitable, regulated UK fintech that expands ethical access to credit. She explains how adopting open banking early enabled underwriting underserved demographics, the role of AI and machine learning in decisioning and fraud mitigation, and why compliance and risk discipline drive sustainable growth. Samantha also covers team structure across the UK and South Africa, strategic bank partnerships, industry trends like open finance, and practical advice for founders on focus, profitability, and hiring.Key topics:- Founding journey and operating in regulated retail finance (UK-only)- Using open banking to underwrite thin-file and younger customers- AI and machine learning for credit decisioning and risk management- Fraud reduction through open banking and KYC improvements- Compliance focus and the impact on innovation- Team scaling, overseas hiring in South Africa, and operational efficiency- Awards: Best Retail Finance Provider (2019, 2024)- Future strategy: second-line lending and partnerships with banks- Industry outlook: open banking to open finance- Founder advice: MOAT framework, profitability first, disciplined hiringConnect with Samantha Fogertyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/directorpayl8r/https://www.payl8r.com/

Join Christian in the latest episode of The Pool Podcast featuring Nawal Roy, an entrepreneur and investor, as we delve into crucial topics like mental health, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of data in healthcare. Discover how Nawal’s venture, Holmusk, is pioneering data-driven solutions for mental health and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in this field. They also discuss entrepreneurship, the role of education, and the exciting developments in Marbella 2.0. Follow Nawal Roy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawalroy/https://www.holmusk.com/

In this episode of The Pool Podcast, host Elizabeth welcomes Iris Arbel of Saboris. Iris shares her remarkable journey from a strategic consultant in Israel to a CEO of a water investment company in China, and now a culinary entrepreneur in Marbella. Discover her insights on integrating into diverse cultures, her passion for healthy living, and the importance of community-building through food. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about career evolution, education, and the art of balancing professional challenges with personal passions.

In this episode of The Pool Podcast, host Elizabeth welcomed Paula Benedi, Founder & CEO of Synergised, as she shares her inspiring journey from law school to becoming a leader in functional and integrative medicine. Paula opens up about her personal health struggles, the transformative power of nutrition and holistic health, and how she built a successful wellness brand. Discover the importance of finding root causes in medicine, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how passion and perseverance can lead to positive change in the health industry. https://www.instagram.com/paulabenedi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-benedi-38629a17a/https://synergised.uk/https://www.instagram.com/synergiseduk/

n this episode of The Pool Podcast, Elizabeth sits down with Dakota Flaget, a student ambassador at Marbella International University Centre (MIUC), to explore her unique journey from the United States to studying in Marbella, Spain. Dakota shares her experiences of choosing an overseas education, the benefits of studying at a UK-accredited program in Spain, and the international community at MIUC. Dakota's move to Marbella—that glamorous coastal city on Spain's Costa del Sol—wasn't just about trading textbooks for beach days. This Mediterranean hotspot, famous for its luxury resorts and yacht-filled marinas, surprised her with something unexpected: genuine educational opportunities that didn't break the bank.The quality of education she discovered in Marbella, paired with a cost of living that made her student budget stretch further than it would in London or Paris, became the real reasons she decided to call this Spanish coastal gem home. Her story reveals how Marbella is quietly transforming from just a playground for the wealthy into a legitimate destination for international students.If you've been considering studying abroad or wondering what lies beyond the traditional academic capitals, Dakota's experience in this sun-soaked corner of Andalucia might just change how you think about your educational options.

Join Christian Rasmusson on The Pool podcast as he dives into the inspiring journey of Adriana Rojas. From her entrepreneurial beginnings in Colombia to becoming a pivotal leader in the tech industry, Adriana shares her experiences of scaling businesses, embracing automation, and navigating challenges in male-dominated sectors. Learn about her passion for innovation, her role in launching a Women in Business forum, and how technology is shaping the future of work. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Adriana’s story offers insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a mark in their field. Tune in to hear her thoughts on balancing personal life with professional growth, the future of AI in business, and the importance of passion in achieving success.https://www.thepool.es/

Join Christian Rasmusson in this episode of The Pool Podcast as we welcome Kari Suleman, a key figure in the development of The Pool community. Alongside Fredrik Bäge, co-founder of The Pool Marbella, Kari shares her journey from Canada to the vibrant creative hub of Marbella, discussing her involvement in tech ventures like Elevate. Discover her insights on fostering creativity and innovation among youth through Launch Academy and her latest venture, Killer Party.Kari reflects on her experiences in San Francisco during the early days of tech giants like Uber and Etsy and shares her vision for the future of Marbella as a business and cultural hub. Listen in as we explore the challenges and successes of building community-driven initiatives and the importance of sustainable growth in evolving cities.Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the dynamic world of startups, this episode offers valuable perspectives on innovation, collaboration, and the power of community.https://www.thepool.es/

In this episode of The Pool Podcast, Christian welcomes Nawal Roy, Founder and CEO of Holmusk, who shares his remarkable journey from the world of finance to pioneering advancements in mental health data.Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Holmusk, Nawal discusses his transition from a successful career in finance to building a leading data company focused on mental health. He delves into the challenges and successes of creating a scientific-grade, industrial-scale data platform for mental health, and his vision for the future. Join us as we explore Nawal's insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of building impactful solutions, and his aspirations for future ventures. Discover how Nawal's unique approach is shaping the future of healthcare and beyond.

Step into the world of cross-cultural finance as we explore Alex Villaverde's remarkable career trajectory. With Spanish and Dutch heritage, Villaverde brings a unique global perspective shaped by his upbringing in Spain and educational pursuits across the UK and United States. Now based in the sun-drenched shores of Marbella, he plays a pivotal role in a prestigious Dutch family office.Villaverde's professional evolution – from driving marketing strategies at Yahoo to spearheading private equity investments – offers fascinating insights into the intersection of technology and wealth management. His current mission focuses on modernizing family office operations while building a diverse investment portfolio spanning real estate, emerging technologies, and private equity ventures.In this episode, Villaverde shares candid perspectives on navigating cultural nuances in international finance, transforming traditional family offices for the modern era, and identifying opportunities in an ever-shifting investment ecosystem..

Join Elizabeth and Christian in this 9th episode of The Pool Marbella's podcast as they sit down with Lex Fisun, the Co-founder of Global Ledger. Delve into the world of fintech innovation and discover how Lex is leading the charge in building cutting-edge solutions to tackle the complexities of global finance. From blockchain technology to compliance challenges, Lex shares the journey of Global Ledger, a company at the forefront of financial solutions. Learn about the obstacles faced in the fintech space, the integration of blockchain into traditional finance, and the future of cryptocurrency and digital currencies. Whether you're a finance enthusiast or curious about the evolving world of crypto, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of global finance. Find out more about Global Ledger here: https://globalledger.io/ Find out more about The Pool here: https://www.thepool.es/ Also available on YouTube

In Episode 8 of The Pool Podcast, we dive into the exciting world of The Pool of Talent, an innovative project connecting the vibrant youth of Marbella with the dynamic business community. Join host Christian Rasmusson as he speaks with Yuval and Lily, two inspiring sixth-form students, who share insights into this initiative's origins, its impact, and future aspirations. Discover how The Pool of Talent provides networking opportunities, internships, and a platform for young talents to engage with industry leaders. Don't miss this engaging discussion about entrepreneurship, education, and the unique environment Marbella offers for aspiring professionals. For more information about The Pool of Talents contact: [email protected] Get in touch with The Pool: https://www.thepool.es/

Join Christian and Elizabeth for episode 7 of The Pool Podcast as they welcome Bob van Winden, a key figure in the fintech industry. In this episode, Bob shares his experiences at Stripe and discusses his new role at Bridge, a startup focused on building stablecoin infrastructure. Learn about the remarkable $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge by Stripe and the evolving landscape of digital payments. Bob delves into the challenges and opportunities within the fintech space, including the impact of regulatory changes and the potential of stablecoins to revolutionize global commerce. Discover how Bob's journey from Google to Stripe and now Bridge shapes his vision for the future of fintech. Whether you're an industry insider or simply curious about the future of digital finance, this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode of The Pool Podcast, Elin Bergman, referred to as the Circular Economy Queen, and Johannes Paul-Schwarz discuss the rebranding of their vertical from AgTech to CleanTech. The rebranding aims to encompass a broader range of sustainability-focused technologies and foster inclusivity within the sector. They detail the upcoming CleanTech event scheduled for November 14th, focusing on topics like circular economy and new EU product legislation. Johannes also shares insights about his work on lab-grown wood, highlighting the challenges of innovative, sustainable solutions and the need for better communication and collaboration between scientists and businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration within the CleanTech Vertical, highlighting the role of The Pool as a meeting place for startups, investors, and entrepreneurs. Johannes and Elin discuss the need for better communication between the academic and business sectors to facilitate the application of scientific innovations. They also address the challenges faced by startups in accessing funding and navigating regulatory barriers, proposing that the CleanTech Vertical serve as a platform for matchmaking and support. The overarching goal is to transform Marbella into a hub for sustainability initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.

Magnus Jern, a tech entrepreneur originally from Sweden, shares his journey and experiences in the tech industry. He recounts his early start in tech entrepreneurship, inspired by his father, and his involvement in the IT boom in the '90s. After facing challenges during the IT bubble burst, Magnus moved to London and worked for Vodafone, where he gained insights into the mobile world and co-founded Golden Gekko, a mobile app development company. Despite initial skepticism from major brands, his company eventually thrived with the rise of the App Store, leading to a successful run and eventual sale to a US company. Magnus later focused on sustainability by founding TAPP Water, a venture aimed at reducing bottled water consumption with innovative water filters. Despite initial challenges in changing consumer behavior, the company grew and was later acquired by Bluewater, allowing Magnus to focus more on family and new opportunities. Magnus currently resides in Cadiz, Spain, where he balances family life with ongoing entrepreneurial activities. He emphasizes the importance of having great co-founders, being selective in hiring, and adapting quickly in business ventures. Inspired by the entrepreneurial community in Marbella, he initiated a local entrepreneur group in Cadiz, fostering startup collaborations and innovation. Looking forward, Magnus is exploring new opportunities involving AI, mobile app development, and human-centric design, leveraging his extensive industry experience and network. He highlights the value of problem-solving, continuous learning, and being meticulous in building teams as key factors for successful entrepreneurship.

Alba Marquez Canalejo, the Global Head of Expansion at Google Cloud Security, discusses her professional journey and experiences with Christian and Elizabeth. Alba shares her background, including her studies in advertising and criminology, and her early career in Spain and the US. She details her move to Silicon Valley for personal reasons and how she navigated the challenges of finding a job at Google despite language barriers and lack of local experience. Alba's perseverance and dedication eventually led her to secure a full-time position at Google after initially working as a temp. She emphasizes the importance of community support and networking in achieving her goals. Alba also talks about her transition to Málaga, Spain, where she now leads a global team for Google Cloud Security. She explains the strategic importance of the Málaga office, particularly in cybersecurity, and its role in fostering local talent and providing training and support to global clients. Alba discusses the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and the need for more inclusive practices. She highlights the importance of supportive networks and allies in overcoming these challenges. Alba envisions Málaga's potential to become a major tech hub, provided there are improvements in local infrastructure and tax incentives to attract more companies.

Chris and Elizabeth chat with Vicente Ortiz, a cryptocurrency expert lawyer, entrepreneur, and investor . Vicente shares his background, detailing his journey from studying law and business to moving to Marbella in 2010, where he ventured into real estate and technology. He recounts his initial success with an app and subsequent investments as a business angel in various companies. Vicente highlights his involvement in significant tech developments like artificial intelligence and Bitcoin, and his deep dive into blockchain technology, which became a focal point of his endeavours. The discussion progresses to the creation and success of the Blockchain vertical at The Pool, a collaborative community initiative aimed at fostering innovation and networking. Vicente elaborates on organizing major events that attracted prominent companies such as Binance, Coinbase, and Alastria to Marbella. He emphasizes the unique appeal of Marbella as a venue and the positive feedback from participants. Looking ahead, Vicente reveals plans for an even larger blockchain event in November, aiming to further establish Marbella as a key location for blockchain discussions. The hosts express their gratitude for Vicente's efforts and his pivotal role in enhancing The Pool's reputation.

Amit, a communication trainer and public speaking coach, shares his diverse background and professional journey. Having grown up in multiple countries and moving to Europe for university, he eventually settled in Prague, Czech Republic, where he has been organizing a major TEDx event for nearly a decade. Amit's motivation to join The Pool, a coworking space in Spain, stemmed from his desire to work around people rather than in isolation. He emphasizes the importance of community and learning the local language to integrate fully into new environments, despite the challenges, such as mastering Czech. Amit also recounts his move to Spain's Marbella two years ago, influenced by his parents' relocation and the area's appealing climate. He appreciates the flexibility of remote work, allowing him to travel and escape harsh weather conditions. Amit expresses his passion for his work, which keeps him engaged and productive, often being one of the first to arrive and last to leave The Pool. His involvement in TEDx has grown from a small university event to one of the largest in Central Europe, providing him with the opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals worldwide.

In this podcast transcript, the host welcomes Elin Bergman, a prominent advocate for the circular economy, who runs Cradlenet, one of the oldest circular economy networks in the world, based in Sweden. Elin discusses her journey, her role in promoting circular economy principles, and her accidental founding of the Nordic Circular Hotspot, which aims to foster collaboration across Nordic countries. She highlights her involvement in various initiatives, such as a lecture tour and speaking engagements at significant events, and her decision to organize an event in Marbella after observing environmental issues like droughts. Elin emphasizes the importance of addressing water scarcity, not just for luxury conveniences but for essential needs such as food production and living conditions. The conversation further delves into the broader context of circular economy practices in Europe, particularly the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan and its associated reporting and investment directives. Elin discusses the progress and challenges faced by Nordic and European countries in becoming more circular, noting that while the Nordics have significant room for improvement, countries like Spain may be performing better in some areas. The discussion also covers the importance of sustainable investment and the need for companies to adopt rigorous, transparent sustainability reporting standards. Elin’s optimism and proactive approach are evident as she shares her experiences and plans for future projects, including the Circular Handshake initiative and her ongoing efforts to drive meaningful, actionable change in sustainability practices.

The first episode of The Pool Podcast introduces the hosts, Elizabeth, who manages the operations, and Christian, the CEO of The Pool. They discuss their excitement about launching the podcast as a new way to communicate with their community and share their journey. They reflect on the growth and evolution of The Pool over the past year, emphasizing the importance of community feedback and their adaptive approach. The podcast aims to highlight events, introduce new developments, and provide a platform for members to share their experiences and insights. Upcoming events such as Marbellup and the Future of Commerce are discussed, showcasing the collaboration with the local government and the involvement of major industry players. The podcast also plans to feature segments on various verticals within The Pool, starting with AG Tech and Climate, and Blockchain, highlighting the contributions of key members like Elin Bergman and Vicente Ortiz. They emphasize the collaborative and innovative spirit of The Pool, aiming to foster a dynamic environment for networking and business growth. Additionally, the podcast will introduce listeners to members of The Pool community, starting with Amit Grinvald, to share their personal experiences and perspectives. Overall, the podcast seeks to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of The Pool's activities, developments, and community impact.