Venture Ahead

In this episode of Venture Ahead, we talk to Adriana Pereira, co-founder of The Fabricant, an AI-powered design suite for the fashion world. We hear from Adriana about how AI and blockchain are revolutionizing the fashion industry, making it more productive, efficient and sustainable.Adriana shares why she thinks fashion professionals shouldn't be afraid of AI, believing that it can make their work easier without compromising on quality. We also talk about AI's impact on entrepreneurship in general, and hear Adriana's insights and advice for being a female entrepreneur in a world that is still largely male-dominated.The conversation also reflects on self-confidence and self-belief as a founder, and looks ahead to how AI will continue to transform workplaces in the coming years.https://www.ie.edu/uncover-ie/ceo-of-glydz-tanguy-audouin-master-in-management/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanguyaudouin/https://www.glydz.fr/blogs/product-presentationmicromobility, e-scooters, entrepreneurship, startup, early-stage investing, Kickstarter, customer feedback, use case, bootstrapping, #VentureAhead

In this episode of Venture Ahead, we talk to Tanguy Audouin about his journey from building DIY electric skateboards as a teenager to launching a forward-facing micromobility product designed to solve real urban pain points. Built upon hundreds of street interviews and five major product iterations, his product, Glydz, has developed through direct user feedback.We talk about what it really takes to bootstrap a hardware startup: from selling your car to fund prototypes to becoming your own lead engineer, learning through YouTube and factory floors, and having 300 conversations before feeling confident there's a true gap in the market.Tanguy shares his story of starting a company from scratch, explaining how he's launching through Kickstarter, raising smart angel money and building a digital-native brand with a long-term vision for leasing and mass adoption.This is a candid look at early-stage entrepreneurship, product design, resilience and what it means to turn passion into a scalable business.Curious about what comes next after this episode?👉 Secure your “Early Bird” Gydz here: Https://reservation.glydz.fr/2https://www.ie.edu/uncover-ie/ceo-of-glydz-tanguy-audouin-master-in-management/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanguyaudouin/https://www.glydz.fr/blogs/product-presentation

In this episode of Venture Ahead, our host, Victoria Pérez Jiménez, welcomes Juan Moliner, the co-founder of InvoPop. InvoPop is a Y Combinator-backed startup revolutionizing how companies handle invoicing across borders. Juan shares his journey from management consulting at Boston Consulting Group to building a company that helps businesses navigate complex tax systems across multiple countries.The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of running a startup, and how different consulting and founding a company are. Juan speaks about his experience developing the business at Y Combinator, winning South Summit's top prize and earning a spot on Forbes's 30 under 30 list. He also offers insights on how to deal with imposter syndrome and what aspiring entrepreneurs should know when pitching their ideas.https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-moliner/https://www.linkedin.com/company/invopop/https://www.invopop.com/https://www.ycombinator.com/https://www.southsummit.io/e/madrid/enentrepreneurship, Y Combinator, electronic invoicing, tax compliance, fintech, SaaS, imposter syndrome, founder journey, InvoPop, Juan Moliner, career transitions, #VentureAhead

In this episode of Venture Ahead, we sit down with Marci Zaroff, founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp and a pioneer of the global eco-fashion movement. From lemonade stands and business cards at age 11 to redefining sustainability in fashion, Marci shares her 35-year journey building businesses that are a force for good.Together, we explore how conscious leadership, circular design and regenerative supply chains can transform one of the world’s most polluting industries. Marci challenges the idea that sustainability requires sacrifice, introduces her “yes, and...” mindset, and explains why style, quality and ethics must go hand-in-hand.The conversation also touches on self-care, purpose-driven work, women in leadership, micro-trends, fast fashion and why making sustainability cool is essential for real change. An inspiring episode for founders, creatives and anyone interested in building win-win business models for people, planet and profit.https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-zaroff-b5990a3/https://www.ecofashioncorp.com/https://www.integrativenutrition.com/https://www.amazon.com/ECOrenaissance-Lifestyle-Cocreating-Stylish-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B074ZJC7WZsustainable fashion, circular fashion, entrepreneurship, slow fashion, ethical fashion, soil health, wellness, #VentureAhead

In this episode of Venture Ahead, our host, Victoria Pérez Jiménez, welcomes Eric Sim, former investment banker at UBS, educator and author of "Small Actions." Eric reflects on his journey from selling street food to working at the highest levels of global finance, and on the small, consistent steps that shaped his career.The conversation explores key career skills including confidence, social skills and the power of sharing knowledge publicly. Drawing on his experience building a global audience on LinkedIn, Eric discusses consistency, authenticity and how documenting what you know can open up unexpected opportunities. The episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to build a meaningful and sustainable career.https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeric/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59741508-small-actionspeople skills, career readiness, #employability, soft skills, business relationships, rags to riches, Small Actions, Eric Sim, investment banking, #VentureAhead

In the new edition of Venture Ahead, Mikayel Vardanyan Co-founder & COO at Picsart, Advisor & Investor joins Ainhoa Valencia to talk AI, creativity and the reality of the challenges facing entrepreneurs. Mikayel is honest in his assessment of the daily challenges, but says it's important to remain positive in confronting them. There are, he says, always more opportunities if you have the right mindset.He also addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to creativity: can AI replace human designers? In Mikayel's experience, human input is still valued, and he sees Picsart as a tool to enable human creativity. But he knows that things may change in the future. Tune in to hear the thoughts of someone who's been in entrepreneurship since his university days.https://picsart.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikayelvardanyan/#AI, #creativity, #humandesign, #entrepreneurship, #entrepreneurshipchallenges #VentureAhead

In this episode of Venture Ahead, our new host, Victoria Pérez Jiménez, IE Business School International MBA student, welcomes Paris de L’Etraz, managing director of IE Venture Lab, and Ana Tasić, International MBA alum.Paris and Ana explore how AI is shaping the world today, focusing on the positive and negative impacts that it is having on students. They share their concerns around the consequences of over-reliance on AI for cognitive work, including the effects it can have on students’ self-confidence and mental health.The discussion examines the importance of using your brain every day and delves into the deeper topic of what brings meaning to people’s lives. It also reflects on the potential capabilities of AI 50 years from now. Paris and Ana offer valuable perspectives as professor and student, encouraging listeners to think critically about their learning and their purpose.https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-de-l-etraz-phd-99917a6/?originalSubdomain=eshttps://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/paris/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-tasic/?originalSubdomain=cahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAfdoDc7_5ohttps://ieconnects.ie.edu/ieeic/venture-lab/#AI #ChatGPT #cognitive #offloading #students #TEDx #Entrepreneurship #IEVentureLab

In this episode of Venture Ahead we speak to AI entrepreneur Iwo Szapar, cofounder of AI Maturity Index. Iwo discusses where we are in the ongoing AI revolution, and offers a stark vision of its implications for the future labor economy. But he also has plenty of room for optimism, seeing AI as a tool that humanity will use to solve real-world problems, helping us and the planet in the process. One day soon, he predicts, we'll all have AI agents assisting us, both in our professional and personal lives.Listen in as Iwo joins Ainhoa Valencia with some fascinating insight into a world that's already changed beyond recognition, and where that change is only accelerating.https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwoszapar#AI #remote #work #hybrid #post-labor #economy #productizing #entrepreneurship #assistants #robots

In this episode of Venture Ahead, IE Business School's International MBA student Victoria Pérez Jiménez is joined by healthcare entrepreneur and lifelong learner Aline Gómez-Acebo Finat. In a wide-ranging discussion, Victoria and Aline discuss the real meaning of sustainability, framed against the traditional entrepreneurial imperative to pursue constant growth.Aline, CEO of healthtech firm Eniax, challenges us to reconsider whether scaling is always the right way forward in the early days of a startup, pointing out the importance of maintaining focus on the here and now. She also shares, after completing six degrees and now teaching at IE University, what advice she'd offer to her younger self, including accepting that you can't always have complete control.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinegomezacebo/https://www.linkedin.com/company/eniax-spa/https://eniax.care/en/#sustainability #entrepreneurship #scalability #lifelong #learning

In this first episode of the third season of Venture Ahead, host Ainhoa Valencia talks to serial entrepreneur Folajimi Daodu about his career and his businesses, Vault Hill and Saifra Events. Folajimi describes his path to entrepreneurship, from growing up in Nigeria to studying a master’s in the UK that changed the trajectory of his career. He explains how his businesses came about and the genuine problems that they were aiming to solve.Folajimi also talks about his current efforts to bridge gaps between Africa and the Middle East, allowing him to give back to his African roots and help bring value to the region he currently calls home. He also shares his perspective on the technologies that he thinks will be making a big impact in the coming years. Listen in for a broad and insightful discussion.https://www.linkedin.com/in/folajimi-daodu-46918734/?originalSubdomain=sahttps://vaulthill.ai/https://safiraevents.com/#entrepreneurship #bridginggaps #africa #middleeast #solutions #SaudiArabia

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Joe Haslam talks with Ed Soo Hoo, Lenovo's WW CTO for Global Accounts, about building resilient companies through uncertain times. Ed introduces his "three Ns" framework - Now, New, Next - and explains why innovation flourishes when you pair fresh eyes with wise eyes. They discuss optimizing for return on experience over ROI, and creating cultures where unexpected leaders can emerge. The conversation swerves into a memorable Japan boardroom negotiation involving samurai swords, and why not everyone needs to charge the hill; there is always a place for operators.https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsoohoo/https://www.lenovo.com/https://www.southsummit.io/leader/ed-soo-hoo/https://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Joe Haslam talks with Alex Henning, Oscar-winning visual effects artist and co-founder of Magnopus, about using immersive technology to reconnect digital information with physical reality. Alex traces his path from winning an Academy Award for Hugo to building XR experiences at Magnopus. They discuss leadership principles including promoting talent quickly while providing support, making crunch time the exception not the rule, and why passion for the work matters.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-henning-80a0674/https://www.magnopus.com/https://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Professor Joe Haslam talks with global venture capitalist and author Alexandre Lazarow about how high-performing startups outside Silicon Valley succeed with different playbooks. Drawing on his book "Out-Innovate," Alex contrasts blitzscaling with resilient camel startup strategies that prioritize capital efficiency and staged growth. They explore why startups in smaller markets like Estonia and Singapore are born global from day one, how fintech evolved differently across regions and why innovation is increasingly polycentric.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlazarow/https://alexlazarow.com/https://fluentventures.com/https://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Joe Haslam talks with Bruno Loiola, cofounder of Pluggy and IE University alum, about his journey from the Venture Lab to building fintech infrastructure in Brazil. They discuss Brazil's remarkable transformation from a cash-based to digital-first economy, driven by innovations like Pix instant payments and Open Finance regulations. Bruno explains Pluggy's role as the bridge connecting bank accounts to apps, and how Central Bank policies have brought 70 million Brazilians into the financial system.https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunoloiolahttps://www.pluggy.ai/https://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/https://www.ycombinator.com/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Professor Joe Haslam chats with Chris Roe, an actor turned public-speaking coach who helps entrepreneurs, CEOs and other business professionals around the world understand the value of confident, authentic communication.https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisroecoach/https://chrisroe.co/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded at South Summit Brazil in Porto Alegre, IE Business School professor Joe Haslam sits down with Orkut Buyukkokten, creator of the pioneering social network Orkut.com, to explore the power of connection and the lessons learned from building a global online community.Buyukkokten shares his journey from a multicultural childhood in Turkey, Germany and the US to becoming a Silicon Valley engineer at Google, where he developed Orkut as a side project that went on to capture the hearts of millions—especially in Brazil. He reflects on the challenges of scaling rapidly, navigating company politics and the cultural factors that shaped the platform’s success.The conversation explores what makes communities thrive, the role of technology in fostering belonging and why social networks need their own identity separate from enterprise tools. Buyukkokten offers candid insights into innovation, resilience and the human need to connect.https://www.linkedin.com/in/orkutb/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded at South Summit Brazil in Porto Alegre, IE Business School professor Joe Haslam sits down with Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, to explore what it means to be a resilient and impact-driven entrepreneur in today’s fast-changing world.Sauvage talks about the journey of a startup and the right moment for scaling, as well as how different VCs can support entrepreneurs in these different stages. He also unpacks the idea of “impact scalers”—entrepreneurs who combine sustainability and profitability to drive large-scale change.The conversation dives into the economics of scaling, the role of a good manager, and the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital. Sauvage makes a bold case for VCs as “superheroes” who empower entrepreneurs, and challenges venture capital to see entrepreneurs as customers.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nsauvage/https://tdk-ventures.com/

In this latest episode of Venture Ahead, recorded at South Summit Brazil, Professor Joe Haslam talks to leading venture capitalist Veronica Serra, founder of Innova Capital. In a wide-ranging discussion, Veronica explains what she did to be taken seriously early on as a woman in a very male-dominated sector, the advantages of a more empathetic and collaborative approach to VC, her approach to adding value to the companies she invests in, and much more.Discover her personal experiences and insights from a long and highly successful VC career—from generational and gender differences to the importance of purpose.https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-allende-serra-a90a6/https://www.innovacapital.com.brhttps://endeavor.org  

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded live at South Summit Brazil, IE Business School's professor Joe Haslam speaks with Erik Day, Dell’s senior vice president of small & medium business, and global executive chair of Dell’s PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG).Erik and Joe discuss the importance of SMBs in the business ecosystem—and the world. They explore the effect that greater access to technology and data is having on SMBs' ability to connect with their customers, and compare the different growth mindsets that can exist in American vs. European SMBs.The conversation also covers the theme of being able to be yourself in the workplace; Erik shares his own personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ community and reflects on how the culture has changed in the more than 25 years since he joined Dell.https://www.dell.com/en-us/blog/authors/erik-day/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-day-a14a0632/https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/dt/michael-dellhttps://jobs.dell.com/en/pride-employee-resource-grouphttps://www.southsummit.io/brazil/https://www.ie.edu/business-school/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded live at South Summit Brazil, IE Business School professor Joe Haslam speaks with Damaris Mendoza, Partner at VC firm 500 Global.Together, they dive into the complex topic of diversity in venture capital, exploring the biases that shape investment decisions, the patterns that exclude promising founders and how the industry can move from awareness to real change. Mendoza shares insights from her work in Latin America and beyond, shedding light on why representation in investment teams matters, and how emerging fund managers are starting to shift the status quo. They also discuss the importance of communication skills for creating a more diverse global entrepreneurial ecosystem.If you're curious about how capital can be a catalyst for inclusion, this conversation is a must-listen for understanding the future of VC in a more equitable world.https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-mendoza-loera?originalSubdomain=mx , https://500.co/ https://www.axios.com/smart-brevity

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded live at South Summit Brazil, IE Business School professor Joe Haslam sits down with Tony Jamous—founder and CEO of Oyster, a company on a mission to remove barriers to remote work and unlock global talent potential.Tony shares his personal journey from growing up amid war in Lebanon to reimagining the future of work without borders. He explores how leaders can foster satisfaction in remote teams and why the freedom to choose where you live and when you work is key to happiness and productivity.The conversation offers fresh insights into the evolving role of leadership in a distributed world, and how purpose, flexibility and inclusivity are shaping the workplaces of tomorrow. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of work, leadership and global opportunity.https://books.google.es/books/about/The_Monk_and_the_Riddle.html?id=uYIGJWJGncYC&redir_esc=y https://www.oysterhr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/teljamou/?originalSubdomain=cy

In this episode of Venture Ahead, recorded live at South Summit Brazil, IE Business School professor Joe Haslam sits down with Jeff Hoffman—serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Priceline and Booking.com, and a global advocate for innovation and education.Jeff shares hard-won insights on building and scaling successful ventures, including the art of asking the right questions rather than having all the answers. He reflects on creating Expedia with Bill Gates, developing the first airport check-in kiosks and building the right team to drive scalable impact.The conversation also explores the power of the founder influence and why Jeff likes to keep his feet firmly on the ground. Packed with practical advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and creative leadership.jeffhoffman.com https://www.amazon.com/Scale-Seven-Proven-Principles-Business/dp/1591847249

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Joe Haslam talks with Paula Ganem, who at the time was Head of Canada and LATAM Capital Markets at the New York Stock Exchange, about connecting Latin American companies with global investors, the current state of tech IPOs from LATAM and why the market went quiet after 2021.Paula explains the key benefits of going public on the NYSE, from the cost of capital advantages to joining an exclusive club of global companies. The conversation covers when companies should start the IPO process, investor perceptions of LATAM companies, and her family connection to Brazilian Formula One legend Ayrton Senna.https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-s-ganem/https://www.nyse.comhttps://international.nubank.com.br/about/ https://www.southsummit.io/leader/paula-ganem-2/https://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Joe Haslam talks with Leandro Balbinot, CTO at Amazon and Whole Foods Market, about his return to Porto Alegre for South Summit Brazil. They discuss Amazon's customer-obsessed philosophy and flywheel approach to innovation, exploring how the company uses data to identify new opportunities.Leandro shares insights on building a culture that embraces experimentation and failure, Amazon's unique structure of thousands of small teams within a massive company and the leadership principles that make it all work. They also explore the evolution of AI processing power and why innovation must always come from understanding the customer first.https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandrobalbinot/ https://www.amazon.comhttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.comhttps://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principles, https://stratechery.comhttps://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Joe Haslam talks with cybersecurity expert Nancy Wang about her keynote at South Summit Brazil and her mission to boost female leadership in deep tech.They discuss her journey in the industry, including the role of women in supporting other women. Nancy talks about the value of awareness, action and allyship, and why inclusion depends on everyone having a seat at the table.The conversation also touches on management styles and how these affect early-stage startups, as well as the role of regulation in the tech sector and how it’s shaping innovation, ethics and responsibility.https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandrobalbinot/https://www.amazon.com https://www.wholefoodsmarket.comhttps://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principleshttps://stratechery.comhttps://www.ie.edu/university/about/faculty/joe-haslam/https://www.southsummit.io/brazil/

In this episode of Venture Ahead, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ricardo Aizenman shares insights from his career at KPMG and Citibank, his experience founding Ironman Capital, and his work supporting Latin American startups. He discusses the role of technology in financial inclusion and reflects on how his MBA from IE Business School shaped his success. The conversation also touches on his social impact work through an NGO focused on disaster relief in Latin America.Episode structure:Intro: 1:17Initial question: 6:28Interview: 7:18Entrepreneur’s inbox: 23:07

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Iñaki Berenguer shares his journey from scientist to serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, drawing on his experiences founding and scaling multiple tech companies. He reflects on the value of creating innovative products, navigating personal sacrifices, and transitioning from founder to investor. The discussion covers his approach to investment, emphasizing team qualities, market timing, and innovation in rapidly changing fields like AI, life sciences, and healthcare. Iñaki also highlights the transformative potential of AI in democratizing healthcare, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing longevity, offering guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.Episode structure:Intro: 1:14Initial question: 3:00Interview: 4:05 Entrepreneur’s inbox: 27:00

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Catalina Valentino, CEO and co-founder of Elixr, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and vision for sustainable smart cities. She discusses her rapid academic and professional rise, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the transformative potential of technologies like blockchain and digital twin planning. The conversation highlights her dedication to creating impactful, human-centric solutions while addressing the realities of the entrepreneurial lifestyle and pivoting to find your path.Episode structure:Intro: 1:08Initial question: 6:24Interview: 7:16Entrepreneur’s inbox: 26:54

In this episode of Venture Ahead by IE University, Alejandro Artacho, CEO and co-founder of Spotahome, shares his journey from identifying inefficiencies in the real estate market to building a groundbreaking digital rental platform. Artacho discusses the early challenges of establishing trust among landlords, the complexities of balancing supply and demand, and the importance of building a versatile, committed team. He offers strategic insights on capital management, advocating for bootstrapping and selective fundraising, and announces Spotahome’s latest service: guaranteed rent for landlords in Europe. Alejandro also reflects on the role of digital innovation in transforming real estate and the entrepreneurial principles guiding Spotahome’s continued expansion.Episode structure:Intro: 1:04Initial question: 4:49Interview: 5:44 Entrepreneur’s inbox: 21:53

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Valeria Salgado interviews Mateo Salvatto, the young CEO and founder of Asteroid, a company that creates technology for people with disabilities. Mateo shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey: from developing software to help his mother’s deaf students, to leading a global company serving over 400,000 users. The conversation covers key topics such as the challenges of bootstrapping a startup in Argentina, navigating cultural and financial barriers in Latin America, expanding into Europe, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Mateo also offers insights into his motivations, driven by the emotional impact of his work and the sense of responsibility to make a difference, quoting Argentine liberator José de San Martín to highlight his commitment.Episode structure:Intro: 1:02Initial question: 3:56Interview: 7:12Entrepreneur’s inbox: 14:01

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Valeria Salgado, a BBA student at IE University, interviews Enrique Linares, mentor, investor, and co-founder of LetGo and Plus Partners, about his entrepreneurial journey. Enrique shares his experiences founding Spain's first unicorn startup, navigating challenges during the 2008 financial crisis, and expanding his ventures across Spain, Brazil and the US. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, teambuilding and learning from experience. Enrique also highlights the need for balancing rapid growth with sustainability, managing work-life balance, and leveraging mentorship to support future entrepreneurs.Episode structure:Intro: 1:02Initial question: 4:34Interview: 6:04Entrepreneur’s inbox: 25:52

In this episode of Venture Ahead, Leanne Mair, founder of Benefactum Consulting, shares her journey from asset management to entrepreneurship, focusing on promoting gender and racial equality in the workplace. She discusses the unique challenges faced by women of color, the importance of addressing intersectionality in equity efforts, and how businesses can take actionable steps to foster inclusion. Through listener questions, Leanne offers insights on how organizations can move beyond diversity targets and create sustainable, supportive environments for women to succeed. Episode structure:Intro: 01:15Initial question: 5:56Interview: 7:18Entrepreneur’s inbox: 22:42

In this Venture Ahead episode, Michael Baum, founder of Splunk and successful entrepreneur, shares his journey in the tech industry and offers deep insights into startup growth, investment strategies, and the concept of "conscious innovation."He talks about the evolution of Splunk, its acquisition by Cisco, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in business. Michael discusses the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, emphasizing resilience, co-founder dynamics, and the importance of thinking big. He also explores the ethical and societal impact of technology, highlighting the need for long-term sustainable innovation in areas like AI, electric vehicles, and battery technology.Baum encourages entrepreneurs to focus not only on profitability but also on making a positive impact on the world.Episode structure:Intro: 00:52Initial question: 4:05Interview: 4:33Entrepreneur’s inbox: 23:34

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Samantha Zorn interviews Daniel Fletcher, CTO and CIO of Primavera Sound. Daniel shares his fascinating journey in the entertainment sector, highlighting the critical lessons he’s learned about entrepreneurship through both successes and failures, including the sale of his tech company. He emphasizes the importance of failure as a stepping stone in the entrepreneurial process and discusses his daily motivations rooted in creativity, networking, and continuous learning. The conversation also explores Daniel’s transition into the music industry, his passion for music production, and the role of digital transformation in adapting business models. They delve into the post-pandemic resurgence of live performances, the unique experiences they offer, and the challenges of replicating these digitally. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of partnerships, innovation, and financial understanding in fostering successful collaborations within the music industry.Episode structure:Intro: 1:29Initial question: 3:33Interview: 3:58Entrepreneur’s inbox: 25:49

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Valeria Salgado interviews Ida Tin, co-founder of Clue, a pioneering femtech app reshaping women's health.They discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind Clue's evolution from a menstrual tracker to a comprehensive health platform, the challenges of fundraising in a male-dominated landscape, and the importance of diverse teams. The conversation also highlights the cultural shift towards open discussions about women's health issues and the need for user-centric approaches in health technology.Tune in for an inspiring look at the future of femtech and female empowerment.Episode structure:Intro: 01:00Initial question: 2:31Interview 4:00Entrepreneur’s inbox 17:42

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Valeria Salgado talks with Videesha Boeckle, general partner at Altitude VC, about her journey in venture capital.They discuss her motivations, influenced by her father's entrepreneurial spirit, and insights from her work managing B2B investments at Signals VC. Boeckle highlights the most important aspects for startups in their early stages. The conversation also touches on work-life balance, conflict resolution, and diversity in the industry.They explore emerging sectors like energy and manufacturing, and the role of technology and generative AI in investment strategies.The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring women in venture capital, emphasizing mentorship and the importance of voicing their perspectives.Episode structure:Intro: 1:02Initial question: 2:18Interview 2:56Entrepreneur’s inbox 23:04

In this episode of Venture Ahead, host Valeria Salgado engages with Nico de Luis, the co-founder and COO of Shakers, a cutting-edge marketplace platform that connects tech talent with exciting projects. The conversation explores Nico’s diverse journey from banking and consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the transformation of work culture towards flexible, project-based collaborations. Nico shares insights on how Shakers leverages artificial intelligence to match skilled freelancers with meaningful opportunities, focusing on aligning freelancers' motivations and values with project needs.The discussion also delves into the essential qualities for entrepreneurial success, highlighting the dynamics of co-founder relationships and the importance of complementary skill sets in navigating challenges. Join us for a deep dive into the future of work and valuable lessons for those trying to start their entrepreneurial journey. Episode structure:Intro: 00:57Initial question: 2:50Interview 3:35Entrepreneur’s inbox 18:19

In this first episode of Venture Ahead, hosted by IE University students Samantha Zorn and Valeria Salgado, serial entrepreneur Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and Moovit, shares some of the entrepreneurial journey and insights that he explains in his book "Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution."Levine stresses the importance of solving real-world problems as the key to startup success, and dives into storytelling as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to emotionally engage stakeholders. For Levine, disruptive solutions such as those introduced by Waze, Uber and Netflix reshape the market and drive massive behavioral changes.He also explores business models for free services, emphasizing the importance of user engagement, crowdsourcing and data monetization. With personal stories of failure and success, Uri offers valuable lessons on how embracing failure can drive growth and innovation. Episode structure:Intro: 1:02Initial question: 1:18Interview: 2:09Entrepreneur’s inbox: 24:15

Meet the hosts for the inaugural season of Venture Ahead: Valeria Salgado, IE University student and president of the IE Entrepreneurship Club, and Samantha Zorn, student in the International MBA.