This week's guest is Keshni Morar, the founder of Investable an angel network of investors in South Africa looking to help entrepreneurs across the region.

As well as Investable, Keshni is an entrepreneur herself and is also the Chapter Director for the Founder Institute, a global accelerator with locations across the globe

In this podcast we talk on a range of different topics from burnout, the challenges of globalisation, knowing when to quit and the challenges facing both investors and entrepreneurs in South Africa when it comes to funding new businesses

Angel Investing and Entrepreneurship in South Africa with Keshni Morar

This week we're talking with Mike Greyling from DMSA:

https://www.dmsa.co.za/

Mike has spent his life in statistics and data analytics and in this podcast we explore a number of questions:

- What is the definition of a statistic
- In what ways can statistical analysis help a company gain better insights
- What types of projects does this type of analysis best suit?
- How can early stage businesses benefit from implementing statistical analysis

Mike Greyling: How to use statistics to improve your business performance

In this week's podcast we are talking to Ahana Banerjee, the founder of Clear

https://getclearapp.com/

Ahana has quite the founder's story, she decided to join an existing startup whilst at university and during that period realised that instead of working on someone else's idea, she wanted to work on her own and so set up her first startup at the age of 21

She applied to YCombinator with that startup and was told "We like you, but not your idea, come up with a new one" and within a week she had a new business and had already proved her product-market-fit

From there she raced forward, raising 850k, hiring her first team and building an app that in her own words is "is fuelling innovation and empowering consumers in the skincare industry via data, technology and community."

Accelerate Yourself - A Young Entrepreneur's Journey with Ahana Banerjee from Clear

In this podcast we talk with Dan Shea a veteran in the sales and business development world

In this podcast we discuss a wide range of topics such as:
- Why entrepreneurs are scared of sales
- How to cold call effectively
- Effective lead generation approaches
- Why you should stop selling and solve your customer's problems

Remove the Get! Sell Solutions not licenses with Dan Shea

In this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, Bhairav and Samuel Villegas (from Two Five One EU) dissect the concept of failure in startups: a delicate yet critical aspect of entrepreneurship. They challenge the traditional stigma of failure, framing it instead as a pivot point that could lead to a more successful journey. They continue to break down the reasons behind startup failures, factoring in aspects such as emotionality and over-optimism, and the potential consequences of an inability to accept reality and change course.

Drawing attention to entrepreneurs' journey, they deliberate the transition from an employee to a founder; highlighting that industry experience though important, isn’t all encompassing. They share their views on the growth and insights that come from failures, focusing on second-time founders, while reframing our perception of success and failure in the entrepreneurial world. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on these realities in the startup ecosystem.

Samuel Villegas: Why Start-Ups Fail and How to Choose the Right CTO

Join Bhairav and Adib on this enlightening episode of the Atom CTO Podcast. They’ll offer valuable insights on the complexities of equity splits and the best approach to hiring for a flourishing startup. They’ll break down the process of equity splits among co-founders while highlighting the vital nature of vesting agreements in startups. Explore why equity is not only representative of what has been done in the past but also the work that will be done in the future.

Additionally, Bhairav and Adib dive into the rigorous terrain of hiring the right people for your startup. From understanding equity offerings to employees, the role of advisors in a startup, to distinguishing between a co-founder and an employee, it's all covered in this episode. Equip yourself with the essential dos and don'ts of creating a flourishing startup with their expert knowledge and industry insights.

Adib Bamieh: The Rule of Three and Ten in Business Growth

In this trailer we ask Mark Zurich from Fairmeadow Technologies the usual 5 questions:

https://www.fairmeadow.net/

Do Not Be Defined By Your Failures - Mark Zurich Trailer

In this episode, we undertake a deep dive into the world of change management and its implications for both startups and large-scale organizations. Our guest, Ian Sutherland has over 30 years experience in the field of change management and he describes the formula underpinning successful change management.

Join us as we investigate change management, unpack its theoretical underpinnings, and discuss its critical role in ensuring business longevity.

Throughout this discussion, we'll dissect the distinct approaches to change management within startups and larger corporations.  We delve deep into the blueprint for effective change management, examining the necessity for identifying dissatisfaction, developing a crystal-clear future vision, prioritizing initial steps and effectively countering resistance to change.

Ian also talks of the importance of storytelling, emphasising how any change management project must be able to tell those involved what is being done and why.

The Blueprint for Effective Change Management with Ian Sutherland

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Atom CTO Podcast. This time, we're thrilled to have Xavier Ballester, Director of the Angel Investment Network join us for a deep dive into the world of angel investing. 

https://www.angelinvestmentnetwork.co.uk/

Angel investment is a critical element of a start-up's early phase of growth. With this engaging conversation, we're aiming to deliver a comprehensive understanding of this financing model for entrepreneurs on a quest for capital. Xavier sheds invaluable insights into angel investment, acquired through his extensive experience in the field.

At the Angel Investment Network, Xavier and his team have proved instrumental in democratizing access to angel investors for nearly two decades. In this episode, Xavier takes us through the spectrum of an angel investor's characteristics, explains the process of evaluating start-up proposals, and how start-ups can navigate the convoluted investment journey. You'll also hear perspectives from an angel investor's viewpoint and learn about the Network's role in bridging the gap between start-ups and potential investors.

Unlocking Angel Investment: Expert Insights from Xavier Ballester

This week's episode is an end of year recap where we have sliced together the answer to this question from all of our podcast guests:

"What is your favourite piece of advice you've received or give to others"

Our podcast guests recite their favourite piece of advice

This week's podcast guest is Zumah Yahaya, the founder of Boubid:

https://boubid.com/

In this episode we explore Zumah's own entrepreneurial journey as well as the work she does to help businesses across Africa achieve their full potential. We discuss the various challenges businesses face that are specific to the ecosystem and how they can be solved

Boubid: Helping Nigerian businesses achieve their full potential

This week's guest is Mark Bentley:

https://markbentley.com.au/

Today's conversation orbits around the intriguing journey of self-awareness and how to reclaim your own authority. You'll get a comprehensive understanding of self-awareness as the backbone of personal development and mental well-being. We'll explore how this inward-looking process helps cultivate better decision-making processes and thereby reclaim one's own authority.

The Power of Self-Awareness: Unlocking Your Potential as a Business Owner

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Atom CTO Podcast, where we take a comprehensive look at the untapped potential of organizational and client surveys.

To learn more about DMSA or to get in touch with Nadine Lewis visit their website:

https://dmsa.co.za/

Crafting Effective Surveys: A Guide to Asking the Right Questions

This weeks podcast guest is Rustam Roy from Legalistic:

https://www.legalistic.co.uk/

5 Questions with Rustam Roy

In this episode of the Atom CTO Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of building a Rapid Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with insights from Verticode's ground-breaking approach. Rapid MVP delivery has revolutionized the start-up landscape by enabling founders to receive a functional prototype within two to three weeks. This agile methodology provides a swift feedback loop, allowing start-ups to iterate and refine their offerings with real user insights. 

Our guest, who has spearheaded the launch of over 50 tech start-ups in just two years, shares valuable experiences on managing expectations, maintaining transparency, and applying structured sprints to achieve rapid yet reliable MVP development.

To learn more about Verticode, visit their website: 
https://www.verticode.co.uk/

Fall in love with your problem, not your solution - MVP tips from Verticode

In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, hosts Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke dive deep into the reasons why projects often fail and share valuable insights on how to avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from their extensive experience in the business and technology worlds, they highlight the importance of the "CPOP" principles - Communication, People, Oversight, and Planning - in ensuring project success.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

1. The critical role of thorough planning and requirements gathering at the outset of a project

2. The importance of maintaining open, honest communication between all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle

3. The impact of having the right people involved who are invested in the project's success and empowered to make decisions

4. The need for regular oversight to track progress against milestones and course-correct as necessary

5. How the "CPOP" principles should be applied at every stage of a project, not just at the beginning

Bhairav and Alan share real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate these points, making the lessons both relatable and actionable for entrepreneurs and project managers alike. They also touch on the dangers of letting ego-driven agendas derail projects and emphasize the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable wisdom on navigating the challenges of bringing a project to fruition. Tune in for some hard-won insights and practical tips on keeping your next project on track and avoiding the common reasons why projects fail.

Follow the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast for more no-nonsense advice and real talk on building and growing a successful business.

CPOP: The Four Pillars of Successful Project Management

In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk all things "pitch deck"

Both Alan and Bhairav outline the slides described by Guy Kawasaki in his post, "The only 10 slides you need in your pitch" and add their own experience and flavour to that methodology

https://guykawasaki.com/the-only-10-slides-you-need-in-your-pitch/

In this podcast you'll learn:

The key slides you need in your pitch deck
Why they are important
What content you need to put into each slide
What turns off investors

How to write a pitch deck

In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about leadership and management, the qualities to look out for and what it takes to excel as a leader and a manager.

In this podcast you'll learn:

- Difference between leadership and management

- Can everyone be a leader?

- What makes a great manager?

- Roles and responsibilities for being a better leader and a manager

- How important is influence for leadership?

- Who is considered to be a great leader?

Leadership vs Management

Trailer to the main event where we ask this week's guest 5 questions

Phin Mpofu is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Eugenie, an AI-powered platform in the social commerce space. With a background in the start-up community and a passion for technology and community building, Phin is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech industry

Develop a Founder Mindset - the Phin Mpofu Trailer

In this engaging episode of the Atom CTO podcast, host Bhairav Patel welcomes Phin Mpofu, a dynamic serial entrepreneur and founder of Ugenie. Bhairav and Phin explore the journey from idea to implementation in the start-up ecosystem, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities in the tech and AI industries. Phin shares his insights on building an AI-first business, the evolution of entrepreneurship, and the experiences of being a Black founder.

Guest Bio:
Phin Mpofu is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Eugenie, an AI-powered platform in the social commerce space. With a background in the start-up community and a passion for technology and community building, Phin is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech industry

Innovating Social Commerce with AI - Ugenie

In this episode of the Atom CTO podcast, Bhairav Patel sits down with seasoned tech executive Mark Zurich to delve deep into the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from a technical perspective. The conversation addresses both the seller's and buyer's mindsets, with an emphasis on preparing for M&A activities, understanding tech due diligence processes, and managing cultural integration post-acquisition.

Guest Bio:
With over 35 years in the tech industry, Mark has held senior positions at industry giants and boasts a robust portfolio of M&A experiences. His expertise spans across roles at General Electric, Nokia, and BlackBerry, among others, aligning technology strategies with business objectives.

Unpacking M&A: The mechanics of a tech due diligence with Mark Zurich

Act small - think Big! The Dominic Courage Trailer

Dominic Courage shares gripping insights from managing global humanitarian crises at Save the Children. From coordinating refugee responses to training crisis leaders, this episode reveals practical leadership lessons born from high-stakes situations. Discover how empathy, systematic thinking, and strategic frameworks can transform chaos into effective action.

Perfect for leaders seeking proven crisis management strategies from someone operating at the sharp end of global emergencies.

Finding your tribe: A journey into humanitarian leadership with Dom Courage

Dive into a fascinating journey of female entrepreneurship on the Atom CTO Podcast! We're hosting an inspiring conversation with Joanna Vargas, the dynamic force behind "The Get Up Girl" podcast. Vargas's career trajectory is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, fiery passion, and grit.

Clearing her path outside the conventional structures of a 9-to-5 career, Joanna Vargas's chronicle kicks off quite intriguingly. From her early years running a lemonade stand to venturing into dance and fitness studios, Vargas's innovative and strategic decision-making have helped her pioneer her way in various industries. Besides discussing her successful transition into entrepreneurship, the episode takes a deep dive into the realistic aspects of the entrepreneurial life and the ability to adapt to business transitions.

Empowering Women in Business with Joanna Vargas

Welcome to another episode of The Atom CTO Podcast, joined by Bhairav Patel and Sanjay Rakshit, veterans in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). We delve into AI, machine learning, data science, and natural language processing (NLP). Concepts that have transformed life as we know it and the influencers at its core, helping shape the AI-driven future.

We also discussed Bhairav and Sanjay's fascinating journey through the AI industry, their intriguing insights into data science, the growing emphasis on domain-specific knowledge, and the steady demand for experienced data scientists. Tune in to learn more about how continuously evolving technology necessitates a commitment to lifelong learning and how balancing work and further education contributes to professional excellence.

Understanding AI Basics with Sanjay Rakshit (replay)

In this highly informative episode of Atom CTO Podcast, we take a deep dive into the challenging yet rewarding world of startups as we converse with one of the seasoned experts in the field, Bill Bolden. 

With an impressive resume spanning a two-decade-long career, and contributing to over hundreds of startups, Bill talks about what he has seen that sets apart those companies that succeed from those that fail.


Mastering Startup Challenges: Bill Bolden's Experience as a CTO (replay)

In this podcast you will learn:

- What do we really mean by “Machine Learning”?
- What is the difference between AI and ML?
- What problems can ML solve?
- How can a business owner know if ML is right for their business?
- What are the steps a company should take before they decide on implementing ML within their organisation?
- How do you implement ML within a business?
- How can you know the ML solution is actually working?
- What kind of team do you need to implement and run ML within a business?

Machine Learning 101 with Matt White (replay)

A conversation with our friends, Colm Devine, Olga Bak and Dylan Martin at Accelerated Payments Ltd based in Dublin, Ireland. The team have just started a new alternative finance business and in this podcast we talk about the challenges of starting a new business, hiring new employees and what it takes to build a winning team

About: Starting a new business and alternative finance with Accelerated Payments Ltd

This podcast is for those interested in learning how to build a multi-million Euro consulting business.  

I'm talking with Jacob Koshy from CubeMatch about how the company started, how they pivoted from a product based company to a services based firm, what role strategy plays in building such a successful business and how you can nurture and train the next generation of talent.

Many thanks to Jacob for talking with me!

Jacob Koshy: Building a multi-million euro consulting business

In this week's podcast we talk with Peter Rooney the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Canadian Payroll Services, a Professional Employer Organization focused on connecting Canadian Talent with global business. He works closely with clients to develop end-to-end workforce solutions, influencing Canadian Payroll Services' growth in revenue, market share and profitability through building long-lasting relationships. 

Over the years, Peter has accumulated over 2 decades of experience in senior management and C-level leadership for global companies in the technology, loyalty and travel sectors. From being a CEO, Co-founder, President and Vice President of five companies, Peter has developed outstanding leadership and management skills.

To read more about CPS and how they can help you set up in Canada follow this link:

https://canadianpayrollservices.com/expanding-to-canada/

Peter Rooney: Starting a Business in Canada

Conversations with a range of business owners from across the globe that discuss the challenges, triumphs and failures that are faced when trying to build and grow a business.  
In addition we talk about the latest trends in tech and generally anything we feel is relevant for today's tech and business savvy audience 

The companies interviewed operate in a diverse set of industries and are of varying maturity from the new startup to the established multi-national.

Atom Ventures is a UK based business that provides strategic technology and operational advice and investment to SMEs, startups and charities across Europe.  These podcasts are a way for us to talk directly with our clients, friends and partners and share our real life experiences of what it is like to run a business.

If you would like to take part in a podcast or would like to learn more then email Bhairav Patel - info@atomventures.co

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