Beyond StArtups

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Alex Brunner, St Andrews alumnus and co-founder of Aurelia AI, an Oxford-incubated startup developing voice-driven agents that make navigating the web faster, simpler, and more inclusive.

Alex shares how his first failed student venture sparked a deeper curiosity for entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to co-found Aurelia AI, a company now shaping the next generation of empathetic digital experiences.

Tune in to hear insights on building in the fast-moving AI landscape, finding the right co-founders, and designing technology that puts people, not algorithms, first.

Innovation Week Special Edition – Douglas Clement, Founder of Kingsbarns Distillery

In this special episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Douglas Clement, founder of Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife.

Douglas shares his remarkable journey from St Andrews golf caddie to entrepreneur, transforming a derelict farm into a world-class distillery and visitor centre. He talks about learning an entirely new craft, raising capital for a ten-year business plan, and knowing when to let go of the venture he built.

Recorded as part of Innovation Week 2025, this episode celebrates local enterprise, resilience, and the spirit of turning a dream into a dram.

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Carina Kohli, founder of HumCare, a health-tech startup dedicated to improving employee wellbeing and access to care across India.

After studying at the University of St Andrews, Carina was inspired by her own health experiences to create a platform that bridges the gaps in everyday healthcare; from mental health and fertility support to chronic condition management and elderly care.

She shares how Humm Care grew from a pandemic-era idea into a nationwide B2B company, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, consistency, and building impact-driven businesses in the fast-growing health-tech landscape.

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Oliver Clem, St Andrews Chemistry alumnus and co-founder of Solas Healthcare, a startup pioneering patient-focused access to medicinal cannabis in the UK.

Oliver reflects on his journey from graduating in 1996, to a 20-year career in pharmaceutical manufacturing, to launching a venture shaped by compassion and innovation. He shares insights into navigating strict regulations, overcoming stigma, and tackling the rollercoaster of fundraising in a controversial industry.

Tune in to hear Oliver’s story, the lessons he’s learned about resilience and teamwork, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to build impactful ventures in complex markets.

In this episode we are joined by Kat Pohorecka, CoFounder of Mude, an adaptive wear company that delivers functional and fashionable undergarments to people whose health and wellbeing depends on wearing medical devices. Kat shares what she has learnt in her journey from studying Product Design to becoming a founder: from the importance of customer discovery and user-centred design, to the perks and challenges associated with being a neurodivergent entrepreneur, through to how she supports aspiring founders through her work at Edinburgh Innovations.

In this episode, we speak with Angus Robertson, Portfolio Manager within the High Growth Ventures team at Scottish Enterprise. Angus and his team work with early-stage, high-potential companies at the critical point where substantial investment is needed to scale from creation to revenue. With a focus on de-risking and adding value, Angus helps founders navigate leadership development, team building, proof of concept, and, crucially, securing funding through angels, VCs, high-net-worth individuals, grants… Tune in to hear a perspective from the support side of entrepreneurship!

Scottish Enterprise Ecosystem Guide: https://www.scottishenterprise.com/media/ecosystem/ecosystem-guide.pdf

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand inspired by a love of nature and a commitment to empowering women through design. With a background in fashion and textiles, Alex set out to rethink performance wear, creating high-quality, ethically made garments that blend style, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Along the way, Alex opens up about navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, leading with values, and why connection, to nature, self, and community, is at the heart of everything FINDRA stands for.