In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual welcomes Ewan Moran, Founder & CEO of Barback, the platform set to transform the hospitality industry. From bartender to industry advocate, Ewan’s journey gives him a unique perspective on solving the hospitality labor crisis through innovation and empowerment.

They dive into:

• From Bartender to CEO — Ewan’s journey from working behind the bar to launching a revolutionary staffing platform. How his experiences at the University of Exeter and in management operations shaped Barback’s mission.
• Unexpected Investment — How Ewan secured his first round of funding from an unexpected source and the lessons it taught about opportunity and perseverance.
• Influencing Legislation — Barback’s collaboration with All-Party Parliamentary Groups to shape policies that support workers and businesses in the hospitality sector.
• Democratizing Labor — How Barback is giving workers a voice and businesses a sustainable staffing solution through a fully-integrated platform.
• Introducing Barback Care — Providing workers with vital benefits like counseling services, discounts, and exclusive perks to improve overall well-being in the hospitality workforce.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how innovation can reshape traditional industries and empower both workers and businesses.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Key Talking Points

• Ewan’s journey from hospitality professional to tech founder.
• Solving the labor crisis with innovation and advocacy.
• Engaging with Parliament to drive industry-wide change.
• Empowering workers through Barback’s integrated platform.
• Enhancing worker well-being with Barback Care.