Innovation Odyssey

Welcome to the new episode of Innovation Odyssey, with Helen Burke, Founder and CEO of TeamBaseIreland, a company transforming the insurance industry through smart, human-focused technology. With over a decade of experience working in the Middle East and a background in tech, Helen shares how she’s on a mission to make insurance brokers’ lives easier by eliminating the administrative burden through automation and intuitive tools.

Key Takeaways:

• How TeamBase Ireland simplifies complex insurance workflows, empowering brokers and agents to focus on what matters most - advising clients.
  

• Helen’s journey from teaching in Qatar to building a tech-enabled insurance solution rooted in global experience and deep empathy for operational pain points.
  

• The role of AI in the future of insurance, and how localized configuration with emphasis on regulatory compliance and thoughtful design are key to successful InsurTech adoption across regions.
  

Tune in to hear how Helen Burke is challenging the status quo in insurance—and why “making boring things simple” can be the most impactful innovation of all.

Welcome to another chapter of Innovation Odyssey, where Renu explores Andrew Bate’s insights in his insurance journey. Andrew is the CEO and Co-founder of Safely, a company that’s redefining trust in the short-term rental market through data, technology and insurance.With a background spanning McKinsey, London Business School, and years of entrepreneurial experience, Andrew shares how he built Safely to help homeowners rent with peace of mind—by combining guest screening, data insights, and insurance in one smart platform.

Key Takeaways:

• How Safely protects short-term rental properties by combining identity verification, risk data, and tailored insurance products.
  

• Andrew’s journey from launching a marketplace called “Trusted Guests” to founding an MGA and navigating the complexities of InsurTech.
  

• The evolving impact of AI on underwriting, claims, and customer service—and why trust and proactivity remain central to Safely’s growth.
  

Tune in to hear how Andrew and his team are making insurance smarter, more data-driven, and accessible for short-term rental owners around the world.

Buckle up for another insightful ride on Innovation Odyssey, where Renu interviews Kenny Estes, Chief Geek at 42Geeks, Founder & CEO of Diffuse Inc., and a self-described “serial boutique fund manager.” Kenny shares his eclectic journey—from high-frequency trading to founding multiple venture and hedge funds- to now curating global trips that bring ambitious tech leaders together to spark serendipitous collaboration. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How 42Geeks organizes immersive international trips to foster trust, cross-border business, and spontaneous innovation among VCs and founders. 

• Kenny’s insights on geopolitical shifts, defense tech, and how emerging ecosystems outside Silicon Valley hold massive untapped potential. 

• A candid look at innovation in the age of AI, robotics, and community living—and what this could mean for the future of work and entrepreneurship. 

Tune in to discover how Kenny Estes connects global dots—from capital to community—and challenges what it means to innovate across industries and borders. 

In this episode of Innovation Odyssey, Renu  talks to  Thomas Krapf, co-founder and CEO of Riskwolf, a technology company revolutionizing parametric insurance. With 25 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Thomas shares his journey of building a platform that enables insurers to design, scale, and operate parametric insurance solutions worldwide. He also discusses his global expansion efforts, particularly in India, and the role of AI in the future of insurance. 

Key Takeaways: 

Tune in to discover how Thomas and Riskwolf are reshaping the future of insurance through truly data-driven parametric insurance 

In this episode of Innovation Odyssey Renu interviews Emporia Meng, co-founder of EMPI DREAM, and Founding Partner of Sense of Agency, two ventures transforming how people engage with their subconscious and brands, respectively. Emporia shares her journey from growing up in Malaysia and China to co-creating EMPI DREAM, a platform that uses AI to help users understand and harness their dreams, and founding Sense of Agency, a marketing firm specializing in data-driven strategies for tech startups and hospitality brands. 

Key Takeaways: 

 • How EMPI DREAM empowers users to record, analyze, and gain insights into their dreams, with features like AI dream interpretation and a lucid dreaming course. 

 • Emporia’s transition from marketing to technology, combining creativity with data to build solutions that resonate with users. 

 • Insights on cultural preservation and Eastern philosophy, and how Emporia integrates these values into her entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Tune in to discover how Emporia is revolutionizing dream exploration and redefining marketing strategies with innovation and purpose. 

In this episode of Innovation Odyssey, host Renu has a conversation with Nick McEvily, serial founder and fractional product leader, as he shares his journey from New York to Mexico City, navigating diverse business landscapes. Nick dives into his expertise in human-centric design and his approach to quickly testing new product ideas across markets. He also reflects on the stark cultural differences between building businesses in the U.S. and Mexico. 

Key Takeaways: 

In this special winter episode of Innovation Odyssey, Renu talks to Panya Chheng, the innovative founder and CEO of Starra, an AI-powered astrology-based matchmaking app. Panya shares his journey from building health tech solutions with Medyear to creating Starra, which uniquely combines astrology with technology to foster meaningful and fulfilling relationships. He also opens up about his passion for acting and innovation, emphasizing his entrepreneurial drive to bring unique ideas to life. 

Key Takeaways: 

Tune in to discover how Panya is redefining love and relationships with Starra and inspiring innovation through his entrepreneurial journey. 

In this episode of Innovation Odyssey, host Renu interviews Michael Magdongon, a serial entrepreneur who shares insights also on his newest startup Crosstide, which helps startups jumpstart their business by connecting them to grants and loans from Malta. He also talks about his earlier venture Strabo, a FinTech platform designed to help expats and global citizens manage their finances seamlessly across borders.  

Key Takeaways: 

Join the episode to discover how Michael’s multi-dimensional personal journey transformed into several businesses.