LuxUnplugged Podcast

Thierry welcomes Alexander Tkachenko, Founder and Managing Partner at 2be.lu, to LuxUnplugged. They discuss how Alexander carved out his niche when setting up his venture capital firm. He also provides his insights into the early stage investment space and how the pandemic is likely to shape the world and its related trends. Finally, they talk about the merits of the Luxembourg ecosystem and the government's efforts to attract start-ups to the Grand Duchy.

Thierry and Adrien welcome Marie Louise Ashworth, President at The Network, to LuxUnplugged. They discuss the importance of having women-only clubs and how such environments can greatly enhance professional opportunities and promote better values. An impassioned feminist, Marie Louise walks them through the principles underpinning The Network and how her association supports its members throughout their professional and personal journeys in Luxembourg. Finally, they also talk about the recent emergence of movements such as #MeToo and how society is evolving in relation to equality and diversity issues. (We apologise for the minor blips that occur throughout the recording which took place on a remote basis) All our links are available on Linktree linktr.ee/luxunplugged

Thierry and Adrien welcome back Kim Schumacher, Lecturer at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, to the LuxUnplugged Podcast. In the final episode of Season 1, they look back at the numerous changes in the ESG space that he's contributed to since appearing on the podcast more than a year ago. Also, Kim highlights how the latest covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a number of opportunities and what the latest developments have been so far.

Thierry and Adrien welcome Gérard Hoffmann, CEO at Proximus Luxembourg. They discuss how Luxembourg, like many other countries around the globe, rapidly adopted teleworking in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. After talking about the opportunities that arose from this radical shift, Gérard also highlights the unexpected demand for certain crucial services that his company has had to deliver. Finally, they touch upon the Luxembourg government's efforts to make the local economy more attractive to global ICT players, including the controversial Google data center project in the north of the country.

Thierry and Adrien welcome Patrick Kersten, founder and CEO at Doctena. They discuss medical online bookings in the context of the covid-19 crisis and the opportunities that have arisen as a result. Also, Patrick talks about his previous ventures and outlines the fundamental changes that the Luxembourg business ecosystem has undergone since he kick-started his entrepreneurial career in the early 2000's.

Thierry welcomes Mike Reiffers, Managing Director and co-founder of Skeeled. They discuss the genesis of Mike's company that he co-founded with his business partner straight after university. Then they dive into how this Luxembourg-based business leverages artificial intelligence, allowing his clients to make better hiring decisions whilst promoting their brand. Finally, Mike shares his tips for everyone aspiring to start up their company in the Grand Duchy.

Thierry welcomes Bert Boerman, CEO at Governance.com. They discuss how Bert and his brother, Rob, successfully built their RegTech business in the early days of the company despite strong resistance from the market. After exchanging on the outlook for the Luxembourg investment fund industry, they highlight the perks that Luxembourg offers to start up a company in the FinTech space.

Thierry and Adrien welcome Denise Voss, Chairwoman at the LuxFLAG agency. They first discuss how Luxembourg's role in the investment fund industry has evolved over the past decades. Then they dive into the agency's fundamental role to promote the Luxembourg ESG label worldwide on the back of the country's strong reputation in that field.

Adrien welcomes Françoise Thoma, CEO at Spuerkeess (BCEE). They discuss the strategy that the bank has adopted over the years to enhance its offering and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Furthermore, they dive into Spuerkeess' ambitions to champion the importance of corporate social responsibility and how this translates into the projects this leading bank financially supports.

Thierry welcomes Satellite Executive of the year for 2019, Steve Collar, CEO at SES. They discuss SES’ business model change since its inception in the 80’ and how it has become a leading satellite operator worldwide. After talking about fascinating projects that Steve particularly cares about, they further dive into the space ecosystem and Luxembourg’s perks.