Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Thinking of launching your own online business? Sourcing expert Kian Golzari and Titan Network co-founder Dan Ashburn join Tom Urquhart and Virtuzone's Paul Bryson to explore how to find the right products, navigate supply chain challenges, attract customers and turn an idea into a profitable e-commerce brand. 

Plus, how Virtuzone's new E-commerce Accelerator Programme can help aspiring entrepreneurs get started.

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What's the secret to building a business that keeps customers coming back?

Ray Chan, founder and CEO of Candypants, reveals how he turned a party concept into one of Dubai's best-known brunch brands, attracting tens of thousands of guests every year.

Plus, is opening a beauty salon in Dubai still a smart business move? Mariela Marcantetti, CEO of Furless Holdings, and Rasha Abdulrazak, Director at Audax Investments, discuss the real costs, challenges and opportunities in the UAE beauty industry.

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Can you really make money as a content creator? And do you need millions of followers to build a successful business?

On Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Paul Bryson speak to former CNBC journalist turned entrepreneur Uptin and Hollywood producer Patrick Caligiuri about the creator economy in Dubai, brand deals, monetisation and turning content creation into a sustainable business.

Plus, we meet Maria El Fassi and Julien Toïgo from Wondergifts the Dubai-based start-up changing the way we give gifts. They share how they built their experience-gifting platform, scaled the business and expanded internationally.

Essential listening for entrepreneurs, start-up founders and aspiring content creators in the UAE.

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What does it take to build trust — in a business, in a deal and in yourself?
In this episode of Starting Up with Virtuzone, brothers Rishi and Jash Vaya, founders of SellYourGold.ae, share how they took their family’s experience in the gold business and turned it into a modern digital platform built around transparency and trust.

Then we ask whether soft skills are becoming some of the most important business skills of all. Neil Orvay, founder of Evolution-U and business coach, and Yasin Kasirga, entrepreneur, trainer and founder of Qasirga Advisory, discuss communication, confidence, influence and the people skills entrepreneurs need to lead, sell and grow.

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What does it really take to build a brand in Dubai? Cove Beach Co-Founder Adel Ghazzawi takes us behind the business — from his career in finance and spotting a gap in the hospitality market, to scaling the brand, expanding internationally and navigating some of the toughest periods the industry has faced.

Then Philippe Mathijs, Founder and CEO of Reach Outstanding, explains the business behind coaching: how you find clients, set your fees, manage your costs and turn professional expertise into a viable company.

Plus, DIFC Courts Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban explains how the Small Claims Tribunal can help entrepreneurs and SMEs resolve commercial disputes.

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We asked businesses that depend on tourists visiting the emirate. 

Nada Badran, Founder of Wander with Nada

Dean Jarvis, Director of Operations of Sunset Hospitality Group

Plus, we get to know the guys behind UAE-made clothing company Old Pal, Charlie and Matt.

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All you questions about UAE tax deadlines and e-invoicing, answered by John Casey, Managing Director of TaxReady by Virtuzone. 

Business owner Jake Gardner, owner of PBI Middle East, shares his experience transitioning from a tax-free business towards compliance. 

And what does it take to create an app that lets you save money? Cence Founder Amaar Khan talks pitching, funding and developing an app. 

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Walid Antabli co-founded HalaPop to create a healthy soft drink for the UAE and GCC market. 

And events season is upon us! How busy will the city be until the end of the year? 

We her from Sumaira Isaacs, President of The Events Group, and General Manager of Gulf Dunes and Diji Shujahi, Director at Pinnacle Events and Urban A to Z

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On the final Starting Up with Virtuzone before the summer break, Katie Chambers and Paul Bryson from Virtuzone are joined by Dan Ashburn, CEO and Founder of the Titan Network, and product development and supply chain expert Kian Golzari to explore what it really takes to build a successful e-commerce business in 2026. From identifying winning products and avoiding costly sourcing mistakes to launching online, growing sales, automating key processes and scaling a brand, the discussion is packed with practical advice and real-world insights for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow an online business.

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Blurb:Georgia Tolley and Paul Bryson speak to executive communication strategist Maher Elusini about presence, influence and the habits that help leaders communicate with clarity. They also learn about confidence and self-worth with. Luke Mind Power.

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