In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Daniel Pidcock, designer, UX researcher, and startup founder, to discuss the real-world challenges of launching and running startups with a product-first mindset.

They dive into:

• Why passion for your product or service is critical to long-term success.
• Balancing product-focused decisions with financial realities and investor pressure.
• The importance of transparency, honesty, and customer focus in building lasting businesses.
• Lessons from companies that failed due to short-term thinking and compromised product quality.
• Opportunities and challenges of launching a business and raising investment in the UK.
• The benefits of government incentives like SEIS and EIS for startups.
• Why work-life balance and financial discipline are essential for founders.
• The core qualities of great startup leaders.

Tune in for practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it takes to build a sustainable, customer-centered company.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 02:37 — Success Factors in Startups 05:29 — Investor Perspectives 09:09 — Balancing Growth and Stability 13:09 — Building a Sustainable Business 16:40 — Leadership and Employee Commitment 21:30 — The Impact of Financial Focus 24:19 — Launching a Business and Securing Investment 26:28 — The Conservative Investment Culture in the UK 28:19 — The Dangers of Excessive Spending in a Startup 30:45 — Balancing Work and Personal Life 36:08 — Qualities of a Good Leader

Innovation Conversation: Entrepreneurship, AI, and Building Strong Teams with Simon Penson

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Simon Penson, successful entrepreneur, investor, and business advisor, to explore lessons from building and selling multiple businesses. Simon shares real-world insights on what it takes to launch, grow, and exit a startup successfully.

They dive into:

• The key traits of entrepreneurial success — determination, honesty, and self-awareness.
• Why building a strong, complementary team is essential.
• How mentorship and experienced advice accelerate growth.
• The strategic use of AI in business — beyond the hype.
• How to craft an effective pitch deck that tells a story and sells your vision.
• The importance of coachability and adaptability for founders.

Tune in for practical strategies blending traditional business wisdom with modern innovation — perfect for founders and entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable companies.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 01:27 — Traits for Entrepreneurial Success 09:00 — Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 12:56 — Investing in Startups and Providing Business Advice 23:34 — The Role of AI in Business 26:31 — Crafting an Effective Pitch Deck 31:41 — The Importance of Coachability 33:18 — Contact Information

Innovation Conversation: Building Businesses, Community, and Resilience with Akil Benjamin

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Akil Benjamin, entrepreneur and founder of Kamusi, to discuss his journey from launching a design studio to supporting small businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Akil shares lessons learned from creating the Black Business Residency at Somerset House and how it's empowering a new generation of founders.

They dive into:

• Why starting small and testing ideas early is crucial for entrepreneurs.
• How to build meaningful relationships and align goals with partners and investors.
• Navigating the conservative nature of the UK market and proving traction before raising funds.
• The importance of having a strong support system — including therapy, prayer, and community.
• Redefining balance and staying present throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Tune in for a real-world conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and community building from someone who’s helping shape the future of small business growth.

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

Innovation Conversation: First-Time Founders, Impact, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Jane Fisher

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Jane Fisher, founder of Imii, an AI assistant for immigrants, to discuss her journey as a first-time founder and the challenges she’s faced in building a mission-driven startup.

They dive into:

• The realities and hurdles of being a first-time founder.
• Why having a co-founder with complementary skills and values is critical.
• Dealing with imposter syndrome as a founder and strategies to overcome it.
• The urgent need for more funding and support for female entrepreneurs.
• Building businesses that create real, lasting impact.
• Inspiration drawn from the documentary Breakthrough about immune therapy discovery.

Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and creating tech for good.

Want early access to Imii? 📩 Sign up here.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 02:51 — Challenges of Being a First-Time Founder 09:30 — The Importance of a Complementary Co-Founder 26:14 — The Need for More Funding for Female Entrepreneurs 32:10 — Building Businesses with Genuine Impact 35:36 — The Inspiring Story of Breakthrough

Innovation Conversation: Building Startups, Web3 Development, and Innovation with Odev.tech

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual talks with the team at Odev.tech, a development firm with over a decade of experience supporting startups and scaling businesses with senior development services. They share hard-earned lessons from working with founders and highlight how the right team and technologies can make or break a startup.

They dive into:

• Why budget management is critical when starting a business.
• How to craft a clear and concise pitch that sells your idea.
• Managing scope creep and expectations while building your MVP.
• Building teams with senior developers — and why adding a strong salesman is essential.
• Web3 vs Web2 development — and how Web3 empowers startups and disrupts traditional industries.
• The potential and pitfalls of AI models like ChatGPT in development and business.
• The importance of responsible data custody in the AI era.
• Why embracing innovation and specialization is key in the evolving tech landscape.

Tune in for real-world advice on team building, product development, and staying ahead in the age of AI and Web3.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background of Odev.tech 08:33 — Advice for Starting a Business 11:58 — Challenges of Building an MVP 25:25 — The Power of Combining Coding and Sales Skills 26:08 — Differences in Business Practices Across Countries 29:31 — The Impact of Web3 and AI on the Industry 35:22 — The Significance of Specialization and Innovation in Startups 36:58 — Web3: Empowering Individuals and Disrupting Traditional Businesses 42:40 — The Benefits and Risks of AI and Technology in Software Development

Innovation Conversation: Customizable QR Codes, Social Connection, and Startup Growth with Santiago Sanchez

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Santiago Sanchez, co-founder of Scammy Company, to explore how they’re transforming clothing into a tool for social connection using customizable QR codes. Santiago shares the startup’s journey, their target market, and their vision for the future.

They dive into:

• How customizable QR codes on clothing allow customers to link photos, social media, and contact information.
• Why their brand focuses on university students — especially those looking for creative ways to connect.
• Success stories of people meeting (and even dating) through their QR-coded clothing.
• How Scammy Company is improving both their tech (link tree functionality) and garment quality.
• Expansion plans into new markets like Miami and creative new use cases — such as digital menus for restaurants.

Tune in for an inside look at an innovative startup blending fashion, technology, and human connection.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Scammy Company 03:41 — Customizable QR Codes on Clothing 11:44 — Connecting and Dating through QR Codes 16:24 — Improving Link Tree Functionality and Garment Quality 23:33 — QR Codes as Digital Menus in Restaurants

Innovation Conversation: ESG, Impact Investing, and the Future of Venture Capital with Laura Iriarte

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Laura Iriarte, Head of PR and Communications at Zero 100 Conferences, to dive deep into the rising importance of ESG and impact investing in the venture capital landscape. Laura shares her journey from sustainability to venture capital and explores how ESG principles are shaping the future of investing.

They dive into:

• The growing role of ESG and impact investing in venture capital, driven by regulations and investor expectations.
• How founders can better tailor their pitches to meet investor requirements.
• The unique influence of family offices in alternative assets like venture capital and private equity.
• Insights into the Spanish startup ecosystem and its strong ties to Latin America.
• Opportunities in Latin America’s vibrant startup ecosystems in countries like Chile, Mexico, and Colombia.
• Why ESG reporting is critical for tracking progress and improvement.
• The importance of diversity, inclusion, and flexible policies to support working parents.
• How ESG and impact investing contribute to a more balanced and sustainable world.

Tune in for a timely discussion on how sustainability and social responsibility are becoming central to the future of startups and investing.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 02:07 — The Rise of ESG and Impact Investing 04:54 — The Importance of ESG for Investors 08:19 — Tailoring Pitches to Investor Requirements 13:30 — Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising 21:42 — The Hardships of Being a VC 24:43 — The Role of Family Offices 26:01 — The Spanish Startup Ecosystem and Latin America 28:25 — Startup Ecosystems in Latin America 29:22 — The Importance of ESG Reporting and Data Gathering 36:18 — Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace 39:01 — Supporting Working Parents with Flexible Policies 50:31 — ESG and Impact Investing for a Sustainable World

Innovation Conversation: Reinventing Cybersecurity and Password Management with MyCena

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Julia and Brendan from MyCena, a cybersecurity company offering a revolutionary solution that removes the need for employees to create, remember, or reset passwords. They explain how their approach reduces risk and cuts IT help desk costs while enhancing enterprise security across industries.

They dive into:

• How MyCena eliminates password-related problems for employees and enterprises.
• The significant cost savings for IT help desks — up to 50%.
• Why MyCena’s cybersecurity solution is industry-agnostic and applicable to any sector.
• Challenges in market adoption and customer education.
• How their solution stands up against AI and quantum computing threats.
• Fundraising strategies and plans for scaling MyCena.
• Personal advice and inspiration for startup founders navigating cybersecurity and tech markets.

Tune in for a fascinating look at how innovation in cybersecurity can reshape enterprise operations and reduce costs at scale.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introducing MyCena.co and Their Cybersecurity Solution 03:03 — The Inspiration Behind MyCena's Solution 04:22 — MyCena's Industry-Agnostic Solution and Customer Base 06:29 — Market Reception and Adoption Challenges 08:11 — The Impact on IT Help Desk Costs and Enterprise Security 12:11 — MyCena's Solution in the Face of AI and Quantum Computing Threats 16:19 — Fundraising and Growth Plans for MyCena 24:56 — Personal Inspiration and Advice for Startup Founders

Innovation Conversation: Unlocking R&D Tax Incentives — Insights from RCK Partners

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with James and Gajan from RCK Partnersto discuss how companies can leverage R&D tax incentives to drive innovation and reduce tax liabilities. They offer a deep dive into the eligibility criteria, application process, and real-world success stories from industries like software, gambling, and food tech.

They dive into:

• How R&D tax incentives encourage innovation by offsetting R&D costs.
• The crucial role of specialists in ensuring compliance and maximizing claims.
• Success stories showing the real impact of R&D tax credits on business growth.
• Industry-specific considerations for R&D eligibility — including software, gambling, and food tech.
• Understanding the boundaries of science and technology for R&D tax relief.
• How recent government policy changes are reshaping R&D claims.
• The unique self-regulatory approach of RCK Partners that reduces inquiry risks.

Tune in for valuable insights on how innovation funding strategies can help startups and established businesses stay competitive and fuel growth.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to RCK Partners and R&D Tax Incentives 05:39 — Application Process and Benefits of R&D Tax Claims 09:45 — Success Stories: Impact of R&D Tax Credits 15:34 — Industry-Specific Considerations for R&D Tax Claims 27:24 — Understanding the Fields of Science and Technology for R&D 30:33 — Impact of Government Policy on R&D Claims 36:39 — Unique Selling Points of RCK Partners 39:23 — Reaching Out to RCK Partners for R&D Advice

Innovation Conversation: Lessons from Startup to Exit and AI Innovation with Chris Sayer

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Chris Sayer, founder, investor, and entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from launching startups to successful exits and the key lessons he learned along the way. Chris shares real-world insights into building companies, finding talent, and leveraging market opportunities.

They dive into:

• The importance of having a clear vision and surrounding yourself with talented people.
• Key lessons from founding and exiting startups.
• How to find and attract the right investors and team members.
• The current state of the startup market and what founders should know.
• His involvement with HiBooks, an AI-powered online accounting platform.
• How Kapeta uses AI and automation to streamline software development processes.

Tune in for a founder’s perspective on startup growth, overcoming challenges, and building the next wave of AI-driven innovation.

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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 03:02 — From Investor to Founder: The Story of Dexter.io 08:39 — Lessons Learned from the Journey 14:13 — Low Points and Overcoming Challenges 18:37 — Investing in People and Assessing Opportunities 21:21 — The Current Startup Market 23:33 — Post-Exit and Current Ventures 27:37 — Approaching Investors and Finding Talent 31:13 — HiBooks: AI-Enabled Accounting Software 33:48 — Kapeta: Streamlining Software Development