venturemic

🚀 What does it take to bring cutting-edge science from the lab into orbit?

In this episode, we speak with Manuel La Rosa Betancourt, co-founder of Neutron Star Systems, a startup developing disruptive electric propulsion systems for deep space missions, powered by high-temperature superconductors (HTS).

🎙 Manuel shares his journey from materials science to the space industry, and what it means to navigate the complex terrain between scientific innovation, political systems, and market needs.

🧠 This episode goes beyond tech. We explore:

• What HTS and electric propulsion mean

• Why European space innovation moves more slowly, and what could change that

• The communication gap between engineers, investors, and governments

NSS is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space, turning high-risk research into real-world impact. Their story is a rare look into what it means to build deep tech with global ambition.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

🔧 What does it really take to build deep tech from scratch?

In this episode, we speak with Ali Raza , one of the co-founders of Bevel—a startup tackling one of the biggest bottlenecks in software development: understanding and working with legacy code.

We recorded this conversation several months ago, right at the beginning of Bevel’s journey. Since then, Ali and his team have been working relentlessly, and they’ve already made significant progress, so for their current state, visit their LinkedIn page. 🚀

🛠️ In this episode, we talk about: • How the team-first, idea-second approach shaped their startup • Why legacy code is such a widespread and painful problem • The mindset shift that happens when you commit to building something real

Bevel’s story is a fantastic example of how curiosity, consistency, and collaboration fuel early-stage innovation.

🎧 Listen to the episode and make sure to check out what they’re up to now on their page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bevel-software/

#startups #founderstory #softwareengineering #legacycode #productdevelopment #deeptech #Bevel #podcast #engineeringleadership #earlystagefounders #techstartup

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

🌍 Ever tried to get official documents from your home country while living abroad? Then you know—bureaucracy doesn’t travel well.

In this new episode, I speak with Shettima, founder of xTID, a startup that began by solving a deeply personal pain: helping Nigerian citizens abroad access certificates and documents often hidden behind complicated processes and endless forms.

What started as a mission to digitize bureaucracy for Nigerian expats has now evolved into something even bigger:

✅ A pivot to the India-Germany corridor

✅ A focus on verifying educational credentials for universities and tech companies

✅ And the use of blockchain to ensure secure, tamper-proof records for institutions

But this episode isn’t just about tech. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and how to keep going—even when the funding freezes, the co-founder steps back, and the government pivots before you do.

🎧 If you're interested in GovTech, international innovation, or just want a refreshingly honest founder story—this one’s for you.

#startups #govtech #digitalidentity #bureaucracy #innovation #expatsolutions #xTID #blockchain #founderstory #podcast

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

"Turning Complexity Into Clarity: Shivangi’s Journey with AICU"

Many startups dream of transforming healthcare—but few make it through the wall of regulations, technical hurdles, and personal sacrifices. Shivangi, founder of @AICUflow, is doing just that.

Her startup simplifies the entire research pipeline for medical professionals, making advanced data analysis more accessible, efficient, and publication-ready. But this episode isn’t just about tools—it’s about courage. Shivangi shares the emotional decision to leave the security of a full-time job, build something from scratch in a new country, and navigate founding life while still learning the language.

🔍 We talk: – The hidden barriers in healthcare innovation – Startup life beyond the pitch deck – Learning to lead, write grants, and face uncertainty

🎧 Tune in to hear how Shivangi is reshaping medical research—and what it really takes to follow your vision. #StartupLife #HealthTech #FoundersJourney #MedicalInnovation #Podcast #WomenInTech #AICUflow #BerlinStartups #DataScience #Entrepreneurship

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aicuflow/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivangi-data-scientist/ 

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

🥬 How do you cut food waste, shelf by shelf, byte by byte?

In this episode, we talk with Sid, co-founder of Skonelabs, a startup tackling one of the most overlooked problems in our food systems: spoilage and waste.

Sid’s journey took him from a PhD in nanotechnology to research in green energy, innovation consulting, and finally, building a startup with his co-founder Nishit. Their startup uses smart sensors and AI agents to track freshness, monitor storage conditions, and extend shelf life in the supply chain—starting with food banks and scaling into major retailers.

💡 What’s inside:

• The real story behind the name "Skonelabs" (spoiler: it involves blueberry scones and a clever €5 domain hack)

• How one conversation at a sushi restaurant inspired their pivot

• Why “flipping the pyramid” changed how Sid talks to customers—and what every founder should know about communication

• What it's really like facing 100 rejections before your first “yes”

• Big dreams: cutting 10-20% of global food waste through transparency
  

📣 “Not everyone will take a bet on a half-baked product. But someone will. You just have to knock enough doors.”

🎧 Tune in to hear a story that’s as practical as it is inspiring. Whether you're building your own thing or just curious about the challenges of early-stage startups, this one's for you.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

💡From childhood curiosity to space-tech founder

How do you go from watching NASA videos on YouTube as a kid—to building cutting-edge space tech in Germany?

In this episode, we sit down with Leonidas Askianakis, founder of Project S, a startup on a mission to detect and track space debris threatening satellites and missions around the world.

But this story is about more than just space.

It’s about moving across borders.

It’s about learning fast, building bold, and staying curious—even when the path isn’t clear.

📡 Whether you're into space, startups, or just love hearing how people turn ideas into impact—this one’s for you.

Alos Project S is hiring! Join them in their journey to Safeguard Humanity’s Space Access and Exploration.

YOUR PROFILE:

• Motivated & Proactive

• Team Player

• Great Communicator

• Flexible & Resilient

• Tech-Savvy

OPEN POSITIONS:

• Business Development Intern / Working Student

• Project Management Intern / Working Student

• Simulation Engineer Intern / Working Student

• Marketing & Communications Intern / Working Student

• Software Engineer Intern / Working Student

• Operations Working Student/Full-time

Ready to launch your career into orbit?

APPLY NOW at https://project-s.space/application and become part of our crew and mission!

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan.

Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich.

Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

In this episode of the START Munich podcast, we dive into the world of data-based investing with Dr. Daniel Reese, Investment Manager at UVC Partners. As an ex-McKinsey and experienced investor, Dr. Reese shares his insights on how startups can use data to define clear goals and objectives, identify KPIs of interest, and stick to them.

Dr. Reese discusses the influx of VC money and how it has increased the competition to identify startups. He emphasizes that learning from past data about possible future outcomes can help startups look for patterns and reduce the noise in their decision-making.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone in the startup world who wants to gain a competitive edge and make data-based decisions. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform to learn from one of the top investment managers in the game.

UVC Partners is a Munich- and Berlin-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in European tech startups from pre-seed to series A. With more than €350m under management, the fund typically invests between €0.5m - 10m initially and up to €30m in total per company. With more than 100 industry partners in the network and a close cooperation with UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s leading innovation center, UVC Partners offers startups unique access to talent, industry contacts, and other financial partners.

Have you ever thought of founding your own VC? How might Germany be more attractive than Silicon Valley for gaining traction?

David Meiborg is a partner at First Momentum Ventures, a Karlsruhe-based VC fund with a remarkable origin story. As an early-stage investment fund, they support rising startups and provide them access to a broad industry network with an authentic community. Find out more in the episode!

Sento is a rising startup in the B2B SaaS Business who just moved into great new offices after their recent impressive Seed Funding. In our interview with them, CEO Felix Krauth and CTO Nimar Blume tell us about their journey from broad ideation, about assembling the team and securing first funding onto their current growths stage. Strongest recommendation for everyone who wants to found in the Munich ecosystem.

We talked about how he made business with gangster rappers like Bushido, what it is like to invest the money of one of Germany’s wealthiest families and what Alstin looks for in a startup.

A big thank you to Noel and Alstin for supporting START Munich!