Innovation Conversation: Virtual Accelerators, Funding Equity, and Startup Mindset with Hotbed

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Perdie Alder and Em, founders of Hotbed, a virtual accelerator designed to create more equitable access to funding and opportunity for founders worldwide. They share how Hotbed identifies promising startups beyond major cities and their unique approach to supporting diverse founders.

They dive into:

• How Hotbed addresses funding imbalances and expands opportunities for global founders.
• Key traits of successful founders — user engagement, focus on key metrics, and strong salesmanship.
• The current funding landscape for pre-seed and seed-stage startups.
• How founders can build relationships with investors and navigate biases in the industry.
• The importance of resilience, tenacity, and a strong support network for entrepreneurial success.
• The role of diversity in reshaping the tech and investment ecosystem.
• Practical advice for founders on raising funds in different markets and overcoming challenges.

Tune in for a conversation on creating a more inclusive startup ecosystem and empowering the next generation of global founders.

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 Hotbed 00:14 — Identifying the Shift in the Market 01:36 — The Unique Strategy of Hotbed 03:57 — Challenges of Getting Started 06:13 — Defining Characteristics of Successful Founders 09:30 — The Funding Ecosystem 11:04 — Building with Limited Resources 12:09 — Diversity in the Tech Space 15:14 — Raising Funds in Different Markets 20:28 — Importance of Supportive Relationships 22:36 — The Origin of the Name Hotbed 23:45 — Changing the Funding Landscape 27:03 — Maintaining Resilience and Mindset 29:25 — Best Success Story 30:58 — Approaching Investors 32:07 — Contacting Hotbed