Lottie Whyte: From the kitchen table to £100k investment on Dragons Den with MyoMaster

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, the UK-based satellite company on a mission to monitor and combat climate change.  Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos delivered its first satellite in record time with a team of just five people. Since then, the business has scaled to over €100 million in satellite contracts, a team of over 130 employees in Spain, Portugal, Greece and the UK, and $50 million in Series B funding from leading Investors.  In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Rafel’s journey into entrepreneurship, lessons from scaling such a successful business and the important role of satellites in combatting climate change.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A surprising route into aerospace engineering [03:15]  ➡️ The origin story of Open Cosmos [07:30]  ➡️ The huge impact of data [11:30]  ➡️ The decision not to fundraise straight away [14:15]  ➡️ More about today’s episode sponsors [18:30]  ➡️ Scaling the team & attracting high-performers [23:40]   ➡️ Spotting great talent & Rafel’s secret weapon [31:30]  ➡️ Using data to tackle climate change [39:50]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Rafel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaeljorda?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Open Cosmos: https://www.open-cosmos.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Steve Etherton: Building the NASA of the Ocean with DEEP Pierre Paslier: Making Packaging Disappear with Earthshot Prize Winners Nopla Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Apr 43min

To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author.  Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a trailblazer inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential.  In today’s episode, we won’t just explore Adrienne’s incredible career to date but also discuss her latest book ‘Decision That Matter’ in detail.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ The power of storytelling [04:50]  ➡️ Career milestones and pivots [12:00]  ➡️ Her new book: Decisions That Matter [21:20]  ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [24:40]  ➡️ Understanding & unblocking analysis paralysis [25:40]   ➡️ Intentional decision making [27:30]  ➡️ Overcoming procrastination [34:15]  ➡️ Redefining success for every season [41:20]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ More about Adrienne: https://adrienneadhami.com/  ✨ Get a copy of “Decisions That Matter”: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460246/decisions-that-matter-by-adhami-adrienne/9781529925494  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Raj Kaur Khaira: How ethical AI will change the world  Helen Tupper: Building a squiggly career Elizabeth Uviebinené: Building the Headspace for Journaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Apr 49min

Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the first to hear about our next episode launching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Apr 6min

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, our final episode of our VC feature series, we’re joined by Pooja Sikka, General Partner at KHP Ventures.  KHP Ventures is a collaboration between King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The fund offers equity investments with Healthcare expertise for groundbreaking MedTech and digital startups.  In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Pooja’s squiggly career into Venture, and KHP’s brand new mental health immersion programme.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A career in Healthcare  [04:00] ➡️ Pooja’s squiggly journey into Venture [08:30]  ➡️ Opportunities in Healthcare [14:35]  ➡️ Building strong relationships with Founders [20:00]  ➡️ The crucial skill of spotting talent [25:00]  ➡️ Launching a new Mental Health fund [30:00]  ➡️ Advice for Mental Health startup Founders [38:00]  ➡️ The importance of authenticity in pitching [44:00]  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler  George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Mars 48min

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one.  Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early career in the Coastal Ranger Command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and at McKinsey, where he worked with the world’s top energy companies, helping them apply machine learning to renewable and non-renewable energy. Since founding Antler, the team have invested in over 1,000 companies addressing meaningful challenges and opportunities across six continents. 📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ Lessons from the Military  [04:00] ➡️ The beginnings of Antler [09:00]  ➡️ More about Antler’s successful portfolio [12:00]  ➡️ Lessons from the beginning of Antler that still hold true today [15:00]  ➡️ The perfect Founder for Antler [18:00]  ➡️ International expansions [20:00]  ➡️ Why you need optimism as a Founder [25:00]  ➡️ Predictions for the next decade in Tech [31:30]  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraise George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Mars 38min

In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial.  Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next fundraise.  From the key metrics and data points investors really care about, to the biggest red flags and crucial questions Founders should ask their potential investor - this episode will equip you with everything you need to keep in mind as you’re raising your next round.  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraise George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Mars 8min

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by George Robson, Partner at Sequoia, the fund helping daring Founders build legendary companies from idea to IPO and beyond.  From Investment Banking to Revolut and becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25, George’s CV is nothing but impressive and minutes into today’s episode, you’ll understand where his incredible drive and entrepreneurialism comes from.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ The impact of education  [03:30] ➡️ Foundations in Investment Banking [08:30]  ➡️ Joining Revolut & lessons learned [16:00]  ➡️ Navigating cultural fit [18:00]  ➡️ More about our sponsors [20:20]  ➡️ Joining Sequoia & investment approach [21:45]  ➡️ What makes a great Founder [28:30]  ➡️ Common mistakes during pitches [31:30]  ➡️ Sequoia’s Arc Program [33:45]  ➡️ The future of VC & the European ecosystem [36:00]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with George here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgerobson/ ➡️ Learn more about Sequoia: https://www.sequoiacap.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Corinne Thompson: Preparing for your fundraise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Mars 43min

This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special three-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson.  In today’s episode, Corinne shares helpful advice for setting up your company and team for an exit.  We’ll discuss:  ✅ What it actually means to “set up for an exit” as a Founder ✅ When you should start thinking about preparing for an exit  ✅ The do’s and don’ts of navigating the transition  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraise Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Mars 14min