What do investors really look for in startups? And why do so many promising ventures still fail to scale? In this episode of Inside Story, I speak with Daniel Biedermann, Investment Partner at NewSpace Capital and seasoned startup coach, about what it takes to grow and fund high-impact companies, especially in the fast-changing space industry. 🌍🛰️ From spotting the right investment opportunities to understanding why so many startups struggle with turning tech innovation into market value, Dani...
Apr 22, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 29
🎙️In this episode of Inside Story, I sit down with Dorothy Germain, Managing Director of Spa Escape in Luxembourg. Dorothy shares her inspiring journey from launching a home-based wellness business in Canada to building a successful spa in Luxembourg. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—navigating financial hurdles, adapting to a new market, and building strong customer relationships that fuel business growth. 💪 If you're a current or aspiring entrepreneur, ...
Apr 07, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The fashion industry is evolving — and Vestis Labs is leading the charge. My guest, Fonny Bunjamin, founder & CEO of Vestis Labs, is on a mission to revolutionize how small and medium-sized fashion brands operate through technology, sustainability, and digital transformation. 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into: ✅ The biggest challenges fashion brands face — and how tech can solve them ✅ Why resilience, adaptability, and trusting your instincts are key to success ✅ The reality of startup life:...
Mar 25, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 27
What does it really take to build a business while managing family, life, and all the doubts that come with it? In this inspiring episode of Inside Story Podcast , I sit down with Katy Dyzewska , Founder of AMC Services , to talk about the real entrepreneurial journey — the highs, the lows, and the mindset shifts that make success possible. Katy shares her personal story of starting a business in Luxembourg, navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the inner work needed to grow a business...
Mar 10, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 26
What does it take to build a thriving marketing consultancy after working with global brands like LinkedIn and Nokia? 🤔 In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses , I sit down with Emi Orbán-Agg , founder of Do It Right Marketing , to uncover the realities of entrepreneurship, growth marketing, and making smart business decisions . 🔥 Key Takeaways: ✅ Growth marketing is about revenue, not just reach – A multi-channel approach is key. ✅ Selling is a must-have skill – Whether you'...
Feb 24, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 25
🎙️I sat down with Chanukya Patnaik, founder of AI Planet, to explore the journey of making AI accessible to all. From launching an AI marketplace and open-sourcing powerful LLMs to fostering a 300K+ global community, AI Planet is reshaping how AI is developed, learned, and adopted. 💡 What we cover in this episode: ✅ The challenges of building an AI-driven startup ✅ Why education & community are key to AI’s future ✅ How AI Planet is making AI more private, secure, and accessible ✅ The hard ...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 24
🎙 In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses, I spoke with Monica Serban-Mantero, an environmental economist turned screenwriter, who’s on a mission to change how we think about climate change - through comedy! Monica is the creative mind behind "Ten to Midnight," an environmental sitcom set to be filmed in Romania. In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey of turning her passion for sustainability into an award-winning screenplay. 💡 We dive deep into: ✅ The chall...
Jan 27, 2025•36 min
🌿 Can businesses change the world for the better? 🎙️In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses , host Dursun Halimova speaks with Virginie Ducommun, founder of Indoor Forest, about the journey of creating impactful and sustainable businesses. Virginie shares her insights on how smart technologies can transform buildings, the importance of sustainability, and the unique challenges of running a social impact company. Key Takeaways: ✓ The importance of a solid business model for impac...
Jan 06, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 22
🎙️In this episode of the Inside Story podcast, Dursun interviews Keith Amoss, an experienced career coach and entrepreneur, to uncover the profound role values play in entrepreneurship and career decisions. ⚡️Keith shares his unique perspective as someone who transitioned from a stable public sector role to starting his own coaching business. Together, they explore the importance of self-awareness, fulfillment over fleeting happiness, and the value of mentorship when navigating professional cha...
Dec 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Inside Story , host we sit down with Isabelle Mattern, a talented visual and communication designer, to explore her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From launching her business during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to mastering the balance between creativity and client demands, Isabelle shares invaluable lessons and insights. ✨ What You’ll Learn : The power of storytelling and branding in building a memorable business. Why curiosity and resilience are essential for ...
Nov 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 20
🎙In this episode, we explore how Schoolmait is redefining well-being in schools. Founders Bosmat and Yuval share their vision for a better future for students and how they built a startup focused on well-being from the ground up. Together, they share how Schoolmait empowers educational institutions with data-driven insights to identify and address well-being challenges. Bosmat and Yuval discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the intricacies of creating a platform that fosters emotional, social,...
Nov 11, 2024•34 min
In this episode of Inside Story , host Dursun Halimova sits down with Dr. Guy Schumann, CEO and founder of RSS Hydro, to dive into the world of disaster management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a leader in private-sector research, Dr. Schumann shares his unique insights on building a business around R&D and the essential role of hope and resilience in the face of setbacks. They explore the urgent need for innovation in the humanitarian sector, the financial realities of running an R&...
Oct 28, 2024•33 min
In this episode of Inside Story , host Dursun Halimova dives into the world of startup stories with Jacob Pichna, co-founder and CEO of sommify , an AI-powered wine sommelier startup. Learn how Jacob turned a simple business idea into a thriving tech company by focusing on real customer needs, applying Lean Startup principles, and raising funds to fuel his venture. Jacob shares his experience of starting a business with friends , the challenges of building a startup in college , and how to overc...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min
Discover how Alexandra, a successful coach, transformed her passion for helping others into a fulfilling career. In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Neves, founder of Mind Tree Coaching and the President of the International Coach Federation (ICF) in Luxembourg. She shares her insights on: Building a strong foundation: Creating a clear vision and setting goals Overcoming challenges: Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth Attracting clients: Leveraging your unique skills and build...
Sep 24, 2024•33 min
What do you do when you don’t have a startup ecosystem in your town? You create one. That's what Maurizio did. He created a series of startup events, to encourage entrepreneurs to exchange startup ideas, learn about startup equity, funding, being startup founder, and creating startup businesses. At one of these events he met one of his future co-founders. Through a startup xchange program he spent 1 year working with an experienced startup entrepreneur in Paris. There, he met his second co-f...
Sep 09, 2024•28 min
Tune in as Albin Axelsson, the visionary founder of A3C Consulting shares how he built a service business and scaled it using a software. Discover how Albin transformed his entrepreneurial journey from a solo freelancer to a thriving consultancy serving top-tier private equity firms. In this episode, Albin shares his invaluable insights on: Navigating the competitive market: How to stand out and add value in a crowded market The art of sales: Building relationships, understanding client needs, a...
Aug 26, 2024•37 min
Feeling trapped in a corporate cubicle? 💼 It's time to break free! 🎙️Join us as Silvija Zagar, a body-centered therapist, shares her inspiring journey from employee to entrepreneur. Discover how she transformed her passion into a thriving business while overcoming self-doubt and building a supportive network. Learn valuable insights on: ✨Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success ✨Finding fulfilment in serving others ✨Creating a business that aligns with your values 💪 Silvija proves...
Aug 12, 2024•29 min
🎙️In this episode, we dive deep into the world of startups with Guillaume Chatelain, the mastermind behind Fuck Up Nights Luxembourg. Contrary to popular belief, failure is not the enemy of success, but rather a stepping stone to it. 🎧 Join us as we explore the importance of embracing setbacks, the power of learning from mistakes, and the mindset needed to build a resilient business. Guillaume shares his personal experiences of founding and failing two startups, offering invaluable insights in...
Jul 30, 2024•29 min
Join us as we chat with Julie Mangen, founder of ShapeUp, a fitness program designed specifically for women and moms. Julie shares her inspiring journey of building a supportive community focused on outdoor workouts and body positivity. Discover how she: Created a safe space for women to rediscover their strength post-pregnancy Navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship across different countries Balanced motherhood, business, and personal life Built a thriving business through collaboration a...
Jul 16, 2024•38 min
Do you dream of starting a business with your partner? 🎙️ In this episode, we chat with Solene Whiskin, co-founder of Dandy Craft Skincare, a natural cosmetics company based in Luxembourg. Solene shares her inspiring journey of building a brand with transparency at its core, empowering consumers to make informed choices about the products they use. We delve into: ✨ The importance of transparency in the cosmetics industry ✨ The challenges and rewards of starting a business with your husband ✨ Ba...
Jul 08, 2024•39 min
Dreaming of launching a game-changing startup in Europe? This week on Inside Story, we chat with Leo Bonkel, founder of Pure Lambda, a Luxembourg-based consultancy firm. Leo, who has experience working with Silicon Valley startups, shares his insights on overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities for European entrepreneurs, including: Supercharging Your Team: Learn how stock options can attract and retain top talent, fostering a culture of ownership. Unlocking Innovation: Discover how sim...
Jul 02, 2024•45 min
Ready to ditch your day job and chase your dreams? This week on the Inside Story podcast, Dursun Halimova chats with renowned designer Francine Keiser, founder of Francini_K. Francine's story is one of courage and reinvention. Hear how she left a successful legal career to pursue her passion for fashion design, conquering challenges and defying expectations along the way. In this episode, you'll discover: The power of following your convictions: Francine shares her journey of self-discov...
Jun 26, 2024•42 min
Buckle up for an inspiring story of transformation! Maude Reisman, founder of My Body Caring Coach, takes us on her journey from law to holistic wellness. Discover: How Maude swapped the courtroom for coaching, embracing naturopathy, personal training, and massage. Why self-love and a sustainable approach are key to long-term well-being. And why aspiring entrepreneurs should prioritize their own health and chase their dreams! ✨ **Maude's passion is contagious, and her biggest reward is witne...
Jun 17, 2024•44 min
Ever wonder what it takes to navigate the wild ride of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Dursun sits down with Peter Poehle, the founder and CEO of Media65, a thriving video production company. Peter takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial rollercoaster , sharing the valuable lessons learned from his startup successes and closures , including Yappoint and Boothted. Get ready to dive deep into: The critical role of cash flow for startups and why it's the lifeblood of your business....
Jun 11, 2024•42 min
🤔 Struggling to be a one-person show? ✨Esther Celosse, career advancement expert and leadership coach, spills the tea on the power of partnerships in entrepreneurship! Having founded two companies, Focus2Progress and Return2Career, Esther shares her entrepreneurial path as a solopreneur and what it is like to build a business with her partner. ✨We dive into overcoming solopreneur challenges, building with complementary skills, and why your WHY matters more than short-term gains. Esther also emp...
Jun 05, 2024•42 min
🤔 How do you take a leap of faith and embrace the risk and uncertainty of entrepreneurship when your core needs are security and stability? 🎙️Listen to Iryna Sagaidak, a bodywork therapist, as she shares her journey of career transitions and finding fulfillment in somatic education and bodywork. ✨ When doctors could not help her, Iryna decided to take responsibility into her own hands, and educate herself in anatomy, massage and bodywork therapy to resolve her own struggles and to be able to h...
May 28, 2024•38 min
Want to be a fearless entrepreneur? Join Kiriana Bondar, a serial entrepreneur & brand strategist, as she shares her journey & the secrets to starting & selling businesses . This episode dives into: Overcoming self-doubt & taking risks Challenges faced by female entrepreneurs (especially in Luxembourg!) 🇱🇺 Supporting small businesses & networking with like minded entrepreneurs No matter what stage you're at, Kiriana's message is clear: keep going & find fulfil...
May 22, 2024•41 min
Tired of staring blankly at a wine list? 🤔 Fabienne Stanitz, founder of FabstWines, is on a mission to help you find your perfect match! 💥In this episode, Fabienne shares her journey from hospitality pro to entrepreneur, and how she built a mobile app that uses gamification to take the guesswork out of wine selection. 💥 She also gets real about the challenges she faced as a young woman in the business world, and how she overcame them to find success. Fabienne also underlines the importance of...
May 15, 2024•40 min
Want to make a difference? Join Dursun as she chats with César González Fernández, a 2nd-time founder who turned his passion for cleanups into a global movement! They discuss building the #cleansomethingfornothing movement with a mobile app used in 65 countries, removing over 825,000 kg of trash. Hear how this inspiring entrepreneur is creating a cleaner, more collaborative world, one bag of trash at a time! Help clean the world by joining #cleansomethingfornothing. Follow César : https://www.li...
Apr 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 1
🎙️ Introducing "The Inside Story of Building Businesses" podcast! 🚀 After months of ideation, coordination and hard work, the Inside Story podcast is finally here. Join us as we embark on a journey beyond the surface and unveil the hidden truths and lesser-known realities of entrepreneurship. We delve into the heart of what it truly means to build a business from scratch. "The Inside Story" podcast is your backstage pass to the world of entrepreneurship, where we uncover th...
Apr 28, 2024•6 min
