Bölümler

  • Episode 195: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Nayan Behal, Managing Director and Country Head at Pliant

    This podcast episode explores the essentials of crafting an effective go-to-market strategy, with insights on pricing, target audience definition, and sales distribution from Nayan, Managing Director at Pilant, a Series A fintech startup. Listeners gain practical advice for balancing passion with commercial viability, identifying critical KPIs, and avoiding common founder pitfalls.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    01:31 - Go-to-market strategy essentials.

    02:49 - Importance of KPIs.

    03:45 - Defining a target audience.

    05:28 - Filtering feedback effectively.

    07:04 - Sales and distribution timing.

    09:26 - Pricing strategy frameworks.

    11:24 - Tailored messaging benefits.

    13:32 - Common founder mistakes.

    15:25 - Balancing passion and viability.



    Nayan Behal:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbehal

    Pliant:

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

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mariam Ahmed, Co-Founder of Menza.ai

    In this episode, Mariam Ahmed, co-founder of Menza AI and a YC-backed entrepreneur, shares her journey from aspiring doctor to tech founder leveraging AI to make data-driven insights accessible for businesses. She discusses her path through corporate life at Goldman Sachs, the founding of Mensz AI, and the critical role of Y Combinator in shaping her startup experience.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:43 - Introduction of guest Mariam Ahmed and her journey from coding enthusiast to entrepreneur.

    01:36 - Mariam’s childhood ambitions and early interests in medicine and problem-solving.

    02:55 - Transition from medicine to coding and biotech internships during university.

    04:25 - Landing internships through proactive efforts and working on free coding projects for startups.

    06:16 - Mariam’s dissertation on breast cancer diagnosis using machine learning.

    07:07 - Gaining corporate experience at Goldman Sachs and transitioning into finance.

    10:52 - Value of corporate experience in building work ethics and skills.

    12:07 - The unexpected call to co-found Mensa AI and the support of her family.

    15:26 - Early experimentation with AI and LLMs before their mainstream popularity.

    20:13 - Identifying the core problem Mensa AI would address: making data insights accessible.

    24:14 - Early product iterations and lessons learned from user feedback.

    27:08 - The transformative experience of Y Combinator and building resilience as a founder.

    30:34 - Balancing stress and focusing on building a user-centric product.

    32:11 - Biggest wins: meaningful user engagement and validating product value.

    35:25 - Mariam’s hopes for the future of Mensa AI and her entrepreneurial journey.

    37:50 - Shoutouts to impactful British Asians and closing thoughts.

    Mariam Ahmed:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamaahmed/

    Menza.ai

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

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  • Episode 193: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Shefali Davda-Bhanot, Head of Talent at Doccla.

    This podcast episode dives into the challenges and strategies of hiring the first few key team members for a startup. Topics include balancing financial readiness, the benefits of generalists versus specialists, and fostering diversity metrics, with insights from Shefali, head of talent at Doccla.

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:48 - Shefali’s insights on the “chicken-and-egg” problem of hiring and revenue.

    01:39 - Discussing characteristics and timing for a first hire.

    03:48 - Debate on hiring a generalist vs. specialist for early-stage startups.

    06:49 - Outsourcing vs. hiring in-house for startups.

    10:52 - Founders foregoing salaries and balancing early-stage hiring decisions.

    13:56 - Common hiring red flags and pitfalls for startups.

    18:33 - Balancing diversity and finding the right fit in early-stage hires.

    22:49 - Shefali names inspiring British Asians making an impact.

    26:49 - Closing thoughts, Shefali’s contact details, and community encouragement.

    Shefali Davda-Bhanot:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shefalidavda/

    Doccla:

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



  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Anshu Ahuja, Co-Founder at DabbaDrop.

    In this podcast episode, Anshu shares her journey from a career in TV to building a thriving, sustainable food delivery service across London, using reusable tiffin boxes and prioritising eco-friendly practices.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    01:31 – Anshu’s Early Passion for Food

    03:30 – Career Choices and Moving to the UK

    04:51 – Breaking into the Film Industry

    09:15 – Facing Rejections and Perseverance

    10:08 – Career Evolution and Family Balance

    12:25 – Market Stall and Side Hustles

    15:23 – Founding DabbaDrop: From Idea to Launch

    17:10 – Organic Growth and First Customers

    18:38 – Founding Team Dynamics

    22:22 – Hiring First Employees and the Pandemic Surge

    25:00 – Challenges Post-Pandemic and Adapting

    28:21 – The First Fundraising Campaign

    31:10 – Customer Relationships and Investor Engagement

    32:19 – DabbaDrop’s Achievements and Sustainability

    Anshu Ahuja:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshu-ahuja-b344201ab/

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mandeep Singh, Exited CEO & Founder at Trouva.

    In this podcast episode, Mandeep shares his journey from a failed launch to a successful exit, showing the power of listening to customer feedback and pivoting for product-market fit.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    0:00 - Intro

    00:45 - Mandeep Singh’s Background and Career

    01:46 - Childhood Aspirations and Education Journey

    02:53 - Adapting to Cambridge and Academic Challenges

    04:44 - Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

    07:14 - Private Equity Career and Realizations

    12:00 - Decision to Quit and Start Something New

    18:18 - Building Street Hub and Pivots to Trouva

    20:56 - Adjusting to Startup Challenges

    26:39 - Discovering Product-Market Fit with Trouva

    34:44 - Transitioning to Non-Exec Roles and Investing

    43:17 - Joining Amnesty International’s Board and Impact

    Mandeep Singh:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandeepsinghuk/

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Deepti Patankar, Ex Co Founder and COO of Hostmaker.

    In this podcast episode, Deepti Pantankar, shares insights on scaling a service-based startup, overcoming operational hurdles, and the challenges of rapid growth before exiting the business.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    01:34 - Deepti’s early career goals and transition to law

    06:17 - Founding Hostmaker and the initial inspiration

    08:29 - Balancing financial security and entrepreneurship as a couple

    11:44 - Overcoming operational challenges and trust-building

    14:31 - Fundraising journey and Series B round

    18:56 - Scaling challenges and operational demands

    23:05 - Decision to sell due to pandemic uncertainties

    26:09 - Reflections on selling Hostmaker during COVID-19

    28:06 - Taking a year off and future aspirations

    34:32 - Advising other startups and sharing lessons learned

    Deepti Patankar:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-patankar-108a202/

  • Episode 189: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Aishwarya Agarwalla, Bae HQ’s new Founders Associate

    This episode introduces Aish, Bae HQ’s newest team member and the first full-time in-person associate, sharing her journey from involvement in the UK startup ecosystem to her current role at Bae HQ. Aish discusses her background, motivations, and commitment to supporting the British Asian entrepreneurial community while fostering a culture of giving back.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    0:43 – Aish shares her background in startups, starting with a gap year during COVID.

    1:41 – Overview of Kickstart’s accelerator program and Aish’s role.

    2:56 – Aish’s reasons for joining Bae HQ, supporting British Asian entrepreneurs.

    3:50 – Aish reflects on her busy first week and new responsibilities.

    5:04 – Advice for students on networking and engaging with the startup ecosystem.

    7:08 – Aish’s excitement for upcoming events and outreach programs.

    7:56 – Quick shoutouts to inspiring figures in the Asian community.

    9:21 – How listeners can connect with Aish and Bae HQ.

    10:51 – Request for mentors and experienced founders to support Bae HQ initiatives.

    11:48 – Final message encouraging listeners to give back to the community.



    Aishwarya Agarwalla:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-agarwalla-9538b71ab/

    Bae HQ:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Sunaina Sethi, Co-Founder & Chief People Officer JKS Restaurants.

    In this podcast episode, discover how JKS Restaurants grew from a single location into a global brand with over 1200 employees, and the role of people, vision, and adaptability in that journey.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    0:00 - Intro

    0:41 - Restaurant portfolio and early story

    1:36 - Early ambitions and career path

    2:37 - Studying and career pivot to hospitality

    4:09 - Working at HSBC and lessons learned

    5:43 - JKS first restaurant and early growth

    8:10 - Working with family dynamics

    11:29 - Growth vision and organic expansion

    16:58 - Restaurant portfolio highlights

    18:35 - Transition to people-focused role

    20:35 - JKS people strategy and leadership approach

    22:47 - Navigating challenges of COVID

    25:53 - Maintaining longevity in a tough industry

    27:19 - Lessons from tough business decisions

    29:16 - Concept behind Ambassadors Clubhouse

    31:49 - Expanding with new ideas and locations

    33:48 - Future of JKS and International growth

    34:57 - What’s next and new tech at JKS

    Sunaina Sethi:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunaina-sethi-57215731/

    JKS Restaurants:

    https://jksrestaurants.com/

  • Episode 189: Anshika Arora , today’s host from The BAE HQ and the founder of Eternity welcomes Shreyaa Khemka Portfolio Services Manager at Owl Ventures.

    In this episode, Anshika and Shreyaa explore how startups can measure success beyond financial metrics, focusing on traction, impact, and long-term value.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    0:00 - Intro

    01:16 - Key non-financial metrics for business success.

    02:06 - Frequency of tracking financial vs. non-financial metrics.

    02:38 - The integration of non-financial metrics into revenue forecasting.

    03:31 - Deliberation on impact and long-term value metrics.

    04:45 - Balancing engagement/satisfaction with growth and acquisition.

    05:09 - Importance of user-centric approaches for long-term success.

    06:10 - Gathering and interpreting net promoter score and qualitative feedback.

    08:24 - Measuring and improving long-term product impact.

    09:33 - Factors for assessing product reach, access, and outcomes.

    11:37 - Discussion on internal team metrics and company culture.

    12:12 - Value of qualitative data in investor decision-making.

    14:40 - Example of qualitative feedback impacting product decisions.

    16:09 - Evolving consumer habits and adapting business strategies.

    17:10 - Competitive benchmarking for market positioning.

    18:34 - Avoiding data overwhelm through clear measurement frameworks.

    20:39 - Common data measurement mistakes among founders.



    Shreyaa Khemka:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyaakhemka/

    Owl Ventures:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/owl-ventures-lp/



  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Harjas Singh Co-Founder at Shares.

    In this podcast episode, Harjas Singh, Co-Founder of Shares, takes us through his captivating entrepreneurial journey. From initially aspiring to become a doctor, to exploring sports, and then shifting to software engineering, Harjas ultimately founded a fintech startup. Along the way, he embraced challenges and personal growth, making his story both inspiring and insightful.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:36 - Intro

    01:29 - Growing Up and Early Ambitions

    02:43 - Transitioning from Medicine to Computer Science

    03:48 - Discovering Bhangra and Community at University

    06:44 - Starting a Career in Software Engineering

    07:43 - Navigating Visa Challenges and Moving to London

    09:24 - Joining Deutsche Bank and Moving to Revolut

    12:17 - Thriving in the Startup Ecosystem

    13:17 - Building a Wealth and Trading Product at Revolut

    14:04 - Deciding to Launch His Own Startup

    15:38 - Creating a Social Investing Platform

    17:25 - Finding and Teaming Up with Co-Founders

    19:57 - Key Early Decisions That Stood Out to Investors

    21:41 - Scaling and Building a Community of Savvy Investors

    25:51 - Securing Regulatory Approvals and Celebrity Endorsements

    27:54 - Exciting Plans for the French Market and Beyond

    30:36 - Lessons Learned in Personal Growth and Building a Team

    Harjas Singh:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/harjas-singh-7b61a048/

    Shares:

    https://www.shares.io/

  • Episode 185: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Sonia De Mello (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniademello/?originalSubdomain=uk), Account Director at Woodrow.

    In this episode, we discuss the key differences between PR and marketing, offering practical, cost-effective strategies for startups to build long-term influence and media relationships.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Intro

    00:19 PR vs. Marketing Overview

    01:08 The Role of PR in Brand Influence

    02:26 PR and Marketing Synergy for Startups

    04:26 Measuring PR Impact

    07:17 Crafting Stories for Your Audience

    08:52 The Importance of Targeted Storytelling

    11:17 Understanding the News Cycle and Relevance

    14:11 Building Relationships with Journalists

    17:33 Leveraging LinkedIn for PR

    18:16 Common PR Mistakes to Avoid

    22:47 Examples of Successful Founders in PR

    💼 LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

    📸 Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/

    🎥 YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1

    Support us:

    https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Kanu Batra Co-Founder at Speek.

    In this podcast episode, Kanu Batra Co-Founder at Speek Health, shares her inspiring story of career pivots, resilience, and the journey from dreaming of being a pilot to creating a mental health platform for young people.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Intro

    01:02 Moving to a Bigger City for Growth

    02:36 Transition from Pilot Dreams to Bioengineering

    04:04 Realising a Passion for Market Impact

    05:21 Family Pressure and Entrepreneurial Roots

    07:15 The Blessings of Unconditional Parental Support

    08:10 Building a Career in Healthcare

    09:12 Navigating a Job Abroad in Singapore

    11:11 Key Mentors and Support in the Corporate World

    14:55 Struggles and Lessons of Entrepreneurship

    16:15 Why Kanu Chose Young People’s Mental Health

    22:04 Building a Co-Founder Relationship

    24:43 Lessons Learned from Failed Co-Founder Partnerships

    29:04 Making an Impact in Self-Harm Treatment

    31:41 Building a Sustainable Business with Social Impact

    34:08 Vision for the Future of Speek Health

    Kanu Batra:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanubatra/

    Speek:

    https://lets-speek.com/

  • Episode 183: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Mira Magecha (https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha/), Chief People Officer of Play For Change.

    In this episode, Mira shares essential leadership skills, emphasising self-awareness, team empowerment, and the balance of vision and communication for startup founders.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:26 - The Core Leadership Skills Every Founder Needs

    02:59 - Developing Self-Awareness as a Leader

    05:20 - How to Communicate Vision and Strategy Effectively

    07:25 - The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership

    08:33 - Balancing Empowerment and Accountability

    10:56 - Hiring the Right Team and Failing Fast

    14:54 - When to Bring in Outside Expertise

    18:17 - Delegating Without Micromanaging

    19:56 - Summary and Key Takeaways

    💼 LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

    📸 Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/

    🎥 YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1

    Support us:

    https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Sandrine Zhang Ferron CEO of Vinterior

    In this podcast episode, Sandrine Zhang-Feron, CEO of Vinterior, shares her inspiring journey from finance to founding a sustainable vintage furniture marketplace.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ____

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Intro

    00:38 Meet Sandrine Zhang-Feron, CEO of Vinterior

    01:38 Early aspirations and shift to business

    04:15 Transition from finance to entrepreneurship

    07:00 Vinterior's founding story and building the marketplace

    11:02 Growing the business: First 200 suppliers

    14:21 Impact on the environment and sustainable furniture

    22:32 Recent wins: TV ads and growth

    30:03 Future goals: Expansion and profitability

    Sandrine Zhang Ferron:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrinezhang/

    Vinterior:

    https://www.vinterior.co/

  • Episode 181: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Faris Aranki, Founder of Shiageto Consulting.

    This episode explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in business success, highlighting how founders can improve their EQ to lead more effectively and grow their startups.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    0:00 – Intro

    0:15 – Overview of IQ, EQ, and FQ.

    1:29 – Differences between IQ, EQ, and FQ and their impact on leadership.

    2:37 – Practical examples of how EQ affects decision-making in startups.

    4:22 – How to manage stakeholders using emotional intelligence.

    5:27 – The importance of self-awareness and adapting leadership styles.

    8:58 – Signs of low EQ and how to improve listening skills.

    10:06 – Techniques for founders to boost their EQ.

    11:20 – Adapting communication styles based on different stakeholders.

    12:58 – Building a team with diverse EQ skills for better leadership.

    15:07 – Practical steps to improve EQ through self-awareness.

    16:51 – Final thoughts on investing in personal growth and EQ as a founder.

    💼 LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

    📸 Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/

    🎥 YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1

    Support us:

    https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus

  • Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mahdi Shariff Co-Founder of Humble AI

    In this podcast episode, Mahdi Shariff, co-founder of Humble AI, discusses his entrepreneurial journey from working at EY, moving to China, and ultimately founding a startup focused on making AI and automation more accessible to everyone. He shares his experiences in door-to-door sales, M&A, and startup culture, as well as valuable insights on negotiation, building trust in teams, and leveraging AI to solve real-world problems.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    01:20 – Childhood ambitions and the path to chemistry

    03:07 – Early entrepreneurial ventures and door-to-door sales

    09:37 – Experience in M&A at EY and insights on entrepreneurship

    15:21 – Moving to China and working with a tech startup

    21:51 – De-risking career transitions and moving into startups

    33:41 – Humble AI’s vision and evolution

    38:15 – Why they stayed in stealth and their focus on building real solutions

    Mahdi Shariff:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdishariff/

    Humble AI:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/humble-ai/




  • This episode shows how successful partnerships involve leveraging collective strengths to achieve shared goals, with a focus on the diverse media landscape in Africa. It emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity, localising content, selecting the right partners, and the challenges of entering Africa's markets. Understanding the audience, choosing partners wisely, and conducting thorough research are key factors for success.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:13 - Defining Partnerships in Media

    00:44 - Entering the African Market: Key Considerations

    01:47 - The Diverse Media Landscape of Africa

    02:55 - Selecting the Right Country for Expansion

    03:36 - The Importance of Localising Content

    04:49 - Steps to Enter Africa's Media Market

    06:31 - Building Trust and Relationships

    07:51 - Common Mistakes in African Market Entry

    09:00 - Navigating MVP Challenges and Solutions

    10:57 - Dealing with MVP Failures and Mindset

    11:26 - Overcoming Fear of Failure and Pivoting

    11:49 - Importance of Data and Customer Feedback

    12:56 - Identifying the Right Customer Base

    13:09 - Persona Identification and Product Positioning

    14:28 - Feedback from Initial Customer Base

    14:44 - Customer Sentiment and Product Improvements

    16:22 - Communicating with Investors and Teams

    16:50 - Managing Investor Expectations and Product Growth

    18:08 - Using Data to Optimise and Build Investor Confidence

    19:06 - Shoutout to Partners and Startup Banking Support

    19:55 - Challenges of Early-Stage Founders


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    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

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  • 178: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) shares

    This podcast episode covers the entrepreneurial journey of a founder who transitioned from a corporate career at Goldman Sachs to launching multiple startups. He shares insights on navigating startup challenges, the importance of finding the right market fit, and the lessons learned from both successful exits and initial setbacks.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    02:00 - Childhood aspirations and early exposure to entrepreneurship.

    04:47 - Academic background and decision to pursue an MBA over a PhD.

    07:06 - Transition from India to London and early career in finance.

    08:16 - Experience at Goldman Sachs during the financial crisis and starting interest in startups.

    09:44 - First experiences in startup investment and the challenges faced.

    11:32 - Inspiration to leave Goldman and start a fitness-focused startup.

    13:34 - The first startup idea and subsequent pivot to fitness.

    17:35 - Struggles with product-market fit and lessons learned.

    20:43 - Realisation of founder-market fit issues in the fitness business.

    22:47 - Exit process and challenges faced during acquisition.

    25:44 - Starting the current business focused on reducing payment failures in subscription models.

    27:45 - Reflections on Y Combinator experience and learnings.

    29:45 - Thoughts on product-market fit and strategic focus.

    33:03 - Understanding the right fit for the founder and business.

    35:15 - Future aspirations for the current company and upcoming product launch.

    37:37 - Importance of fitness and balancing work and personal life.

    Anantharaman Pattabiraman

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anantharaman-pattabiraman-87532a4/

    Inai:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anantharaman-pattabiraman-87532a4/

    Support us:

    https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus

  • 177: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) shares The Bae HQ’s Q3 Update


    In this episode, Amar shares insights about what is happening all things Bae HQ. Upcoming events, and new hires, including the search for a Founder’s Associate. He also discusses recent and future podcast plans, the structure of their organisation, and teases upcoming projects in the works.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:00 - Introduction and overview of today’s episode.

    00:30 - Announcement of hiring a Founder’s Associate.

    01:42 - Breakdown of the company’s four main pillars: media, events, futures, and investment.

    02:24 - Recap of a recent event and importance of unrecorded discussions.

    02:51 - Upcoming events and collaborations with various partners.

    05:31 - Updates on the podcast, challenges with guest hosting, and growth in media.

    06:17 - Details on the Lab Podcast and efforts to streamline operations.

    07:05 - Discussion about mentorship schemes and improving their effectiveness.

    08:21 - Investment updates and future plans for an Angel Collective.

    09:10 - Teaser about building a community platform and a potential book.

  • Episode 176: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Ranbir Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranbir-arora-39219a37/) from Oneday.

    This episode explores Ranbir Arora's entrepreneurial journey, from struggling startups to becoming a CEO, and his insights on finding product-market fit and creating a meaningful business.

    Message from our headline partners:

    From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/

    ________

    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:34 - Ranbir's Background

    01:20 - Growing Up and Early Aspirations

    02:39 - Inspired by Dragon's Den

    04:15 - Challenges from a Young Age

    05:10 - Searching for Entrepreneurial Education

    06:03 - Early Business Failures

    08:03 - Dealing with Setbacks and Staying Motivated

    10:52 - Knowing When to Pivot

    14:33 - Joining Sweatcoin and Influencer Marketing Success

    24:39 - Launching OneDay and Building a Business

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    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq

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    https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/

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