We close this incredible second season of Deep Dive with a special guest: Uri Levine, founder of Waze & Moovit, in conversation with Joe Haslam from IE Business School. Uri shares inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs who shaped his journey and leaves us with a powerful lesson: “You might die, but you never give up.” 💪

This episode is a celebration of resilience, vision, and determination—essential traits for every entrepreneur.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us throughout this season, brought to you in collaboration with Cloud District.

In this exciting new chapter of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, to discuss the power of real-world consumer feedback in building successful businesses.

Greg shares his belief that there’s no better way to test an idea than by putting it directly in the hands of real consumers who truly understand it. From there, the path becomes clear: find the right investor and gain the momentum needed to propel your business forward.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to refine their ideas, attract the right funding, and scale with purpose.

🎧 Learn how to turn consumer feedback into a growth engine for your business!

In Episode 8 of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with John Elkington, founder and Chief Pollinator at Volans and a global leader in corporate sustainability. Known as the "father of sustainability," Elkington shares his insights on how companies can genuinely embrace sustainability, the challenges they've faced along the way, and the vital role of platforms like South Summit in this journey.

One of the episode's core themes is the increasing need for innovation and collaborative partnerships. Elkington believes that while sustainability is challenging, it’s also an area where constant innovation is key to overcoming obstacles and driving meaningful change. He applauds South Summit for its role in fostering a dynamic ecosystem where startups, investors, and established companies come together to co-create sustainable solutions. According to him, platforms like South Summit are essential in advancing transformative ideas and nurturing the next wave of sustainable enterprises.

For listeners interested in the intersection of business and sustainability, this episode offers rich insights. John Elkington’s perspective on sustainable business strategies is essential for anyone looking to understand the role companies can play in shaping a positive future.

In this episode of the Deep Dive podcast, our Chief Ecosystem Officer Liz Fleming welcomes Michele Romanow, a Serial Entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Clearco, one of the world's largest growth capital platforms for startups. Known for her disruptive approach to business, Michele shares valuable insights into the startup ecosystem, offering advice on scaling companies and staying ahead in fast-paced markets.

For Michele, the key to entrepreneurial success lies in speed and execution. Her philosophy? Get things 70% right but do them five times faster than everyone else. This agile mindset allows founders to test, iterate, and grow their businesses at a much quicker rate, which is crucial in today’s competitive landscape.

Michele also dives into the innovative model of Clearco, explaining how the company provides non-dilutive growth capital to e-commerce and SaaS businesses, empowering founders to retain equity in their startups. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, Clearco is transforming how startups access funding, offering a strong alternative to traditional venture capital.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in the world of startups, Michele’s advice is invaluable.

In our latest Deep Dive episode, we sit down with Jared Carmel, Managing Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to explore the intricacies of startup investment and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jared brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with countless founders and investors, and he shares some of the most crucial insights for anyone looking to succeed in this fast-paced world.

Jared emphasizes a key principle for startup success: “The best founders have the best ideas, but they need the tenacity to make those ideas succeed.”

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or an investor looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice. Jared talks about the patterns he’s noticed in successful founders—those who not only come up with groundbreaking ideas but have the determination and grit to bring those ideas to life, even in the toughest environments.

This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in building resilient startups, securing investment, and understanding the broader landscape of entrepreneurship.

In the fifth episode of our second season, Joe Haslam welcomes Megumi Ikeda, MD at Hearst Ventures and a prominent investor with a keen eye for spotting emerging opportunities. Megumi takes us through a day in her life as an investor, sharing the routines, practices, and insights that guide her decisions in the fast-paced world of venture capital.

Ever wondered what it’s like to manage millions and decide where to invest? Megumi offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she navigates her day, from morning routines to late-night readings that help her stay ahead of industry trends. With a focus on continuous learning, Megumi reveals the types of content she consumes to deepen her understanding of the industries she invests in, ensuring that she’s always one step ahead of the curve.

Megumi Ikeda’s episode is a fascinating exploration of the life and mindset of a successful investor. Her disciplined approach to daily routines, combined with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in venture capital or looking to understand how top investors think and operate.

In the fourth episode of our second season, Joe Haslam, Executive Director of the Owners Scaleup Program at IE Business School, receives Michael Baum, founder of The Yope Foundation and a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a wealth of experience in the startup world.

Drawing from his own experiences and those of the many entrepreneurs he has mentored, Michael discusses how mental health challenges can affect decision-making, leadership, and the overall trajectory of a startup. His insights provide a powerful reminder that building a successful startup is about more than just having a great idea; it’s about being resilient, staying mentally strong, and knowing when to pivot or persevere. His approach to entrepreneurship is both practical and deeply empathetic, offering valuable lessons for anyone involved in the startup ecosystem.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the human side of entrepreneurship. Michael’s wisdom on resilience and mental health is not just about surviving the startup journey, but thriving through it.

In the third episode of our second season, we're delighted to welcome Paul Murphy, the general partner of Lightspeed Venture Partners. Paul joins us to share his insightful journey into the world of investment, uncovering the patterns he identifies in successful entrepreneurs and the dynamic relationship between investors and the startup ecosystem. Paul Murphy's story is a fascinating dive into the venture capital realm, where intuition, strategy, and experience converge to support and nurture groundbreaking innovations. As a seasoned investor at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Paul has played a crucial role in identifying and backing some of the most promising startups. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and anyone curious about the inner workings of venture capital. Paul’s journey is not just about identifying and funding successful startups; it’s about fostering innovation, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth of vibrant ecosystems.