Somi Arian

Join us for an insightful conversation with Saqib Bhatti, the Minister of Technology, as we explore his journey from chartered accountant to influential political figure shaping the UK's technology and investment landscape. Minister Saqib Bhatti shares invaluable insights into the strategic initiatives driving the UK's tech ecosystem forward, offering key perspectives for both entrepreneurs and investors.

Discover the dynamic landscape of the UK's tech scene and the pivotal role of policy in fostering innovation. From supporting startups to charting the future of technological advancements, Minister Bhatti provides a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges facing tech entrepreneurs in the UK and beyond.

Tune in for an engaging dialogue with Saqib Bhatti that promises to inspire and inform, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of technology and entrepreneurship.

For  YouTube:
Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:06 Tell me about your role and how it all began
04:30 Startup culture in the UK
08:58 The Forum
11:45 Where does the UK fit within the startup landscape?
14:35 Dedicated technology department in the UK
17:25 Is the UK focusing on scalable startups? 
19:25 The “light touch”
20:56 Blockchain technology
21:54 UK presence on an international scale in the startup ecosystem

Follow Minister Saqib Bhatti👇 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saqib-bhatti-mp-mbe-0668a315/ 
X: @bhatti_saqib 
Insta: @saqibbhatti_

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

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Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#147 - Saqib Bhatti MP, UK Technology Minister

Today’s episode is a very special one. I sat down in person with Saeed Amidi, the Founder and CEO of Plug & Play. This is a global open innovation platform with a unique business model. I’ve been watching, learning, and taking inspiration from Plug and Play as I build the InPeak Network.

Saeed and I spoke about my upcoming documentary, centred around Saudi Arabia’s tech emergence. Saeed’s journey in Silicon Valley is both inspiring and intriguing and stands as a testament to being in the right place at the right time and dreaming big. With Saudi’s rise to prominence in the technology scene, we’re once again at the start of something big happening that we have an opportunity to be a part of.

Tune in to hear Saeed’s journey during the rise of Silicon Valley, and Saudi Arabia’s open-minded approach to becoming the next big tech hub.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:47 Saeed’s journey 
07:00 The role of curiosity
13:56 Rise of tech in the middle-east
18:47 Lack of participation in tech in Iran
24:08 How open is Saudi Arabia to women?
28:55 Helping your own
32:10 The next big technology hub (Saudi Arabia)

Follow Saeed👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedamidi/ 
- X: https://twitter.com/SaeedAmidi @SaeedAmidi
- Plug and Play X: https://twitter.com/PlugandPlayTC @PlugandPlayTC 
- Plug and Play Web: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz

----------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
-Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#141 - Saeed Amidi - Saudi Arabia: The New Tech Hub

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Aravinda Seshadri, Founding Partner of Venturous Counsel, a trailblazing firm dedicated to supporting underrepresented startups and investors while advocating for diversity within their communities.

Aravinda brings over a decade of expertise in the legal and startup landscape, guiding strategic partnerships and providing top-tier legal counsel to propel these ventures toward success.

This conversation delves into key aspects of the legal and startup landscape. We explore Aravinda's background and decade-long journey, with insights into the crucial role of vesting shares in startup equity, effective strategies for managing pivots, and valuable advice on navigating legal automation on startup founders. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of essential topics, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:29 05:55 About Aravinda
07:30 Vesting shares
15:43 What if you pivot?
21:32 Is it a good idea to shut down and restart? 
23:57 Selling the company
27:45 SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
33:47 Toolsets for founders & legal automation
39:52 There is no shortcut

Follow Aravinda👇 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aravindas/ 
- X: @aravinda 
Venturous Counsel: https://venturouscounsel.com/
Clerky: https://www.clerky.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

---------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#149 - Aravinda Seshadri: Mistakes Startups Make & How to Avoid Them

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Horia Oltean. He’s the co-founder of Prime Hire, a pioneering staff augmentation firm that's redefining how companies connect with top-tier engineering talent.

Now, let's hold off on any preconceptions of a dry discussion on hiring. We're about to unpack a critical challenge faced by leaders across industries – securing elite senior software engineers. Horia sheds light on the stark reality: the pool of seasoned engineers is not just limited; it's fiercely contested, predominantly by the tech giants.

Enter PrimeHire, our newest Service Partner at InPeak, tackling this very dilemma head-on. Their innovative approach not only bridges the gap but also offers a unique proposition – the opportunity to seamlessly integrate these talents into your teams.

Today's conversation is brimming with invaluable insights and actionable strategies that you simply can't afford to miss.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:18 Horia’s background
04:47 Being a non-technical founder - the three main models
15:54 Sum-up of the three main models
16:54 How to pick the correct model for you, and the pros and cons of each
26:12 How do you find the engineers?
28:12 How do you spot cheaters?
31:31 Duration of engagement between client and engineer
35:33 Finding the balance between the number of engineers and clients
38:00 Your advice to someone looking for the right engineer 

Follow Horia👇 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/horiaoltean/ 
- PrimeHire X: @PrimeHireio
- PrimeHire Web: https://www.primehire.io/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#148 - PrimeHire - How to Find Top Senior Engineers

My guests in today’s podcast are Nick and Marina Davidovs, the dynamic duo behind the success of DVC, their Silicon Valley-based venture firm. Partners not just in business but in life, the Davidovs share their remarkable journey from Russia to the heart of Silicon Valley, achieving milestones that have left an indelible mark in less than a decade.

Discover the riveting narrative of two immigrants who turned challenges into opportunities, carving out a niche for themselves in the fast-paced world of technology and entrepreneurship. Nick and Marina bring a unique perspective and a compelling point of view to the table, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and insight.

In this engaging conversation, we delve into the intricacies of their experiences, the hurdles they overcame, and the lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore their remarkable achievements, fueled by resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of their goals.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:00 Marina’s background
03:35 Nick’s background and the start of Davidov’s VC
18:04 How is your Venture Capital different?
20:17 How did you build the community?
26:55 Do you have a team of Angels co-investing with you?
29:16 Do you need a lot of money to build good startups?
33:16 2024 forecast
36:21 How is the future of Venture Capital going to look like?

Follow Nick Davidov👇 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndavidov/ 
- X: @Nick_Davidov 
- Insta: @ndavidov

Follow Marina Davidova👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msdavidova/ 
- Insta: @msdavidova

Davidovs Venture Capital👇 
- DVC Web: https://davidovs.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

--------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#146 - Nick and Marina Davidovs: Immigrant VCs - A Silicon Valley Success Story

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to be in conversation with Gabriel Jarrosson, a prominent French VC specialising in investments within the Y Combinator ecosystem. Gabriel's entrepreneurial spirit ignited at the age of 13 when he created his first website, and by 25, he had already sold his first startup.

He is also known for his influential YouTube channel 'Leonis Investissement,' a go-to source of investment insights in France. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey, unravelling the strategies and invaluable insights that will captivate both investors and founders among our listeners.

Whether you're keen on venture capital dynamics, startup growth, or seeking inspiration from entrepreneurial successes, this conversation promises a wealth of wisdom. Tune in for a captivating discussion that offers a unique glimpse into the world of Y Combinator and the entrepreneurial triumphs.

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:37 Gabriel’s entrepreneurial background
03:47 Why an animal in the name?
05:05 Why do you only invest in startups that come out of Y Combinator? 
07:10 How do you have access?
08:00 What about your compatriots?
11:20 How big is your fund?
13:09 Should all founders go through the YC?
13:43 What makes a successful applicant? 
16:48 What can a non-YC startup learn from YC startups? 
20:57 Raising money vs generating revenue
26:54 Finding a product that you can’t sell
28:27 You’re not a founder if you can’t sell
30:10 Building your brand
32:28 Founders’ mental health
38:24 Commoditization
43:01 The next big trend
45:44 What about physical production startups?
47:57 Where to follow Gabriel

Follow Gabriel👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/?locale=en_US 
X: @GJarrosson 
Insta: @gabrieldeleonis
Lobster Capital: https://www.lobstercap.com/ 
Leonis Investment YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHELbmT1kt9ZLX51Aq-BUcA @LeonisInvest 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  



-----------



Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#145 - Venture Insights with Gabriel Jarrosson: Navigating Y Combinator and Entrepreneurial Triumphs

Today's guest is Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, on a mission to create a user-owned digital identity for every person on the planet. With a rich history of influential roles at tech giants such as AWS and IBM, Sandy has left an indelible mark on the industry. In this episode, we delve into her groundbreaking contributions to AI, particularly her instrumental role in developing Watson and shaping AI tooling.

Sandy's approach to collaboration, driven by a relentless commitment to delivering customer value, and a profound belief in the transformative power of team dynamics, has spearheaded significant advancements in AI applications, setting a new standard for innovation.

Sandy's latest venture is her compelling new book titled “The Tiger and the Rabbit: Harnessing the Power of the Metaverse, WEB3, and AI for Business Success.” This conversation is your exclusive opportunity to gain insights into the future of technology and business, as Sandy shares her expertise and vision.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:15 Overview of 2023 
03:50 Digital identity and Web3 domains
09:43 How do Unstoppable Domains connect to your recent book?
12:08 Tiber vs. Rabbit teams
14:33 Integration of AI and blockchain technology
17:35 How does this integration go hand in hand with KYC?
22:02 Tackling the 3 obstacles: Complication, Regulation, Speculation
25:37 Blockchain speculations: The good, the bad and the ugly 
31:05 How long until regulation catches up on a global scale?
35:44 The Web3 startup landscape
42:56 Where to get The Tiger and the Rabbit and final remarks from Sandy

Follow Sandy👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyacarter/ 
- X: @sandy_carter 
- Unstoppable Domains: https://unstoppabledomains.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

---------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#144 - Sandy Carter - COO of Unstoppable Domains on Digital Identity and AI

In today's episode, I speak with Janos Barberis, Co-Founder of SuperCharger Ventures, the largest EdTech-only accelerator globally, and CEO of Founders Taboo, dedicated to strengthening the start-up ecosystem by empowering founders to support their mental health. Also, before his work in EdTech and founders' mental health, Janos came from a rich background in Fintech. 

I discovered Janos’ insights on Founder Wellbeing via LinkedIn, and when we spoke, I felt there was something special and authentic about his energy and perspective. Janos opens up about his mental health journey, offering valuable tools and techniques developed through personal experience, which he now candidly shares with the world.

I invite you to immerse yourself in this meaningful conversation, exploring not only the startup world but also the essential journey of mental well-being. I trust you'll find it as enriching as I did.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:54 38 Janos’ background 
03:12 Mental health 
04:46 Founder wellbeing 
08:27 Founder - Investor relationships
12:50 Janos’ article on founder wellbeing
15:01 Investing in second-time founders vs first-time founders
17:28 Dealing with the devil and angel on your shoulders as a founder
21:16 What are some common triggers of burnout in founders
22:16 The success formula
25:47 Signs of burnout
27:52 Is having a co-founder more advantageous?
29:13 Mitigating the breaking point
33:11 How to build a healthy business environment
38:57 What made you change industries?

Follow Janos Barberis👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janosbarberis/?originalSubdomain=uk 
- X: @Jnbarberis 
- Founders Taboo Web: https://www.founderstaboo.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

-----------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#143 - Janos Barberis: Balancing Mental Health in the Startup Hustle

In today's episode, I speak with Rumi Morales, a Partner and Board Member at Outlier Ventures, the powerhouse behind the world's most active Web3 accelerator. Joining me as co-host is Sadie Raney, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Strix Leviathan and now also the co-founder and CEO of EveWealth, a digital asset investing platform focused on women.


We're taking a deep dive into the blockchain industry, especially as we have so many Web3 and Blockchain startups on our platform. We're also exploring the concept of decentralisation, how it aligns with human nature, and its game-changing impact on how emerging businesses make money.


Rumi and Sadie bring their unique perspectives to the table, making this conversation not just informative but also a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the chat, and I'm confident you'll find it both insightful and enjoyable.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
02:08 Looking back at 2023
05:09 FTX vs. Mt. Gox
06:50 How I sold my bitcoins for $1000
08:23 Crypto: Making Money vs. Changing the World
14:22 Decentralisation use cases coming to reality
17:55 Nature is decentralised
21:25 Which industry are emerging startups building in? 
24:08 Which industry are most VCs investing in?
25:24 Why aren’t there enough climate tech startups?
28:45 Lack of accountability for bad behaviour 
30:23 Sustainable monetization models
35:35 Revenue models for Web3 companies
41:22 Token core
44:12 If each token was connected
47:03 Are there particularly exciting use cases for tokenization in a project?
50:08 Institutional Adoption Predictions in 2024
54:35 Advice for all builders in Web3
58:19 Where should Web3 founders seek funding?

Follow Outlier Ventures👇
- Web: https://outlierventures.io/ 
- X: @OVioHQ 

Follow Rumi Morales👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rumimorales/ 
- X: @rumimorales


Follow Sadie Raney👇 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadieraney/ 
- X: @SadieRaney

---------------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#142 - Outlier Ventures - Is Web3 Ready for a Resurgence?

In today's episode, I speak with Rajiv Kapoor, the visionary behind Chai Ventures, a female-focused venture firm. I'm thrilled to share this discussion with you as we dive into Rajiv's background, exploring pivotal moments in his journey and shedding light on his dedication to reshaping the landscape of venture capital by amplifying the presence of women.

I feel so fortunate that through this platform, I get to meet incredible people like Rajiv, who are tirelessly working towards reshaping the narrative of venture capital, making it more inclusive for women.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:20 Rajiv’s background
05:20 When did you start focusing on women-led companies? 
06:00 Did you invest in women founders before?
08:04 Do you think women are less ambitious or risk-averse? 
10:05 Pivoting
12:29 Are women good with money?
16:52 The impact of having children
23:49 Do you know many investors who share your views on female founders?
25:54 Are investors really not backing women, or is there a shortage of women actively seeking investment?
35:52 Why do most women invest in charities or non-profit organisations?
41:15 How to join Chai Ventures?

Follow Rajiv👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajiv-kapoor-82439a/ 
- Chai Ventures Web: https://chaiventures.io/
- Chai Ventures X: @ChaiVentures_

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

---------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
- Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#140 - Chai Ventures and the Roadmap for Inclusive Investment

Today, I'm joined by Ihar Mahaniok from Geek Ventures, a New York-based powerhouse.

In a landscape filled with exceptional VCs and Founders, Ihar caught my attention with his unique focus on immigrant entrepreneurs, particularly from Eastern Europe. Ihar and his team actively seek out talented individuals, aiding them in the relocation process and facilitating their expansion into the dynamic US market.

Whether you're an aspiring immigrant entrepreneur or simply fascinated by the intricate world of venture capital, this episode has something for everyone. Ihar, a true geek in the best possible meaning of the word, shares profound insights into the nature of venture capital and offers a glimpse into the minds of investors as they navigate the growth trajectory of a company.

This conversation with Ihar stands out as one of my personal favourites, and I'm confident you'll find it equally captivating.

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:41 02:00 About Ihar and his background in technology and  investing
06:26 What does Geek Ventures focus on?
09:19 What type of companies are VC fundable? 
19:59 The expectations behind being venture-backed 
25:08 The market valuations 
31:19 T2D3 (Triple triple, double, double, double)
35:19 Moat from the perspective of a founder VS a VC 
40:20 Technological moat
45:17 What if a founder is non-technical? 
51:39 First generation immigration  

Follow Ihar👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahaniok/ 
- Twitter: @mahaniok 
- Geek Ventures Twitter: @geek_ventures
- Geek Ventures Web: https://geek-ventures.com/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

----------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

- https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay

Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#139 - Ihar Mahaniok: Bridging Borders and Breaking Down Venture Capital Mysteries

Today, I'm joined by Ali Karimi, the visionary mind behind Mayfair Technology Partners, a cutting-edge Venture Studio nestled in the heart of London. Our focus today delves into the intricate realm of mental health, a critical aspect often overshadowed in the dynamic landscape of startup culture.

Embarking on the journey of building a startup is no small feat; it's a formidable challenge that can exact a toll on one's mental well-being.

This conversation proved to be a beacon of wisdom for me as a founder, and I'm confident it will resonate with you too. Tune in as we explore the intersection of mental health and the entrepreneurial journey, unravelling the complexities and offering guidance for navigating the demanding terrain of startup life.
#startup #entrepreneur #mentalhealth 

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:27 About Ali and MTP
04:00 The venture studio concept
05:51 The mental health side of things
16:53 Controlling your own emotions while building a business
23:01 The definition of success
28:27 What about the “Why?”
32:52 Why do you think there has been a massive shift in the venture business?
38:58 How important is the location? 
45:48 Where can you follow Ali

Follow Ali👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-karimi-76991658/ 
- MPT Web: https://www.mtp.tech/ 
- MPT Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtp_tech @mtp_tech 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

---------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
- Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#138 - Ali Karimi - How to Manage Stress of Building a Startup

In today’s episode, I'm joined by Jay Estefani Castillo, the co-founder of m]x[v, a prominent New York-based venture capital firm with a $50 million fund dedicated to B2B cloud investments. She's also the driving force behind Gynger, a fintech startup incubated by the fund. 

Jay's passion and extensive startup knowledge make her a captivating guest, and our conversation is sure to inspire. Join us as we explore the world of venture capital, startup, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. 
#startup #entrepreneur #investment 

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:20 About Jay and her background
05:42 What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?
07:37 How much did you raise for your fund?
07:51 More about your journey as an emerging fund manager
10:18 How do you find startups (or startups find you) 
12:09 Peak Startup business model and sense of community
19:02 Generational changes in VC firms
22:47 Is being a female immigrant a weakness in the eyes of investors?
26:12 What does curiosity mean to you?
34:22 What makes a startup stand out, and can you share any examples?
41:15 Do you see a rise in female VCs?
44:55 Final words, and where to follow Jay 

Follow Jay👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayestefani/ 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayestefani @jayestefani 
- Email: jay@mxv.vc 
- m]x[v: https://www.mxv.vc/

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

-----------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
- Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#137 - Jay Estefani Castillo - What Makes a Startup Stand Out For Investment

In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Derek Watson, the founder of N2 Technology and the dynamic Fusion_42 community, uniting innovative startup founders and investors. Not too dissimilar to what we’re building at InPeak, and I look forward to collaborating with Derek in the coming weeks and months.

Derek is particularly well-connected in the UAE startup scene, actively fostering a thriving community. If you're a founder in the region, Derek's insights and work on LinkedIn are a must-follow.

Our conversation was nothing short of eye-opening, and I trust you'll find it as enlightening as I did. Tune in and explore the dynamic world of startups with Derek Watson.
#startup #entrepreneur #investment 

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:56 Derek’s background and Fusion 42
10:55 About N2 Technology
13:46 How does N2 Technology help startup founders?
18:37 More and more VCs working with founders through warm introductions
20:36 Why the UAE?
23:11 Why do you mean by promotional funding? 
27:59 Best location for a forward-reaching startup founder to flourish
31:54 Series A and Series B traction
34:23 Fractionalization of money 
44:47 Where to follow Derek and his work

Follow Derek👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-watson-n2technology/?originalSubdomain=ae 
- Twitter: @derek__Watson
- Email: derek@n2.eco
- N2 Community Twitter: @n2_community 
- N2 Technology: https://n2.eco/ 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

---------------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
- Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

#136 - Derek Watson - Best Location to Flourish as a Startup

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ida Beerhalter, an international wealth management & family dynamics expert. Ida is also co-heading IOME, a private investment office representing women principals from the Gulf region, with its headquarters located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ida is someone I greatly admire and enjoy conversing with. Her vast knowledge and extensive experience offer a unique perspective on family offices and how to navigate their intricate dynamics. Whether you're a startup founder seeking connections with family offices or a venture capitalist looking to collaborate with them as your limited partners, Ida's insights will be invaluable to you.
#investment #wealth #investor 

Podcast Info ⤵️
- Website: https://www.inpeak.xyz/podcast 
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somi-arian-podcast/id1548277304 
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/somi%20arian%20podcast 
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CP6Msvm7xC28jh8YzRuBQ 
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a1ce9346-7876-44e0-a794-3ab8d5f9ebe8/Somi-Arian-Podcast 

Outline
00:00 Intro
01:43 About Ida and her professional background
05:08 Who do you work with within family offices?
05:14 The goal of a family office
08:03 Difference between a family office and an angel
09:16 Investment strategy of a family office vs traditional VC
11:41 Do family offices prefer to invest in a fund or directly into a startup?
13:14 Are family offices harder to find?
21:19 Do family offices have preferred sectors to invest in?
27:01 The psychology of generational wealth
35:58 Enjoying the game
39:37 Do Family Offices consider personality?
43:04 Family Office investment strategies

Follow Ida👇
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-b-1571352/  Ida B. 

Connect with Me👇
- Subscribe to this YouTube channel
- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/somiarian 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somiarianpage 
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomiArian 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somiarian/ 
- Website: https://inpeak.xyz  

----------------------------

Dance, Don't Delay by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

- Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/303/dance-dont-delay
- Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

Podcast