Nova&Boba

How a Non-Technical Founder Got Investment Before He Had a Company

Ama Owusu-Afriyie — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Maverick is not your typical founder. Laid off two days after moving to London. No clients, no money, no safety net. Told by a close friend that he didn’t know how to build a company. Twelve months later, he’d raised investment, built an AI start-up from scratch, and landed his first paying customers.

This is the unfiltered story of what it actually costs to build something from zero.

In this episode, we cover:

How a third-generation gambling family shaped Maverick’s obsession with betting only on what he can control

The rocket ship start-up Maverick joined that swiftly collapsed and what he learnt from this t

How cold LinkedIn DMs and relentless outreach landed him his first clients in weeks

How a single LinkedIn video caught the attention of a three-time YC founder and changed everything

What working at $100 million Model ML company taught him about standards, sales, and speed

Why he moved to San Francisco, lasted six weeks, and left on his own terms

How he booked a one-way ticket to Vietnam with barely any money and kept building anyway

What Maverick Intelligence actually does and how it turns anonymous website visitors into paying customers

Why he’s focused on the US market and what GDPR means for founders building in this space

His honest take on AI agents and how Maverick Intelligence identifies thousands of people every single day, around the clock

The exact sales tools he uses including Clay, Orange Slice, Instantly, and Condo

Why A/B testing before 10,000 users is a complete waste of time

How to upskill technically without a computer science background

Why graduate schemes might actually be holding young people back

The one piece of advice for anyone sitting on an idea they still haven’t started.

This is a revenge arc, a masterclass in sales, and one of the most honest founder conversations we’ve had on the show.

Connect with Maverick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maverick-f/

Learn more about Maverick’s company Maverick Intelligence: https://maverickintelligence.co/

The Problem With the UK Startup Ecosystem

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Josh Tulloch, Co-Founder of Plugged, joins us this week to discuss the entrepreneur- first model, offering an alternative route to the traditional corporate chains.

He also offers great insights into both, maintaining the original atmosphere of a company while monetizing and understanding graduate job opportunities.

Hope you enjoy.

WE ARE HOSTING A HACKATHON £20K UP FOR GRABS SIGN UP HERE: https://luma.com/speedbuild2026

Connect with Guest

LinkedIn- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshua-tulloch?trk=org-employees

📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod

📲 YouTube @novandbova

📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

The Brutal Truth About Co-founder Relationships While Scaling Your First Company at Uni

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Hope you enjoy this episode with super cool founders Peter and Marlene, they started a business at uni and went on to exit this business to one of the UK's fastest growing companies at just 24 years old.

They are now launching their second company together called Calibr.

Calibr helps high-growth organisations source and train the people who drive operational AI efficiency inside companies.

Hope you enjoy.

00:00 LinkedIn Royalty Intro
00:17 Co-Founder Chemistry
03:18 Unlikely Friendship
04:00 How They Met
05:51 Graduate Guide Mission
08:44 Business Model Experiments
11:55 From Recruitment to Product
13:51 Acquisition Story
18:55 Founder Mindset Lessons
19:58 Consulting Feels Boring
20:22 ADHD and Craving Novelty
21:10 What Calibr Actually Does
22:01 Rebuilding Workflows With AI
23:12 Training AI Transformation Teams
24:49 New AI Roles and Upskilling
27:33 AI Layoffs Reality Check
31:24 Is University Still Worth It
37:04 Advice for Aspiring Founders
39:21 Closing and Part Two Tease

Follow Us On..

📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod
📲 YouTube @novandbova
📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

Gen Z Doesn't Hate Ads They Hate Bad Ads

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:05:59 -0000

Alexandra Naomi Perez is Chief of Staff at Thrad AI, a startup building the infrastructure for advertising inside LLMs like ChatGPT. She went from studying politics and security at UCL to becoming one of the youngest operators in AI and in this episode, she breaks down exactly how she did it.

We talk about why Gen Z hates bad ads (not ads themselves), why Silicon Valley feels nothing like the UK startup scene, and how the next generation of founders can become "technical" without learning to code from scratch.

Alexandra also shares why startups should sacrifice hours, not relationships, why capable women in tech still battle imposter syndrome, and why your environment matters more than your talent. Plus: how AI tools, automations, and agentic workflows are reshaping startup operations, why founders should ditch the work-life balance debate and chase efficiency instead, and what it actually takes to be a great Chief of Staff at an early-stage company.

Also in this episode: moving from Geneva to London to San Francisco, cold-starting a career in AI without a traditional background, building startup systems with Claude and N8N, what founders get wrong about ambition and why building a company is still the coolest, funnest thing you can do.

In this episode, we cover:-

Why Gen Z doesn't hate ads, they hate bad ads, and what Thrad AI is building to fix that
What advertising inside LLMs like ChatGPT actually looks like and why it's the next frontier
Her path from studying politics and security at UCL to becoming one of the youngest operators in AI
How to cold-start a career in AI without a traditional technical background
Why Silicon Valley feels completely different from the UK startup scene, and what moving from Geneva to London to San Francisco taught her
How founders can become "technical" without learning to code from scratch
Why startups should sacrifice hours, not relationships
Why women in tech struggle with imposter syndrome even when they're more than capable
Why your environment matters more than your talent
How AI tools, automations, and agentic workflows (Claude, N8N) are changing how startups operate
Why founders should stop obsessing over work-life balance and focus on efficiency instead
What it actually means to be a great Chief of Staff at an early-stage company
What founders get wrong about ambition, and why building a company is still the coolest and funnest thing you can do

#AI #Startups #WomenInTech #ChiefOfStaff #TechPodcast

DeepMind Scholar Closing Tech’s Biggest Gender Gap.

Sun, 31 May 2026 04:58:00 -0000

Sedinam Simpson is the co-founder and strategy lead at The Tech Bros but her journey to get there is anything but ordinary.

A Google DeepMind Scholar and MPhil graduate in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence from the University of Cambridge, Sedinam has spent her career sitting at the intersection of cutting-edge AI research, entrepreneurship, and building pathways for the next generation of founders.

She joins us for an honest conversation about what it really takes to break into tech, why she co-founded The Tech Bros, and what the industry still gets wrong about women in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we cover:

The problem that drove Sedinam to co-found The Tech Bros and why it needed to exist

What getting into Cambridge actually looked like and what it taught her

Where to begin if you want to learn to code practical advice for complete beginners

What running an accelerator programme has taught her about early-stage founders

The biggest barriers holding women back in tech and entrepreneurship and what needs to change

The most impressive founders she’s worked with and what sets them apart

How she founded Chara, a sustainable fashion brand, as an undergraduate Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellow

Her path from Data Scientist to strategy lead and what she learnt along the way

Whether you’re a woman navigating your way into tech, an aspiring founder looking for your first step, or simply curious about what it takes to build at the frontier of AI this episode is for you.

#WomenInTech #AIResearch #MachineLearning #GoogleDeepMind #Cambridge #TechBros #Accelerator #BlackWomenInTech #SustainableFashion #LearnToCode #FounderStories #DiversityInTech #AIStartups #Entrepreneurship2025 #FemaleFounders #DataScience #StartupAdvice #AfricanFounders #AllanGray #TechCommunity

The Man Fixing 50 Years of Broken Women’s Health.

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Samuel is building something that has been overlooked for decades. A natural, vegan, plant-based contraceptive gel that works with the body rather than against it. And he is doing it from a lab he built in his shed.

C Silk is a femtech start-up at the frontier of reproductive health, and this conversation covers everything from the science behind it to the brutal reality of building a MedTech company from scratch with no institutional backing and no rich family behind you.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Samuel, a biochemical engineer and former biopharma professional, became a male founder in women’s health

The personal experiences that revealed just how broken the reproductive healthcare system really is

Why prescriptions for the contraceptive pill have halved in the last decade and what that means for the market

The rise of fertility awareness methods and why women are increasingly giving up on hormonal contraception altogether

Why women were excluded from clinical trials until the late 1990s and the enormous gap that has left in female healthcare

The science behind C Silk and how the female body naturally creates an inhospitable environment for sperm

How Samuel studied a US FDA-approved competitor, identified its flaws, and built a better product

What spermicides from the 1970s got catastrophically wrong and why nothing significant changed for fifty years

The moment under a microscope that proved the product actually works

How to bootstrap a MedTech prototype with a few hundred pounds and a shed

Navigating UK, EU, and US regulatory frameworks as a post-Brexit medical device start-up

Why smart money matters more than any money in MedTech

The NHS grant rejection letter Samuel framed on his wall as motivation

What building a team in deep tech actually looks like when resources are limited

Practical advice for anyone who wants to build a start-up from zero

This is one of the most important problems being worked on right now, and one of the most honest conversations we have had on the show.

▶️ Watch on YouTube: [link]

💙🧋

#FemTech #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #NaturalContraception #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #StartupAdvice #BiochemicalEngineering #Biopharma #CSilk #FemaleHealth #BootstrappedFounder #MedicalDevice #HealthStartup #HormoneHealth #ContraceptionAlternatives #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship2025 #FounderStory #UCL

10x Hackathon Winner Reveals the Fail-Proof System That Wins Every Time.

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Natalie is not the best coder in the room. She will be the first to tell you that but she keeps winning hackathons, going viral on LinkedIn, and building things that nobody else sees coming.

In this episode, Natalie breaks down the exact process behind winning hackathons, navigating male-dominated AI spaces as a young woman, and why the tools available right now mean that almost anyone can build something extraordinary.

In this episode, we cover:

The step by step process Natalie uses to win hackathons, and why being the best coder is not the point

How to find out what judges actually want before you build anything

Why solo hackathon entries are becoming more viable than team ones in the current era of AI tools

How she won the Perplexity Hackathon solo and walked away with five thousand pounds in cash

What Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex actually look like in a real workflow

How to use AI sub-agents as employees and delegate tasks the way you would to a team

Why the fastest way to get good at AI tools is to fail with as many of them as possible

The moment a stranger at a hackathon told her she could never be a founder, and what she did next

What it is really like being a woman in AI-dominated spaces and how she keeps showing up anyway

Why code security is being ignored in the race for speed, and what the real dangers are

How to write LinkedIn posts that catch the algorithm in the first hour

What building a winning hackathon project actually looks like.

Why she is going all in on 3D and spatial AI after she graduates

Whether you are a student, an aspiring founder, or someone who has ever felt like they do not belong in a room, this episode will change how you think about what is possible right now.

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@novaandbobastartups?si=4dWzLsx55iudE70w

#Hackathon #WomenInTech #AITools #ClaudeCode #VibeCoders #SoloFounder #GenZFounders #LinkedInGrowth #AIAgents #Perplexity #Cursor #Codex #BuildInPublic #StudentFounder #SpatialAI #TechCommunity #AIStartups #LearnToCode #Entrepreneurship2025 #FutureOfWork

The Ugly Cost of Building an AI StartUp at 22 That Nobody Puts on LinkedIn

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Nico first came on Nova & Boba in November 2023, still at university, still building. Since then he’s been featured in Forbes, raised $4.1 million, and built an AI start-up from scratch.

But behind the headlines is a story most people never see. A cult. Moving countries multiple times. A co-founder split. Legal issues. Health issues. A start-up that failed before one that didn’t.

Today we pull back the curtain on what it actually costs to build something at this age.

In this episode, we cover:

What Nico is building now and why it matters in a market projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030.

The real lessons from Fuego, the ones he didn’t see coming

How to build a defensible AI start-up when there are over 70,000 competitors globally

AI agents genuine paradigm shift or overhyped distraction?

Whether AI employees working autonomously are the future of early-stage start-ups and where the human still wins

Why Bessemer argues that context and memory are the new moats and where most founders get it wrong

Co-founder breakups and what his experience was and what he wishes he’d known

Why he chose to finish his degree when most of his peers were dropping out

What EWOR gave him that he couldn’t have got anywhere else

The leadership principles he actually lives by not the ones that sound good

How to delegate ownership without losing control

His hardest mental health moments as a founder and what got him through

How he stayed grounded through relocations, health struggles, and everything in between

What’s really driving 54% of Gen Z towards entrepreneurship and whether it matches reality

The most underrated opportunities for young people right now

How to start from zero, no network, no money, no experience

How to learn to sell when nobody knows who you are yet

Whether you’re an early-stage founder, a student with an idea, or someone figuring out their next move this is the unfiltered version of what building something real actually looks like.

#YoungFounders #AIStartup #GenZEntrepreneurs #StartupLife #FounderMindset #RaisingCapital #AIAgents #VentureCapital #StartupFailure #CoFounderSplit #EWOR #Forbes30Under30 #Entrepreneurship2025 #BuildingInPublic #AITools #FutureOfWork #MentalHealthFounders #StartupAdvice #TechStartup #Fuego

How Rebecca Built and Exited Two Startups At 21– The Productivity Secret 90% of Young People Miss.

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:05:48 -0000

Rebecca Fayad is a 21 year old founder who has already built and exited two start-ups, launched a UN-affiliated NGO, spoken at TED-Ed and the World Economic Forum. The shocking part is that she’s doing all of it whilst studying Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London.

She joins us for one of the most compelling conversations we’ve had on the show.

In this episode, we get into the details that most founders never talk about. What an exit actually looks like from the inside, the quiet mistakes that kill early-stage companies before they ever get to market, and how Rebecca manages to lead two major university societies simultaneously without burning out.

We also go deep on:

1. How to build and exit a start-up whilst still in full-time education

2. What LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report reveals about the most in-demand skill of our generation and how Rebecca actually applies it

3. The mindset behind launching a UN-affiliated NGO as a young founder

4. Public speaking at WEF & TED-Ed and how she prepares and why most people get it wrong

5. Why she deleted TikTok & Instagram and what she does instead

6. Practical advice for building an authentic and influential presence on LinkedIn

7. What 54% of Gen Z getting into entrepreneurship actually means for the generation redefining work

8. The most overlooked business opportunities for young people right now

9. Faith, focus, and the personal systems that keep her grounded

10. The harsh truth young founders need to hear but probably won’t like

11. Her honest experience of mental health as a founder and what the research actually says

Whether you’re a young founder, a student with ambition, or someone who’s ever felt behind, this episode will challenge how you think about time, drive, and what’s actually possible.

For further enquiries, send a message to:

sumner@novaimpact.co.uk

Connect with Guest

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-fayad

Follow Sumner Makin on the following:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumnermakin

▶️Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/6XdwHQaP9zc?si=YhgYn9f-S69fUn5e

#YoungFounders #GenZEntrepreneurs #StartupExit #ImperialCollege #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #StudentEntrepreneur #PersonalBrand #LinkedInTips #TedTalk #WEF #PublicSpeaking #FounderMindset #ChemicalEngineering #NGO #UNAffiliated #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship2025 #FutureOfWork #BuildAndExit

Goldman Sachs Banker to AI Founder

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:33:02 -0000

Amelia Miller, co-founder of AI platform ivee, joins us to talk about the psychology of fundraising, building in the age of AI, and why desperate energy is silently killing your chances with investors.

Backed by Steven Bartlett, a University of Cambridge graduate, and former Goldman Sachs banker, Amelia has led ivee to over 100,000 users and $1M+ ARR alongside her co-founder and sister, Lydia Miller.

In this episode, we cover:

• The mindset shift every founder needs before approaching VCs

• Why raising is a psychological game and how to play it

• How desperation cripples founders at the seed stage (and how to fix it)

• What Goldman Sachs taught her and what it didn’t

• How a girls’ school and competitive sports shaped her success

• AI tools to build an authentic personal brand on LinkedIn without feeling cringe.

Whether you’re a founder, operator, or ambitious professional navigating the AI era, this one’s for you.

Amelia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia--miller

Aivee: https://ivee.jobs/

▶️ Watch on YouTube:

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/jnar0hw0n2b

#StartupFounder #VentureCapital #AItools #Fundraising #WomenInTech #ivee #StevenBartlett #LinkedInTips #FounderMindset #BuildingAStartup

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qUK1zeAFQ1g?si=hA2f0JCvXlh5J1j6

#StartupFounder #VentureCapital #AItools #Fundraising #WomenInTech #ivee #StevenBartlett #LinkedInTips #FounderMindset #BuildingAStartup

The 7-Second Trick That's Rewiring How a Generation Uses Their Phone.

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:36:07 -0000

In this video, our guest Tomasz Kantor the founder of Lemio, gives us an insight into how he turned a personal mission to improve mental health into a fast-growing mindful productivity app designed to reduce screen time, break compulsive scrolling habits and help people reclaim their focus.

He explains:

1. What first sparked the idea for Lemio and how witnessing mental health struggles in someone close to him shaped the entire mission.

2. The psychology behind phone addiction, internal triggers, dopamine cycles, and why younger generations are the most vulnerable.

3. How Lemio’s unique features go beyond blocking apps by addressing the root cause of distraction through breathing, planning, emotional awareness and behavioural design.

4. Why boredom, silence, and stillness are essential for creativity, self-trust, and long-term wellbeing.

5. The challenges of building a consumer app, finding product–market fit, and growing organically without heavy marketing spend.

6. What the future of digital wellness looks like and how society must rethink its relationship with social media.

Connect with Guest

LinkedIn – http://linkedin.com/in/tomaszkantor

Download Lemmio here:

https://www.lemioapp.com

Rolls-Royce Engineer Walks Away From Millions So People Can Find Jobs.

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:40:43 -0000

In this episode, Ama sits down with Gabby (Founder) and Fii (Co-Founder) of a fast-growing career-building startup that is helping young people find their right career path.

Gabby shares how leaving aerospace engineering sparked a bold mission to fix the broken career guidance system, while Fii breaks down how their the whole journey began and where they at now.

They discuss:

• Why traditional career advice no longer works

• How their startup helps people uncover the right career path

• The tools, systems, and frameworks that helped 600+ people already

• Their personal journeys and why they chose to build this solution

• What the future of work and career discovery will look like

If you feel stuck, confused, or uncertain about your path, this episode is the roadmap you’ve been looking for.

You can also watch this episode on Youtube here:

https://youtu.be/wAAP7W4KAEY?si=-ONneZkH0rVaycVH

Mentorship Call with the Woman Behind the Diary of a CEO's Success

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:30:00 -0000

How to build a successful podcast

I had a 14-minute mentorship session with Georgie Holt, the CEO of Europe’s #1 podcast, The Diary of a CEOGeorgie co-founded Flight Story alongside Steven Bartlett.Flight Story is the media and investment company behind The Diary of a CEO, Europe’s #1 podcast, with over 1 billion streams and nearly 10 million YouTube subscribers.In this episode, Georgie mentors me on how to build a successful podcast I figured - if I’ve faced these challenges, others starting out on their podcast journey probably have too. So I recorded the chat in case it could help someone else.Here’s what we covered:✨ How to come up with a good podcast name📈 How to increase your subscriber count💸 How to monetise your podcast🎙️ How to be a better podcast host

The Woman Behind the Diary of A CEO's $100M Empire

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:10:45 -0000

Secrets from Flight Story Studio CEO Georgie Holt

In this episode, we talk with Georgie Holt, CEO of Flight Story Studio, about scaling the successful podcast 'Diary of a CEO' hosted by Steven Bartlett.

Georgie shares insights on building a million dollar podcast, the role of data in creative decisions, the importance of ambition, and the power of the right team. She also discusses the methodology behind guest selection, the impact of being consistency-driven, and the balance between urgency and detail in content production.

Additionally, Georgie emphasises the significance of work-life vision alignment and the value of taking big swings in pursuit of success. Tune in for practical advice on entrepreneurship, media strategy, and leveraging data to elevate your brand.

00:00 Go Big: Embrace Ambition

00:27 Introducing Media Royalty: Georgie Holt

00:49 The Journey of 'Diary of a CEO'

03:11 The Power of Data in Media

05:14 Scaling Success: Lessons from Paul Brunson host @ We Need To Talk

25:57 The Importance of Disagreement and Experimentation

36:12 The Role of Happiness in Success

40:13 Childhood Inspirations and Media Obsession

42:27 Falling in Love with Fashion and Storytelling

42:46 Learning About Sex from Magazines

44:35 The Power of Relatable Content for Young Women

45:09 How to Create Repeatable Formats for Podcasts

45:42 Testing and Experimenting with Podcast Segments

50:11 The Importance of Trust in Podcasting

01:01:55 How to Build a Successful Podcast and Media Brand

01:15:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Podcast Creators

#GeorgieHolt #FlightStory #StevenBartlett #DiaryOfACEO #NovaAndBoba #YoungEntrepreneurs #GenZFounders #StartupAdvice #FounderWisdom #1PercentMindset #BuildUnicorns #WomenInBusiness #MediaFounders #Podcast #StartupPodcast #BubbleTeaAndBusiness #NoInvestorCanRefuse #WorkFromHomeTruths #UnfilteredAdvice #StartupsUnfiltered #DreamBigBuildBigger #Interview

Investment Banker to AI Social Media Startup Founder I Tom Cullen

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” 🌱

Meet Tom Cullen

Founder of Zoplo, the viral, VC-backed Gen Z social polling app.

Zoplo by the numbers:
📱 80,000+ users
👀 40M+ organic views on TikTok
🗳️ 6.5M+ votes cast on the app

As someone who lives for sharing hot takes, Zoplo is addictive (in the best way).
But Tom’s founder story? Even better.

On the pod, he talks about the power of going all in — even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Tom grew up on a council estate in the North of England. The odds of getting into uni, landing a top-tier job, and becoming a founder were stacked against him. But he made it happen — step by step:

– Studied Maths at Newcastle
– Joined Barclays as an Investment Banker
– Left it all behind to pursue his startup dream
– Went 26 months without a salary
– Built a product Gen Z can't stop using

In this episode of Nova & Boba, Tom spills the real startup tea:

1️⃣ How he transitioned from finance to tech
2️⃣ Dating + founder life (the struggle is real) 💔
3️⃣ How to go viral without paid ads
4️⃣ Raising VC as someone who doesn’t “fit the mould”

Tom’s journey is proof: with bold moves, a clear vision, and a lot of grit, you can build something from nothing.

👇 What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your startup dream?

Goldman Sachs to AI Image Founder

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:19:06 -0000

"I reverse-engineered my way into Goldman Sachs because I knew I wanted to be a startup founder."Meet Elaf, The cofounder behind Caspa AIWhen Elaf was in school, she studied the patterns of successful founders—what they studied, where they worked, and the common paths they took. She noticed many had backgrounds in engineering and worked at top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs.So, she did exactly that.- Studied Engineering at Warwick- Joined Goldman Sachs as an Investment Banker- Then went on to co-found Caspar AI with her brother and AlexCaspa AI is reshaping hyper-personalized e-commerce, making online shopping feel as intuitive as having a personal stylist.In this episode of Nova&Boba, Elaf shares:1️⃣ How to strategically use your career to build a startup2️⃣ Her experience joining accelerator programs like EF3️⃣ The journey of building Caspa AI from the ground up4️⃣ The future of hyper-personalised e-commerceOn Nova&Boba🧋, we dive into the unfiltered realities of founder life - the highs, the lows, and everything in between—offering practical insights for the next generation of entrepreneurs.Elaf’s story is a masterclass in calculated career moves and bold decisions.00:00 Reverse Engineering Success: The Goldman Sachs Journey00:14 Discovering Y Combinator and the Power of Accelerators00:53 The Blueprint for Success: Analyzing YC Founders01:49 The Goldman Sachs Experience: From Internship to Full-Time02:57 Building the First App: Lessons from TBH06:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Plans11:09 Leaving Goldman Sachs: Pursuing the Startup Dream14:16 Challenges of Onboarding New Team Members14:59 Experiences at Entrepreneur First (EF)16:06 Building First Startup and Fundraising Efforts17:29 Co-Founder Challenges and Moving Forward18:16 Meeting New Co-Founders and EF's Role20:41 Resilience and Entrepreneurial Qualities23:16 Opportunities and Ethical Considerations in AI28:02 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursElaf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elafdeyab/Host Ama LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa/

How To Build A Million Dollar Startup w/ Exited Founder Nicola Gunby Founder of Cliq

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:37:05 -0000

The reali-tea of being a female VC backed founder. I spoke to Nicola Gunby - exited founder and co-founder of CLIQ her experiences as a female founder. After dropping out of uni, Nicola took her first startup from idea to acquisition in just three years. Now, she’s building Cliq, an app tackling loneliness by helping people find genuine community through shared interests. They have raised £530K pre-seed and with £0 marketing spend, have already achieved 2.5M+ in-app actions in the last 90 days.We discussed insights from a Grace Beverly interview on navigating investor questions as a female founder.00:24 Welcome to the Nova and Boba Podcast00:32 Introducing Nicola and Cliq00:48 The Struggle of Moving to London01:06 The Problem with Existing Social Apps01:40 From Idea to Launch02:26 Building the First Business03:15 The Journey to Acquisition13:14 The Challenges of Networking14:39 The Birth of Cliq18:31 Ordering a Matcha Latte Bubble Tea19:07 Coping with Stress as a Founder21:00 Building a Community for Female Founders23:59 Running a Business with Your Partner27:41 How to get 1000s of downloads30:46 How to be Productive35:32 Advice for Aspiring FoundersDownload Cliq!!!! https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cliq/id6451363528Follow Ama Owusu-Afriyie (Host) on LinkedIn📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa/Follow Us On..📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 YouTube @novandbova📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod#StartupLife#Startups#Entrepreneur#Founder#StartupSuccess#StartupGrowth#TechStartups#LeanStartup

How These Neuroscientists Are Making Brain Scans as Easy as Eye Tests I Lucas Scherdel and Rufus Mitchell-Heggs, PhD

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:59:00 -0000

How These Neuroscientists Are Making Brain Scans as Easy as Eye Tests I Lucas Scherdel and Rufus Mitchell-Heggs, PhD

Dragon’s Den Exited Founder Reveals SECRETS to Funding, Scaling & Exiting

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:07:18 -0000

Ever wondered what REALLY happens behind the scenes of Dragon’s Den?At just 25, Emmie Faust made Dragon’s Den HISTORY by securing a £200K investment from Theo Paphitis—the biggest deal at the time! But what they didn’t show on TV is even more jaw-dropping…Since then, Emmie has exited two businesses and is now an angel investor, backing female founders. In just two years, she’s invested over £100K in women-led businesses.💸 THINK DRAGONS HANDED HER THE MONEY & LIFE WAS EASY? THINK AGAIN.Emmie spills the tea on:🚀 3 secrets to winning over angel investors—FAST💡 The harsh reality of turning your business dream into reality in 2025🧠 Why burnout & loneliness haunt founders (and how to survive it)But wait—there’s more! Dragon’s Den isn’t as glamorous as you think…From boardroom secrets to business breakdowns, this episode is packed with raw, unfiltered truths you won’t hear anywhere else.💙 Enjoy!✨ Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Shoreditch Exchange by Oneder! ✨📍 Want a FREE coworking day at their stunning space? Use code NOVAANDBOBA here:👉 https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*1g5udl7*_gcl_au*MjAwMjA4Njc3NC4xNzM2MjUxMzYxFollow Emmie Faust📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmiefaust/Join Female Founders Rise: https://femalefoundersrise.com/Follow Ama Owusu-Afriyie (Host)📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa//📲 Instagram: @ama_the_entrepreneurListen Now🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bbs6Ss92Y1ujsS0uH?si=44ccf51fa1af4a9b🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nova-boba/id1712636419Follow the Podcast to Stay Inspired!📲 TikTok: @novaandbobapod📲 YouTube: @novaandboba📲 Instagram: @novaandbobapod🔥 Did YOU believe everything you saw on Dragon’s Den? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👀#DragonsDen #FounderLife #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Investment #AngelInvestors #Tech #Business #Secrets #Funding #Scandal #BusinessTruths #BehindTheScenes

how this founder is fixing gen z’s loneliness problem I ep 24 Nova & Boba

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:47:59 -0000

Building Community Through Home-Cooked Meals | Sienna's Journey with The Figs Platform

In this episode, join us as we delve into Sienna's inspiring journey of founding The Figs Platform, a unique app that brings strangers together over home-cooked meals.

From humble beginnings with just eight guests, Sienna has grown Figs into a vibrant community with diverse events such as 'Mumbai at Home', BBQs, and chicken nugget gatherings.

Though recently launched, they already have 1,000+ members (with 600 paying members in just six months!) 🦍

Learn about her motivations, the challenges of being a solo female entrepreneur, and her vision for the future.

Plus, get insights into how figs create a sense of belonging and foster genuine connections.

Don't miss the friendly banter over bubble tea choices, a round of 'Would You Rather?', and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their own apps and platforms.

SIENA SPILLS THE TEA ON BUILDING A STARTUP AND COMMUNITY!

ENJOY 💙

KEY MOMENTS 🧋

00:00 Intro

01:41 The Origin Story of The Figs Platform

03:49 Would You Rather: Entrepreneurial Version

06:32 Building the Figs Platform: From Idea to Reality

11:02 Challenges and Successes of the First Dinner Party

14:22 Expanding the Community and Finding a Co-Founder

16:04 The Reali-TEA of Being a Solo Female Founder

17:38 How to Build a Community

19:18 Safety Concerns!

19:53 Funding and Financial Strategies

22:07 Day-to-Day Operations of Figs

32:33 How to Double Your Social Media Following!

34:08 Key Learnings and Advice for Entrepreneurs

38:09 The Future Vision for Figs

✨ Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Oneder! ✨

You can book a FREE desk for a day at their stunning co-working space using code NOVAANDBOBA.

Claim your spot

here:https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*1hquiio*_gcl_au*MTU2NDkzMjUxNC4xNzM3Mzk1MDEz

Connect with Siena and the Figs Platform

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/siena-wigley-36a0b9149/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figscommunity/

Connect with Ama the Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ama_the_entrepreneur/

#Podcast #Startup #Community #Entrepreneurship #Networking #Founder#Tech #Connections #Growth #Innovation #Foodies #Relationships#Leadership #Motivation #App #Success #Inspiration #Creativity #Marketing #Events #SoloFounder #WomenInTech #Authenticity #Storytelling #Mentorship #Vision #Resilience #Hustle #Food

EX CHELSEA FOOTBALLER RAISES $1.4 MILLION IN 3 WEEKS FOR AI STARTUP I CO-FOUNDER OF HAZ

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:55:32 -0000

From Football Dreams to Entrepreneurial Reality: The Journey of Building Haz Business Insider featured Ronan Harvey-Kelly is the co-founder of Haz. Alongside his cofounder Glenn Keller they are building a London-based AI-powered social commerce app that connects friends through the items they own. In May 2024, Haz secured $1.4 million in pre-seed funding, led by Speedinvest and supported by the scout programs of A16Z, Atomico, Concept Ventures, and various angel investors. In this episode, Ronan shares his transformation from an aspiring footballer at the Chelsea Academy to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Despite facing an early setback in his football career, he redirected his competitive spirit toward business, starting with small ventures during his youth. RONAN SPILLS THE TEA ON FUNDRAISING AND BUILDING A STARTUP! ENJOY 💙

REVOLUTIONISING SKINCARE: How this founder is bringing clean beauty back!

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:30:12 -0000

Annette's Journey: Skincare Entrepreneur with Netty & Nature | Nova and Boba Podcast In this Nova and Boba Podcast episode, join us as we chat with Annette, a new entrepreneur who shares her inspiring story of resilience and innovation. Annette is on a mission to make skincare clean again using organic and natural ingredients sourced from Ghana and a secret formulation that ensures smooth, non-greasy application—free from the toxic additives commonly found in conventional skincare products. Annette opens up about the challenges of running a business, navigating funding struggles, and the importance of passion and perseverance. From her early days experimenting with baking to her current venture into eco-friendly skincare, she highlights the lessons she’s learned along the way. She also shares valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs and discusses her aspirations for the future of her brand. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about turning dreams into reality. Follow Netty & Nature on Instagram: / nettyandnature 00:00 Introduction and Annette's Arrival 00:39 A Traumatic Day and Annette's Spontaneity 01:29 Annette's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 02:41 The Birth of Netty and Nature 09:11 Challenges and Reflections on Entrepreneurship 14:01 Balancing Passion and Responsibility 14:32 The Importance of Researching the Problem and Market 15:09 Importance of Organic and Clean Products 16:12 Challenges and Sacrifices in Business 20:33 Funding and Financial Strategies 25:16 Future Goals and Impact Thank you Shoreditch Exchange for sponsoring this episode A big thank you to the Shoreditch Exchange - Shoreditch's coolest coworking space, for hosting us. Use the code NOVAANDBOBA for a free co-working day. The link below to sign up https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass Follow Us On.. 📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 Spotify @novandbova 📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

How This Founder is Turning Gym Content Creators into Millionaires I Ep 21

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 23:04:25 -0000

“I went from obese to a national-level athlete in 2 years” 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 Peter. Peter Monteza is the founder and CEO of MyARC—a startup that empowers fitness content creators to train their fans at scale. After graduating from UCL, Peter decided the conventional consulting path wasn’t for him. Instead, he spotted a gap in the gym and personal training space that he set out to solve. And from his personal struggles with obesity as a child, he knew that the power of fitness to change people's life Since then, MyARC has taken its customers’ gym content creators from earning minimum wage to hitting six figures, with their first MyARC millionaires on the horizon. The platform has helped thousands of users worldwide, including those who have overcome obesity, reversed diabetes, and even supported a breast cancer survivor in building muscle for the first time after struggling with other apps. In this episode of Nova&Boba, Peter shares: 🎵 The J. Cole lyric that shaped his perspective on life and business 💪 How MyARC secured Techstars, Morgan Stanley and NoBa Capital backing 📈 Pivoting from the original idea to find product-market fit 💡 How they grew double-digit monthly rates through organic marketing Peter’s story is inspiring, raw, and packed with insights for aspiring founders and founders navigating the unpredictable journey of building a startup. On the Nova&Boba🧋podcast, we share the reality of founder life—the wins, the losses, and everything in between.

Follow MyArc Journey on IG - https://www.instagram.com/myarc.io/?hl=en Connect with Peter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-monteza/ Follow the Nova & Boba pod on IG - https://www.instagram.com/novaandbobapod/?hl=en A big thank you to the Shoreditch Exchange - Shoreditch's coolest coworking space, for hosting us. Use the code NOVAANDBOBA for a free co-working day. Link below to sign up https://shoreditch-exchange.com/

LIVE PODCAST | Female Founders Rise x Nova & Boba | Ep. 20

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

#entrepreneurinspiration #podcast #femaleentrepreneurship #entrepreneur #femalefoundersrise #juniper #emmiefaust #ambrazhang

This week's episode is a live podcast bought to you by Female Founders Rise, a community that aims to see more women start, grow, make an impact, and generate revenue in their businesses.

We are joined by Emmie Faust, an exited founder and entrepreneur who has successfully scaled and sold multiple businesses in the digital and tech sectors. She is also the founder of Female Founders Rise, a "micro" angel investor, and a consultant helping businesses achieve significant revenue growth.

Alongside Emmie is Ambra Zhang, the co-founder and CEO of Juniper, a London-based startup revolutionising reproductive healthcare insurance. Leveraging her experience in investment banking, she launched Juniper to address gaps in health insurance, inspired by her own struggles with PCOS, and has raised £1.5 million in funding to expand the business.

Emmie & Ambra reflect on their personal journeys, discussing the problems they identified, securing their first investments, and the realities of life as female founders. Finishing with a Q&A from the audience, the live podcast event allowed fellow aspiring female entrepreneurs an intimate experience with Emmie & Ambra.

You can find Emmie & Ambra's businesses here:

Female Founders Rise - https://femalefoundersrise.com/

Juniper - https://www.getjuniper.co.uk/

We hope you enjoy this as much as we did! The podcast can also be found on:

YouTube - https://youtu.be/rEDF9JgMELo Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tBXo5hJT0ZEGHD9ZU4lpB?si=034dc06243574250 Apple Podcasts - A massive THANK YOU to Females Founders Rise for sponsoring this episode. Special shout out to Blue Lake VC for providing the venue for this event. Follow Us On.. 📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 YouTube @novandbova 📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

How Holly Simmons Can Help YOU Land Your Dream Job | Ep 19

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this weeks episode, we are joined by Holly, an award-winning Female Founder who’s raised over £1m from angel investors for her startup Niya; the world’s first free whatsapp powered career coach. Back to the episode... Holly Simmons spent her early years working in accelerators like Rocket Internet and was the founding member of a YC23 startup and has even done a stint in early-stage VC. Now, Holly has built and used her FREE AI-powered WhatsApp careers companion to provide under-resourced and displaced individuals job opportunities they could have never imagined. She believes that everyone deserves a fulfilling career, no matter their background, and shes currently on a mission to help 100 million people. The podcast can also be found on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bbs6Ss92Y1ujsS0uH Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nova-boba/id1712636419 A massive THANK YOU to Shoreditch Exchange for sponsoring this episode. USE THE CODE NOVAANDBOBA for a free working day Free working day link — https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*27apg5*_gcl_au*Mzg3NjUzMjg0LjE3MzIxMjQwMzI. Follow Us On.. 📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 YouTube @novandbova 📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

Fashion Designer Turned AI Founder: 12-Hour Coding Days to Fix Recruitment | Ep 17

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:02:32 -0000

#ai #podcast #entrepreneur BIG THANK YOU to Block Dojo for sponsoring this episode. Block Dojo is a global venture builder for founders in blockchain and AI. If you're READY TO SCALE, Block Dojo’s 12-week venture builder program is the game-changer you need. Last year, Block Dojo’s programme startups secured £12 million in additional funding from leading venture firms like Techstars, Octopus Ventures, and Index Ventures. APPLY NOW for the London cohort to accelerate your startup’s success. FAST TRACK APPLICATION LINK: https://blockdojo.io/apply-now/?utm_source=nova_and_boba&utm_medium=podcast_and_networking&utm_campaign=cohort_10_recruitment 🚨🚨🚨 APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON DECEMBER 1ST! Back into the episode What if AI could determine if someone is a cultural fit for your company? 💡 According to PwC, organisations with strong cultural alignment are 12% more profitable than those without. Yet, hiring managers often lack tools to objectively assess whether a candidate truly aligns with a company’s culture. Enter Crystal, co-founder of Cognevo, an AI Interview Co-Pilot. This groundbreaking platform listens live during interviews, offering real-time, data-driven analysis of candidate responses and generating dynamic follow-up questions. Crystal shares her story on the Nova&Boba Podcast Today, Crystal and her team are building a platform to solve the AI recruitment crisis. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. 💻 Check out Cognevo at https://www.cognevo.co.uk/ Follow the podcast on IG @NovaAndBobaPod for more inspiring founder stories. Thank you, Shoreditch Exchange, for providing a beautiful space for us to film. For a free working day, check out their website and use the DISCOUNT CODE: NOVAANDBOBA #femalefounders #blockdojo #novaandboba #coding

What if AI could detect signs of mental illness through your voice? | Ep. 16

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:49:01 -0000

"On average, it takes 9.5 years to diagnose bipolar disorder in the UK."

What if AI could use voice to detect mental health issues for faster, more accurate diagnoses?

Tune into this week’s Nova & Boba podcast, where Edwin CEO of Psyrin a VC-backed startup shares:

🧬 Using voice for mental health diagnoses
🌍 Why moving to the US benefited their medtech startup
💡 How to transform an unvalidated idea into a working prototype

Edwin’s story is one of rejection, resilience, and revolutionizing mental health care—one voice at a time.

Special thanks to Shoreditch Exchange for providing the space to share these stories.

Follow this link https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*1mi59xm*_gcl_au*Mzg3NjUzMjg0LjE3MzIxMjQwMzI

Our listeners can enjoy a free coworking day with the code NOVAANDBOBA

How This Founder BEAT Anorexia, Bullying, and Depression to Build a Venture Studio | Ep 15

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:07:25 -0000

A BIG THANK YOU to BLOCK DOJO for sponsoring this episode. Block Dojo is a global venture builder for founders in blockchain and AI. If you're READY TO SCALE, Block Dojo’s 12-week venture builder program is the game-changer you need. Last year, startups on Block Dojo’s programme secured £12 million in additional funding from leading venture firms like Techstars, Octopus Ventures, and Index Ventures. APPLY NOW for the London cohort to accelerate your startup’s success. FAST TRACK APPLICATION LINK https://blockdojo.io/apply-now/?utm_source=nova_and_boba&utm_medium=podcast_and_networking&utm_campaign=cohort_10_recruitment 🚨🚨🚨 APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON DECEMBER 1ST! ___________________________________________________ We’re thrilled to welcome Presence to this week’s Nova&Boba Podcast! Her journey is nothing short of remarkable—from retaking primary school to dropping out of LSE, battling anorexia at 14, and overcoming alopecia. Despite startup failures and co-founder splits, Presence emerged stronger, founding her venture studio called E11EVATE, to empower young tech founders with a focus on Web3.

Transforming Healthcare with AI, How This Forbes 30 U 30 is Making Surgical Rooms Safer

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:17:08 -0000

🚀 Transforming Healthcare using Computer Vision 🚀 #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #Podcast Meet Maks, co-founder and COO of VitVio, who’s on a mission to revolutionise operating rooms with AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and Royal Academy of Engineering Scholar, Maks offers an insight into healthcare innovation. VitVio was born from a co-founder’s personal tragedy, driving the team to explore how computer vision could make surgeries safer and more efficient. Key Points of Discussion: 00:00 - 1:40 Intro 1:40 - 8:02 What is VitVio? 8:02 - 10:55 Using Amazon Fresh technology in operating rooms 10:55 - 13:37 Personal tragedy that inspired the startup 13:37 - 16:50 The first 6 months of building VitVio 16:50 - 19:58 How did you sustain yourselves while building the company? 19:58 - 26:35 Raising pre-seed VC funding 26:35 - 31:00 A day in the life of a founder 31:00 - 34:36 Spilling the tea on being a founder ✨ Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Shoreditch Exchange! ✨ You can book a FREE desk for a day at their stunning co-working space using code FREEDESK24. Claim your spot here: https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*r4wlld*_gcl_au*MTIyMTAzMDY0Ny4xNzIzNjQzMjg1 Follow VitVio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitvio/posts/?feedView=all Connect with Maks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjkozarzewski/ Connect with Ama (your host) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa/ For more amazing founder stories, follow the Nova&Boba podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novaandbobapod/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bbs6Ss92Y1ujsS0uH Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nova-and-boba/id1712636419 For inquiries: novaandboba@gmail.com Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring founder journeys! 💙🧋 See you soon! #RaisingCapital #Founder #Resilience #ShoreditchExchange #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupFunding #VC #Entrepreneur

Why I rejected my McKinsey grad offer to build a startup

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:08:21 -0000

Rejecting McKinsey's Grad Offer to Build a StartUp

I'm so excited to introduce our guest today. Amir's journey is truly inspiring and extraordinary. He turned down a graduate offer from McKinsey to pursue his startup dreams. Although things didn't go as planned, we're eager to examine the mistakes and lessons because, as they say, we learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. ✨ Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Shoreditch Exchange! ✨ You can book a free desk for a day at their stunning co-working space using code FREEDESK24. Follow this link to claim your spot: https://shoreditchexchange.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?&v=latest&group=Day+Pass&_gl=1*r4wlld*_gcl_au*MTIyMTAzMDY0Ny4xNzIzNjQzMjg1

How I sold my uni founded biz for 8-figures

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:20:25 -0000

How do you sell a business you started at uni for 8 figures? 💰The tea was spilt, and it was piping hot indeed!In this interview, we dove into:

1. Are founders born or made?

2. Is it better to be bootstrapped or receive VC funding?

3. Is hard work enough to succeed in business?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section and please give Nova&Boba a follow to hear more candid entrepreneurial insights! 📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 YouTube @novandbova 📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod

The Uni Students Revolutionising Breast Cancer Technology | Nova&Boba Ep 11

Thu, 16 May 2024 18:11:33 -0000

🚀 On the podcast we discuss how the cofounders of DotPlot are building for impact... no sugar coating just real insights on how to go from idea ➡️ to prototype ➡️ to startup. DotPlot's mission? To revolutionise the early breast cancer detection. Their at-home breast monitoring tool, coupled with a user-friendly app, aims to increase survival rates by up to 93%. After meeting during their joint Masters at Imperial College London and Royal College of Art, Debra and Shefali racked up quite a list of achievements: winning the National James Dyson Award and being featured in publications like The Times and The BBC. On the Nova&Boba podcast, we discuss topics like: 1. How to raise grant funding? 2. What product design principles do the founders use to build novel solutions? 3. How do you generate innovative ideas? AND MUCH MORE FYI: Shefali is drinking Nojito Bubble Tea. Debra is drinking Pomegranate Bubble Tea. Ama is drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment, and subscribe. Would love to hear your thoughts. To hear the stories of the UK's most innovative Gen Z Founders

TRAILER The Uni Students Revolutionising Breast Cancer Technology I Nova&Boba Ep 11

Thu, 16 May 2024 17:48:58 -0000

Trailer: DotPlot's Journey from Idea to Revolutionising Breast Cancer Detection 🎙️

Tune in to Nova&Boba for real insights on grant funding, product design principles, and generating innovative ideas from the cofounders of DotPlot, pioneers in at-home breast monitoring tools. No sugar coating, just actionable strategies to go from concept ➡️ prototype ➡️ startup!

the 25-year-old taking on whatsapp and linkedIn I Nova&Boba Ep 10

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:43:25 -0000

🎙️ Diving into the entrepreneurial journey of Haz, the mastermind behind Pally – a revolutionary social OS platform reshaping digital interaction. Tune in to our latest episode as we explore the story behind building communities and connecting the world, one innovation at a time. 🚀 #FounderSpotlight #Pally #TechInnovation #PodcastEpisode" In this episode, you will hear about: - balancing personal struggles as a founder - how to raise funding from top investors - managing a team as a younger adult FYI: Haz is drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Ama drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment, and subscribe. Would love to hear your thoughts. Follow the Nova&Boba podcast on - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ama_the_entrepreneur/ - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nova-boba/id1715996851

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@novaandboba - Email for enquiries: novaandboba@gmail.com #business #earlystage #youngfounder #youngentrepreneurs

how a student turned his boba tea robot into a business I Nova&Boba Ep 9

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:19:57 -0000

🚀 Introducing Kai Hussein and his groundbreaking invention, BubbleBot! 🤖 Join us in this exciting podcast episode as we delve into the journey of a young entrepreneur revolutionising the boba industry. From concept to creation, discover how Kai's innovative robot is shaking up the traditional boba-making process. Get ready for a sip of inspiration and innovation! 🌟

In this episode, you will hear about: - being prepared to pitch your idea to stakeholders 💸 - why passion is important for your business 👩‍🔧 - why details matter 💃🏽 FYI: Kai is drinking Dragonfruit Bubble Tea. Ama is drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment, and subscribe. I would love to hear your thoughts. Follow the Nova&Boba podcast on #business #earlystage #youngfounder #youngentrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #BubbleBot #BobaRevolution

digitalising the 5 billion pound south asian wedding industry | Nova&Boba Ep 8

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:52:17 -0000

Anshika is a founder you want to get excited about! She is on a mission to digitise the South Asian Wedding Industry - worth an estimated 5 BILLION POUNDS. After struggles organising her sister's wedding during the pandemic, she discovered there was no centralised platform to organise all tasks related to planning a wedding. Since Anshika could not find one suited to the South Asian Industry, SO she built one herself! In this episode, you will hear about: - the challenges of raising Angel investment as a female founder 💸 - building a tech platform without any technical experience 👩‍🔧 - starting a biz as a solo founder 💃🏽 "Hope you’re not listening, but if you are… please keep this to yourself 😉" FYI: Anshika is drinking Passion Fruit Bubble Tea. Ama drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment, and subscribe. Would love to hear your thoughts. Follow the Nova&Boba podcast on - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novaandboba... - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bb... - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... - Email for enquiries: novaandboba@gmail.com

TRAILER digitalising the £5 bn South Asian wedding industry | Nova&Boba Ep 8

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:50:35 -0000

Anshika is a founder you want to get excited about! She is on a mission to digitise the South Asian Wedding Industry - worth an estimated 5 BILLION POUNDS. After struggles organising her sister's wedding during the pandemic, she discovered there was no centralised platform to organise all tasks related to planning a wedding. Since Anshika could not find one suited to the South Asian Industry, SO she built one herself! In this episode, you will hear about: - the challenges of raising Angel investment as a female founder 💸 - building a tech platform without any technical experience 👩‍🔧 - starting a biz as a solo founder 💃🏽 "Hope you’re not listening, but if you are… please keep this to yourself 😉" FYI: Anshika is drinking Passion Fruit Bubble Tea. Ama drinking Matcha Bubble Tea. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment, and subscribe. Would love to hear your thoughts. Follow the Nova&Boba podcast on - Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/novaandboba...⁠ - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bb...⁠ - Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...⁠ - Email for enquiries: novaandboba@gmail.com

how a 21-year-old is revolutionising the travel industry I nova&boba ep 7

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:55:00 -0000

So excited about this episode! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nico, cofounder at Fuego. Nico dropped out of Imperial when he met an investor who said he would invest in the idea - every startup founder's dream.

In this episode, we hear the true reality about founding a startup:

* The tech skills you need to build an AI company

* Leadership style at 21

* Taking little breaks

* Losing friends

And much more…

Anyone thinking of starting a startup, this one's for you!

FOLLOW the pod on Spotify to be the first to be notified when this episode drops!

TRAILER how a 21-year-old is revolutionising the travel industry

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:40:00 -0000

Had so much fun talking with Nico for this episode! Sit down with your favourite boba order and listen to how Nico co-founded an AI travel that is set to change the way people organise their city trips at just 21 years old. - His all-or-nothing approach to life - Why his investor told him to quit uni - His approach to leading a company Do you want to be a founder but don't know how? Nico details his steps for you to follow and start your own business! PLEASE FOLLOW to the podcast to hear about the playbook for other Gen Z founders.

why this student is taking on tripadvisor I nova&boba ep 6

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 15:14:33 -0000

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of sitting with the incredible Isabella Mandich, Co-Founder of LocalMeal and the proud recipient of the 2022 Young Innovator Award! LocalMeal, a startup born out of innovation, and a personal problem when she and her co-founder found it difficult to find an affordable and authentic Portuguese restaurant while travelling in Lisbon. Join us as we dive into the LocalMeal journey, exploring the challenges, victories, and delicious discoveries that lie ahead. Whether you're a food lover, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the startup world, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration! Are you a young entrepreneur ready to start a business? Don’t let this podcast put you off. ‘hope you’re not listening but if you are … please keep this to yourself 😉’ FYI: Isabella is drinking Matcha Tea without the Boba Want to hear more stories and insights from inspirational founders like Isabella? Please subscribe to the pod Follow the podcast on - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novaandbobapod/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qrh5Bbs6Ss92Y1ujsS0uH - Email for enquiries: novaandboba@gmail.com Connect with Isabella and LocalMeal - Instagram: @Trylocalmeal - Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/at/app/localmeal/id1670507284?l=en-GB - Website: www.localmeal.com - Isabella LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellamandich/ Connect with Ama: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ama_the_entrepreneur/ - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa/

from student to jp morgan and startup founder in one year! I Nova&Boba ep 5

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:55:15 -0000

The Nova&Boba podcast is back with episode number 5!

Do you want to be a founder but think you have to quit your day job to start a business? Well, Som’s story just might shock you!

Tune in to learn how recent graduate Som balances her startup Nestwork and her corporate CTO position at J.P. Morgan! Navigating life throughout university is stressful, especially while looking for opportunities needed to start your adult work life. Learn about how Som handled this (and more!) and why she created Nestwork–a program that gives students access to possible opportunities–to make this process less intimidating.

how this entrepreneur raised £4m to get students to oxbridge I nova&boba ep 4

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:07:26 -0000

Can one really build a business with just a couple of hundred pounds?

On this Nova&Boba episode, Joe and I discuss:

1. Joe's biggest mistake when he started Zero Gravity.

2. What did Joe do to secure funding from a billionaire investor?

3. Joe's decision to turn down a graduate role to make Zero Gravity a reality.

This is a must-listen for any aspiring early-stage entrepreneurs thinking about starting a business!

We're thrilled for you to hear this episode 💙🧋

Are you ready to start a business? Don't let this podcast discourage you.

"Hope you're not listening, but if you are... please keep this to yourself 😉"

Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaoa/

Host IG and TikTok - @ama_the_entrepreneur

Zero Gravity Website - https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/

Joe Seddon LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeseddon/

oxford student doesn't like facebook so builds app to replace it | nova&boba ep 3

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:37:00 -0000

The Nova&Boba podcast is back with episode number 3!! Any students who are thinking of building a business - well this episode is for you. Georgia Gibson and team started Youni from their dorm rooms at the University of Oxford 🎓, a business origin story that holds true for a lot of young entrepreneurs just like Mark Zuckerberg. However, the Youni Team is creating a social platform to rival Facebook. 😱 Take a listen about why Georgia thinks Facebook is dead and her mission to bring the SOCIAL back into social media. ✨

school dropout to vogue featured business I nova&boba ep 2

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:10:27 -0000

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible story of Harriet Neill in the latest episode of the Nova&Boba podcast! From dropping out of school at age 15 to founding the hottest fashion brand in London, THE SENSUALIST BRAND, Harriet's journey is one of perseverance and determination.

Her brand has even been featured in top fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Grazia, and worn by London's coolest celebrities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to know that there is no one "right" path to success in business.

The Nova&Boba podcast challenges society's expectations and shows that you can achieve your dreams no matter what obstacles you face. Whether you're a student or a seasoned entrepreneur, Harriet's story will motivate and inspire you to pursue your passions. Don't miss out on this amazing episode! Listen now and join the conversation about breaking the mould and making your own way in the world of business.

19 year old makes it BIG in the pandemic and then drops out of uni I nova&boba ep 21

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:34:46 -0000

Charles Robinson dropped out of uni when he was 19 to found his first company during the pandemic, Gel Card. A premium hand sanitiser brand that has sold millions around the globe from Tokyo to Toronto and has even been used by supermodel Bella Hadid and Google. Gel Card is growing extensively and is completely self-funded and profitable.

Not only this, but recently Charles has also spent the last two years investing in water technology at UCL to start another start-up!!! How exciting!

Charles and his company Gel Card have been profiled by Business Insider, Evening Standard and BBC News and he has also been interviewed by Sky, Bloomberg Radio and BBC Radio One and now he’s here on the Nova and Boba podcast. We are so grateful to welcome Charles Robinson to the podcast wooohooooo.

Are you a young entrepreneur ready to start a business? Don’t let this podcast put you off.

‘hope you’re not listening but if you are … please keep this to yourself 😉’

FYI: Charles is drinking Mango Boba Tea

The reason behind the Nova and Boba podcast

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 17:19:14 -0000

The Nova&Boba Podcast is here 🎸

THE SECRET IS OUT! I’ve decided to create the FIRST ever podcast to explore the realities of Entrepreneurship as a young founder.

In our conversations I look to explore the Highs and Lows and everything in between about the journey of being a GenZ founder, while drinking one of my favourites: Boba Tea🧋

Are you ready to start a business? Don’t let this podcast put you off.

‘hope you’re not listening but if you are … please keep this to yourself 😉’