Crown Castê: Your Guide to Mastering Fundraising and Securing Investments.

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode of Crown Castê, we sit down with Victoria, Head of Finance and Portfolio at Wayra UK, to uncover the unique ways that corporate venture capital (CVC) can drive strategic growth and innovation. Victoria shares her journey and reveals why Wayra, Telefonica’s venture arm, goes far beyond traditional VC approaches to build partnerships that truly impact startups (2:46). Victoria explains how Wayra scouts for companies that fit Telefonica’s strategic goals, investing between €50,000 and €5 million in startups that align with their vision. She delves into their streamlined process for smaller investments. Wayra actively seeks solutions that enhance connectivity, network infrastructure, and fraud prevention, bringing true value to both the startup and the corporate world (5:31). Through scouting sprints, they’re building partnerships with some of the most innovative minds in tech (12:13). Once in the portfolio, Wayra provides extensive resources to help founders navigate Telefonica’s corporate landscape, including internal expertise, marketing support, and access to a network of industry experts (18:55). Victoria describes their portfolio management approach, with regular metrics and reporting, so startups are tracking well and have access to any support they need (21:13). Her advice to founders? Tap into the full value of your investor relationships, leaning into the resources and guidance that a strategic partner like Wayra can offer (21:33). This episode is a game-changer for anyone interested in how CVCs like Wayra UK are blending capital with strategic alignment to fuel innovation, growth, and success. Where to Connect: Wayra UK website Victoria on LinkedIn.

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode of Crown Castê, we chat with Nick Button-Brown, award-winning angel investor and gaming industry veteran, about how building a community-centred approach to investing can transform the startup experience. Nick, recently named UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year, shares insights into his journey from game development to creating Games Angels—a network of industry veterans supporting early-stage startups in gaming (1:05). Nick describes how Games Angels came together organically, with over 160 members invested in 29 companies, providing both capital and a unique camaraderie that goes beyond traditional investment structures. He explains the value of having an angel group rooted in shared interests and a desire to help startups succeed, fostering connections that make a difference for founders facing the highs and lows of startup life (4:42). Games Angels doesn’t operate as a formal syndicate; instead, they thrive on the individual contributions and informal networks of each member (6:00). The episode explores Nick’s investment criteria: he looks for balanced teams, meaningful market impact, and business opportunities that offer both financial returns and personal fulfillment. He emphasizes that angel investing isn’t just about providing funds—it’s about being a coach, a confidant, and a guide for founders, especially when things get tough (10:23). Nick and Nzube discuss trends in the gaming industry, including the evolving roles of augmented reality, multiplayer gaming as a social connector, and the impact of AI. Nick highlights the importance of monetization strategies, particularly in mobile and social media gaming, and shares his belief in the long-term potential of the metaverse, despite its recent scepticism (17:48). For aspiring founders, Nick’s advice is to focus on building emotional connections with investors, as successful pitches often hinge on a genuine, long-term partnership (22:35). He encourages founders to approach investors openly and thoughtfully, as they will be partners for five to ten years—far beyond a simple transaction (24:04). This episode is an insightful dive into how community-based angel investing can provide both strategic value and personal support, creating a collaborative ecosystem where startups are better equipped to succeed. Where to Connect: Nick Button Brown Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbuttonbrown/ Games Angles Website - https://thegamesangels.com/

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode, we deliver our first pithy masterclass. We explore the pros and cons of two different growth strategies: fundraising Vs bootstrapping. Through relatable examples and practical insights, Nzube provides entrepreneurs and business owners with a clear understanding of each approach, helping them identify which path aligns best with their business goals. Takeaways: - Bootstrapping allows founders to retain control and grow at their own pace, focusing on cash flow management but with slower growth potential. - Fundraising offers faster expansion and access to networks and resources but requires giving up some control and actively managing investor relationships. Chapters: 00:45 - What is Bootstrapping? A breakdown of bootstrapping as a strategy to grow organically, reinvesting profits while retaining full control. 01:45 - What is Fundraising? Nzube explains fundraising as a faster way to scale by leveraging external capital, detailing the kinds of investors typically involved and what they expect. 02:45 - Pros of Bootstrapping The perks of bootstrapping, like maintaining decision-making authority and reinvesting profits without external obligations. 03:30 - Challenges of Bootstrapping Exploring potential limitations, including slower growth and the need for strict cash management. 04:15 - Benefits of Fundraising Nzube highlights the advantages of having external backing, such as strategic support, network access, and increased resources. 05:00 - Trade-offs in Fundraising Nzube covers the challenges associated with fundraising, like reduced autonomy and balancing investor interests.

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode, our host Nzube Ufodike speaks with Léna-Lou Simon-Virolle, a venture capital expert and founding member of Ryad, a firm dedicated to investing in African founders. Léna-Lou shares her unique journey from France to the UK, Asia, and finally to Africa, highlighting the importance of innovation and addressing the funding gap for African entrepreneurs. Léna-Lou shares how Ryad VC envisions investment opportunities in the African market and what they look for in startups. She explains how VCs and other investors can feel confident about emerging market investments through a focus on good practices, trust and connectivity. Takeaways • Léna-Lou's journey reflects a global perspective on venture capital. • Ryad focuses on addressing the funding gap for African founders. • The African VC ecosystem is still developing and requires local understanding. • Unicorns should be defined by their impact and connectivity, not just valuation. • Investing in Africa requires a hands-on approach to support founders. • Building purposeful businesses is key to long-term success. • Founders should have a realistic plan and understand resource allocation. • Networking and global awareness are crucial for success in venture capital. • Active involvement in the UK investment scene and beyond. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Léna-Lou's Journey into the Investment Space 02:00 Locations and Sectors 04:40 Reproducing VC Ecosystems in Africa 07:07 The Future of the African Ecosystem 10:26 Redefining Unicorns in Africa 15:16 Investment Approach: Check Sizes and Leading or Following Rounds 18:10 Demonstrating a Realistic Plan 20:27 Engaging with Diverse Sectors and Regions 21:54 Reaching Out: LinkedIn and Quarterly Reports

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode, we sit down with Ken Thomas, partner at BackFuture Ventures, who shares insights from the frontlines of venture capital and investment. From the bustling tech scene in New York to his experiences in London, Ken offers insights into early-stage investing and a view on what it takes to spot the next big thing. He also dives deep into what sets great founders apart, how storytelling plays a crucial role in winning investors, and the trends shaping the future of tech, including the rise of AI. Ken reflects on his journey into VC, the challenges of navigating different ecosystems, and how he finds and nurtures relationships with founders. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for funding or curious about how the VC world works, this episode provides a treasure trove of actionable insights and real-world examples. Timestamps Introduction and Ken’s Story (0:00 – 1:13) Investing in B2B SaaS and What VCs Look For (1:13 – 3:46) How Ken Finds Deals and Maintains Relationships (3:46 – 4:38) Comparing the VC Ecosystems: UK vs. US (5:35 – 7:15) Emerging Trends: AI and the Application Layer (7:40 – 8:58) The Importance of Storytelling for Founders (10:09 – 11:19) The Investment Process Explained (11:38 – 13:51) The Value Add of VCs (14:14 – 15:43) Community and Pitch Competitions (16:02 – 18:23) Closing Thoughts & Advice for Founders (18:38 – 19:24) BackFuture Ventures Website: https://www.backfuture.vc/ Ken’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkashifthomas/

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In today's episode, our host Nzube Ufodike interviews Amardeep, an angel investor and founder of the British-Asian entrepreneur platform, Bae HQ. They discuss Amardeep's journey from working at the Bank of England to becoming an angel investor, his angel investment thesis, and his investment strategy. Amardeep also shares tips for founders on how to stand out when reaching out to investors and the importance of building relationships before raising funds. They also talk about Bae HQ and its mission to support and empower British-Asian entrepreneurs. Takeaways Angel investors should have a clear investment thesis and consider factors such as the potential for good in the world, founder-product fit, and the founder's resilience and ability to build a team.When reaching out to investors, founders should personalize their messages and highlight why they believe the investor would be a good fit for their startup.Building relationships with investors before raising funds is important, as it allows for a more authentic connection and understanding of each other's perspectives.Amardeep also discusses Bae HQ, a platform he founded to support and empower British-Asian entrepreneurs through media, events, mentorship, and investment opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:12 Amardeep's Journey and Technical Background 03:24 Amardeep's Angel Investment Thesis 07:23 Tips for Founders: Standing Out and Building Relationships 14:10 Amardeep's Investment Strategy and LP in Funds 20:51 Bay HQ: Supporting British Asian Entrepreneurs Bae HQ Website: https://www.thebaehq.com/ Amardeep’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar/

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In today's episode, we invite you behind the scene. For the first time, our Co-founder, Joshua, steps out from behind the camera to share the untold story of how Crown Castê came to be. Alongside our host, Nzube, we reflect on the journey so far, the challenges, the wins, and what’s inspired us to create a platform that brings the voices of capital allocators to the forefront. This prologue sets the stage for what’s to come in Season 2—fresh insights, deeper conversations, and the stories behind the investments that shape industries. If you’ve been with us from the start, you’ll hear new perspectives, and if you’re just joining the community, welcome—you’re in for something special. Join us as we pull back the curtain on capital raising, one conversation at a time.

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Jia Hong. Jia is the pedalling investor at Turn Off Turn On Ventures. He cycled across Europe in 2022, from Netherlands to Bulgaria, to learn from and share the stories of entrepreneurs and investors in the fight against climate change. In this episode, we discuss: 1. The Singaporean Technology Ecosystem What is the Singaporean technology scene looking like at the moment? Support frameworks including programmes and sandboxes. 2. Jia's unique journey into investing What led you into this investing journey? How does Jia find deals and what are the green flags that allow him to invest? How do you find deals and what green flags allow you to invest? How long does it take for you to place capital from finding out a company exists? 3. Jia's experience as a pedalling investor What are some of the pros of being a pedalling investor? What are some of the exciting stories from your journey? Where will you be cycling to next?

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Leonardo Coutiño. Leonardo is the CEO at Optimus Digital. He is a Professional with 14 years of experience in marketing including creation, management, optimization and implementation of campaign communication plans with notable results, negotiation and management of relationships with suppliers and strategic business partners, training and consultancy to numerous companies in different sectors, most importantly industrials and consumers; project management, strategic planning and compliance. He is also an Angel Investor. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Stumbling into Angel Investing: What led Leonardo to angel investing? How did his media agency background provide him with an unfair information advantage? Can you tell us more about how his first investment happened? 2. Investing in the Mexican Tech Ecosystem: What is Leonardo 's view on the current state of the Mexican startup ecosystem? How does Leonardo select the companies he backs? What's Leonardo's advice to budding entrepreneurs in Mexico and what does he think needs to change in the ecosystem? 3. Investing Approach and Lessons Learned: How does Leonardo evaluate the people he backs? What were some of his lessons from his first investment experience? How does he manage expectations and align them with the startup's performance? 4. Unique Strategies for Angel Investing: How does Leonardo approach due diligence for potential portfolio companies? How does Leonardo use their experience in the payment processor sector to gain a strategic advantage in their investment? 5. Spotting Potential in the Market: Why does Leonardo believe that invoicing automation software will become more common in markets like Mexico? How does Leonardo balance the need for competitive pricing in developing markets with the potential for high returns on investment? How does Leonardo leverage their experience in marketing and growth to assess the potential of new ventures? Contact Info: Leonardo's Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-coutino-digital-advertising-marketing/

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Rumbi Makanga, with special guest host, Paasha Ahmed. Rumbi is the co-founder of Origin Twenty, which is focused on building a community of the next generation of Africa-focused investors. She has spent much of the last decade scaling startups across the globe, democratising access to entrepreneurship and capital, and investing in and scaling exponential solutions in Africa. She is also a venture partner at Republic, a financial technology company that specialises in investment-related services in the private markets and provides access to startup, real estate,crypto, and video game investment opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Rumbi's Journey and the Foundation of Origin Twenty: How did Rumbi shift her career from commercializing deep tech innovation to the world of fintech and machine learning startups? What were the motivations behind the creation of Origin Twenty, and how does it address the need for investment in African startups? 2. Challenges and Opportunities in the African Startup Ecosystem: What are the current challenges African startups face in accessing capital and the implications of these challenges? How are global accelerators like Y Combinator and large global venture capital firms impacting the African startup ecosystem? Why does Rumbi advocate for building relationships with investors early, and how can startups go about doing this? 3. The Risk Perception and Realities of Investing in Africa: What are the real risks that come with investing in African startups, and how does this risk perception affect the level of capital these companies receive? How do stereotypes and the perception of Africa as a homogenous whole impact investment decisions? What kind of opportunities does Rumbi see for investors in the African startup scene, given the quality and resilience of African founders? 4. The Future of the African Startup Ecosystem: How does Rumbi see the African startup ecosystem evolving, and what are the potential implications of the current funding slowdown? What would she like to see in terms of funding options and innovation around different funding mechanisms for African startups? Contact Info: Rumbi’s Profile：https://www.linkedin.com/in/rumbi-makanga-89518369

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Karan Bose. Karan is a partner at Pepper Fund, a cross-border search fund that aims to use its supply chain and eCommerce expertise to acquire small and medium size companies operating in the fashion & lifestyle or B2B Services categories.He is also managing director at Hula Global, an apparel supply chain company that operates a network of apparel manufacturing factories in India, Bangladesh and China. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Journey into the Apparel and Supply Chain Industry: How did Karan venture into the apparel and supply chain business and which are some of the brands he has worked with? What sparked his interest in investing in other brands and how did he arrive at the concept of a search fund model? How does Karan see the search fund model being different from the traditional venture capital allocation? 2. Navigating Supply Chain Financing and Credit Facilities: What is the key piece of information that small brands often overlook in their financing operations? How does vendor financing work and how can it be advantageous for smaller brands? Can you share some success stories or strategies in terms of vendor financing and credit facilities? 3. The Art and Challenges of Pursuing Profitable Deals: What strategies does Karan and his team employ to pursue profitable deals and investments? What challenges does he face in finding businesses that fit their specific investment criteria and mandate? How does the concept of a business's EBITDA come into play when searching for potential investments? 4. Post-acquisition Operations and Geographical Considerations: How does Karan assure brands of the smooth transition after the acquisition? What measures are put in place for geographical relocations and setting up the necessary organizational changes? How has Karan's approach evolved from when he first started this year and what is his future vision for this investment strategy? Contact Info Karan’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanbose

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Piotr Psarz, with special guest host, Paasha Ahmed. Piotr is the founder and CEO of Untapped Lending, which helps entrepreneurs raise capital without giving up control of their business. Uncapped provides no-security and no-equity investments from £10,000 to £5 million. They charge a flat fee of 6-12% on the capital provided and get repaid through a revenue share. Uncapped is backed by investors including Lakestar and Seedcamp, as well as early investors in other fintechs such as Transferwise, Revolut, and Funding Circle. Prior to founding Uncapped, Piotr worked as investment director at Corviglia Capital Fund, a fintech-focused growth capital fund, and was an investment manager at DN Capital. He is also an active angel investor. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Piotr's Journey into Fintech and the Founding of Uncapped: How did Piotr's experience as a venture capitalist influence him to found Uncapped? What problems did Piotr see in the VC model that led him to create an alternative funding option for entrepreneurs? Why does Piotr see value in working with "good" companies, not just potential unicorns? 2. Uncapped's Unique Funding Model and its Advantage: What distinguishes Uncapped's funding model from traditional equity-based VC investments or convertible loans? Why does Uncapped specifically cater to proven companies who need working capital, rather than early-stage startups? 3. The State of VC Investments and Funding Strategies: Why does Piotr think that VC investments are not suitable for all companies, and what alternatives does he suggest? What's Piotr's personal approach as an Angel investor, and why does he view it as a tough but rewarding experience? How does Piotr view the trend in startup funding, and what advice does he have for entrepreneurs seeking investments? Contact Info Piotr’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotrpisarz Website: https://weareuncapped.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pisarzp

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Dariia Vasylieva, with special guest host, Paasha Ahmed. Dariia is a founding partner at FD Capital, an investment firm focused on blockchain companies with strong technical teams that can achieve mainstream adoption. Prior to that, she was an investment banker for more than 15 years. In 2021, she launched Founders to Founders, a global community of tech entrepreneurs, experts and investors from 15+ countries, which now has over 2,500 members. She’s also the founder of GETVISION, a Cyprus-based multi-family office that empowers tech entrepreneurs with fundraising, VC/PE deal structuring and operations. In this episode, we discuss: 1. The Professional Journey of Dariia, a Tech Market and Blockchain Expert: How did Dariia transition from a 15-year career in investment to the tech market in 2017? What prompted her to create GetVision, an equity advising firm supporting early-stage founders? How has her venture into the blockchain market, focusing on layer 2 infrastructure and DeFi solutions, transformed her career? 2. Building Communities and Influencing Blockchain Adoption: What led Dariia to create one of the largest Russian-speaking tech communities, Founders Sandbox? How does Dariia's community support the blockchain market's growth and the adoption of new technologies? 3. Launching a Venture Fund and Transitioning to Blockchain Investment: What were the circumstances leading up to Dariia's decision to close her business model, yet retain her investors? How is Dariia's current focus on venture capital interests and real estate influencing her career and investment decisions? What is the vision behind After Capital, the most important project in Dariia's life right now? 4. The Role of DeFi and Blockchain in Today’s Tech Market: What is the significance of DeFi and blockchain solutions in the tech market today? What types of projects is Dariia currently considering for investment through After Capital? How does Dariia approach scaling these projects and enhancing their business models? Contact Info Dariia’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvasylieva)

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Paolo Pio. Paolo is a Silicon Valley software engineer turned technology executive turned venture capitalist. He has a portfolio of 50+ early-stage startup investments. Paolo co-founded Exceptional Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in London that invests in high-impact businesses focused on helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director for Europe at Joyance Partners, a US VC firm investing in health and happiness startups. Paolo launched Joyance's European operations from scratch, investing in 25 companies across 9 EU countries. He built a team of 8 world-class investors, attended and spoke at more than 400 events including the World Economic Forum, and created a community of over 1000 like-minded entrepreneurs and friends of the fund, promoting health and happiness along the way. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Transitioning from Engineering to Venture Capitalism: How did Paolo make his transition from an engineer to a venture capitalist? How did his experience working at Cisco and relocation to different regions influence his career progression? What motivated Paolo to enter the world of investments and specifically venture capital? 2. Venture Capital Investment in Health and Wellness: What led Paolo to focus on investing in health and wellness startups? Why did Paolo choose to launch his own fund, Exceptional Ventures, and what is its mission? How did the pandemic influence the growth and opportunities in the health and wellness sector? 3. The Investment Process and Portfolio Construction: What are the stages in Paolo's investment process and how does he identify potential startups to invest in? What are the checks and balances in place before making an investment decision? How is the portfolio of Exceptional Ventures constructed and what are its investment pillars? 4. The Role of Specialized VCs in Startups: Why does Paolo believe being a specialized investor in health and wellness sector gives an advantage? How does Paolo assist his portfolio companies beyond financial investment? What strategies does Exceptional Ventures adopt to help their portfolio companies scale up? 5. The Joy of Working with Entrepreneurs and Building Impact: What aspects of working with entrepreneurs does Paolo find most rewarding? How does Paolo view the impact of his work in terms of returns and positive societal impact? What are the core values that Paolo is building within his investment firm culture? Contact Info: Paolo’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-pio

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Muhammed Yesufu. Muhammed is an investment manager and head of financial advisory at London-based Woodhall Capital, a financial advisory firm that specialises in raising international funding for large corporates, financial institutions and sovereigns. The firm has raised over $2.5bn in the past 8 years. Prior to joining Woodhall, Mohammed was managing partner at Creed Trust Partners and a private equity associate at CBO Capital Partners. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Mohammed's Journey from Businessman to Investor: How did Mohammed transition from being a self-starting entrepreneur to an investor? What critical experiences and lessons did he garner from his time at CBO Capital? 2. Sub-Saharan Africa: The Final Frontier for Exponential Growth: What are Mohammed's thoughts on the opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa? What unique challenges and realities does this region present for investors? How does he perceive the VC model's application in this region? 3. Market Consolidation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Why does Mohammed believe market consolidation is inevitable in Sub-Saharan Africa? How has this played out in sectors like banking in Nigeria? Which sectors does Mohammed believe are ripe for consolidation? 4. Agriculture: The Key to African Market Consolidation: Why does Mohammed see agriculture as the most exciting sector in Sub-Saharan Africa? How can consolidation and innovation in this sector drive growth and alleviate poverty? What are the various elements of the agricultural value chain that are open to investment? 5. Developing a successful investment thesis for Africa: How does Mohammed approach the complex challenges of investing in Africa, including exchange rate volatility and potential legal risks? What key considerations does Mohammed highlight for creating a fund that provides comfort to external investors interested in the African space? 6. Changing Perceptions and Overcoming Misconceptions in African Investments: What is trade finance and how does it support businesses in need of operational cash? What insights has Mohammed gained about profitable and unprofitable businesses from working with entrepreneurs through Woodhall Capital? Contact Info: Mohammed’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammedyesufu

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Perminder Ghataore. Perminder is a finance and commercial professional with experience in travel systems, mobile and media networks, and information technology across all major geographies. Specializing in full business partnering activity, from reporting to acquisition identification and integration, Perminder has developed strong leadership and relationship management skills in line with a collaborative and influential solution-based style.With detailed knowledge of the lending environment, Perminder supports both individuals and SMEs in all financial transactions, from property to acquisitions. Perminder has access to an excellent lending panel comprised of Tier 1 and specialist lenders offering unique product facilities. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Journey to Commercial Brokerage and Property Investment: How did the Perminder transition from the finance world into the real estate industry, specifically, commercial brokerage? What were some key experiences that influenced the establishment of their unique brokerage model? How does their financial analysis background contribute to their investment decision-making? 2. Trends, Shifts, and Ethos in Property Investment: What is the Perminder's perspective on the trends and shifts happening in the property investment landscape? How does the Perminder assess and select projects for investment? What are the key factors considered? What are some insights on managing capital outlay, and what role does the Perminder's "return on investment" model play? 3. The Current Economy and its Impact on Property Investment: How is the current economic situation, especially interest rates, influencing property investment strategies? What strategies are savvy investors deploying to navigate these economic conditions? How is the affordable housing requirement influencing the nature of property development and what potential challenges does it pose? 4. Leveraging Social Networks for Investment Opportunities: How does the Perminder leverage platforms like LinkedIn for property investment opportunities? What is the Perminder's approach to helping people navigate complex investment situations? Contact Info Perminder’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perminder-ghataore-946b031

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Dexter Simms. Dexter Simms is an award winning entrepreneur, mentor, community leader, role model and public speaker who was born and raised in South West London. He was educated in a state school/college within South London where Black British men had a label to not succeed. From an early age he had always dreamed of running his own business and creating a brand which he would solely own. To this day he lives this childhood dream. Dexter’s brand Mula Cake Limited was established in 2013 and is one of the top brands hitting London’s urban fashion markets. Mula Cake specialises in urban clothing that stands for loud, happy and colourful. Since its launch Mula Cake has turned many young people away from the streets of crime to become fashion designers, models or photographers. Dexter has now branched into children’s holiday clubs, creative community hubs, business networking events, and entrepreneurial workshops. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Entrepreneur turned investor: How does Dexter see Enjoyment of investing into startups & SMEs? The importance of investing 2. Dexter’s process on allocating capital: What does Dexter look for when putting cash into another business? Why does Dexter put faith in individuals when investing? 3. Financial education for young people: Dexter's approach to help young people into financial education? 4. The future of digital currencies: CBDC'S (Central Bank of Digital Currency) What is it in Dexter’s terms? Pro's & Con's

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Marc Cohen. Marc is sole partner at unbundled VC, where he invests in early stage startups and tries to bring a founder mentality to the business of venture capital. He is also an angel investor with Alma Angels, which is on a mission to level the playing field for female entrepreneurs seeking early stage startup funding and has invested in sectors such as deeptech, health, climate and edtech. In this episode, we discuss: 1. A Unique VC Approach: Building in Public: How did Marc venture into the unique "building in public" approach in the VC world? What motivated him to adopt this model, and how has it affected his visibility and deal flow? How does his philosophy towards equity and diversity influence his investment decisions? 2. Bundled VC: A Different Kind of VC: What are the common themes among the founders and companies that Marc invests in, and what is the potential he looks for? What is the investment range for Marc, and how does he approach follow-on investments? How does the small scale of Bundled VC affect the deals it can engage with or invest in? 3. Making the Investment Process Easy for Founders: How does Marc try to make the investment process easy and founder-friendly? What value does Marc add to the companies he invests in and how does he aim to be helpful for founders? What sets his process apart from typical VC firms? 4. Improving VC-Founder Relations and Looking to the Future: What does Marc think the VC industry can do better in terms of engaging with founders? How does transparency and clarity factor into his investment approach, and why is it critical in the industry? What are Marc’s future plans and how does he aim to remain an attractive and desirable source of capital? Contact Info: Marc Cohen (He/Him) Sole Partner at unbundled vc Pitch me with or without a warm intro If you have a credible VC lead investor, skip the filter and book directly into my diary Subscribe to my monthly newsletter - this month Why Market Size Matters Follow me and unbundled vc on LinkedIn and Twitter

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital, about why they decided to make placements into a specific portfolio company of theirs. In today's episode, we are joined by Seun (Shay) Odekunle. Shay is a strategy and Innovation professional with a strong passion for driving positive change across the African continent through nurturing start-ups tackling the biggest issues facing the continent. With a north start accelerating Africa’s social and economic development. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Shay’s Journey into Angel Investing: What was Shay's original career path and how did it shift towards becoming an angel investor? What drew Shay towards the African venture ecosystem and the startup landscape? 2. Decision-Making Criteria for Investing: What are the four main criteria that Shay uses to decide who to back? How does Shay differentiate between fundamental problems and cosmetic ones when considering investments? What does Shay look for in the team and founders of potential investments? 3. Role as an Angel Investor Post-Investment: How involved is Shay with the companies he backs after the investment? How does he assist startups during challenging times, like economic downturns? What strategies does Shay use to help startups find solutions during difficult financial periods? Contact Info: Seun (Shay)’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayodekunle