Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.
Join host Nzube as he sits down with Fatou from Bootstrap Europe to delve into the world of venture debt. Discover how this unique financial instrument supports innovation and growth in tech companies, and learn from Fatou's personal journey and insights.
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Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.
In our latest episode of Crown Castê, we sit down with John Spindler from Twin Paths VC. He and Nzube dive into the evolution of the London tech scene, the rise of AI, and the journey of investing in over 200 startups. Discover insights on the dynamic shifts in technology and the importance of innovation in AI-first companies.
Key Highlights:
John Spindler's entry into the London tech scene and his role at Capital Enterprise. The evolution of technology revolutions from mobile apps to AI. Insights into the investment landscape and the importance of technical expertise. The story behind Twin Path VC and its focus on AI-first companies. The significance of AI in modern tech investments and the potential for future growth.
Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.
In this Masterclass, we dive into the world of tokenomics and discover how it can revolutionize your business. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of crypto tokens, their real-world applications, and how SMEs can leverage them for growth and innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the basics of tokenomics and its importance for SMEs. Real-world examples of tokenomics in action, from supply chain transparency to decentralized finance. Insights into the potential risks and rewards of integrating crypto tokens into your business model.
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’re taking a journey into the world of hedge funds with Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, a seasoned hedge fund manager. Kojo shares a rare perspective—one that intertwines his expertise in capital allocation with the grit and creativity of entrepreneurship. From the trading floor to managing public debt in emerging markets, Kojo unpacks the strategies, risks, and opportunities that define his world.
We begin with Kojo’s story. Imagine a young professional stepping into the high-pressure environment of an investment bank’s trading floor. The daily grind of managing profit and loss sharpened Kojo’s instincts and gave him a crash course in understanding financial markets. But his story didn’t stop there. Fueled by a desire to do more than trade, Kojo made the leap to hedge funds, where he now focuses on public debt investments and creative capital strategies
Hedge funds, as Kojo explains, are unlike the typical players in the world of capital allocation. Their flexibility and focus on liquidity set them apart. He takes us behind the scenes, revealing how hedge funds use strategies like public debt and private credit to allocate capital. It’s a world where creativity meets structure, and success hinges on managing risk without sacrificing upside (2:47).
But this isn’t just about hedge funds—it’s about their connection to entrepreneurship. Kojo draws a fascinating parallel between hedge fund managers and entrepreneurs. Both navigate risks, build teams, and grapple with the ever-present challenge of raising capital. For entrepreneurs, Kojo offers timeless advice: focus on the “boring but essential” parts of your business—compliance, accounting, and governance. These are the foundations that attract investors and set the stage for growth (6:13).
The conversation shifts to emerging markets, a space brimming with potential but fraught with complexity. Kojo paints a vivid picture of the risks—currency fluctuations, political instability, and inefficiencies—but also the opportunities for those willing to look deeper. He shares how investors can outmaneuver biases and misconceptions to unlock alpha in regions often overlooked by others (14:54).
We also explore the critical differences between capital markets and banks. As Kojo explains, banks are often the first stop for smaller businesses, offering accessibility and familiarity. Meanwhile, capital markets provide the scale and liquidity needed for businesses ready to level up. It’s a fascinating distinction that underscores the importance of understanding where you stand as a business (11:28).
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the episode is Kojo’s breakdown of the types of investors in hedge funds. From pension funds and banks to high-net-worth individuals, hedge funds attract those seeking consistent returns through compounding. Kojo reminds us that success in hedge funds is about playing the long game—building wealth that endures for generations (18:09).
And finally, we look to the future. Kojo reflects on the growing role of hedge funds in private credit and emerging markets, emphasizing the importance of designing strategies that adapt to the shifting landscape. As he puts it, navigating this space is as much about creativity as it is about structure (21:13).
If you’re looking to understand the intersection of entrepreneurship, hedge funds, and emerging markets—or simply want to hear a great story—you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
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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 Nick Tolchard, a seasoned investor and Deputy Chair of the Investment Association's Trade and Investment Committee, to explore investment strategies for SMEs and the evolving landscape of capital allocation. Nick shares his journey in the financial world, insights into raising capital, and the importance of governance, strategy, and industry trends in building successful businesses.
The conversation begins with Nick reflecting on his multi-decade career in asset management, from managing fixed income investments to guiding businesses through the nuances of public and private capital markets (1:07). He shares how his experience working with institutional investors and retail advisors has shaped his approach to supporting SMEs in their growth journeys.
A major theme of the episode is fixed income as a tool for capital raising. Nick explains how fixed income, particularly corporate bonds, can become an attractive option for SMEs as they grow and mature. He also highlights the role of governance, balance sheet strength, and strong boards in attracting investors (4:29).
Nick provides actionable advice for SMEs considering public listings, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategy, governance, and choosing the right market for their needs. He explains why London, with its deep pool of investors and robust governance frameworks, is often a preferred destination for businesses looking to scale (10:06).
The discussion also explores the pros and cons of public vs. private markets, with Nick explaining the rising interest in private markets due to their flexibility and alignment with specific investor expertise. He shares why persistence, networking, and engaging with supportive ecosystems are crucial for businesses at any stage of capital raising (14:38).
A standout segment is Nick’s analysis of ESG investing (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and its growing importance in the financial world. He discusses how SMEs can differentiate themselves by demonstrating measurable impact, whether in environmental performance, financial inclusion, or societal benefits, to appeal to ESG-focused investors (18:41).
Looking ahead, Nick highlights key industry trends, including the increasing role of AI and data in asset management and the potential for new sectors like FinTech, AgTech, and sustainability-focused ventures to attract capital. He emphasizes the need for SMEs to stay agile, data-driven, and future-focused in their approach (21:13).
Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more insights from Crown Castê, your go-to financial literacy podcast for SMEs.
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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, we welcome Emmie van Helder, an inspiring angel investor focused on SDG-driven investments in Africa. Emmie shares her journey from starting a tech training company to making impactful investments that balance financial returns with social and environmental benefits.
The conversation begins with Emmie recounting her entrepreneurial roots, including her first company teaching people to use personal computers and her eventual pivot to investing in early-stage ventures (0:48). She explains how her passion for building businesses and solving problems has shaped her career.
A key theme of this episode is the transformative potential of African markets. Emmie highlights the importance of investing in projects that not only provide financial returns but also create meaningful change. She shares compelling examples of her investments, including:
The episode also explores Emmie’s approach to finding and evaluating investment opportunities. She stresses the importance of identifying real problems, assessing team capabilities, and trusting instincts when metrics are limited in early-stage ventures (8:42). Her hands-on involvement and candid communication style set her apart in a competitive space (11:36).
One standout aspect of the conversation is Emmie’s practical advice for entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the potential of crowdfunding as an effective way to secure early-stage funding and gain momentum before seeking angel or VC investments (17:33).
This episode provides invaluable insights into impact investing and the potential of African markets. Emmie’s experience and practical advice make it a must-listen for entrepreneurs and investors alike Where to connect
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.
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