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/ Follow Us On.. 📲 Tiktok @novaandbobapod 📲 YouTube @novandbova 📲 Instagram @novaandbobapod #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

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 💙

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

“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/

#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

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

#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

"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

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 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

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 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

🚀 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: 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!

🎙️ 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

🚀 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

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

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

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!

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.