Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Hosted by Dubai Eye 103.8

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Agenda’s Tom Urquhart and our partners at Virtuzone discuss the big issues affecting startups and SME’s in the region. Hear everything you need to know about starting your own business from getting a license to growing your company. Highlights include interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, covering topics including e-commerce, leadership and how to get investors for your business.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202640 min

How startups work with government

Esat Canli of Echo Twin AI tells us how to work with the public sector to improve our cities.  Got an idea but don't know how to take it further? Here's Simon Lewis - founder and CEO of 3D Actio and Zhupar Teleubayeva, Managing Director of Avela Middle East, formed IDEAS MADE REAL - a programme that gives young GCC nationals a structured pathway to take an early idea, test it, build around it, and turn it into something more commercially viable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 5, 202641 min

The Supply Chain Wake-Up Call

When products are late, prices rise and stock suddenly disappears, supply chains stop being an invisible business function - and start being front and centre of the business conversation.  This week on Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch look at how UAE businesses are adapting, from national track-and-trace technology and smarter forecasting to the real-life pressures facing importers, retailers and founders. With insights from EVOTEQ, Desert Forge, SHOEQ and Silk Souq, this episode asks what resilience really looks like when your business depends on goods arriving on time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 202638 min

Crypto compliance and AI in real estate

But as crypto companies set up and more people put more money into crypto, we need to know who's regulating these crypto companies. There is a company that works with authorities to ensure your crypto wallet is safe and crypto companies here are all operating above board.  That's ACX Compliance. Joining us  is Toms Pauders, its CEO and Co-Founder. What does it take to build an AI platform? Rechitta founders Aryaman Maheshwari and Atiksh Mittal tell us all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 202642 min

Winning in retail

Lush Cosmetics has won the retail game for decades - through economic ups and downs. What's their secret? Anita Baker, MD of Lush Middle East tells Starting Up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 202637 min

Buy, Rent, Invest: The New Rules of UAE Real Estate

Should we rethink the real estate game during uncertain times?  Tom and Paul exchange insight with our expert panel: Manar Mahmassani, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentify Liam Chase, Associate Director at Arabian AcresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 202639 min

Why own when you can share? Why the sharing economy is booming

We’re talking about the sharing  economy — and why some of the smartest businesses today are being built on the fact that many people now… don’t like to OWN things.  From cars you access by the minute, to kitchens and workspaces you lease flexibly, to homes turned into high-performing short-term rentals — the old rules of business are changing. We are joined by Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive, Shahzad Bhatti, Founder of The Co-Kitchens and The Co-Spaces, and Gregory Lewis, Founder and CEO of AirDXB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 17, 202620 min

Humantra founder on failing, recovering and succeeding

Charlie Wright tells Tom and Paul how he built a UAE brand that is now recognisable in the UK and other parts of the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 17, 202616 min

Emirati Mahmoud Bartawi on forging ahead despite uncertainty

Under500 founder Mahmoud Bartawi says those who freeze during tough times will be left behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 10, 202644 min

Where are the business opportunities right now?

Ziina, GLEAC and Letswork have found opportunities to still grow and keep the business going during challenging times.  If you're a business owner, this is a must listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 3, 202639 min

Practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat

Yango Ride says it will match customers' tips to help their drivers. Plus, we chat about practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat with Chris Purdie of Receiptable and Nathan Kearny of Executive Search.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.