Startup Sensations

Hosted by Bulent Osman & Shelley Bays

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Welcome to The Startup Sensations Podcast, the weekly transatlantic business podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of startups from Both Sides of The Pond. Join us as we explore the stories, strategies, and successes from the most innovative startup founders, industry experts and active investors in North America, the UK and from around the world. The show is hosted from the UK by Bulent Osman, exited tech founder, and from the US by Shelley Bays, founder of three international advisory firms. From Silicon Valley to London's tech scene, they will bring you interviews with inspiring founders, investors and experts who are making waves in the startup world. Whether you're a serial entrepreneur or just starting out, an investor, a sector service provider, or someone who is fascinated to learn more, The Startup Sensations Podcast has something informative and motivational for you. Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. Email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Join our community on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn Page and watch video highlights on YouTube.

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60 recent

December 16, 202541 min

Investing in Female Founders: A Trillion-Dollar Community for Women-Led Startups

S6 Ep11 (Bonus) - David Fogel is the co-founder of Alma Angels, a trailblazing community dedicated to supporting startups with at least one female founder, and on a mission to generate $1 trillion in women-led wealth by 2050. In this bonus episode, David joins Bulent Osman and Shelley Bays to discuss the evolution of angel investing, the importance of diversity in early-stage funding, and the powerful impact of female founders on startup performance. The conversation uncovers the persistent biases within the venture ecosystem, explores the challenges female founders face during fundraising, and highlights the innovative, decentralised investment model behind Alma Angels. David shares his personal journey and insights into systemic change, while the hosts delve into practical advice for both angels and founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Alma Angels mission and its decentralised approach to angel investing The fundraising challenges and biases encountered by female founders UK angel investing tax incentives and the changing demographics of angel investors Building active communities and scalable support for both angels and founders Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. David Fogel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fogeldavid/ Alma Angels - https://www.alma-angels.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

December 10, 202546 min

Transforming Global Healthcare: Startup Innovation and Leadership

S6 Ep10 – Charlie Barlow is CEO of ConnectedLife, a pioneering digital healthcare company, author of “Dreaming of Unicorns”, and a British entrepreneur with a global perspective shaped by years working across Asia, the Middle East, and the UK. In this thought-provoking episode, Charlie Barlow joins host Bulent Osman to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building tech startups in highly regulated healthcare markets, and the nuanced differences of scaling businesses across continents. From working in banking to launching and exiting a successful healthtech startup, Charlie Barlow shares candid insights into leadership, resilience, cross-cultural management, the realities of exits, and his personal philosophy of “making your own luck”. The conversation is packed with honest reflections, practical advice for founders facing tough times, and strategic lessons for anyone seeking to make a genuine impact through startup innovation. 🎙️ Key Topics: Building ConnectedLife: Predictive and preventive healthtech for mass populations Lessons and stories from the exit of Health at Hand, and the realities of startup life Managing multicultural teams and leadership styles across the globe Key challenges and advice for founders: resilience, strategic fundraising, and market-fit Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Charlie Barlow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-barlow/ ConnectedLife - https://www.connectedlife.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

December 3, 202542 min

Startup Recruitment Secrets: Lessons from an Executive Recruiter

S6 Ep9 – Peter Segal is a Principal at Ogilvie, a seasoned headhunter who has played a pivotal role in shaping executive teams for some of the world’s leading tech and fintech firms across the UK, Europe, and the US. In this fascinating discussion, Peter Segal shares first-hand insights into the evolution of recruitment and startup culture over the past three decades. Together with hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman, he explores the shifting landscapes of enterprise tech, the impact of cultural attitudes to risk, and the booms and busts that have defined the industry—from the dotcom era to today’s AI gold rush. Peter Segal draws from a rich career, recounting the lessons learned from industry upheavals, the importance of self-awareness and mentorship for founders, and the enduring value of finding and nurturing the right talent. 🎙️ Key Topics: Comparing UK and US startup cultures, including attitudes towards risk and investment The rise, hype and reality of AI in tech recruitment and business operations The long-term changes brought about by SaaS and shifting work-life balance expectations Practical advice for founders on early-stage hiring, mentorship, and self-awareness Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Peter Segal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-segal-14437/ Ogilvie - https://ogilviesearch.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

November 19, 202542 min

The Future of AI Regulation: What Startups Need to Know

S6 Ep8 – Orla Lynskey is Professor of Law and Technology at University College London, a leading authority on digital regulation, data governance, and equality in tech. Her career spans international legal practice and academia, with a special focus on how technology shapes, and is shaped by, society. In this engaging episode, Orla sits down with Bulent Osman and Shelley Bays to unpack the evolution of legal frameworks for technology and AI. The discussion journeys through the historical context of data protection, the contrasting philosophies of EU, UK, and US regulation, and the pressing, complex challenges posed by the rapid growth of AI. Together, they explore the delicate balance between responsible innovation and economic advancement, sectoral impacts of regulation, and the ethical conundrums facing startups and society at large. 🎙️ Key Topics: How historical data protection principles underlie today’s AI challenges The philosophical divide between US, EU, and UK technology regulation Practical advice for startups navigating a shifting global regulatory landscape The societal risks and opportunities of AI — from inequality to creative industry disruption Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Orla Lynskey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/orla-lynskey-2457731/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

November 4, 202534 min

How to Succeed in Luxury Media: Insights from WatchAdvisor’s Maryna Steger

S6 Ep7 – Maryna Steger is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Watch Advisor, a leading digital media house based in Switzerland and a major voice in the luxury watch industry. With a background in international relations, law, and digital marketing, Maryna brings a unique approach to entrepreneurship in the luxury sector. In this engaging episode, Maryna shares her journey from growing up in Belarus to building a highly-engaged, global community of watch collectors and enthusiasts. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of building a niche digital brand, key strategies for social media growth, and the complex balance between maintaining independence and generating revenue in the luxury sector. Maryna also offers candid advice on leadership, resilience, and harnessing new technologies like AI to drive future growth for Watch Advisor. 🎙️ Key Topics: Strategies for building an authentic, high-engagement digital brand in a niche market Diversification of revenue streams and balancing independence in B2B and B2C partnerships Social media tactics: the power of long-form video, regular content, and platform selection Adapting to digital transformation and the role of AI in the luxury industry Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Maryna Steger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryna-steger-emba-a6b6b079/ WatchAdvisor - https://www.watchadvisor.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 21, 202544 min

Tackling Big Pharma: The Path to Cheaper, Faster and Safer Medicines

S6 Ep6 – Don Stewart is the President & CEO of PlantForm Corporation, a pioneering Canadian biotech company revolutionising pharmaceutical manufacturing using plant-based technology. In this engaging episode, Don shares firsthand insights into his entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on disruptive innovations in biopharmaceuticals, the challenges of breaking into the conservative pharmaceutical industry, and strategies for building effective global partnerships. The conversation explores the wide-ranging applications of PlantForm’s technology—from cancer treatment to emergency preparedness—whilst giving us a candid look at the realities of leading a startup through crises such as COVID-19 and navigating legal battles. 🎙️ Key Topics: Bringing disruptive plant-based pharmaceutical technology to market Overcoming industry resistance and regulatory hurdles Strategic partnerships and global expansion in Latin America and Asia Leadership lessons: persistence, focus, and the art of delegation Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Don Stewart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-stewart-canada/ PlantForm Corporation - https://www.plantformcorp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 9, 202538 min

Old School vs AI: The Changing Face of SEO and Startup Marketing

S6 Ep5 – Sam Dunning is a dynamic founder, B2B marketing specialist and host of the Breaking B2B podcast, joining us from the UK with a wealth of experience in SEO, content marketing and scaling tech agencies. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from web development to launching his own B2B agency, discussing the seismic shifts in online search, the rise of AI, and strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace. He offers candid insights into the realities of starting and growing a business, from managing cash flow and building a lean, skilled team to navigating cross-Atlantic client expectations. Sam also explores the evolving balance between tech-driven solutions and the enduring value of traditional human connections in business. 🎙️ Key Topics: The impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and modern search behaviour Lessons learned from niching down and scaling a B2B agency Building and managing a small, effective team in a bootstrap startup Navigating cultural differences between UK, US, and international markets Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Sam Dunning - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdunning/ Breaking B2B - https://www.breakingb2b.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 24, 202538 min

Navigating Startup Success and Female Founder Challenges in 2025

S6 Ep4 – Hanim Dogan-Jain is a partner at Prime Advantage Capital Partners, as well as an advisor, board member and passionate advocate for female founders. She has a rich international background spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. In this compelling episode, Hanim shares her journey from humble beginnings in Turkey to entrepreneurial success and venture capital leadership. The conversation dives deep into the harsh realities of fundraising in today’s climate, the unique challenges faced by female founders, and the importance of impact-driven investment. Hanim offers candid insights, practical advice, and heartfelt anecdotes that highlight both the obstacles and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. 🎙️ Key Topics: Navigating the tough fundraising landscape for startups in 2025 Persistent gender disparities in startup funding and the lack of real progress for female founders The powerful influence of culture and international perspectives on entrepreneurship Practical advice for founders: knowing when and why to seek funding, and the value of asking for support Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Hanim Dogan-Jain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanim-doganjain/ Prime Advantage Capital Partners - https://pa-capitalpartners.com/ Hanim Dogan-Jain @ PA - https://pa-capitalpartners.com/partner-profiles/hanim-dogan-jain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 9, 202541 min

AI Agents Beyond ChatGPT: Inside Farsight AI’s Startup Journey

S6 Ep3 – Noah Faro and Samir Dutta are the dynamic co-founders behind Farsight AI, a cutting-edge startup at the forefront of “Agentic AI” for financial services. Alongside their third co-founder Kanal Tangri, they are reimagining how AI drives productivity in the world’s most traditional industries. In this thought-provoking episode, Noah and Samir share first-hand insights from building a pioneering technology business, delving into their journey from MIT friends to raising $16 million in Series A funding. The hosts explore Farsight’s mission to help financial professionals do more and better work, the evolving human-AI relationship, and the importance of ruthless prioritisation in startup life. The episode also tackles questions around AI’s impact on jobs, adoption in legacy industries, and the vital need for human oversight as intelligent agents become mainstream. 🎙️ Key Topics: How Farsight AI's proprietary agents go beyond ChatGPT to automate complex financial workflows The real impact of AI on junior and senior roles in financial services – disruption or opportunity? Strategic lessons in fundraising: building organic investor networks and perfecting your story The critical role of human training, oversight, and education to ensure safe AI implementation Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Farsight AI - https://www.farsight-ai.com/team Samir Dutta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-dutta-106730107/ Noah Faro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahfaro/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

August 27, 202541 min

Mastering PR in the Age of AI: Modern PR Strategies for Startup Growth

S6 Ep2 – Sarah Woodhouse is a dynamic PR strategist, co-owner and Director of Ambitious, a Bristol-based public relations agency in the UK renowned for supporting fast-growing businesses with strategic comms, content, and innovation-led campaigns. In this episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from launching her PR career in London to building an agency in Asia, scaling it across Greater China and Singapore, and returning to the UK to drive growth at Ambitious. She unpacks the evolution of PR in today’s digital and AI-driven world, offers invaluable insights into managing brand reputation, and explores the impact of culture, gender, and technology on the industry. The conversation also delves deep into the power of networking and storytelling for founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: How to craft measurable PR strategies for startup growth Navigating crisis communications and reputation management Embracing AI and the transformation of digital PR and content The influence of culture and women’s leadership in global business Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-j-woodhouse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices