imec.istart's podcast

Networking is more than exchanging business cards—it's about creating lasting connections that fuel growth. This episode unravels the power of networking through the eyes of portfolio founders Rutger Bevers (Conversation Starter), Gérôme Vanherf (La Grand Poste), and Christina Hadinoto (ContourLab).  Learn more about strategies for overcoming obstacles with a strong network, the importance of creativity in problem-solving, and ways to leverage media and contacts for success.

Guests:

Rutger Bevers (Conversation Starter)
Gérôme Vanherf (La Grand Poste)
Christina Hadinoto (ContourLab)

Host:

Maarten Weyn

In this podcast episode, we explore strategies for navigating "hype markets". Imec.istart portfolio founders Jen Rossey of Lopos and Tiebe Parmentier of Tekst.ai share their perspectives.

Lopos, a spinoff from the University of Ghent and imec, initially concentrated on ultra-wideband technology for precise distance measurement. However, they made a pivotal shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing wearable devices for promoting social distancing.

Tekst.ai specializes in natural language processing (NLP), streamlining inbound customer emails to enhance response times by categorizing and routing messages efficiently. 

Topics of this conversation include pricing models, the art of pivoting, the significance of adaptability, and establishing meaningful connections with investors. They underscore the value of feedback and customer satisfaction, the growth potential of the AI market, ongoing technical development, and the vital role of mentorship within the startup community.

 Your host: Maarten Weyn

In this podcast, Jonathan Schreiber (Neuroventis), Karel Callens (Cumul.io), Luc Burgelman (Miles Ahead) sit down for an in-depth conversation about what really goes down in the boardroom. From how they convinced people to join their board, to the crucial role of independent members, to navigating tricky crises between members, our guests spill all the tea. A must-listen for everyone who wants to hear a new perspective on how a board can drive company growth.

Your host: Maarten Weyn

The second episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses the triumphs and setbacks founders encounter in the first 100 days as an entrepreneur.

Guests:

Maura Nachtergaele (Payflip)
Simon Temmerman (dScribe)

Host:

Maarten Weyn

The first episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses how entrepreneurs can grow their tech startup into a scaleup. Martijn Joris (Twikit) and Ewout Meyns (ex-PieSync) will discuss the transition from founder to manager. Martijn started as a business developer and later a business development manager at Materialise before founding Twikit in 2012. Ewout is the executive chairman and is still daily active within the company, looking into how to adapt and strategize. They will also discuss how to go from a startup to scaleup and all the things which they experience in this transition.

Your host: Maarten Weyn

How do you get started with sustainable entrepreneurship? What are the pitfalls and opportunities to look out for? How to stay motivated? How did participating in the business acceleration program imec.istart help launching these ventures? Listen to this conversation between three start-up founders with companies aiming to make the world a better place. 

Guests:  

• Stefanie Broes, founder moonbird - a technological device to improve people’s breathing and reduce stress and anxiety and help people fall asleep faster. 
• Vincent Meurrens, founder EPCON - enables epidemic monitoring, evaluation and control through combining real-world context and real-time programmatic data.
• Judith Ketelslegers founder Foresightee - Foresightee prevents food waste with new technologies. Their first product is machine learning sales forecasting, specifically designed for fresh food.  

Host: Maarten Weyn

• big and international ambitions,  
• bull and bear markets  
• addressing a global B2B market,  
• learning and applying from business books,  
• setting up the right funding mix; (convertible loans, bank loans, equity, subsidies, crowdfunding...) 
• validating your idea in style,  
• attracting top talent and special superhero employee experiences