venturemic

START Munich

Does establishing your own startup freak you out? Want to push this fear away? Us too! It’s us, Manuel, Mihkel, Sophie and Timo, joined by guests, talking about entrepreneurship, startups and things to help us think, do, and be better. We try to answer the more significant questions along the journey: what do we need to establish high-performing startups? And what have other successful people done about it? We’d love for you to join us.

  1. 06.07.2025

    #29 Manuel La Rosa Betancourt | Co-founder of Neutron Star Systems on Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Orbit

    🚀 What does it take to bring cutting-edge science from the lab into orbit? In this episode, we speak with Manuel La Rosa Betancourt, co-founder of Neutron Star Systems, a startup developing disruptive electric propulsion systems for deep space missions, powered by high-temperature superconductors (HTS). 🎙 Manuel shares his journey from materials science to the space industry, and what it means to navigate the complex terrain between scientific innovation, political systems, and market needs. 🧠 This episode goes beyond tech. We explore: • What HTS and electric propulsion mean • Why European space innovation moves more slowly, and what could change that • The communication gap between engineers, investors, and governments NSS is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space, turning high-risk research into real-world impact. Their story is a rare look into what it means to build deep tech with global ambition. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    52 Min.
  2. #28 Ali Raza | Co-founder of Bevel on Building Deep Tech from the Ground Up

    04.06.2025

    #28 Ali Raza | Co-founder of Bevel on Building Deep Tech from the Ground Up

    🔧 What does it really take to build deep tech from scratch? In this episode, we speak with Ali Raza , one of the co-founders of Bevel—a startup tackling one of the biggest bottlenecks in software development: understanding and working with legacy code. We recorded this conversation several months ago, right at the beginning of Bevel’s journey. Since then, Ali and his team have been working relentlessly, and they’ve already made significant progress, so for their current state, visit their LinkedIn page. 🚀 🛠️ In this episode, we talk about: • How the team-first, idea-second approach shaped their startup • Why legacy code is such a widespread and painful problem • The mindset shift that happens when you commit to building something real Bevel’s story is a fantastic example of how curiosity, consistency, and collaboration fuel early-stage innovation. 🎧 Listen to the episode and make sure to check out what they’re up to now on their page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bevel-software/ #startups #founderstory #softwareengineering #legacycode #productdevelopment #deeptech #Bevel #podcast #engineeringleadership #earlystagefounders #techstartup ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    30 Min.
  3. #27 Shettima Ali | Founder of xTID Fighting Bureaucracy with Deeptech

    14.05.2025

    #27 Shettima Ali | Founder of xTID Fighting Bureaucracy with Deeptech

    🌍 Ever tried to get official documents from your home country while living abroad? Then you know—bureaucracy doesn’t travel well. In this new episode, I speak with Shettima, founder of xTID, a startup that began by solving a deeply personal pain: helping Nigerian citizens abroad access certificates and documents often hidden behind complicated processes and endless forms. What started as a mission to digitize bureaucracy for Nigerian expats has now evolved into something even bigger: ✅ A pivot to the India-Germany corridor ✅ A focus on verifying educational credentials for universities and tech companies ✅ And the use of blockchain to ensure secure, tamper-proof records for institutions But this episode isn’t just about tech. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and how to keep going—even when the funding freezes, the co-founder steps back, and the government pivots before you do. 🎧 If you're interested in GovTech, international innovation, or just want a refreshingly honest founder story—this one’s for you. #startups #govtech #digitalidentity #bureaucracy #innovation #expatsolutions #xTID #blockchain #founderstory #podcast ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    27 Min.
  4. #26 Shivangi Singh | Co-founder of AICUflow on Cutting Through Complexity in Health Innovation

    07.05.2025

    #26 Shivangi Singh | Co-founder of AICUflow on Cutting Through Complexity in Health Innovation

    "Turning Complexity Into Clarity: Shivangi’s Journey with AICU" Many startups dream of transforming healthcare—but few make it through the wall of regulations, technical hurdles, and personal sacrifices. Shivangi, founder of @AICUflow, is doing just that. Her startup simplifies the entire research pipeline for medical professionals, making advanced data analysis more accessible, efficient, and publication-ready. But this episode isn’t just about tools—it’s about courage. Shivangi shares the emotional decision to leave the security of a full-time job, build something from scratch in a new country, and navigate founding life while still learning the language. 🔍 We talk: – The hidden barriers in healthcare innovation – Startup life beyond the pitch deck – Learning to lead, write grants, and face uncertainty 🎧 Tune in to hear how Shivangi is reshaping medical research—and what it really takes to follow your vision. #StartupLife #HealthTech #FoundersJourney #MedicalInnovation #Podcast #WomenInTech #AICUflow #BerlinStartups #DataScience #Entrepreneurship https://www.linkedin.com/company/aicuflow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivangi-data-scientist/  ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    29 Min.
  5. #25 Sid Koneti | Co-founder of Skonelabs on Fixing Food Waste, One Sensor at a Time

    30.04.2025

    #25 Sid Koneti | Co-founder of Skonelabs on Fixing Food Waste, One Sensor at a Time

    🥬 How do you cut food waste, shelf by shelf, byte by byte? In this episode, we talk with Sid, co-founder of Skonelabs, a startup tackling one of the most overlooked problems in our food systems: spoilage and waste. Sid’s journey took him from a PhD in nanotechnology to research in green energy, innovation consulting, and finally, building a startup with his co-founder Nishit. Their startup uses smart sensors and AI agents to track freshness, monitor storage conditions, and extend shelf life in the supply chain—starting with food banks and scaling into major retailers. 💡 What’s inside: The real story behind the name "Skonelabs" (spoiler: it involves blueberry scones and a clever €5 domain hack) How one conversation at a sushi restaurant inspired their pivot Why “flipping the pyramid” changed how Sid talks to customers—and what every founder should know about communication What it's really like facing 100 rejections before your first “yes” Big dreams: cutting 10-20% of global food waste through transparency 📣 “Not everyone will take a bet on a half-baked product. But someone will. You just have to knock enough doors.” 🎧 Tune in to hear a story that’s as practical as it is inspiring. Whether you're building your own thing or just curious about the challenges of early-stage startups, this one's for you. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    28 Min.
  6. #24 Leonidas Askianakis | Founder of Project S on Fighting Space Debris

    30.04.2025

    #24 Leonidas Askianakis | Founder of Project S on Fighting Space Debris

    💡From childhood curiosity to space-tech founder How do you go from watching NASA videos on YouTube as a kid—to building cutting-edge space tech in Germany? In this episode, we sit down with Leonidas Askianakis, founder of Project S, a startup on a mission to detect and track space debris threatening satellites and missions around the world. But this story is about more than just space. It’s about moving across borders. It’s about learning fast, building bold, and staying curious—even when the path isn’t clear. 📡 Whether you're into space, startups, or just love hearing how people turn ideas into impact—this one’s for you. Alos Project S is hiring! Join them in their journey to Safeguard Humanity’s Space Access and Exploration. YOUR PROFILE: • Motivated & Proactive • Team Player • Great Communicator • Flexible & Resilient • Tech-Savvy OPEN POSITIONS: • Business Development Intern / Working Student • Project Management Intern / Working Student • Simulation Engineer Intern / Working Student • Marketing & Communications Intern / Working Student • Software Engineer Intern / Working Student • Operations Working Student/Full-time Ready to launch your career into orbit? APPLY NOW at https://project-s.space/application and become part of our crew and mission! ABOUT THIS PODCAST: 🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration. Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own. What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies. They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors. Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it. It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real. ABOUT START Munich: START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic. Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect. 👉 Learn more at startmunich.de

    27 Min.
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Does establishing your own startup freak you out? Want to push this fear away? Us too! It’s us, Manuel, Mihkel, Sophie and Timo, joined by guests, talking about entrepreneurship, startups and things to help us think, do, and be better. We try to answer the more significant questions along the journey: what do we need to establish high-performing startups? And what have other successful people done about it? We’d love for you to join us.