the talktank

LSE SU Entrepreneurs
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You’ve reached the talktank - the official podcast of the LSE Entrepreneurs Society. We delve into the minds of those who think, live, and breathe outside the box, by interviewing thought-leaders about their work, experiences and stories they've collected along the way. Through our four series called "Beyond Profit", "Artistpreneurs", "Unwrapped" and "Bits and Bytes" we explore diverse areas including social entrepreneurship, the creative arts and technology. Our aim is to expose our audience to diverse perspectives and inspire the next generation of change-makers.

  1. Liquidity, Dubai, and the Real Path to Tokenized Real Estate

    28 GEN

    Liquidity, Dubai, and the Real Path to Tokenized Real Estate

    Liquidity, Dubai, and the Real Path to Tokenized Real Estate Guest: Vlad Khrypun, TON Foundation & Founder of Arvo In crypto, volatility often dominates headlines—but what's behind it? Vlad Khrypun (TON Foundation, Arvo) joins us to unpack the real drivers behind crypto's recent swings, explain why Dubai has emerged as the go-to sandbox for real-world asset (RWA) experimentation, and share how Arvo is turning real estate into fractional investments starting from just $100. Vlad offers rare clarity on why he believes true tokenization will reshape real estate: from faster, transparent mortgages that settle in minutes instead of months, to entirely new ways properties get priced, financed, and owned. He also shares personal insights from navigating crypto’s booms and busts, emphasizing why staying power in the industry might be the best strategy of all. Key takeaways from this episode: Crypto volatility is often about liquidity moving between markets—like the current rotation into AI stocks—not underlying fundamentals. Surviving crypto cycles reshapes your investment approach, pushing you towards longer-term thinking. Dubai's practical regulatory environment is providing a real-world launchpad for tokenizing property assets, ahead of traditional financial hubs like London. Arvo's model starts simply with fractional property investing but aims for tokenized title deeds and mortgages completed in minutes, changing how real estate works forever. Tokenization isn't just about access—it's fundamentally reshaping price discovery, liquidity, and market structure. Smart contracts introduce a trade-off: you replace human discretion with code, gaining transparency but also new risks. On-chain finance will eventually support automated, machine-to-machine transactions, bypassing traditional payment rails designed solely for human users. Episode chapters: (00:00) Introduction: Vlad Khrypun, TON, and Arvo(00:33) What's driving crypto volatility now?(04:02) Lessons from crypto's market cycles(09:29) How compounding shapes careers and relationships(13:40) From TON accelerator to launching Arvo(16:16) Why Dubai? The new crypto-friendly hub(20:12) How Arvo enables fractional real estate investing(21:51) Tokenizing property titles: How close are we?(26:51) Why tokenization changes real estate pricing and liquidity(29:48) Rethinking mortgages: Settlement in minutes, not months(34:12) Trusting code vs. humans: The governance dilemma(40:20) The rise of machine-to-machine payments on-chain(46:49) Crypto's next 5–10 years: Institutions, values, regulation(51:32) Vlad's advice for navigating crypto careers(53:47) Dream podcast guests: Jobs, Satoshi, Abloh, Naval People and projects mentioned: https://ton.org/en https://www.arvo.co/ Memorable quotes: “If you wouldn’t hold the stock for five years, approach crypto investment in a similar way.” “Code doesn’t lie—code is law.”

    57 min
  2. Crypto's Investment Banker: From Blackstone to Building Areta | journey of Karl Martin Ahrend

    20 GEN

    Crypto's Investment Banker: From Blackstone to Building Areta | journey of Karl Martin Ahrend

    Summary: In 2020, a global crisis became a personal turning point. For Karl Martin Ahrend, it was the signal to leave the prestige of Blackstone and dive headfirst into crypto. He bet on a new, decentralized future by co-founding Areta, an investment bank for the crypto generation. In this episode of Talk Tank, Karl reveals the non-consensus thinking that drives him and what he believes is the real "killer app" of blockchain. Show notes: What makes someone leave a top-tier job at Blackstone for the volatile world of crypto? Karl Martin Ahrend, co-founder of crypto-native investment bank Areta, shares his incredible journey from traditional finance to the forefront of digital asset M&A. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • The catalyst behind leaving a prestigious career in traditional finance • How to navigate and find opportunities in crypto's bull and bear cycles • The inside story of building a crypto-native investment bank • Key drivers for the rise of M&A in the crypto industry • Career advice for the next generation of builders in a Web3 world TIMESTAMPS: (01:11) The Leap of Faith – Karl discusses the pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic that drew him from Blackstone to the world of crypto. (07:44) Riding the Crypto Coaster – Insights from experiencing full market cycles. (12:07) Building Areta – The origin story of a crypto-native investment bank. (18:46) From Zero to One – How publishing research became Areta's first smart move. (28:02) The Great Consolidation – Why M&A is a sign of a maturing crypto industry. (39:13) Crypto's Killer App – A look into the future of blockchain beyond the hype. (43:40) A Message to Young Builders – Karl's advice on finding your passion and building a meaningful career. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Karl Martin Ahrend is the co-founder of Areta, a specialized digital asset advisory and investment banking firm. At Areta, Karl leads the firm's M&A practice, playing a pivotal role in significant transactions including Kraken's acquisition of Bitbuy and the sale of Easy Crypto. His background includes five years at Blackstone Private Equity and roles at JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank. CONNECT: Areta: https://www.areta.io/

    49 min
  3. Encrypted by TalkTank: Elias Simos, Founder of Rated Labs

    13 GEN

    Encrypted by TalkTank: Elias Simos, Founder of Rated Labs

    TalkTank Encrypted Episode 1: Clarity Beats Speed Guest: Elias Simos, Former Founder & CEO of Rated Labs Host: TalkTank (LSE Official Podcast) Series: Encrypted - Exploring the most prominent founders and problems in the crypto space. SUMMARY In this inaugural episode of the Encrypted series, we sit down with Elias Simos, the visionary behind Rated Labs. Elias shares his journey from being a protocol specialist at Bison Trails to founding a company that has become the "steward of transparency" for blockchain infrastructure. Following Rated Labs' recent acquisition by Figment in October 2025, Elias reflects on the emotional toll of the exit process, the critical importance of data in decentralised networks, and why he believes the global financial system is on the brink of a massive on-chain migration. Key Takeaways The "Counterintuitive" Feeling of an Exit. Elias describes the acquisition process as a high-adrenaline, high-cortisol state. For him, the final moment wasn't just about celebration, but a profound sense of **relief** after navigating the countless "turns that could have killed the deal." Clarity Beats Speed. One of Elias's core philosophies is that "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." He argues that momentum doesn't always equal progress; being intentional about the what and why early on pays higher dividends than rushing into action without direction. The Mission for Transparency. Rated Labs was born from a glaring gap in the market: the lack of a common language for validator performance. Elias believes that if the world is to trust blockchains for finance, we need standardized, high-precision metrics at the consensus layer. The "Genius Act" and the 2025 Inflection Point. Elias views 2025 as the year the "genie left the bottle." With the passing of the Genius Act and the legitimization of stablecoins, the infrastructure is now set for institutions like BlackRock to "tokenize everything." Founder as Storyteller. A founder's primary job is to articulate a "mean story" that can persuade top talent to leave traditional tech giants like Google for the esoteric world of crypto. The best stories, he notes, are those where you don't have to lie because the work speaks for itself. CHAPTERS [01:17] The Emotional Reality of an Acquisition: Relief vs. Satisfaction[02:27] Finding the Best Home: Why Figment was the right fit for Rated Labs[03:56] The Compulsion to Create: Why Elias chose the venture-backed path[05:17] From Hedge Funds to Bison Trails: The making of a Protocol Specialist[07:09] Identifying the Gap: The rush for infrastructure vs. the need for data[10:00] The Hackathon Kernel: How a silver prize led to a core product[13:50] Iterating with "Me as the Customer": Finding direction in high-density environments[19:05] Building the Team: The challenge of creating context for non-crypto talent[24:35] The Art of Persuasion: How to tell a story that attracts top talent[28:12] Crowd Narratives vs. Founder Narratives: Navigating the "quasi-random" noise[31:11] The Greek Financial Crisis: A personal catalyst for decentralized finance[34:53] Real-World Impact: Stablecoins as a 10x improvement for global payment[38:34] The 2025 Inflection Point: The Genius Act and the Tokenization of Everything[42:58] Recommended Reading: *Siddhartha* and *The Anarchist Banker*[44:52] Advice to Younger Self: Clarity beats speed MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Rated Labs: the infrastructure data engine for Proof-of-Stake networks. Figment: The leading institutional staking provider that acquired Rated Labs. Bison Trails: (Acquired by Coinbase) Where Elias served as an early employee and protocol specialist. The Genius Act: The 2025 legislation that provided regulatory clarity for stablecoins in the US. Books: Siddhartha by Hermann HesseThe Anarchist Banker by Fernando Pessoa

    46 min
  4. Tara Mustapha, Founder & CEO of Code Coven

    13 GEN

    Tara Mustapha, Founder & CEO of Code Coven

    In this episode, we speak with Tara Mustapha，Founder & CEO of Code Coven, the pioneering organisation transforming the games industry by empowering marginalised developers and redesigning how inclusive talent pipelines are built. Tara shares the origins of Code Coven, the structural inequities she witnessed in her early career, how her programs help founders reclaim confidence and opportunity, and why inclusion is not merely a moral stance but a tangible commercial advantage. For students interested in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, gaming, creative technology, or ecosystem building, this conversation offers both candour and strategic clarity. Chapter: ​01:31 The Moment the Mission Began​02:53 Childhood Influences & Breaking Barriers Early​06:22 Building Code Coven: Academy → Accelerators → Agency​17:06 Funding Inequity & Inclusion as a Commercial Advantage​27:00 Bias, Identity, and Advice for New Creators

    35 min
  5. Connie Nam: Redefining Jewellery Through Experience & Community

    10/12/2025

    Connie Nam: Redefining Jewellery Through Experience & Community

    In this special live-recorded episode of FoundHER, we sit down with Connie Nam, the visionary behind global jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu, for an intimate fireside chat hosted at the London School of Economics. What began as a single idea during her time at London Business School has now grown into a community-driven brand with 32 stores across the UK, Europe, and the US, and a cult following that continues to redefine the modern jewellery experience. She shares how “unscalable” early actions (like hand-delivering orders and inviting customers to her flat) shaped the brand’s warm, personal culture, and how that now lives on through experiential retail: ear stacks, piercings, welded bracelets and more. We also explore her bold pivot from investment banking into entrepreneurship, the moment she knew the “safe path” wasn’t for her, and what it really takes to make that leap. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Fireside Chat03:10 Connie's Journey to Entrepreneurship06:07 Building a Community Around the Brand08:59 Creative a Positive Working Culture11:51 Marketing as an Experiential Journey14:59 Transitioning from Banking to Entrepreneurship18:07 Insight from her own podcast 'UNBOXED'21:10 Challenges Faced as a Female Founder26:48 Overall Setback and Building Resilience

    23 min
  6. Helen Sampson: Turning Stress into a Superpower

    05/11/2025

    Helen Sampson: Turning Stress into a Superpower

    In this episode of FoundHer, Helen Sampson, founder of Encouple®, shares her journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of mindset shifts, overcoming doubt, and the concept of Mesotrauma®. She discusses how stress can be reframed as a superpower and offers valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of authenticity, connection, and personal values in defining success. Takeaways: - Empowerment comes from sharing authentic journeys. - Mindset shifts can turn perceived disadvantages into advantages. - Mesotrauma® highlights the cumulative effects of daily stressors. - Building trust is essential for credibility in business. - Stress can be reframed as a superpower for growth. - Success is subjective and should align with personal values. - Networking and authenticity are key to building connections. - Overcoming doubt requires strong belief in one's vision. - Mistakes are part of the entrepreneurial journey; learn and adjust. - Self-care and managing stress are crucial for founders. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction(01:36) Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship(08:03) The Leap of Faith(11:19) Skills Transfer from Law to Entrepreneurship(16:03) Understanding Mesotrauma®(20:28) Applying Frameworks to Personal Journey(23:41) Resilience in the Face of Challenges(26:13) Reframing Stress as a Superpower(29:00) Defining Success on Your Own Terms(32:32) Navigating Bias as a Female Founder(34:36) Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs(45:40) Unexpected Joys of Entrepreneurship(49:33) Trusting the Process and Energy Attraction

    54 min
  7. Mark Florman: Building Businesses That Serve

    29/10/2025

    Mark Florman: Building Businesses That Serve

    This conversation is a masterclass in building enduring companies that not only succeed financially but also serve a greater purpose. Mark shares his personal playbook on the art of winning trust, the strategy of raising “synthetic capital,” the nuances of negotiating with regulators, and the importance of measuring a company's total impact beyond the balance sheet. From co-founding Europe's #1 independent M&A firm with just a single telephone to launching an Africa-focused fund, his journey provides invaluable lessons on resilience, ethical leadership, and the power of entrepreneurship as a force for good. Key Takeaways ​Train Before You Leap: Mark emphasizes that two years of rigorous, top-tier training can be far more valuable for an aspiring entrepreneur than rushing to claim a “founder” title prematurely.​Master "Synthetic Capital": In the absence of traditional funding, align equity with salary sacrifice and sweat equity. This method, which Mark terms synthetic capital, allows founders to build a credible and committed team.​Win with Respect: Mark’s philosophy of “English plus 20%” confidence—being polite, clear, and slightly more assertive than you might naturally feel—is a powerful tool for building relationships that extend beyond the boardroom.​Embrace Rejection as Data: Expect to hear "no" frequently. The key is to persist and treat rejection as a stepping stone, not a roadblock.​Measure Your Full Impact (ERR): The External Rate of Return (ERR) is a framework for mapping both the positive and negative externalities of a business, from job creation and taxes to environmental effects. By focusing on maximizing the net positive, companies can build greater resilience and long-term value.​Translate Value for Policymakers: To gain support from regulators and governments, it is crucial to frame your business’s value in terms of outcomes for voters.Chapters & Timestamps ​(00:00) Introduction: Host Jenn Zeng introduces Mark Florman, framing the conversation around the theme of “entrepreneurship as a force for good.”​(03:01) From LSE to Chicago: Mark explains his deliberate choice to pursue rigorous training in the United States before embarking on his own entrepreneurial ventures.​(05:30) The Pivotal Moment: Discover how a failed bank merger became the unexpected catalyst for a nine-month quiet planning phase and a business plan famously sketched on a paper tablecloth.​(08:02) Building a Founding Team on Trust: Mark delves into the critical importance of cultural alignment, the creation of “synthetic capital” through salary sacrifice, and the art of projecting a professional image on a minimal budget.​(11:20) Securing the First Major Client: A lesson in confidence and execution, this is the story of the pivotal call from Volvo and the subsequent restructuring of Sweden’s KF.​(15:19) Why Good Business is Profitable Business: Mark introduces his External Rate of Return (ERR) concept, a powerful management tool for measuring a company’s total impact and building a competitive moat.​(17:21) Case Study: The BBC Purpose Report: Mark provides a concrete example of impact reporting, showing how the BBC created £11 billion of public value from a £4 billion cost, fundamentally changing the conversation about its role.​(31:31) Navigating the Intersection of Business, Government, and Society: Learn how to effectively communicate value to regulators and voters, with insights from Mark’s experience with the AIFMD regulations and the development of Nigeria’s private equity framework.​(36:26) Essential Advice for Founders: Mark shares practical wisdom on why gradual evolution often triumphs over revolution, the simple power of a thank-you note, and the absolute necessity of disciplined focus in meetings.​(53:23) The Psychology of Resilience: Mark reflects on the importance of setting medium-term goals and cultivating the ability to bounce back daily as key components of entrepreneurial happiness and success.

    1 h 8 min
  8. Hormona: Bridging the Gender Health Gap through AI and Empathy

    18/10/2025

    Hormona: Bridging the Gender Health Gap through AI and Empathy

    Episode #1 FoundHER – Jasmine Tagesson (Hormona)Guest: Jasmine Tagesson, Co-founder & CEO of Hormona Interviewer: Our wonderful collaborators from Women in Entrepreneurs at LSE Guest Introduction Jasmine Tagesson is the co-founder and CEO of Hormona, a femtech startup revolutionizing women's hormone health with AI-driven at-home urine testing. With a unique blend of business, finance, and creative expertise, Jasmine’s career journey has deeply influenced Hormona’s mission: bridging the gender data gap in medicine to empower women. The startup was inspired by her co-founder Caroline’s prolonged struggle with undiagnosed hormone imbalances and the hurdles she faced in seeking proper medical care. Core Topics & Highlights The Personal Mission Behind HormonaHormona was sparked by Caroline’s three-year battle with hormone-related symptoms dismissed as stress by doctors. A specialist in Brussels eventually identified the hormone imbalance, revealing a critical issue: 80% of women suffer from hormone issues, yet traditional healthcare often overlooks their needs. Hormona’s core aim is to empower women through accessible hormone data, transforming empathy into actionable healthcare solutions. Operationalizing Empathy: Data-Driven DecisionsHormona prioritizes equity and user-centric design in every decision. When beta user data contradicted historical norms, Jasmine’s team expanded their research rather than dismiss anomalies, ensuring diverse representation. The product encourages proactive health management—guiding users to test on strategic days aligned with their cycles to accurately capture hormone fluctuations. Hormona’s Tech: AI Meets At-Home TestingHormona’s innovation relies on two key technological advances: Quantitative Testing: Proprietary urine test strips detect precise hormone levels across the clinical spectrum. Smartphone Analysis: Using AI and camera tech, the app instantly translates test-strip visuals into accurate hormone data. In collaboration with SpaceX, Hormona proved its tech functions effectively in extreme conditions—even space—though adequate lighting remains crucial, leading to further app refinements. Why Subscription MattersHormona’s subscription model isn’t merely a revenue choice but integral to its health-driven mission. Hormone levels vary daily, rendering single tests ineffective. Continuous monitoring over 3+ months allows women to build reliable hormone baselines, accounting for life’s variables (stress, travel, irregular cycles). Initially focused on direct consumer engagement (B2C), Hormona strategically utilizes B2B partnerships to expand reach while remaining dedicated to empowering individual women to advocate for their health. Brand Trust Through CreativityJasmine’s creative background shapes Hormona’s approachable brand identity. By simplifying complex science into clear language and maintaining consistent visual aesthetics (soft colors, friendly typography), Hormona feels like a trusted friend rather than a clinical device, building confidence and accessibility. Entrepreneurial Realities: Overcoming Self-DoubtJasmine candidly addresses entrepreneurship's emotional challenges, particularly imposter syndrome. Reminding each other, "If it were easy, anyone would do it," keeps the founding team grounded. Hiring passionate individuals who share personal hormone stories sustains Hormona’s heart-centered culture as the company scales. Fundraising Challenges in FemtechRaising capital for femtech poses unique difficulties. Many male investors struggle to relate, and the "femtech" label sometimes narrows investor interest. To date, Hormona has raised $7M primarily from women investors who inherently understand the mission, complemented by consumer investors with expansive networks for strategic growth.

    40 min
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Descrizione

You’ve reached the talktank - the official podcast of the LSE Entrepreneurs Society. We delve into the minds of those who think, live, and breathe outside the box, by interviewing thought-leaders about their work, experiences and stories they've collected along the way. Through our four series called "Beyond Profit", "Artistpreneurs", "Unwrapped" and "Bits and Bytes" we explore diverse areas including social entrepreneurship, the creative arts and technology. Our aim is to expose our audience to diverse perspectives and inspire the next generation of change-makers.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    LSE SU Entrepreneurs
  • Anni di attività
    2019 - 2026
  • Puntate
    92
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © LSE SU Entrepreneurs
  • Sito web del podcast
    the talktank