Immigrants Building Companies

Asim Amin

Welcome to Immigrants Building Companies, where we uncover the extraordinary journeys of entrepreneurs who crossed borders, overcame challenges, and redefined success. Hosted by Asim Amin, Founder and CEO of Plumm, this podcast isn’t just about business, it’s about resilience, determination, and purpose. Each episode dives into the struggles, failures, and victories that shaped these founders, offering lessons on turning adversity into opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or curious about the human side of success, tune in and be inspired to break barriers

  1. 9月4日

    From War Child To Founder: Tijana’s Journey To Redefining Success

    She grew up in a war zone, arrived in London with nothing, and built one of the UK’s most exciting female-led creative agencies. Tijana Tamburic, co-founder and CEO of Female Narratives, shares her extraordinary immigrant journey, from bunk beds and burnout to building campaigns for global brands like Bumble and Merell. This is a story of resilience, hustle, and redefining success on your own terms. In this conversation: Growing up in Serbia during war and moving to the UK The immigrant mindset: autonomy, proving your value, and finding belonging Building Female Narratives and creating campaigns with purpose The hidden cost of overwork, burnout, and redefining success in your 30s Chapters 00:00:00 – Meet Tijana: Founder of Female Narratives 00:00:38 – Born in a country that no longer exists 00:02:36 – Returning to Serbia as war breaks out 00:05:01 – Escaping Belgrade & moving back to London 00:06:14 – Growing up fast & raised for autonomy 00:08:09 – Adapting to a new culture & proving worth 00:11:22 – Class divides & being told ‘you’re not one of us’ 00:12:59 – The drive to prove value through success 00:14:04 – Addicted to stress & chasing validation 00:16:01 – The immigrant safety net: bunk beds & starting a business 00:18:22 – Publishing comics & hustling early ventures 00:20:17 – Modeling, freelancing & never working for anyone else 00:25:00 – Moving to LA on an ‘extraordinary ability’ visa 00:29:49 – The kitchen floor idea: Female Narratives is born 00:32:11 – Building an all-female creative collective 00:35:31 – Riding the wave: Bumble, Nike & global campaigns 00:37:55 – Rebranding for inclusivity & brand intimacy 00:41:30 – Clients from female-led apps to heritage brands 00:43:41 – The power of events & being the host 00:50:44 – Scaling vs. staying sane: choosing balance 00:57:04 – Redefining success & setting financial goals 01:03:39 – The breaking point: burnout & physical collapse 01:08:35 – Lessons from burnout & learning boundaries 01:11:04 – What I’d tell my nine-year-old self

    1 小時 14 分鐘
  2. 8月28日

    She Built The UK’s First South Asian Pre-Loved Fashion Platform

    What if the outfits you wore once could have another life and save you money while saving the planet? Anoli Mathur, founder and CEO of Circular Threads, shares her incredible journey from management consulting at EY to creating the UK’s fastest growing platform for pre-loved South Asian clothing. From the struggles of cultural identity growing up in London to spotting a gap in the wedding fashion market, Anoli has built a business that’s rewriting the rules of tradition, sustainability, and style. In this conversation, we explore: How immigrant roots shaped her identity and entrepreneurial drive The painful truth about waste in South Asian fashion Why brides and grooms are embracing the “pre-loved” movement The future of sustainable weddings and circular fashion This is a story about heritage, identity, and building a business that challenges the way we think about clothing, culture, and sustainability. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Anoli Mathur, founder of Circular Threads 00:30 – An immigrant story shaped by chance encounters 04:00 – Growing up in London & struggling with cultural identity 07:00 – Fitting in vs. celebrating heritage 10:00 – Life in consulting & the spark of entrepreneurship 12:30 – The loft discovery that sparked Circular Threads 15:00 – Why South Asian fashion is broken 19:20 – Selling vs. renting – what really works 21:00 – Menswear, bridal wear & expanding the market 23:20 – From weddings to wardrobes: new customer habits 26:00 – How long can outfits last? 28:30 – Solving the “clothes in storage” problem 34:30 – The environmental impact of South Asian weddings 36:40 – Why price and design matter more than sustainability (for now) 39:20 – Building a movement beyond fashion 42:00 – The future: partnerships, accessories & one-stop shop for weddings 44:30 – Final reflections & why sustainability must also be convenient

    45 分鐘
  3. 8月21日

    Harris Cheng: Disrupting Content Creation with Jupitrr

    He never worked for anyone. And he doesn’t regret a single failure. Harris Cheng, co-founder and CEO of Jupitrr, takes us on an inspiring journey from photographer to entrepreneur, breaking down barriers and disrupting the content creation space with AI. From his roots in Hong Kong to building companies in Toronto and London, Harris reflects on the mindset shift that led him to create a platform that’s revolutionising the way we make videos. In this conversation, we explore: The immigrant founder experience and navigating cultural identity Why personal branding isn’t just about social media How Harris built a community of 150,000 users with zero paid marketing How Jupitrr is reshaping content creation with intelligent editing This episode is filled with raw insight and powerful lessons for anyone navigating entrepreneurship, tech, or the immigrant journey. 👉 If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more powerful stories. Chapters 00:00:00 – From Hong Kong to London Harris’ story begins in Hong Kong and his move to London. 00:02:57 – Why He Left Canada The decision to leave Canada and pursue bigger dreams. 00:05:25 – Being an Immigrant Founder in London Facing challenges and building a new life as an immigrant entrepreneur. 00:07:18 – Culture Shock & Identity in the UK How adapting to the UK culture shaped Harris’ perspective. 00:10:22 – What Hong Kong Hustle Feels Like The fast-paced, high-energy mindset that defines Hong Kong’s work culture. 00:12:27 – Upbringing in Obedience vs. Creativity Balancing conformity with creative expression from a young age. 00:16:52 – Why He Never Worked for Anyone Harris reflects on his choice to never be an employee and the lessons from that. 00:18:20 – Building Freehunter & His First 100K Users The journey of creating a platform that grew exponentially. 00:20:16 – Why Personal Brand ≠ Social Media Breaking down the real meaning behind personal branding. 00:23:45 – The Real Power of LinkedIn & Attention The key to using LinkedIn to grab attention and build influence. 00:28:12 – The Algorithm Is Killing Your Videos How algorithms are impacting video content and engagement. 00:30:39 – How YouTube, TikTok & LinkedIn Compare A comparison of video performance across platforms. 00:32:50 – Where Jupitrr Videos Perform Best How Jupitrr helps optimize video content for maximum impact. 00:35:06 – The Secret to Getting VC Attention Harris shares his strategy for catching the eye of venture capitalists. 00:37:04 – LinkedIn Is Betting Big on Video Why LinkedIn is pushing video content and what it means for creators. 00:39:13 – Can AI Replicate Lara Acosta-Style Edits? The potential of AI to replicate high-end video edits. 00:42:48 – What Jupitrr Actually Does An in-depth look at how Jupitrr transforms video editing. 00:46:59 – Talking Heads Are the Future Why talking-head videos are a game-changer in content creation. 00:50:50 – The New SEO: Getting Found in ChatGPT How ChatGPT and AI are changing the way we think about SEO. 00:55:08 – How to Rank in AI Search Practical advice on ranking content in AI-driven search engines. 01:00:23 – Jupitrr’s Vision for the Future Harris shares his vision for the future of content creation. 01:03:07 – Why You Need to Start Now The urgency of adopting AI in today’s fast-moving digital landscape. 01:05:13 – What He'd Tell His Younger Self Harris offers powerful advice to his younger self on building success.

    1 小時 12 分鐘
  4. 8月14日

    Quantum Tech: The Future of Cybersecurity Explained

    What’s the future of cybersecurity in a world where quantum tech is transforming everything? In this episode, Wenmiao Yu takes us through her journey from Singapore to the UK, from growing up in a highly competitive education system to pioneering the use of quantum technology in cybersecurity. Key Takeaways: Cultural Shifts: Moving from Singapore to the UK and how it shaped her view of resilience and inclusivity. Quantum Tech Demystified: An insider’s look at the booming field of quantum computing, sensing, and communications. Building a Future-Proof Business: How Wemya’s company is enhancing cybersecurity with quantum random number generators. Navigating the Quantum Space: From early challenges to raising funding, learn how the quantum industry is evolving and what’s driving its growth. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the intersection of technology, security, and the future. Chapters 00:00:00 – From Singapore to the UK: A Life of Change 00:04:05 – Cultural Shock: Moving to a New World 00:07:15 – How Early Education Shapes Our Futures 00:12:00 – The Journey into Quantum Tech 00:16:30 – Quantum Sensing, Computing, and the Future 00:22:40 – Building a Company from Scratch 00:27:00 – Navigating the Quantum Investment Space 00:32:10 – How Quantum Tech Is Changing Cybersecurity 00:38:20 – Quantum Encryption and the Future of Security 00:43:00 – The Challenge of Educating the Market 00:47:30 – Scaling Quantum: From Space to Smartphones 00:52:00 – Advice for Anyone Looking to Enter Quantum Tech 00:57:00 – A Lesson from a 10-Year-Old Moving to the UK

    35 分鐘
  5. 8月7日

    She Built a Tech Company by Accident. Then This Happened

    Bobbie King never planned to become an entrepreneur. She never even planned to move to the UK. But a cancelled project, a packed suitcase, and a leaky ceiling changed everything. In this raw and deeply honest conversation, Bobbie shares how she went from a Romanian mountain village to becoming the CEO and co-founder of SquepTech, a competency intelligence platform transforming high-risk industries. This episode is a powerful story of resilience, perspective, and the immigrant experience woven with humour, hard truths, and hard-earned wisdom. 🔑 Key themes: The reality of starting over in a new country What immigrants really bring to the table Building a company from scratch without a plan or a budget The true cost (and power) of freedom, choice, and voice 🎧 If this moved you, subscribe and share. These are the stories that matter. Chapters 00:00:00 – Intro: Who is Bobbie King? 00:01:12 – A marriage, a move, and no plan 00:03:50 – Life in a leaky UK flat 00:06:40 – The bus stop & the walking stick story 00:10:00 – Has the UK changed since? 00:12:30 – Accent barriers & bias in the workplace 00:17:00 – A different kind of belonging 00:22:45 – What immigrants miss—and what they gain 00:29:00 – Growing up under communism 00:32:10 – The power of voice and freedom 00:35:00 – From temp jobs to tech founder 00:38:00 – SquepTech is born (with wine & instinct) 00:43:00 – Scaling through instinct and consulting 00:50:00 – Why she added payroll (despite vowing never to) 00:56:00 – The emotional cost of building something real 01:00:30 – AI vs. competency: Why data isn’t enough 01:07:30 – The problem with "one-size-fits-all" systems 01:14:00 – All-in-one HR platforms: A comeback story 01:19:00 – The unspoken power of integration 01:25:00 – Her real vision for the next 3 years 01:28:00 – Why she’s not taking VC money 01:30:00 – It’s not about exit—it’s about people

    1 小時 44 分鐘
  6. 8月1日

    They Stole My Product. So I Fought Back

    They copied his idea. So he dressed as a burglar and went to war. This is the extraordinary story of Giuseppe, the immigrant founder behind Gusto Snacks, a sustainable snack brand born from food waste and bootstrapped with grit. When a major UK retailer copied his product, he didn’t hire lawyers. He went guerrilla. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Giuseppe shares how heartbreak turned into hustle, and how one viral marketing stunt generated £60,000 in sales with just £12 and a cardboard sign. In this episode: How a startup founder took on a major UK supermarket and won attention worldwide Why Giuseppe believes being underestimated is his greatest advantage The unspoken reality of starting over in a foreign country Why failure is your greatest asset and how it fuels true innovation If you’ve ever felt like the odds are stacked against you… this one’s for you 👉 Subscribe for more founder stories that break the mould. 📩 Share this with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters 00:00:00 – Meet Giuseppe: The Founder of Gusto 00:00:48 – When a Supermarket Stole My Product 00:02:45 – The Birth of a Campaign 00:05:03 – Going Viral with £12 and a Sign 00:06:39 – David vs Goliath: The Emotional Toll 00:07:53 – From Italy to the UK: Starting Over 00:09:58 – Dreams of Basketball, Reality of Landfill 00:12:18 – Why London Changed Everything 00:16:54 – Language Barriers & Mental Roadblocks 00:20:59 – Warehouse to University: My Turning Point 00:24:20 – The Moment I Became an Entrepreneur 00:26:25 – Entrepreneurship Runs in the Family 00:28:15 – The Hunger That Fuels Immigrants 00:31:50 – Luck Is Just Hard Work in Disguise 00:34:10 – London: The Underrated Silicon Valley 00:36:29 – The Truth About Social Media & Startups 00:41:25 – The MrBeast of Snacks? 00:43:04 – How Waste Inspired My Business Idea 00:49:16 – Making Fruits Great Again 00:51:05 – Door-to-Door Distribution & Early Wins 00:54:08 – What It Really Takes to Get Listed in Tesco 00:58:03 – Why Branding & Timing Matter Most 01:03:03 – International Interest After Tesco Rejection 01:05:24 – Am I Too Much of the Brand? 01:06:28 – People Buy People, Not Products 01:09:36 – Storytelling Is the Marketing Strategy 01:11:42 – The Opportunity You Already Have 01:13:35 – Where Gusto Is Headed in 3 Years 01:17:34 – Why Consistency Is the Only Strategy 01:17:58 – Advice to My Younger Self 01:20:34 – The Power of Connection and Giving Back

    1 小時 24 分鐘
  7. 7月9日

    She Lost Everything... Then Built a New Future With AI

    She quit her job. Got divorced. Started again with nothing. And built something extraordinary. In this episode, we sit down with Cien Solon, immigrant founder, ex-product lead in fintech, and now CEO of Launch Lemonade, a no-code AI agent marketplace empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs. Her journey spans continents, heartbreaks, reinventions, and ultimately, impact. Cien opens up about: Her deeply personal immigrant journey from the Philippines to the UK Walking away from a “perfect” life to start over from scratch The emotional cost and radical freedom of reinvention How she’s making the future of work accessible through AI This is a conversation about finding purpose in chaos, the power of second chances, and why the future belongs to those bold enough to build it. 👉 Subscribe, share, and comment if this episode resonated with you. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Why She Almost Didn't Make It Here 00:00:53 – From GPT-Host to Launch Lemonade 00:02:14 – Fruit Names and Founding Stories 00:03:45 – Growing Up in the Philippines 00:05:09 – From China to the UK 00:08:10 – Culture Shock and Reality Checks 00:10:56 – Career Restart and Volunteering 00:12:17 – Managing Engineers Before ChatGPT 00:13:53 – Divorce and Reinvention 00:16:49 – Hackathons and the First MVP 00:18:46 – Why AI Literacy Became Her Mission 00:21:57 – What Launch Lemonade Does 00:24:41 – The Problem With AI Education 00:27:50 – Marketing Will Beat Product 00:32:55 – Why Launch Lemonade Isn’t ChatGPT 00:35:03 – The App Store for AI Agents 00:36:19 – What AI Agents Can Actually Do 00:40:26 – Will AI Really Replace Us? 00:46:15 – Two Things Everyone Should Do Now 00:48:57 – Survivor’s Guilt and Strategic Thinking 00:50:36 – What the Next 5 Years Look Like 00:53:27 – What She’d Tell Her Younger Self

    56 分鐘
  8. 7月2日

    This Founder Lost Everything. Then Built a Million-Dollar Business From Nothing

    He lost all his revenue overnight. What he did next changed everything. Juan, a Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, joins us to share an unfiltered, deeply human journey through immigration, identity, failure, and reinvention. From sleeping in small towns to falling in love with London’s chaos and possibility, Juan reveals the emotional cost of building and rebuilding in the middle of uncertainty. In this conversation, we explore: The emotional toll of feeling like an outsider and the moment Juan finally felt he belonged How his startup went from zero revenue in lockdown to £1M+ using just a paywall and a dream What AI means for the future of work and how founders must evolve or be left behind Why purpose, not a business plan, is what truly guides success This episode is a wake-up call for any builder navigating fear, reinvention, and the overwhelming pace of change. 👉 If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more powerful stories. Chapters 00:00:00 – He Felt Like He Finally Belonged 00:04:15 – The Magic of London’s Possibility 00:07:50 – How Multiculturalism Changes Everything 00:11:00 – When You Stop Trying to Blend In 00:14:20 – The Moment You Realise No One Cares 00:17:45 – Why London Is the Best Place to Build 00:21:10 – He Was the Worst Cook. Then Everything Changed 00:25:00 – They Lost All Revenue Overnight 00:29:00 – The Weekend That Saved Their Business 00:33:30 – The Hard Truth About Burnout & Vanity Metrics 00:35:50 – AI Has Changed Everything — Forever 00:41:10 – The Developer Role Is Being Rewritten 00:44:30 – Founders Must Adapt or Be Replaced 00:49:20 – How He’s Training His Team for the Future 00:53:10 – Why He Doesn’t Call It an Agency 00:56:00 – From Zero to One: The Real Work 00:59:30 – The Vision… And Why It’s Okay Not to Have One 01:02:00 – The One Thing He’d Tell His 13-Year-Old Self

    1 小時 6 分鐘

簡介

Welcome to Immigrants Building Companies, where we uncover the extraordinary journeys of entrepreneurs who crossed borders, overcame challenges, and redefined success. Hosted by Asim Amin, Founder and CEO of Plumm, this podcast isn’t just about business, it’s about resilience, determination, and purpose. Each episode dives into the struggles, failures, and victories that shaped these founders, offering lessons on turning adversity into opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or curious about the human side of success, tune in and be inspired to break barriers