Runway

Julija Jegorova & Mauro Battellini

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BUSINESS

Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/

17H AGO

#34 - David Cendón Garcia, News Editor at EU Startups: Startup Journalism, the European Ecosystem & the EU Startups Summit

EU Startups Summit 2026: We got a special 25% discount code for you with the code BlackUnicorn25 - valid until end of March! About the episode: What does it look like to be the person shaping the narrative of the European startup ecosystem, one story at a time? In this episode of The Runway Podcast, JJ and Mauro sit down with David Cendón Garcia, Head of Editorial at EU Startups, one of Europe's longest-standing and most influential startup media outlets. David brings a genuinely rare perspective: born in Spain, raised in Montana, trained at the Irish Independent, forged in diplomatic communications for the Embassy of Ireland and the EU Commission, and now at the helm of editorial for a publication that's been covering European innovation since before most of today's ecosystem existed. Join us in this conversation about startup journalism, Europe's tech moment, and what it means to tell the stories that shape an ecosystem. We cover: 🌍 David's unconventional path from Montana to EU Startups — and why his background makes him a better journalist 📰 How EU Startups thinks about its role as American outlets retreat from European coverage 🧠 Why context, not just news, is the most valuable thing a publication can offer 🚀 The European founders quietly becoming the ecosystem's loudest patriots ⚡ Where European tech is heading: defence tech, data infrastructure, EU Inc, and the "buy European" shift 🎙️ Taking over the EU Startups podcast and why human stories matter as much as headlines 🇲🇹 What to expect at the EU Startups Summit in Malta, May 7–8 🎧 Give it a listen, and for more do check out the rest of our pod. If you find it useful, don't forget to give us a 5-star review! Episode links: EU Startups Summit 2026EU Startups podcast on SpotifyMarcin's TurnedVC show on YouTubeEU Startups homepage================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

50 min
MAR 3

#33 - Cate Lawrence, Senior Writer at Tech.eu: Navigating European Tech Startups & Journalism

Welcome back to Runway! Today, Cate Lawrence, senior writer at Tech.eu, joins JJ and Mauro for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about what it takes to get covered, the realities of a journalist's inbox, and where European tech is headed. With over a decade covering startups across publications like The Next Web, DZone, ReadWrite and now Tech.eu, Cate has a unique perspective on the European tech ecosystem, and strong opinions on what founders and PR pros get right (and wrong) when pitching. In this episode, we explore: 📬 What Cate's inbox really looks like: 180+ pitches a day and counting 📰 The types of stories that actually get her excited (hint: it's not just funding rounds) ⏰ How much notice journalists really need, and why Friday afternoon pitches are a bad idea 🔍 Why journalists do their own outbound research, and how to make sure they find you 🇪🇺 The state of European tech: momentum, layoffs, and the golden opportunity from US instability 🌍 Which European ecosystems to watch: hint, a big one is in CEE! 👀 Interesting startup ecosystems and diasporas: Armenia and more 🤖 How AI is creating a strange new tension between founders and the journalists who cover them 📻 The rise of alternative media formats and what it means for traditional newsrooms 🕵️ The wild story of a fake hedge fund, stolen websites and a fraudster in India, investigated by Cate, with a bit of help from JJ and Mauro Whether you're a startup founder, a comms professional, or just curious about how European tech journalism works from the inside, this one's packed with insights. ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

44 min
07/16/2025

#32 - Hege Tollerud, Head of Community at Brighteye Ventures: How Community and Comms Are Reshaping VC

How Community and Communications Are Reshaping Venture Capital — with Hege Tollerud of BrightEye Ventures In this episode of The Runway, we sit down with Hege Tollerud, Head of Community and Events at Brighteye Ventures — Europe’s leading edtech VC fund. With a rich background in journalism, media, and ecosystem building from Oslo to China to London, Hege shares how VC is evolving beyond just capital to include real human connection, community, and strategic support. We dive into: Hege’s unique journey through media, city branding, and edtech leadershipWhy community and communications are now core to value creation in VCWhat founders should really be doing at startup eventsThe role of storytelling in early-stage fundraising and brand buildingHow BrightEye defines and supports the future of learning and workEmerging VC trends in platform, events, and content Tune in for a fresh take on the future of venture capital, and what it means to build truly founder-centric ecosystems. ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

42 min
07/08/2025

#31 - Parker Olson, Founder of PodPitch: A Masterclass in Podcasting Strategy for Startups and PR Teams

Parker Olson on the Real ROI of Podcast Guesting Parker Olson is co-founder of PodPitch, an AI-powered platform reshaping how startups and PR pros land podcast interviews. The platform has seen enormous growth and is quickly becoming the number one AI-powered tool for PR agencies. In this episode, Mauro sits down with Parker, who shares his unconventional journey and offers a masterclass in how startups can leverage podcast guesting to build trust, refine messaging, and grow their audience, even without massive budgets or big-name recognition. 🎙️ We discuss: Parker’s wild entrepreneurial journey from viral Twitter pages to living in a tent for two yearsWhat makes podcasts such a powerful (and underutilised) channel for B2B and startup marketingSmart tactics for startup founders to refine their messaging through podcast interviewsThe importance of niche shows, host relationships, and content repurposing for ROIWhy podcasts can outperform traditional media for influence and conversionBest ways to leverage podcasts 🎧 Tune in to learn how to podcast smarter. Chronology: Introduction and the PayPal SurpriseParker's Journey into EntrepreneurshipThe Evolution of PodpitchThe Value of PodcastingThe Influence of Podcasts on TrustNavigating the Podcast LandscapeThe Role of Niche PodcastsThe Future of Podcasting and BrandingMaximising ROI from Podcast Guest AppearancesStrategies for Startups in PodcastingThe Long-Term Value of PodcastingCorporate Podcasts: Trends and InsightsCase Studies: Success Stories in Podcast Guesting ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

42 min
07/02/2025

#30 - Frederik Barsøe, PR & Comms Lead at Scale Capital: On Bootstrap vs VC Narratives, Thoughtful PR & Startup Real Talk

From Journalism to VC Comms: Frederik Barsøe on Telling Startup Stories That Stick What happens when a journalist turns PR pro and dives headfirst into the startup and VC ecosystem? In this episode, we sit down with Frederik Barsøe, PR & Comms Lead at Scale Capital, who shares his journey from Denmark’s top newsrooms to the heart of Europe’s tech scene. Still with a foot in both the media and PR worlds, Frederik, who also serves as a UK producer for TV2 Denmark, offers rare insights into what makes stories land in broadcast. Fred also shares his experience in the world of startup PR, whether you’re bootstrapped or backed, as well as VC. We cover: The divide between bootstrapped and VC-backed startup storytellingWhat VCs actually want to say (and what founders get wrong)Why founders should avoid buzzwords and over-polished commsHow to think like a journalist... and pitch like oneThe biggest PR mistakes startups keep making (and how to fix them)How to build visibility as a VC without hogging the spotlight 🎧 Give it a listen, and for more do check out the rest of our pod. If you find it useful, don't forget to give us a 5-star review! ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

38 min
06/25/2025

#29 - Julieta Varsano, B2B Marketing Lead at Upvest: The Principles and Practice of B2B Marketing in 2025

What does it take to build a B2B marketing function from the ground up, and make it work? What is B2B marketing, and how does effective B2B marketing look like, in 2025? In this episode, we’re joined by Julieta Varsano, a seasoned B2B marketing leader with 10+ years of experience scaling brands across startups, scaleups, and global corporates. Now heading the marketing function at Upvest, Europe’s leading investment infrastructure provider, Julieta shares her playbook for setting marketing foundations, winning internal buy-in, and balancing strategic thinking with fast execution. Julieta is also a frequent public speaker on B2B marketing, co-founder of the B2B Marketing Meetup Berlin, and part of the Women in Fintech Powerlist. In the episode, we talk about: The first 100 days of a one-person marketing team.Why lead gen is out, and how demand gen drives real results.How to align with product, sales, and leadership.Using OKRs to connect marketing with company goals.The core principles every B2B marketing function should be built on.AI’s impact on junior roles and experimentation.And the biggest misconceptions about marketing (and how to fix them). This episode can help anyone in entrepreneurship and business, but if you're building a B2B startup, leading a B2B company or work in B2B marketing, it should be a no-brainer! ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

52 min
06/16/2025

#28 - Bojan Stojkovski, Editor-in-Chief of IT Logs: Inside Southeast Europe’s Emerging Startup Ecosystem

What’s it like reporting on tech and startups from one of Europe’s most overlooked corners? In this episode, we sit down with Bojan Stojkovski, Editor-in-Chief of IT Logs and veteran journalist, to explore the Southeast European startup ecosystem—from its hidden potential to the challenges of funding, visibility, and cross-border collaboration. Bojan shares his journey from covering foreign policy to uncovering dark PR, troll farms, and underground tech worlds, and his latest role in the world of startup media, shining a light on emerging startup founders in North Macedonia and the Southeastern European region. We also talk media trends, PR dos and don’ts, and what it’ll take for the Balkans to catch up with the rest of CEE. Don't miss it! ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

34 min
06/04/2025

#27 – Nick Huber: 25 Years Writing for the FT, BBC & More - Candid Comms Advice for Startups From a Journalist

Veteran journalist and content consultant Nick Huber joins JJ and Mauro to demystify how startup founders should think about comms. Drawing on 25+ years writing for outlets like the Financial Times, BBC, and The Guardian, Nick shares: Why founders should relax about PR and also stop treating it as a black boxThe biggest mistakes companies make when trying to get media coverageHow journalists actually pitch their editors, and what PR pros can learn from itWhat makes a story genuinely newsworthy (hint: it’s not just a product update)The difference between being newsworthy and being helpful as a sourceWhy founder involvement and thought leadership matters, and how to get it rightHis take on AI hype, accessibility for journalists, and trends in the European tech scene If you’re a startup founder, comms lead, or just curious about how journalism and PR intersect... you can't miss this one! ================================================================= Thanks for listening! For more, follow us on LinkedIn. Runway is a podcast started by Black Unicorn PR co-founders Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini to help startup founders, company builders and business leaders with insights, tools and advice from specialists in sales, marketing, PR and more. Black Unicorn PR is a London-based tech PR agency focused on startups, scaleups and VC. For more information visit: https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ For even more advice, especially on PR, visit the Black Unicorn PR blog

45 min

See All (34)

Creator

Julija Jegorova & Mauro Battellini
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

34
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Runway

Runway

Episodes

#34 - David Cendón Garcia, News Editor at EU Startups: Startup Journalism, the European Ecosystem & the EU Startups Summit

#33 - Cate Lawrence, Senior Writer at Tech.eu: Navigating European Tech Startups & Journalism

#32 - Hege Tollerud, Head of Community at Brighteye Ventures: How Community and Comms Are Reshaping VC

#31 - Parker Olson, Founder of PodPitch: A Masterclass in Podcasting Strategy for Startups and PR Teams

#30 - Frederik Barsøe, PR & Comms Lead at Scale Capital: On Bootstrap vs VC Narratives, Thoughtful PR & Startup Real Talk

#29 - Julieta Varsano, B2B Marketing Lead at Upvest: The Principles and Practice of B2B Marketing in 2025

#28 - Bojan Stojkovski, Editor-in-Chief of IT Logs: Inside Southeast Europe’s Emerging Startup Ecosystem

#27 – Nick Huber: 25 Years Writing for the FT, BBC & More - Candid Comms Advice for Startups From a Journalist

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