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Embrace the power of flexibility

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Olympia Victoria Loskutova

Olympia redefining virtual staffing with AI assistants that are uniquely tailored to the needs of solopreneurs and startups

Could you please tell us about yourself and introduce your startup, Olympia, to our audience?

I’m Victoria Loskutova, and I have spent over fifteen years at the intersection of technology, media, and entrepreneurship. My passion for connecting people and pioneering innovative platforms has led me to establish Olympia, where we’re redefining virtual staffing with AI assistants that are uniquely tailored to the needs of solopreneurs and startups.

Olympia is not just a tool but a powerhouse that amplifies the abilities of entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Our value lies in a suite of cutting-edge features such as email management, long-form content generation, data analysis, context and long-term memory capabilities, and third-party integrations like GitHub—with more integrations like Google Suite on the horizon. Our AI team is humanized; working with it feels akin to expanding your own human team.

What inspired the concept of Olympia?

The inception of Olympia was born out of necessity and innovation. In my previous role, we faced the common startup challenge of needing more skilled professionals, such as a copywriter, which our financial resources didn’t allow us to hire. This is where the ingenuity of my co-founder shone through, proposing the groundbreaking concept of an AI copywriter.

But we didn’t stop there. The initial success and potential of our AI copywriter led to the development of a full AI editorial team. As we continued to identify the broader needs solopreneurs and startups faced, we realized there was a crucial gap in the market for a comprehensive AI-powered virtual team that could streamline operations and dramatically reduce the necessity and costs of traditional hiring.

Thus, Olympia was forged to empower startups and solopreneurs with an AI team capable of carrying a workload that would otherwise require a small army of hires, allowing them to focus on what matters most — growing their businesses. Our platform is the manifestation of that vision, constantly evolving to offer our clients a more intelligent, efficient, and versatile range of services.

The inspiration behind Olympia is deeply personal and speaks to the heart of entrepreneurial resilience. Every feature, every integration, and every interaction through our platform is a testament to that original spark of necessity and the innovative spirit that drives progress in the startup ecosystem.

What motivated you to launch Olympia?

The drive to launch Olympia was fueled by a desire to harness innovation and AI technology to create a product that fulfills a pivotal role and deeply resonates with our users. Our ambition was to construct something more than just functional; we aimed to develop a tool that was not only transformative but also ‘cool’ in its capacity to empower entrepreneurs and catalyze their operations. The passion we hold for Olympia is profound, and this fervor is reflected in the invaluable experiences we diligently strive to deliver to our users.

Could you share the core vision and mission of Olympia?

The vision of Olympia is to reshape the future of work by embedding artificial intelligence into the very fabric of early-stage business operations, creating a synergy between human ambition and AI efficiency.

Our mission at Olympia is to empower startups and solopreneurs with innovative AI virtual staffing solutions that drastically enhance productivity and decision-making. We provide AI-powered virtual assistants that perform with the expertise of an entire team, reducing the need for extensive human hiring. Our service empowers clients to grow their businesses smarter and faster by allowing them to focus on strategic goals rather than day-to-day tasks.

At Olympia, we are fiercely committed to evolving alongside our clients’ needs, ensuring that our solutions continuously adapt and improve, delivering ever-increasing value and contributing to the success of the businesses we serve.

Can you talk about the initial challenges and difficulties you faced while starting up?

Starting Olympia came with unique challenges and difficulties that tested our resilience and creativity. Perfecting the technology was one of the most significant hurdles in the initial phase. We were venturing into relatively uncharted territory, aiming to build a suite of AI-powered virtual staffing solutions that were robust, intuitive, and user-friendly. Our early adopters were invited personally as beta users and helped us shape the product a lot. The tech genius of my co-founder has also helped us create a reliable tech praised by our customers in a relatively short period of time.

Another challenge was bootstrapping. Without the capital investment typically required to fuel such an innovative and technology-driven company, we had to be highly strategic in resource allocation, ensuring we could deliver a high-quality product without compromising our vision and market it right within the over-hyped field.

Who do you consider the primary audience for your services?

Olympia’s primary audience consists of solopreneurs and small startups, particularly those looking for cost-effective, innovative AI tools to optimize and grow their operations. We specifically cater to forward-thinking entrepreneurs and dedicated teams who recognize the value of harnessing AI for business efficiency.

Our services are designed to alleviate the common challenges startups and solopreneurs face, such as tight budgets, the need for diverse skill sets, and the ability to scale quickly. Olympia is engineered to meet these needs, providing a revolutionary addition to any entrepreneurial toolkit.

What sets Olympia apart from other companies in the same field?

At Olympia, we are redefining the landscape of virtual staffing with our innovative, humanized AI assistants. They are equipped with long-term memory capabilities, able to generate downloadable long-form copy, search the web and fetch links, analyze data, send emails on your behalf, collaborate, and serve within their expertise. 

Our technology is not just at the leading edge; it evolves rapidly, constantly adapting to our clients’ businesses, thus delivering efficiency improvements and third-party integrations over time. With human-like communication enabled by cutting-edge natural language processing, we ensure our AI assistants aren’t just smart—they’re also relatable and intuitive. Moreover, Olympia fosters a community through initiatives like our affiliate program and special offers, strengthening our partnerships and enriching our value proposition. These offerings culminate in a unique synergy of advanced technology and user-centric design, setting Olympia a notch above in the virtual staffing domain.

Could you describe a typical day at work for you?

As the founder of a startup, my days are anything but typical. Each day is dynamic, charged with creativity, and purposefully steered toward serving our customers and expanding our business. At the helm of Olympia, a highly innovative company in the AI industry—a field buzzing with excitement—I’m always on my toes. From acquiring new customers and enhancing user satisfaction to forging strategic partnerships and diligently managing marketing, PR, and budgets, my focus is on propelling the company forward.

I constantly navigate a fast-paced landscape where acting swiftly is the key to staying ahead. My role demands versatility and foresight; it’s about consistently being one step ahead because, in the startup world, not advancing is equivalent to regressing. Every decision I make is designed to cement Olympia’s position as a front-runner and ensure that we continue to lead with innovation. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, I remain acutely mindful of my physical and mental health, as maintaining this balance is essential for productivity and sharp decision-making.

Where do you envision Olympia and yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see Olympia evolving into a multimillion-dollar business with millions of users leveraging our AI team to scale their ventures. As the work landscape continues to shift towards fully remote operations, Olympia is at the forefront, empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs who start and manage their businesses on the go. The ease of starting a venture is only increasing with the wealth of resources and knowledge available today. Olympia plays a pivotal role in that ecosystem by providing smart, AI-driven support.

For myself, I envision a life of global exploration, connected by a shared mission to aid entrepreneurs in their growth. I travel the world, building and nourishing our community, not just as CEO but as an advocate and mentor for entrepreneurship. Alongside me is an army of Olympia users—our raving fans—who not only utilize our platform daily but actively participate in its promotion, contributing to a community that’s fervently dedicated to the success of each other’s businesses.

This is a journey of community building, technological evolution, and pervasive entrepreneurial spirit, where Olympia and I are intertwined with the fabric of global business innovation.

What are three pieces of advice you would offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Firstly, embrace the power of flexibility. The entrepreneurial landscape is constantly shifting, so remaining adaptable to new information and changing market conditions is crucial for success. Be prepared to pivot your strategies when necessary, and stay open to learning from every situation.

Secondly, always appreciate the importance of building a solid network. Relationships are the cornerstone of business, offering potential partnerships, opportunities, support, and diverse perspectives. Invest time connecting with others in the industry and nurture these relationships with genuine engagement.

Lastly, focus on creating value before profit. While financial sustainability is essential, long-term success comes from delivering solutions that meet customer needs. Listen to your audience, understand their challenges, and be driven by the desire to make a significant impact through your offerings.

More information you will find here

Thank you Victoria Loskutova for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Opportunities often arise through authentic conversations

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Gomoon is a Berlin-based cryptocurrency brokerage, emphasizing user education and transparent investment in digital currencies

Please introduce yourself and the Startup Gomoon to our readers!

I’m Ingo Hillenbrand, the founder of Gomoon.io, a regulated cryptocurrency brokerage platform based in Berlin, Germany. Since 2013, I’ve been immersed in Bitcoin, coupled with a business education in the U.S. and a real estate background. Alongside my Co-Founder & CTO Ahmad Syed, we are shaping Gomoon as a regulated brokerage for first-time digital currency investors. Our primary focus is on educating users. If they decide to invest, we provide a fully transparent and reliable platform, irrespective of their experience level, aiming to restore trust in the crypto space.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Discovering Bitcoin in 2013 while working in real estate ignited my interest. Although I observed from a distance, in mid 2021, I took the leap to build a platform from scratch. Recognizing a market gap for a user-friendly yet trusted platform for newcomers, especially with the impending rollout of Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), was pivotal. 

As CBDCs will transform the financial system in the next 3-5 years, the need for a secure and educational platform becomes crucial. Very soon, cash will cease to exist and will be replaced by a digital Dollar/Euro/Pound, etc. This will have every single person who is participating in the online financial system inevitably look into the Bitcoin ecosystem. Users with no previous knowledge will learn and also invest in this mainstream asset class. Gomoon aspires to be the guiding light in this evolving landscape for all new users entering the market.

What is the vision behind Gomoon?

Gomoon aims to revolutionize the digital asset investment landscape, positioning itself as the trusted platform for peace of mind. In a market where many bad actors have been dominating the industry, our vision is to stand out through integrity, trust, and safety.

As we enter 2024, the rise in malicious activities targeting uninformed investors underscores the importance of regulatory measures. Beyond functionality, we want to be the platform you confidently recommend to your loved ones. Gomoon is dedicated to providing a secure and informed space for education in the world of digital asset investment. 

Our vision extends globally as we plan to explore overseas markets, exporting the values that define us. Gomoon is not just a platform; it’s a movement toward a future where trust, integrity, and safety are the foundation of a seamless and secure investment experience.

From the idea to the start what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

We prioritized regulatory compliance from the start, making finding a banking partner aligned with our vision challenging. After 1.5 years of collaboration with a renowned bank, an unexpected termination due to a strategy change seemed like a significant setback. However, this setback became a testament to our resilience as we embraced the startup ethos, rebuilt our product from scratch, and moved forward. We are primarily self-funded with support from family & friends and the Berliner Startup Stipendium Thanks to BHT startup hub Berlin and all those who believed in us.

Who is the target group of Gomoon?

Gomoon aspires to revolutionize the digital asset investment landscape, positioning itself as the trusted platform for peace of mind, guidance, and reassurance. Gomoon is dedicated to providing a secure and informed space for education in the world of digital asset investment. We are particularly focused on individuals aged 25-75 who have never invested in digital currencies but are likely to do so with the rollout of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As long as you can use a computer or a mobile phone, Gomoon is accessible.

How does Gomoon work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?

Gomoon operates as a traditional brokerage platform, providing users with exposure to the cryptocurrency market through the regulated German financial market. We offer buying, selling or storing of digital assets through education, simplicity and trust. With the support of German banking partners, we ensure that user funds are backed 1:1 at all times. Our commitment is to eliminate any doubts our users may have regarding their funds. This is why our BaFin-regulated financial partners handle all transactions and custody of digital assets and currencies.

The focus on education through our learning academy differentiates us, ensuring users comprehend their investments. Through videos, blogs, webinars, and more, we provide the content necessary for informed investment. Our conversational flow approach guides users, cutting through the noise.

Gomoon, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, we envision being a leading force in Germany, expanding into the EU, and venturing into the international market. Currently in the final stages of MVP private beta testing with over 500 users in the waitlist, we’re building our learning academy and fundraising. As we expand our team and welcome contributors who share our vision of rebuilding trust in the crypto space, especially beyond the “crypto winter”, we’re committed to being more than just a brokerage platform.

Gomoon aims to go beyond transactional services, aspiring to be recognized as a trustworthy source of educational content. We want to deliver facts engagingly and free from hype, positioning ourselves as a valuable resource in the evolving landscape of digital asset investment. Stay tuned as we introduce a wide range of exciting products along the way.

At the end: Which 3 tips would you give to future founders?

Taking a leap of faith demands courage. 5 years from now you’ll have regrets. Minimize those regrets!  

Opportunities often arise through authentic conversations. Just start a conversation when there’s an opportunity. 

You heard it many times but I will say it again. Do not give up! There will be countless setbacks. Tackle them and continue!

Thank you Ingo Hillenbrand for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

How will our future look like with cryptocurrencies?

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cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies are back

The values are rising again. And because of the upcoming Halving, it is likely that they will rise even more. In the future, there will also be a lot of differences on the capital market because of the digital coins. But how will these changes look like? How will the capital market change? And what can we expect from bitcoin in the future?

The chance of a comeback

Since approximately one month, it goes rapidly upwards for most cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and ethereum. A few days ago, they have reached the highest value in the last year. Bitcoin increased from about 22,000 £ to 30,000 £ within only 30 days. Between the middle of october and the middle of november the popular cryptocurrency therefore gained a value from 8,000 £. Decisive for this are in all likelihood the Middle East conflict as well as the rising interests.

Though, rumours about the approval of bitcoin ETFs arose. These are also a reason for the value increase of bitcoin. ETFs are exchange-traded funds and should also be available on the basis of bitcoin in the future. A short while ago, there circulated a hoax in which it said that these are already authorised by the US Exchange Supervisory Authority SEC, although this was not the case. 

As soon as the trading with bitcoin ETFs gets permitted, one can assume a further surge of the prices. Such an admission would be like an accolade for bitcoin, because it would depart partly from being an object of speculation. Still, the popular cryptocurrency furthermore is highly speculative. This would devolve to the respective ETFs. The exchange-traded funds would for now only be permissible in the USA. Will the application on the other hand not get approved, it is possible that the bitcoin priced will fall again. 

Bitcoin in the future

The next bitcoin halving takes place in April 2024. In the process of halving, the reward of the bitcoin miner for prospecting the blocks are halved. The bitcoin blockchain namely is using the proof of work procedure. That means that every coin on the market is generated by the contribution of energy in the form of computational power. The computational power is provided by the miner. The miner obtains a reward as soon as he attached a new block to the blockchain.

These rewards are getting halved with every halving. This leads to the circumstance that fewer bitcoins incur in circulation prospectively. So the value can rise. A halving takes place regularly every four years. That means that miner only in the year 2140 do not get rewards anymore because the value then adds up to zero. After the next halving in 2024, a miner receives 3,125 BTC. 

Regarding the future of the bitcoin, there are different prognoses. The majority of crypto experts proceed from a further rise in the next five years. Some even say that it can reach a value from 130,000 £. How probable this really is, can only show the future. Eventually, every unexpected event can also let the prices sink again quickly. Currently, there are more reasons for a surge of the cryptocurrency. These include the upcoming halving as well as the probable approval of the bitcoin ETFs.

But also the development of the capital market constitutes a decisive reason. The digitalisation is the actuator for the fact that currently everything is developing to digital processes. Also, the tokenization makes a lot of progress. More and more possibilities are arising due to this, which will have an impact on the finance system. In future, one can reckon that digital currencies like bitcoin are getting more applications. Some factories already offer a usage of bitcoin for their products and services.

How the capital market will change

More possibilities for bitcoin means a big change for the capital market. Additionally, it is conceivable that banks and asset managers soon will offer cryptocurrencies. Based on the unstable past, they are still a bit apprehensive about this. But when the values are rising again and stay stable for a certain period of time, they will possibly take bitcoin in their offer. Most of the investors namely still face cryptocurrencies positively, despite the bygone crypto winter. Data of the European Union show that the market capitalisation has multiplied by eight between 2020 and 2022. This shows how much potential cryptocurrencies really have. 

Although, cryptocurrencies bring a lot of potential, they also have their downsides. More and more countries see them as a threat to the finance system because they are classified as highly speculative. For that reason, regulatory attempts circulate currently. These are though unlikely because cryptocurrencies have a decentralised network technology. And this decentralisation makes a legal adjustment nearly impossible.

Author: 

Maximilian Schmidt is CEO of the CPI Technologies GmbH. The company is specialized in software development in the areas artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital product development.

https://cpitech.io/de/

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Thierry Bolloré joins About:Energy’s Board of Directors

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Thierry Bolloré joins About:Energy’s Board of Directors Former Jaguar Land Rover and Group Renault CEO appointed as Director of About:Energy

Former Jaguar Land Rover and Group Renault CEO appointed as Director of About:Energy

Founded in 2021, About:Energy is pioneering the development of battery technology across automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors 

About:Energy, a world-leading innovator in battery technology development, today announces the appointment of Thierry Bolloré to its Board. In his role as Director, Thierry will be responsible for shaping About:Energy’s automotive and partnership strategy as the company continues to grow. 

Thierry has extensive expertise in the automotive industry, most recently as CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and previously as CEO Group Renault as well as Vice President of automotive supplier Faurecia.  

About:Energy is pioneering battery development using high-quality data to accelerate its customers’ strategic decision making across the supply chain from cell selection to end of life analysis. Its software platform ‘The Voltt’ allows customers to supercharge their inhouse battery development programmes by reducing development costs whilst also seamlessly integrating with existing modelling software which significantly reduces time to market. 

Founded in 2021, About:Energy’s portfolio of customers already include several of the world’s leading premium automotive companies.  About:Energy is a spinout from Imperial College London and the University of Birmingham where the founders completed their PhDs. 

Commenting on the appointment, About:Energy co-founder and CEO, Gavin White, said:

Batteries are critical for industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace, but are often considered  a barrier due to the time and cost to develop. By leveraging state-of-the-art measurement technologies, our platform can substantially reduce development costs and decrease time to market with integrated advanced virtual designs. We’re incredibly excited to welcome Thierry to our Board – his experience, credibility, and industry knowledge will prove invaluable as we continue to scale and support a growing number of customers.”

Thierry Bolloré, About:Energy Board Director, continued:

“Our industry is entering a crucial phase of its transition to electrification with battery modelling and development playing an increasingly important role in every OEM’s future product development strategy. 

In just 18 months, About:Energy has  made remarkable progress with its pioneering approach attracting investment, research grants and secured significant OEMs as customers. I believe that as demand for batteries continues to grow, About:Energy is in a prime position to supercharge industry and I am delighted to join the Board at this pivotal time.” 

Source  Influence Emobility Limited

Strive for excellence in your work

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14islands

14islands is a Nordic-rooted design and technology studio, dedicated to crafting digital experiences that blend technology with creativity for enhanced user enjoyment and inspiration

Please introduce yourself and your startup 14islands to our readers!

My name is Hjörtur Hilmarsson, and I’m the CEO and founder of 14islands. We’re a human-centric design and technology studio with Nordic roots and a global footprint. We combine technology and design to create experiences that go beyond practicality, infusing a sense of enjoyment and inspiration. Our expertise spans from digital products to websites, forging meaningful connections between businesses and people.

I was born and raised in Iceland, where I began building websites in the 90s. After studying Computer Science and working as a front-end developer at agencies, I decided to follow my passion for creativity. In 2011, I co-founded 14islands with two friends. Today, our agency boasts a dynamic international team collaborating remotely across the globe, with offices in Stockholm, Florianópolis, and Reykjavík.

How did you get the idea of 14islands?

The time I spent in the agency world showed me that high pressure, unreasonable deadlines, and burnout were very common. Our industry was swamped with companies perpetually burning the midnight oil, and it just didn’t seem sustainable. My two friends and I felt like there should be a balance between work and life. We believed in encouraging people to take care of themselves, cherish downtime, and then bring their A-game to the workplace. When we founded 14islands, our goal was to create a healthy work culture, something far from the norm in many agencies at the time. As it turned out, this approach became a magnet for attracting exceptional talent to join us.

Why did you decide to start with 14islands?

We didn’t feel like there were enough exceptional websites and digital products out there. Too many experiences were poorly designed and hard to use. We felt the need to sprinkle some magic onto the digital landscape and wanted to craft websites and products that were better not only for ourselves but for everyone out there. We envisioned experiences that are not only practical but also fun and inspiring to use.

What is the vision behind 14islands?

Our vision evolves around innovation, continuously challenging the limits of what can be achieved.

We seek fresh approaches to crafting products and experiences that are user-friendly and more efficient. Our commitment lies in making a positive impact, utilizing our skills and expertise to create meaningful connections between businesses and people. We aim to inspire by refusing to accept the ordinary and consistently striving for innovation.

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

In the early stages, we primarily focused on consulting work in development. While initially targeting design agencies, we eventually decided to venture into design ourselves, opening a dedicated department six years into the journey. This transition was not without its challenges but remaining in the safe zone limited growth opportunities. This shift also required a change in mindset. We not only needed to change our mindset but also our reputation, emphasizing our design capabilities rather than solely showcasing our previous development work. Transitioning from collaborations with agencies to direct client interactions also added complexity. Despite the initial lack of reputation in design, our commitment paid off with the recruitment of talented designers, contributing to our success.

Who is your target audience?

Our clientele is spread across a wide range of sectors, including FinTech, Sustainability, Education, Gaming, and HealthTech. We are here to help businesses seeking assistance with strategy, web or product design, development, app creation, or innovative tech solutions. We understand that every client, project, and situation is different, so we take a flexible approach to adapt and tailor our services to what our clients need.

What is the USP of your startup?

We are a human and friendly, global yet nimble studio with relentless craftsmanship but also a great dedication to UX and strategy. Rooted in the Nordic ethos, our dedication to a balanced work-life dynamic and a collaborative approach fosters creativity. As an example, we give our team members a 30-day summer vacation so that they can explore new destinations and, consequently, expand their perspectives and derive inspiration from diverse surroundings. This, in turn, fuels the creation of experiences that leave a lasting impact on our clients’ success stories.

Can you describe your typical workday?

My typical workday is dynamic, with a substantial amount of time devoted to communication and engaging with potential and existing clients. Effective planning is crucial for ensuring timely delivery and appropriate resource allocation. I actively participate in marketing efforts, and handle various administrative tasks. Overall, my focus leans towards the short term, consistently reviewing internal processes and fostering creativity to maintain a flexible and adaptive approach.

Where do you see yourself and your startup 14islands in five years?

Five years from now, I see 14islands continuing to offer comprehensive and creative solutions through the seamless integration of design and development while staying at the forefront of emerging technologies. Our focus remains on enhancing our skills, embracing new opportunities, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape. Rather than setting rigid long-term goals, we prefer to think short-term, consistently evaluating our strategies for effectiveness. We aspire to receive more awards and gain increased recognition globally as a brand that consistently delivers excellence.

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

Invest in internal culture and talent, because a strong team is the backbone of success.

Strive for excellence in your work. It’s not just about doing good; quality work is essential to standing out in a competitive market.

Be nimble in your approach. Starting small allows you to pivot when necessary, ensuring you have a solid foundation before expanding. Stability is crucial to becoming a reliable and enduring partner, especially for an agency.

Thank you Hjörtur Hilmarsson for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Use a CRM from Day 1

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EdenFiftyOne

EdenFiftyOne™ is the global B2B SaaS platform that promotes the 51 universal skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening within English language education

Please introduce yourself and your startup EdenFiftyOne to our readers!

My name is Tom Reynolds. I am a former [five-times] High School ‘Head of English’, assistant head teacher and UK Specialist Leader of Education [SLE] for the teaching, learning and assessment of English. I have worked in state education  for two decades: specializing in the tuition of students [11-19] with differing educational needs; disadvantaged students of all abilities and backgrounds and students with English as an additional/ foreign language.

As a post-BA-diagnosed dyslexic, my ‘skill-by-skill’ approach to English education has helped students, teachers and schools across the country to raise their examination results to record levels. My success, within education, inspired me to start an edtech company.

EdenFiftyOne™ is the award-winning edtech platform that encapsulates my ‘step-by-step’ methodology: promoting a clear, logical and equitable approach to English language and literacy education that empowers teachers, engages learners and improves experience and outcomes.

How did you get the idea of EdenFiftyOne?

A few days after completing my English Language and Literature degree in Manchester, and at the age of 21, I was diagnosed as being dyslexic.

Two months later, I decided to train as an English teacher to see if I could ‘unlock’ and better-understand the teaching and learning process, in an attempt to improve the English education experience for others.

Over a 15-year period, I realised that the English teaching, learning and assessment process could be [and should be] more logical and structured. Having studied 100s of English exam board specifications [UK and international], I identified that there are only 51 universal skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening at the core of global English education. ‘The 51’ have been shared with teachers, leaders and English academics alike for the last six years. In this time, every one of those specialists has agreed that ‘the 51’ could under-pin the teaching, learning and assessment of English education, regardless of geographical location or exam-board specification.

Knowing that this approach could support the experience and outcomes of English education for teachers and learners across the world, I decided to leave my classroom career and focus on building an edtech platform that will transform English education.

Why did you decide to start with EdenFiftyOne?

Being diagnosed dyslexic right after finishing my studies opened my eyes to a lot of things and I finally found an explanation to all the difficulties I had faced throughout my education. I knew that I could help other students who struggle with the overloading nature of English education by finding a more logical and structured approach to this subject. 

As I started working on the platform, I realised how much value it could add to the world of English education: supporting teachers, school leaders, parents, employers and those looking to access global opportunities.

What is the vision behind EdenFiftyOne?

We’re on an edtech mission to empower teachers, engage learners and improve the experience and outcomes of English education, supporting inclusive and equitable access to global opportunities for everyone, everywhere…

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

The hardest part was to do it alone. As a solo, non-technical founder, the greatest challenge is working alone and with limited resources. My advice to my former-self, and to others, currently working in similar positions, is to get out there as soon as possible. 

You may not realise it when you first begin on your start-up journey, but there are a lot of people out there, who have not only been through something similar to the mission that you are about to embark on, but crucially, that many of those people are willing to share their resources, ideas and stories to help benefit you.

Whilst a limited number of these people may want to be ‘booked-in’ in order to charge an hourly-fee, and others may want an investor/equity role for their advice/support, in my experience, people who have been through it themselves, are really eager to help those coming after them. I wish I’d known this sooner and I will do my best to reach out to those coming after me.

Who is your target audience?

Our target audience is anyone who wishes to teach or learn the skills of English language reading, writing, speaking and listening in English language. We want to support schools, of course, but we also want to support individuals and adult learners. What is essential to our vision is that Edenfiftyone is an inclusive and equitable provision that serves a global community.

What is the USP of your startup?

There are 100s of English language exam boards – across the world – as examination/certification is big business. However, there are only 51 skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening at the core of the English language.

By promoting the 51 universal and permanent skills of the English language, the EFO™ platform is able to provide an unparalleled level of clarity and process.

Can you describe your typical workday?

Like most startup founders, my day probably starts earlier and finishes later than it used to when I was employed. I also often find myself working weekends and rarely taking holidays. I’m always aware that there is more I can do! However, more recently, I have tried to take more frequent breaks and my productivity has certainly increased. This is something I wish I had afforded myself before.

Where do you see yourself and your startup EdenFiftyOne in five years?

In 5 years’ time, I hope to be orchestrating Edenfiftyone’s exit. Whilst I’m passionate about remaining as part of its journey in the future, I’m happy for it to be in an advisory / honorary role. 

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

The 3 things I wish someone told me when I started the business are:

1. ‘Hot-Desking’ beats ‘Working from Home’

Hot-desking in another tech start-up’s office has helped me to learn a lot of valuable lessons by osmosis: absorbing essential ‘start-up’ information by being in the right place to listen to the people/activities around me. Working-from-home has its advantages, of course, but for a solo-founder of a tech start-up, nothing beats being in the company of other like-minded teams and individuals as they straddle the challenges that you will have to face in time.

2. Attend Everything

Whilst the business is in its infancy, attend everything ‘start-up’ in your local eco-system: award ceremonies, fireside chats with guest speakers, competitions, talks, investor networking events and everything else. As above, you never know who you will meet/be introduced to whilst you are away from home and often, outside of your immediate comfort zone.

3. Use a CRM from Day 1

Record names, details and conversation-outlines with each and every person you meet at all times. Whilst they may not become ‘customers’ in their own right, keeping a record of who they are and what they do may help you to re-approach them in the future if you need a connection to someone who is not in your immediate network. Scanning though

‘Linked In’ contacts, phone numbers or email addresses is no substitute for having a designated place to record interactions that make it so much easier to refer to at a later stage.

Thank you Tom Reynolds for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Don’t shy away from monetizing your passion

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MovableType.ai, the AI-powered platform founder sean vosler

MovableType.ai, the AI-powered platform that acts as a silent co-creator throughout the journey from idea conception to book publication

Please introduce yourself and the Startup MovableType.ai to our readers!

I’m Sean Vosler, founder of MovableTyp.ai, the AI-powered platform that acts as a silent co-creator throughout the journey from idea conception to book publication. Our journey began this year with a mission to democratize the writing process by empowering users to bring their ideas to life.

My background as an author, whose main struggle wasn’t so much with “what to say”, but with “how to say it” (or, more specifically, how to structure it), led me down this path. Not only does MovableType.ai leverage AI to generate comprehensive non-fiction books from your big ideas, but ultimately, it serves as a writer’s companion, assisting with common challenges like writer’s block and automating time-consuming tasks such as research and structuring. We don’t seek to replace the craft of dedicated writers but rather to create a future where non-fiction story crafting is within reach for anyone passionate about sharing their ideas with the world.

Why did you decide to start a business?

As a published author with clinical ADHD, I am quite familiar with the uphill battle that many “neurodivergent” individuals face with traditional authorship processes. From having difficulties structuring ideas to struggling to plan, these factors can make the writing process seem almost impossible. Even worse, most people think there’s something wrong with them, as opposed to simply not understanding that the writing process is counterintuitive; it’s not something that comes naturally to most people.

I’m now, more than ever, a believer that these shouldn’t stop us from telling our stories, especially in the age of AI.

Traditionally, authorship was reserved for the privileged few. Whether lacking time, organization, or the financial means to hire someone to help (ghostwriters), multiple factors stop individuals from sharing their insights with the world. I started MovableType.ai because I wanted to change this. To that end, we aim to challenge conventional authorship norms by offering a starting point for those who might have valuable insights to share but, for reasons we’ve discussed, see the writing journey as an insurmountable one. I often wonder how many incredible stories, experiences, and insights have been lost simply because the ones who could share them didn’t have the means to.

There’s no doubt that AI makes the act of writing more accessible, ensuring that anyone with a story to tell can find the support and tools needed to share their insights with the world. We also hope to foster a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape, enabling non-traditional authors to put form to their big ideas.

What is the vision behind MovableType.ai?

We want to ensure that the gift of sharing big ideas with the world remains open to all, regardless of an individual’s background, abilities, or resources. Books aren’t the only means to accomplish this, but they’re undoubtedly one of the best. 

In the writing process, AI plays the role of a silent co-creator, facilitating knowledge sharing and idea dissemination while also preserving the essence and authorship. That being said, we truly believe that AI-generated content without human interaction is not the ideal solution. The more involved an individual is during the creation process, the more it connects with both the author and the reader and, in the end, the higher the quality of the result. We believe that AI isn’t only a tool to generate content; it’s a guide that gives structure to the stories we already have.

From the idea to the start what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

Honestly, the toughest challenge has been educating others on the actual purpose of MovableType.ai. While the value of a tool like ours is clear to many in the startup space, many of those who would consider themselves authors hatethe idea of tools like MovableType.ai. That is before they understand what we really are.

Again, our goal is not to replace authors or professional writers but to enable those without the means or desire to become writers to have their voices heard. To give form to their ideas in a medium usually outside their means.

Financially speaking, I’m fortunate to have a published book that does well and frees up my time, so I can focus on projects like MovableType.ai. In addition to an amazing CEO who joined as a co-founder to help guide the ship, we have a passionate set of investors who came in at our seed round to help give us the means to bring in brilliant people to take this platform further.

Who is the target group of MovableType.ai?

MovableType.ai’s clientele is diverse but has one aspect in common: it consists of those who are inspired and aren’t afraid to leverage technology to bring their ideas to life. 

Whether it’s subject-matter experts seeking to share their knowledge despite lacking writing skills, aspiring neurodivergent authors struggling with conventional thought structuring, or individuals simply wanting to share life experiences with a broader audience, MovableType.ai is not merely easing the writing process but is also redefining who gets to participate in it.

It’s not the established authors who stand to benefit the most from such a service (though, of course, it would save them lots of time) but rather those on the periphery of the publishing ecosystem—the ones with the potential to inject fresh, diverse perspectives into a domain historically gatekept by resource and skill barriers. Through features like personalized author personas that we create and comprehensive research support, the platform ensures that the content remains authentic and preserves the author’s voice and style.

How does MovableType.ai work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?

On the surface, MovableType.ai can transform a single idea into a comprehensive non-fiction book, simplifying the typically daunting process of starting a new writing project. However, this is just the final result. Based on the original idea, the platform creates a comprehensive book proposal that encompasses the essence of your idea. What makes MovableType.ai special is that it goes beyond creating; it strategizes. The platform develops a marketing plan encompassing the book’s target audience and strategies to reach it. Then, MovableType.ai conducts extensive research, gathering data to strengthen the foundation of the narrative. 

Drawing from the user’s initial big idea and the intended audience, MovableType.ai then creates a detailed outline for the user’s review and approval. Upon approval, the platform proceeds to generate the initial manuscript, which spans over 30,000 words.

What truly makes MovableType.ai stand out is how it works hand in hand with users throughout the entire process. It’s not about AI taking over; it’s about technology acting as a catalyst for authors’ creativity.  

MovableType.ai, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, we envision MovableType.ai as a major force in democratizing authorship, offering advanced AI tools that cater to a range of specialized domains. With projects like ‘Memory Capture’ (interactive audio interviews), ‘Book to Podcast Series’, and ‘Book to Courses’,  the platform aims to extend its reach beyond book publishing into multimedia, particularly audio storytelling. MovableType.ai will be the go-to platform for a diverse array of users, from thought leaders to industry experts, who seek to share their knowledge across various formats. We want to change the way that stories are created and enjoyed so that anyone who wants to effectively communicate their ideas can do so, no matter their background in writing or their preferred medium.

 At the end: which three tips would you give to future founders?

If you’re building a tool on top of another technology, like OpenAI, don’t just think about feature enhancements;  think about real-world applications. If you’re just an enhancement, you risk the platform itself releasing a new feature that makes your product obsolete overnight.

Partner with someone who understands finance and business structure, not just someone you like. They will keep you out of trouble as you grow.

Don’t shy away from monetizing your passion, but ensure you’re pragmatic about how you monetize it. I love writing and I have a problem that I know how to help with, so I make a tool that solves that problem. It’s a passion project, but the pragmatic side of the argument is understanding that you will need to be diligent in building an actual business around it.

Thank you Sean Vosler for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Know your customer and prioritize customer-centricity

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realoq founder anvesh

Realoq marketplace and technology platform that effortlessly bridges the gap between B2C and B2B

Please introduce yourself and your startup Realoq to our readers?

Hello, I’m Anvesh Chakravartula, the founder and CEO of Realoq. Founded in 2023, Realoq is a multi-sided marketplace and unified technology platform that effortlessly bridges the gap between B2C (buyers and sellers) and B2B (real estate agents and mortgage brokers/lenders).

The Realoq marketplace platform seamlessly integrates four essential features: Listings, Buy, Sell, and Mortgage. We are driven by a customer-centric approach that underpins our commitment to revolutionize the real estate ecosystem. At Realoq, we are dedicated to pioneering innovation in the real estate industry, with a resolute focus on enhancing and empowering the experiences of homebuyers, sellers, and service providers through our unified, collaborative, and transparent platform, products, and services.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Since my formative years, I have harbored a passion for the real estate industry, coupled with an unwavering drive to innovate, problem-solve, and effect positive change. As I matured, it became evident that each facet of the real estate transaction process operated in a fragmented and disjointed manner, lacking uniformity and a centralized approach. It was this recognition that ignited my vision to establish a unified technology platform for the real estate sector – one that seamlessly integrates all components under one roof. This vision led to the creation of Realoq.

What is the vision behind Realoq?

The vision behind Realoq is to pioneer the way in developing a comprehensive, technology-driven multi-sided marketplace. Our aim is to simplify and elevate every facet of the real estate buying and selling experience for all our customers.

From the idea to the start, what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

Drawing on my professional background in technology, and experience as a seasoned real estate investor, I have seen the gaps in the current real estate market and transaction process model (that includes buying, selling, and working with real estate agents and mortgage lenders). As a result of my analysis and a foresight on the market trends, I identified the opportunity for a multi-sided marketplace and this made me decide to start Realoq that connects B2C and B2B customers.

Starting a new company is definitely exciting yet challenging. As a startup founder, I face a lot of difficulties and need to take up and resolve daunting tasks. The first challenge being market validation where I need to determine the product market fit and ensure a genuine demand for my product and services. The next most important step in this journey is securing funding – reaching out to potential investors and managing cash flow. 

Then the utmost crucial step is to bring the vision to life by devising a solid business plan, building the right team, technology planning, implementation and execution. With this comes the regulations and compliance that we need to follow and adhere to.

And I’m a father of two, so balancing my personal life with the demands of running a startup is sometimes challenging but my family has been extremely supportive and I am thankful and grateful to them.

These arduous times are part of any entrepreneurial journey and overcoming them step by step, with hard work, willpower, and determination helped us reach the milestones and achieve the broader goal.

Who is your target audience?

The target audience in the B2C category include home buyers and sellers, mortgage shoppers and real estate investors. In the B2B category it includes real estate agents and brokers, as well as mortgage lenders. Considering the scope, the plan is to include the commercial and rental property market.

How does Realoq work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?

Realoq operates as a multi-sided marketplace and unified technology platform designed to facilitate real estate transactions. Our approach is centered around connecting consumers, including homebuyers and sellers, with service providers, which can include real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and lenders. 

The advantages of our platform are multifaceted. First and foremost, we streamline the real estate transaction process, making it smoother and more efficient. By bringing together the right team of professionals and leveraging technology and process improvements, we create a collaborative environment that benefits all parties involved. 

What sets Realoq apart from other providers is our dedication to providing a unified and transparent platform. We place a strong emphasis on customer-centricity, ensuring that our users have access to a comprehensive and seamless real estate experience. This commitment to innovation and integration distinguishes us in the real estate technology landscape.

Realoq, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Over the next five years, my primary objective is to steer Realoq toward significant growth, while also solidifying a sustainable business model. This expansion encompasses broadening our operations, customer base, and market reach. Additionally, we intend to forge strategic partnerships, cement our position as a recognizable brand, achieve profitability, and attract and retain top talent. Furthermore, fostering a positive company culture, staying adaptable to industry trends, and emerging as a market leader are all integral aspects of our vision for the future.

What 3 tips would you give other Start-up founders on the way?

Validate your idea before scaling and maintain a clear value proposition for your product or service. Know your customer and prioritize customer-centricity. Build a strong and diverse team.

These tips are just a starting point. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges and opportunities, so staying adaptable, open to learning, and committed to your vision is crucial. To be successful, you have to be a dreamer and a doer. While both qualities are important, balance is key. Too much dreaming without action can lead to unfulfilled potential, while excessive doing without a clear vision can result in aimless effort. There will certainly be times where you would need to step away from your comfort zone to get to the finish line.

Thank you Anvesh Chakravartula for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

How to train people for jobs in the AI industry

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AI

Artificial intelligence has yielded a lot of new jobs. This requires that people are getting trained for these. But what does it need? How can people be trained for AI jobs? And which are the new jobs?

How employees can be trained

For already existing jobs, employees should grapple with ChatGPT as well as other AI tools. What are the possibilities, and what are the boundaries? A certain comprehension of the new technology and how it works is indispensable. It is profitable to learn how exactly a prompt need to be framed so that optimal results can be achieved. A prompt is the command which one enters in ChatGPT. 

Furthermore, one should become aware of the boundaries of such data models. So about that, what is not possible (yet). ChatGPT for example, can not access live data. That means, the chatbot is not able to give an answer if you ask for the current date. But there are plug-ins with which one can conduct internet searches.

To build comprehension for artificial intelligence, it should be scheduled in the executive floor. The boss can prepare examples for the staff regarding the results you can generate with AI. If a company e.g. creates scripts, prompts can be specified. These show what one can enter into the AI and how the results can be optimized afterward. This shows the staff how processes can look like if it is worked with artificial intelligence. 

Namely, for AI jobs also creativity is needed. Eventually one has to think about fitting prompts. And an intuition for the new technology has to be existent. But this is created normally automatically if one is grappling with it. Also, you should inform about which new tools there are again and again. ChatGPT indeed is one of the most popular right now, but there are many more, for example Jasper. Jasper likewise is a text generator with which one can create even more comprehensive texts. Overall, it should be ascertained which tools can be used best to get the best results for the exercises which have to be done.

Last, artificial intelligence should not be seen as a panacea for everything. The technology has as already mentioned its boundaries and not a solution for everything. Also, wrong results can emerge. Because of this, it is always essential to scrutinize and countercheck the results. For this, the AI can be asked for the used sources. Then these can be verified if they are really existent as well as high-quality and reliable. 

New jobs due to AI

Also, because of AI a lot of new jobs are emerging. The fact is that artificial intelligence lives of data. These data have to be settled and enriched anywhere, so that the tools can be trained with it. Jobs are emerging on the places where business data or science data have to be processed. Thereby, the point is to validate the results. That means, to discover if the AI produces correct results which are true. Because many AI tools are not yet trained to see the difference between real information and fake news. The job title for this is data analyst or data scientist.

Besides, jobs like the prompt designer or prompt engineer are developed. Some companies already made employment ads for these. The work consists in creating appropriate commands for e.g. ChatGPT. Here especially, creativity as well as affinity for technology is in demand. Simultaneously, the applicant has to have the ability to work strategic, structured and solution-focused. Because for the prompts, it depends particularly on the right wording. 

Above, also jobs like online marketing manager in the realm SEO, digital learning manager and AI manager are found in the job fair nowadays. 

Author: 

Maximilian Schmidt is CEO of the CPI Technologies GmbH. The company is specialized in software development in the areas artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital product development.

https://cpitech.io/de/

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Never stop building a great team

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mika

Mika is a certified medical product for cancer patients, offering a personalized app and holistic platform for therapy support.

Please introduce yourself and your startup Mika to our readers!

We are a young company dedicated to empowering people affected by cancer. Our team is a highly motivated collection of interdisciplinary healthcare enthusiasts, consisting of psychologists, physicians, software developers, and designers, among others.

Mika is an evidence-based certified medical product for cancer patients and supports those affected with a personalized app and holistic platform throughout their therapy. Cancer patients and their relatives are accompanied during the time of illness and treatment to better cope with the challenges in this difficult phase – with relevant guidance and coaching programs on symptom management, nutrition, sports, resilience/mental health, financial and legal aspects and many more.

How did you get the idea of Mika?

In our private environment we have experienced how difficult it is for patients and their relatives to deal with the disease. There is also a large body of evidence-based approaches that positively contribute to cancer outcomes but the majority of it is hidden in academic papers and not actionable for patients. At the same time, we firmly believe that digital support can improve cancer therapy – and our latest clinical research confirms that. 

Why did you decide to start with Mika?

Starting a company was the ideal way for us to combine entrepreneurial action with real added value for people. I strongly believe that a market-oriented approach in this is the right way to develop and scale truly innovative solutions that have the potential to changes people’s lives and healthcare reality. 

What is the vision behind Mika?

We want to support patients in taking an active role in their therapy to improve quality of life and therapy outcomes. We want all those affected to feel truly accompanied in their daily life living with cancer. In the long term, we aim to be an integral part of oncological care – and to contribute to better survival rates and treatment outcomes in oncology.  

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

As a Digital Health company, we face specific challenges. Our medical product is subject to specific regulations that also affect our development processes. Other issues include the long “sales cycles” in healthcare, for example, when working with health insurance companies, and building teams of Digital Health specialists. Since we started, the interest and understanding in the investor domain has significantly developed. Scaling from a German national brand and product offering to an international presence serving patients now in the UK and in 2024 in the US and other EU countries also adds an additional layer of complexity. 

Who is your target audience?

All people affected by cancer – patients and relatives. We especially support the phase from diagnosis throughout the entire therapy. Mika is available for all types of cancer, treatment or stages. We also receive a lot of positive feedback from our users and see corresponding metrics in their usage of the Mika platform. Patients tell us that Mika gives them motivation and hope during therapy and that they can better assess and deal with symptoms and challenges of a life with cancer.

What is the USP of your startup?

First, traction: Mika has served >100.000 cancer patients and has therefore unique insights into realities and challenges that patients face. This traction has also allowed us to train proprietary machine-learning algorithms to recommend the right content and intervention at the right time to the right patient which has resulted in significant increase in engagement and ultimately, clinical evidence. Secondly, Mika has the largest and strongest body of clinical evidence in our domain (oncology focused digital therapeutics) based on several randomized-controlled clinical trials. These studies have proven the impact of Mika on the treatment outcomes for patients and provide trust by patients, doctors, nurses and our partners in the healthcare ecosystem. 

Can you describe your typical workday?

In a remote setting, the typical workday consists of several calls both internally (solving urgent issues, updates on ongoing projects, investors/ board) and externally (fundraising, potential partner institutions across healthcare and internationally) as well as some time blocked for strategic thinking and discussions – mainly with members of the leadership team.

For the in-office days, I try to spend time with team as many members as I can to understand their challenges and perspective but also convey my thinking. Building and leading teams in a hybrid working mode post-Covid is no easy task and we closely watch team dynamics and happiness. I also try to get inspiration from outside the company and have frequent interactions with other companies in the healthcare domain and beyond. It is a marathon but in many disciplines at the same time.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Mika in five years?

We continue to build on our position as globally leading player in our field and want to expand to additional markets and aim for deeper integration with healthcare partners such as hospital networks. We measure progress along various KPIs but at the end of the day the foundation for our success comes down to impacting as many people as possible with the best possible impact on their lives with cancer. 

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

  1. Never stop building a great team.
  2. Gain clarity on your commercial model as soon as possible.
  3. Find a balance of personal and professional life early on. 

Picture Credits Viktor Strasse

Thank you Dr. Gandolf Finke and Dr. Jan Simon Raue for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

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