Startup Corner
The ‘Startup Corner’ is a monthly podcast in Luxembourgish about startups and innovation in Luxembourg, presented by the House of Startups powered by the Chamber of Commerce and supported by the SCRIPT department of the Ministry of Education. Once per month, the House of Startups talks to founders, business angels and innovation experts about what they've achieved so far and where they want to go next. Be inspired by the latest news and trends in the digital world!
If you have any questions for the guests or feedback for us, please contact us at podcast(at)host.lu. If you want to know more about the startup ecosystem in Luxembourg in general, find and follow the House of Startups on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn).
You can listen to all of our editions here.
The latest episode of Startup Corner Podcast is here! This time, we dive into the journey of Viktor and Valentin Dufour, co-founders of Essembl, an AI-powered fashion tool that helps users choose the perfect outfit. In less than a year, they’ve grown to 850,000 users—how did they do it?
From viral growth strategies to innovation in fashion tech, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Listen now and discover the secrets behind their success.
In our latest episode, we welcome back two returning guests—Yannick Oswald from Mangrove Capital and Diego Di Biasio from Technoport—to take a big-picture look at global tech trends.
We discuss what is next for the world of technology, how Europe and Luxembourg are positioning themselves in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, and what lies ahead for innovation and technology in Luxembourg.
Alexander Link, Coordinator for Defence Technology and Innovation at Luxinnovation, shares his insights into how Luxembourg is shaping the future of European defense. The discussion covers Luxembourg’s role in strengthening NATO and European defense efforts, how technology and innovation are transforming defense strategies, and the impact these advancements have on the country’s economy and industries.
Tune in for a deep dive into this critical sector and discover the key trends driving Luxembourg’s involvement in defense innovation.
Luxembourg is a financial powerhouse, managing over €5.6 trillion in net assets, making it Europe’s largest investment fund center and second globally after the US Impressive, right?
But here’s the kicker: the fund sector still heavily relies on emails, attachments, and Excel files.
The startup Fundvis and their CEO and co-founder Leonhard Kossmann tackle these inefficiencies head-on—bringing AI, automation, collaboration, and innovation to the heart of fund management.
In the latest episode of Startup Corner Podcast, we dive into:
- How Fundvis is rewriting the rules of the fund industry
- The role of the LHoFT ecosystem and Fit4Start acceleration program in their journey
Luxembourg needs more IT talents! One of the places to upskill in this field is the Digital Learning Hub, where training in coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and much more is offered. At 42 Luxembourg, students learn programming independently and in a collaborative way.
How do these programs work, and who are they for?Tune in to the Startup Corner Podcast as Serge Linckels, head of the DLH, and Jenna Pütz, coordinator of 42 Luxembourg, share their insights and break it all down!
Subscribe now to Startup Corner on Spotify, #ApplePodcasts & #GooglePodcasts. The ‘StartupCorner’ is a monthly podcast in Luxembourgish about startups and innovation in Luxembourg, presented by the House of Startups powered by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and supported by the #SCRIPT.
Partnering between a startup and a large company can be challenging. Big companies want to ensure the startup delivers on its promises, while the startup needs a reliable partner to grow, gather valuable feedback, test its product, and, of course, drive revenue.
So, what does a successful collaboration look like, and what should both sides keep in mind? To dive into this, we’ve invited Charlotte Wirion, co-founder of the startup WEO, and Philippe Genot, Innovation Manager at Schroeder & Associés, to share their personal journey and how they’ve built a thriving partnership over the years!
Tune in now!
Have you ever wondered how the latest advancements in artificial intelligence are set to revolutionize the world of medicine? Are you curious about how this technology can lead to the creation of better medications and more precise impact assessments? Tune into the next episode of our StartupCornerPodcast as we dive into an exciting conversation with Rick Schneider and Maxime Allard, the visionary founders behind Helical.
Helical, co-founded by Rick, Maxime, and Mathieu Klop, has developed a cutting-edge AI-powered engine that promises to revolutionize the way we create and evaluate medications. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, this dynamic team is enabling the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sector to develop more effective drugs and accurately assess their impact.
Have you ever questioned the disparities between Private Equity and Venture Capital? Are you interested in learning more about Luxembourg's thriving fund industry? Did you know that Luxembourg leads as the top player in Europe's fund industry?
Don't miss the latest episode of the Startup Corner Podcast. Stéphane Pesch, CEO of LPEA – Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, explains the exact differences between Private Equity and Venture Capital and provides insight into LPEA's long-term strategic approach.
Tune in now!
Guess who's back on the mic? Laurent Hengesch & Alain Wildanger, founders of the Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital, return to our Startup Corner Podcast after more than two years!
Tune in to hear about their incredible journey since then. Laurent & Alain discuss fundraising challenges and why Luxembourgers should diversify their portfolios.
But that's not all! Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital has broadened its horizons beyond fintech, with their latest Climatech fund. This fund is specifically tailored for early-stage EU-based ventures, offering a golden opportunity for growth.
Don't miss this episode full of insights and updates!
Ever wondered how technology can empower women to truly understand their bodies and seize control of their health? Or perhaps you're curious about the game-changing role FemTech startups like Flo Health play in reshaping the landscape of female healthcare? And let's also consider the significance of monitoring menstrual cycles and ovulation. How do these straightforward steps contribute to improved reproductive health outcomes?
Join us on the latest episode of StartupCorner Podcast, where Joelle Barthel, Brand Marketing & Creative Studio Director at Flo Health, shares an in-depth look into Flo Health’s growth journey and primary market focus. Discover why Flo Health stands out as the leading global FemTech app, offering unparalleled menstruation tracking and cycle prediction. With features designed to support women through every stage of their reproductive journey, including personalized health insights, expert tips, and a secure community for sharing questions and concerns, Flo Health is transforming women's health worldwide.
Calling all nature lovers, amateur athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts! If you're passionate about activities like running, cycling, hiking, or mountain biking, then our latest episode of the Startup Corner Podcast is a must-listen for you.
Fred Giuliani and Philippe Lassine, the founders of Letztrail, share their insights, experiences, and love for the outdoors. They'll take you on a journey through new regions, unveiling the wonders of outdoor activities while explaining how their app works and why it's a must-have for you.
With the app launching just in time for spring, tune in to our podcast episode to get all the details you need to start planning your next outdoor excursion. Don't miss out – download Letztrail now!
Discover more about Letztrail : https://www.letztrail.com/
Curious about the Tech Trends shaping 2024? Dive into our first Startup Corner podcast episode of the year with Yannick Oswald, Partner at Mangrove Capital Partners! Discover the areas he's delving into and his mission to uncover exceptional entrepreneurs across Europe, transforming their insights into groundbreaking products.
And for all things VC and tech entrepreneurship in Europe, check out THE go-to blog: www.yannickoswald.com
Discover the strategies to expanding a company with more than 100 professionals without depending on fundraising in our latest episode of the Startup Corne Podcast! Loic Didelot, the CEO and Founder of Mixvoip, delves into the journey of Mixvoip's growth from a startup to a fully-fledged company, now serving an expanding clientele across Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany.
Established in 2008, Mixvoip specializes in cloud telephony and tailored internet solutions and are a go-to partner for IT integrators.
Get ready for an exclusive inside look into the IT world and tune in for some tips!
LISTEN HERE!
Moniflo, a Luxembourgish based app, founded by Georges Bock, empowers users to take advantage of tailored search filters and understand the exact impacts of their investments and enable them to make personal and more informed decisions?
By providing detailed descriptions of asset managers’ ESG and impact funds and making them as easy as possible to access, Moniflo aims to present their funds from a fresh perspective.
There's one subject no company can ignore any longer, whether it's a start-up, medium-sized, or large enterprise: cybersecurity. Due to rapid digitization, IT systems have become extremely complex, and the question is no longer if someone will be attacked, but when. With October being Cybersecurity Month, we invited Pascal Steichen, Managing Director of the Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity, to explain how we can be better prepared.
Horrifying fact: ransomware can be present in our computer systems for up to 200 days before we even realize it. And most of the time, it's already too late.
Get ready for an exclusive inside look into the cybersecurity world and tune in for vital tips and experts' insights! This is one episode you can't afford to miss!!
LISTEN HERE!
From their humble startup beginnings to becoming an absolute sensation, Salonkee's journey is nothing short of legendary: - They've recently secured 30 million in funding! - Their team has skyrocketed from 30 employees to over 115 individuals! - Not only have they transformed countless salons, but they've also brought over 4000 salons onto their platform! - They've expanded their influence to a whopping 5 countries! In this episode, the CEO Tom Michels & Head of Sales Alexandre J Claro will be unveiling: - What it truly takes to propel a company to such incredible heights. - Which game-changing processes have fueled their phenomenal growth. - Plus, you'll learn why focusing on sales and crafting effective processes is absolutely crucial when you're on the fast track to success. Get ready for an exclusive inside look at Salonkee's incredible journey and the wisdom they've gained along the way! This is one episode you can't afford to miss!
29th episode - No more hassle of navigating through traffic or queuing in stores.
Jacques Lorang, Co-Founder of LuxCaddy, masters the art of last-minute orders and has the inside scoop on how LuxCaddy keeps the wheels turning smoothly and customers delighted. But it's not just about deliveries, join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of e-commerce in Luxembourg. And remember, LuxCaddy.lu offers free delivery throughout Luxembourg from Monday to Saturday. Don't miss out on this exceptional service!
With 15+ years of industrial policy experience and a global perspective, Gaston shares insights on renewable energies, networks, and Luxembourg's industry landscape. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that will make you rethink the future of energy. Tune in now and be prepared to be enlightened!
In his TED Talk, Misch Strotz, CEO of neon internet and a specialist in new media, shared his mind-bending vision of how AI is reshaping our communication landscape forever. From an "A Priori Fake" internet to infinite loops of information that lose all economic value, he takes us on a journey through the new paradigms of our digital future.
The man behind the iconic party.lu, who was once the King of the club scene in Luxembourg. We'll discuss his transition to becoming CEO of LUXHUB, one of Luxembourg's top Fintech companies. Learn about his experience in PSD2, Open Banking, and being at the forefront of financial innovation in the financial world. So if you want to hear some stories about the good old party days in Luxembourg and get some expert insights into Fintech, then you won't want to miss this episode. Grab your headphones and let's get this party started!
Get ready for an inside look at the world of business angel investing with Romain Hoffmann, Board Director and Head of Investment Committee of the LBAN - Luxembourg Business Angel Network. In this episode, Romain shares tales of his own journey and sheds light on the invaluable resources that LBAN offers.
With the establishment of the computer club as a student, he made a name for himself and paved a way for today's successful company EuroDNS. In 2022, he also co-founded the Luxembourg Startup Association to give startups in this country a voice and help move the entire ecosystem forward. Tune in to discover what Xavier has to share with over 20 years of experience as a tech entrepreneur and investor!
23rd episode - What happens when technology and health converge?
In this episode, we chat with Carole Brückler who tells us about her work as the Head of Digital Health Technologies at the Ministry of the Economy and how she is helping to grow digital health companies in Luxembourg.She explains how she sees technology changing healthcare, what she thinks is important for digital health companies to focus on and why it's so important for governments to invest in this space.
With a strong team of seasoned professionals coming from companies like SpaceX, the fund is aiming to invest in the new generation of space technologies. Tune in to discover the importance of new space industries in our everyday life and the state of European laws on space.
A win-win situation through digitization but also through new ways to better understand the profiles of the candidates. Tune in now and discover how Mike built his entrepreneurial spirit, and how he and his co-founder solved their first human resource challenge.
With his startup GetQuin, he wants to become the finance social media platform where you can exchange ideas about your investments, ideas and best practices. Raphael also explains to us why he thinks that founding a startup is better than any studies and why you have to commit to 100% if you want to be successful. You will also find out in this episode of the Startup Corner Podcast why he compares a startup team with a football team!
19th episode - Batteries are the key to a sustainable and renewable energy policy
Often when you think you're at the end of something, 'Circular Economy' makes you stand at the beginning of something else. With their company Circu Li-ion, Antoine Welter and Dr. Xavier Kohll ensure that your batteries have a sustainable life cycle. Tune in and listen to how a Luxembourgish startup gives batteries a second life!
#Innovation happens only when the government sets the right stimuli and creates an environment where private and public innovation can find themselves. Listen now and discover the journey of Sasha, a true facilitator that has above all one goal: #MakingInnovationHappen.
The aim is to provide their clients with qualitative data enabling better decisions regarding soil quality, prevention of natural disasters but also about the development of vegetation worlwide. WEO was launched by two women, which is unfortunately still too rare in the startup world. Charlotte explains the reasons, the hurdles to overcome but also what can be done to motivate more women to try their luck in the entrepreneurship and technology sector.
Thanks to Patrick Malget and Taxx.lu, we no longer need to be experts in filling tax returns. Discover how to fill your taxes easily and digitised.
Their engineering design software, based on a whole new research in mathematics, optimizes products such as cars, airplanes, robots etc. Discover how Rafinex is revolutionizing the future of industrial design and working on brand new products like air taxis!
From founding leading platforms like Doctena and AtHome, to mentoring prominent startups like Silicon Luxembourg. His success is not a coincidence, but is based on the experiences gained through hs many successful projects but also of the ones that have not succeeded. In this episode, Patrick tells us about his current project "MediNation" and also how he has coached several startups in Luxembourg.
Raphaël Frank came through the House of Startups Luxembourg with gift for the holiday season #ArtificialIntelligence, #Blockchain, #AutonomousDriving… These are buzzwords for the future of tomorrow. But this #DeepTech innovation must be developed and it will not happen overnight. These projects are often created through a #collaboration between private companies and the Government. In Luxembourg, the SnT makes the link between research and innovation in the field: Raphaël Frank from the SnT, Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust tells us how researchers contribute to the development of innovation and also how the SnT founds their own startups.
In 2019, they founded their private equity firm Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital and today invest in the largest startups in Europe. Including N26, one of the largest neo-banks in the world with over 7 million customers. Tune in now to find out in which startups they have invested in. No risk, no funds ;)
Since its creation in his parents attic, Clubee has tackled the problem of volunteering in sports clubs management through a unique and innovative way. Today, more than 300 sports clubs in Luxembourg use their platform. Discover in this episode how Gilles managed, notably with the support of Technoport as an incubator, to grow from 300 sports clubs in Luxembourg to 4,000 clubs all over Europe.
Luxembourg represents a central innovation hub for FinTechs and is recognized among the world’s leaders when it comes to financial centers. This is especially true thanks to entrepreneurs like Raoul Mulheims and his startup Finologee. In this month’s “Startup Corner”, we discuss with Raoul how he started his digital career as a teenager and how he got the idea to launch, among others, the most known Fintech applications here in Luxembourg: Digicash !
As the co-founder of two startups such as kodehyve and Univize, this young entrepreneur has already so many stories to tell from recently raising 1M€ in seed financing to digitalize the real-estate sector. He is also the co-founder of the Luxembourg Open Air (LOA) Festival, which in 2019 had its 1st edition with over 7,000 visitors.In this episode, we discuss with Felix about his impressive journey that should inspire every future entrepreneur out there.
Someone could say that Michel Hoffmann is in the “business of making people happy”. His startup Giftable is literally centered on enabling people to send gifts and create meaningful relationships. Michel also explains how he came up with the project, what every entrepreneur must do before starting his own startup and what Jonk Entrepreneuren (JEL) have contributed to his career.
The startup Talkwalker was founded in 2009 at Technoport and employs today more than 430 people in 10 different offices worldwide! Let the founder Christophe Folschette explain what he learned over time, how Talkwalker’s technology analyzes over 300 million data everyday with its 3,000 servers, for clients such as Adidas and the ambition to grow to 1,000 employees within the next few years.
Luxembourg may be a small country on this planet, but not to be underestimated when it comes to being a major player in space!
Marc Serres, CEO of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), explains to us why Luxembourg is such a key player in the space industry, how it happened following the creation of the European Satellite Company (SES) and how we collaborate with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). We also asked Marc if we would ever have a Luxembourgish astronaut.
Back to the roots with our 5th episode of Startup Corner!
We invited Klin’s founder, Pit Zens, to explain how he wants to revolutionize the cleaning sector. Most startups often try to be more digital or more environmentally friendly, but digitalization and sustainability are paramount at Klin. Furthermore, we learn how Pit has benefited from the startup ecosystem.
Which company in this country works simultaneously with Formula 1 and Tesla but also saves lives? Combining the innovation and engineering spirit, HITEC has a well-established reputation in Luxembourg. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that Philippe Linster receives the Senior Partner and CTO of HITEC Luxembourg as a guest for this episode of Startup Corner.
With 20 years of experience managing the 1st tech incubator launched in Luxembourg, Technoport’s CEO Diego De Biasio has many great insights on innovation and startups to share with us. Listen to Diego De Biasio as he sits down with House of Startups’ CEO Philippe for this episode of Startup Corner.
In this second episode, Philippe Linster, CEO of the House of Startups, meets Larissa Best, from the LBAN as she shares some great insights on being a “business angel” especially here in Luxembourg and how she invests in startups.
In the first episode, Philippe Linster, CEO of the House of Startups, talks to Tom Michels and Samuel Faber from Salonkee about their startup, their professional and educational background and about the challenges ahead.
