Ever wondered how a simple idea blossoms into a booming SaaS business? Our latest podcast episode handles all about that!   We invited Lore Aerts (Yeat) and Gilles Mattelin (Henchman) and Smartfin's seasoned investor, Thomas Depuydt to share their keen insights and experiences.     This one’s for you if you’d like to know more about the intricate web of scaling operations, customer engagement, strategic decision-making and much more. And because even the most advanced AI can't replace the human touch, we examine the art of balancing tech and human interaction to k ..read more

Networking is more than exchanging business cards—it's about creating lasting connections that fuel growth. This episode unravels the power of networking through the eyes of portfolio founders Rutger Bevers (Conversation Starter), Gérôme Vanherf (La Grand Poste), and Christina Hadinoto (ContourLab).  Learn more about strategies for overcoming obstacles with a strong network, the importance of creativity in problem-solving, and ways to leverage media and contacts for success. Guests: Rutger Bevers (Conversation Starter) Gérôme Vanherf (La Grand Poste) Christina Hadinoto (ContourLab)   ..read more

In the 10th  imec.istart podcast episode, we dive head first into the highs and lows of hardware innovation. Portfolio founders Michael Broes (Moonbird) and Senne Gorris (Hippo Dx)  share why exactly hardware is hard.    Topics include:     ▸ why the integration of hardware and software is a complicated love affair  ▸ avocados, stress balls and undesired prototype designs  ▸ the importance of having an "unfair advantage"  ▸ the thrilling world of certification hurdles,     and so much more ...  Guests:   Micha ..read more

In this podcast episode, we explore strategies for navigating "hype markets". Imec.istart portfolio founders Jen Rossey of Lopos and Tiebe Parmentier of Tekst.ai share their perspectives. Lopos, a spinoff from the University of Ghent and imec, initially concentrated on ultra-wideband technology for precise distance measurement. However, they made a pivotal shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing wearable devices for promoting social distancing. Tekst.ai specializes in natural language processing (NLP), streamlining inbound customer emails to enhance response times by categorizing and ro ..read more

The second episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses the triumphs and setbacks founders encounter in the first 100 days as an entrepreneur. Guests: Maura Nachtergaele (Payflip) Simon Temmerman (dScribe) Host: Maarten Weyn ..read more

When and how to take the leap of turning a research project into a company? How to validate an idea? What are the pros and cons of starting a company or spinoff as a researcher? How to step out of your comfort zone? How to do sales and marketing? Get the answers in this conversation with two co-founders who started spin-off companies based on their research and an imec.istart venture acceleration manager with experience in guiding starting researchers.  Guests: Marije Lesterhuis - postdoctoral researcher + Co-Founder Comproved. They offer expertise and a comparing too ..read more

How do you get started with sustainable entrepreneurship? What are the pitfalls and opportunities to look out for? How to stay motivated? How did participating in the business acceleration program imec.istart help launching these ventures? Listen to this conversation between three start-up founders with companies aiming to make the world a better place.  Guests:   Stefanie Broes, founder moonbird - a technological device to improve people’s breathing and reduce stress and anxiety and help people fall asleep faster.  Vincent Meurrens, founder EPCON ..read more

Startup tips: Learn from cryptocurrency startup founder Ruben from NGrave, they only started in 2018 and are working with a 25-person team with clients from all over the world and imec.istart Venture Acceleration Managers share tips and stories about:  big and international ambitions,   bull and bear markets   addressing a global B2B market,   learning and applying from business books,   setting up the right funding mix; (convertible loans, bank loans, equity, subsidies, crowdfun ..read more

Learn about corporate partnerships and international growth for startups  Speakers:   Lisa Pattyn, startup coordinator iminds 2011-2016 Now Team Lead Integrations and Partnerships Deliverect.  Hendrik Dacquin; Business Owner Teledroom, ex founder Zender/Small Town Heroes.  Lies Boghaert - Internationalisation Officer imec.istart 2016 - 2021, now Inbound Sales Specialist & FOOD WASTE WARRIOR at Too Good To Go Caspar Van Rhijn - Strategic Advisor Mediahuis Sven de Cleyn  ..read more