What’s no code? In what way is no code different from real code? Is there some kind of distinction to be drawn between note code and low code? And why is no code changing the way we work? In what way is it a revolution in our capital allocation and ownership decisions? How is no code enabling entrepreneurs to develop an MVP without having…
What’s the difference between digital transformation and digital innovation? And what are the implications in terms of funding? Why does it seem like startups excel at digital innovation while established companies focus on digital transformation? And what regions in the world seem most capable at succeeding at digital innovation? Which regions seem most proficient at digital transformation and why? I talk about all this…
How to run a successful startup? How to draft a product development plan, a minimal viable product and pivot to a successful business model? Plus, when have entrepreneurs reached product market fit and when should one scale? An experienced entrepreneur, Ash Maurya addresses these topics in his foundational book, Running Lean. Develop a startup plan and de-risk your business Startups are a “risky business” and entrepreneurs’ real job is to “systematically…
What is biomimicry? Why do products and services whose invention originated from the cautious and careful observation of nature stand a chance to reconcile our current way of life and continued economic development? In what way is biomimicry helping us manage the pandemic on a short-term basis? And, while biomimicry has a long history dating back from the European Renaissance, what are biomimicry’s most promising developments in the near future?…
What’s the South African innovation ecosystem like? Why does it appear to be one of the most promising tech geographies today? In what way are major trends such as population growth, social and economic progress, market consolidation, and technology assets playing a role in turning the African innovation ecosystem into the world’s next powerhouse? I discuss these matters (and more!) with 2 prominent innovators based in South Africa : Audrey…
How have different countries managed the unexpected Covid-19 global pandemic? And what could Western European countries and the United States learn from Asian countries that have proven especially successful in mitigating risks? I address this matter and more with Gérard de Bourbon, an expert in cultural change and digital transformation. Our conversation is available in full in the zoom interview below but, let me just highlight…
What makes lean startups lean? In his groundbreaking book, Eric Ries begins by showing that startups are different from traditional companies. The Lean Startup and the traditional approach to innovation While incumbents can look at their past to guess what the future may hold in terms of market dynamics, customer behavior, distribution channels and product development, and resource allocation, startups are out in the Unknown. In…
In what way is nanotechnology changing our world? Why is it that nanotechnology has numerous applications across many different industries? And in what way is it fueling exponential technologies ? What’s the difference between linear progress and exponential improvements? I address these matters with Lars Montelius, Director General of the Iberian International Nanotechnology Laboratory. A short bio of Lars Montelius A scientist and a…
How to build a successful marketplace based startup? And why would one want to focus on building such a startup in the first place? What are the most promising segments in the space today? To tackle these questions, I draw on: A recent conversation with the world’s top seed investor and expert in marketplaces, Fabrice Grinda A recent conversation with Romain Serman, Head of BPI…
If one were to advise the CEO on innovation, what would one suggest? In other words, what are the most promising innovation use cases out today? What role does customer centricity play in making resources allocation decisions? Following my conversation with Gérard de Bourbon, I tackle this matter with Board member of many innovation organizations in Europe including Hexicon, a world leader in floating windmills…