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Grounded in our work with early-stage founders, this podcast offers an inside look at how meaningful tech companies take shape. We explore the decisions, challenges, and pivotal moments that define the journey from startup to scaleup — drawn directly from what we see inside the imec.istart accelerator.
18 Episodes
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Grégoire de Hemptinne reveals how Shayp uses real-time data to tackle one of the world's most overlooked sustainability problems: water loss. He reflects on finding product-market fit in a slow-moving industry, using storytelling to scale climate tech, and building the partnerships and persistence needed to create systemic change in how cities, companies, and households manage water.
Christina Hadinoto shares how she transformed personal insecurities into Contour Lab, an AI-powered fashion platform helping people feel confident in their own skin. She reflects on female entrepreneurship, tackling the flaws of traditional fashion systems, and building a mission-driven team creating impact in an industry overdue for change.
Senne Bonnaerens explains how OnTracx evolved from biomechanics research into a health-tech startup tackling running injuries through data and movement science. He shares the realities of spinning out from university labs, building a balanced founding team, and transforming academic knowledge into a product that empowers athletes and prevents injuries at scale.
Niki De Schryver shares how COSH! is transforming fashion through transparency, circularity, and verifiable sustainability data. She opens up about the resilience required to scale a mission-driven company, translating consumer behavior to measurable impact, and navigating the realities behind making an entire industry more accountable — far beyond surface-level sustainability claims.
Rosanne Warmerdam explains how HealthBlocks is reinventing preventive health through data ownership, behavioral science, and community-driven motivation. She explores how healthier habits are built, why gamification can effectively nudge behavior, and what it takes to design technology that empowers individuals while safeguarding their privacy — all while leading a purpose-driven startup focused on long-term impact. *Audio note: There's a bit of room reverb in this episode — but the insights are worth it.
In this new episode, we highlight the importance of strategic funding, team dynamics, and the evolving role of investors in supporting startup growth, with insights from our three phenomenal guests: Kris van der Berck (imec.istart Future Fund), Isabelle Tenstedt (Seeder Fund), and Tim Clijmans (DEO.care). Discover key insights on: • Balancing ownership and external funding • The risks of large funding rounds • The impact of macro-economic influences on investment • The importance of building a strong, cohesive team Guests: Isabelle Tennstedt (Seeder Fund) Kris Vandenberk (imec.istart Future Fund) Tim Clijmans (DEO) Host: Maarten Weyn
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 keep customers smiling. Furthermore, we dissect the perfect timing and approach to capture the interest of investors who bring more than just money to the table. Guests: Lore Aerts (Yeat) Gilles Mattelin (Henchman) Thomas Depuydt (Smartfin) Host: Maarten Weyn
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) Host: Maarten Weyn
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: Michael Broes (Moonbird) Senne Gorris (Hippo Dx)
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 routing messages efficiently. Topics of this conversation include pricing models, the art of pivoting, the significance of adaptability, and establishing meaningful connections with investors. They underscore the value of feedback and customer satisfaction, the growth potential of the AI market, ongoing technical development, and the vital role of mentorship within the startup community. Your host: Maarten Weyn
In this podcast, Jonathan Schreiber (Neuroventis), Karel Callens (Cumul.io), Luc Burgelman (Miles Ahead) sit down for an in-depth conversation about what really goes down in the boardroom. From how they convinced people to join their board, to the crucial role of independent members, to navigating tricky crises between members, our guests spill all the tea. A must-listen for everyone who wants to hear a new perspective on how a board can drive company growth. Your host: Maarten Weyn
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
The first episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses how entrepreneurs can grow their tech startup into a scaleup. Martijn Joris (Twikit) and Ewout Meyns (ex-PieSync) will discuss the transition from founder to manager. Martijn started as a business developer and later a business development manager at Materialise before founding Twikit in 2012. Ewout is the executive chairman and is still daily active within the company, looking into how to adapt and strategize. They will also discuss how to go from a startup to scaleup and all the things which they experience in this transition. Your host: Maarten Weyn
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 tool to help teachers improve the quality of their assessments and stimulate learning from assessments. More info: www.comproved.com Ben Bellekens, CEO & co-founder CrowdScan, a solution for measuring and analyzing crowd density in real-time using a wireless sensor network. Tim Rootsaert, Venture Acceleration Manager, imec.istart Host: Maarten Weyn
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 - enables epidemic monitoring, evaluation and control through combining real-world context and real-time programmatic data. Judith Ketelslegers founder Foresightee - Foresightee prevents food waste with new technologies. Their first product is machine learning sales forecasting, specifically designed for fresh food. Host: Maarten Weyn
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, crowdfunding...) validating your idea in style, attracting top talent and special superhero employee experiences Guests: Ruben Merre, CEO NGrave. Blockchain technology company developing an ultra-secure cryptocurrency wallet solution Robby Wauters & Kris Mertens – Venture Acceleration Managers at imec.istart Host: Maarten Weyn
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 - program director imec.istart + MD imec.istart Fund Moderator: Maarten Weyn
How and why did imec.istart begin ten years ago? Learn from key people who have been there from the start to this present moment. Sven de Cleyn - program director imec.istart + MD imec.istart Fund Wim De Waele was Chief Executive Officer of IBBT, later renamed iMinds (www.iminds.be), headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, until 2015. Lodewijk De Meester - Service & Program Manager Offshore KYC Belgium at ING Belgium - one of the first private fund-partners of the program Ruth Janssens: alumni imec.istart, now MD of Morrow Ventures Moderator: Maarten Weyn
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