Starting up with Virtuzone

The Agenda’s Tom Urquhart and our partners at Virtuzone discuss the big issues affecting startups and SME’s in the region. Hear everything you need to know about starting your own business from getting a license to growing your company. Highlights include interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, covering topics including e-commerce, leadership and how to get investors for your business.

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Episodes

  • Are we really empowering women in business?

    Friday, 7 March 2025

    37 minutes

    Tom and Neil gain some powerful insight from fintech leader Amnah Ajmal and Female Fusion founder Jen Blandos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • "Nice car bro. What do you do for a living?"

    Thursday, 13 June 2024

    37 minutes

    Ayman Al Yaman's viral videos have been viewed one billion times. Together with his big brother Ghazy, they tell Tom and George how they turned their social media fame into a money making machine.  Plus, Olly Collis left his cushy job in the UK to move to Dubai and start his own content creation company, Sub60.  He tells his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Hyperspace changes the entertainment and retail scene with digital-themed parks

    Thursday, 6 June 2024

    37 minutes

    Alexander Heller, CEO and Founder of Hyperspace, tells us how he built Hyperspace venues Aya Universe and House of Hype, and why Dubai was the perfect place to start his venture.  Plus, Laundryheap boss Deyan Dimitrov tells us how his team can pick up, wash and return your clothes in 24 hours or less. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Dragon's Den Tej Lalvani on his pet peeves when investing

    Thursday, 30 May 2024

    37 minutes

    Tej Lalvani grew Vitabiotics into a £400 million business. He shares some advice on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when investing in a business. Plus, FIFA sports agent Saif Rubie tells us how he deals with the ups and downs of the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Does your business need robots?

    Thursday, 23 May 2024

    19 minutes

    Fadi Amoudi of IQ Robotics tells us how to use automation to grow your business. Plus, Kushal and Sagar of Publish tell us how  to craft the perfect Founder's story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Mum-preneur: The juggle is real

    Thursday, 9 May 2024

    33 minutes

    MUMpreneur: Does the term empower - or patronise - mothers who run their own businesses? We get the thoughts of investor, entrepreneur and mum of four Kelly Marie Hodgkin. Plus, what should your website look like? Monish Chandiramani, Founder and CEO of Yeepeey, offers some advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • From cash flow woes to business success

    Thursday, 2 May 2024

    36 minutes

    Mermaids of Arabia founder Josephine Adams told Tom and Neil about how she hit rock bottom, and why she kept going. We also discussed a movement that allows small businesses to exchange resources in the wake of the floods with Rana Hijarasouli, founder of The Surpluss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • From cabin crew to design and furniture business owner

    Thursday, 25 April 2024

    36 minutes

    The Design House CEO Sharon O' Keefe tells us how she started his design and furniture business while working as cabin crew in Dubai. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Why a beauty business owner values education and personal development

    Thursday, 18 April 2024

    36 minutes

    Mariela Marcantetti started hair removal business Furless Permanent in 2016 and has since been educating aspiring beauty technicians. Meanwhile Renata Messarra of Reborn Consultancy gives us tips on how to promote your own business without spending a fortune on ads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Gaming in the Middle East

    Thursday, 4 April 2024

    41 minutes

    As game developers from overseas flock to the Middle East to explore the market, we meet one who's coming from Spain- Manel Sort, CEO and Founder of Games For A Living. We also discuss diversity and inclusion with Farrah Qureshi, CEO of Global Diversity Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • What's your take on the buy-now-pay-later model?

    Thursday, 28 March 2024

    37 minutes

    Meet the man behind Tabby, co-founder Hosam Arab, who tells us why e-commerce has brought him so much success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Do you have a wealth planning strategy?

    Thursday, 21 March 2024

    35 minutes

    21 March 2024: We asked the team of experts at Cone Marshall about how to pass on your wealth to the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • In conversation with Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group

    Thursday, 14 March 2024

    38 minutes

    14 March 2024: Tom and Neil find out how Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group, started his hospital empire.  Plus, familiarize yourself with all the SME laws with Jennifer Arkhurst, Founder and Executive Director of Arkhurst and Abdella Solicitors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • How are we supporting female business owners?

    Thursday, 7 March 2024

    39 minutes

    07 March 2024: Lack of funding and worklife balance are only some of the challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • How tokenisation can help startups in the UAE

    Thursday, 29 February 2024

    37 minutes

    29 February 2024: We demystify tokenisation and tell you how it can help startups and consumers  with Ahsan Sharif,  Head of Corporate Business for Zand Bank and John Patrick Mullin, CEO & Co-founder of MANTRA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Life lessons with the founder of The Entertainer

    Thursday, 22 February 2024

    35 minutes

    22 February 2024: Donna Benton told Richard and Neil how she built, exited and later on rejoined her brainchild The Entertainer, and the lessons she learned along the way. Mahmoud Bartawi sold Under500, a business he built from the ground up, to Kitopi, a $1.6billion unicorn, and is now mentoring other entrepreneurs. And can you juggle two careers at the same time? Miguel Angel Polonia can - he's a circus performer and psychotherapist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • "Motherhood inspired me to start my own business."

    Thursday, 8 February 2024

    34 minutes

    08 February 2024: Fal Qadir started multi-sensory centre Mini Explorers. Listen to her story.  Plus, husband and wife Carlos and Francesca tell us how they run CG Barbershop together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Short term rental, long term success

    Thursday, 1 February 2024

    37 minutes

    01 February 2024: Gregory Lewis tells us why his business AirDXB is thriving in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Thank You: A social enterprise that aims to end global poverty

    Thursday, 25 January 2024

    36 minutes

    25 January 2024: Daniel Flynn launched Thank You with the aim of supporting charities and eradicate global poverty.  Tom and Neil find out all about this growing social enterprise that can soon enter the UAE market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Why networking in your community is good for business

    Thursday, 18 January 2024

    38 minutes

    18 January 2024 William Stenhouse, President and CEO of the UAE Africa Networking Group, tells us why it pays to get involved in your community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Shawn Chidiac: How viral impressions can turn into a lucrative career

    Thursday, 11 January 2024

    34 minutes

    11 January 2024: Comedian Shawn Chidiac has made it big on social media, and is quickly turning his online fame into a fulltime career. Plus, Emirati teenager Abdullah Al Janahi tells us about his brisket business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • SME's in the circular economy

    Thursday, 14 December 2023

    39 minutes

    Meet the businesses thriving in the circular economy, plus learn all about marketing from the best in the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • How to build a strong brand and make your business go viral

    Thursday, 7 December 2023

    36 minutes

    07 December 2023: What makes a business go viral? We find out from the man behind Aquafun, the world's largest inflatable water park, Ahmed Ben Chaibah.  And how can it build a strong brand? We hear from celebrity media strategist and CEO and Founder of FAME, Sheeraz Hasan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • How do people see your brand?

    Thursday, 30 November 2023

    36 minutes

    That's one big question for businesses to ponder on, including their stand on sustainability, says Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Illustrado Brand Development & Creative Agency. We're also joined by our Success Spotlight of the Week, David MacDonald, Creator of The Fibre Bottle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Empowered Investing

    Thursday, 23 November 2023

    38 minutes

    Investing is power to not let your money lose value overtime, but how? Hear Baytukum Founder Latifa Bin Haider's advices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Hiring top talent.

    Thursday, 16 November 2023

    32 minutes

    16 November 2023. Finding the best people to fill vacancies is crucial but how do companies make sure they get the cream of the crop? Rachel Yilmaz, CEO of Ausphin Group is here to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Deeper purpose in entrepreneurship.

    Thursday, 9 November 2023

    33 minutes

    09 November 2023: Social enterprises are businesses with a deeper purpose. But how do you set up one? Find out from Iman Suguitan, Co-founder & Creative Head at Co Chocolat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • The business of coaching

    Thursday, 2 November 2023

    37 minutes

    02 November 2023: Fitness Coach and entrepreneur Charlie Johnson started as a ftiness coach before growing his business in Europe, and expanding into Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Investing with a purpose

    Thursday, 26 October 2023

    37 minutes

    26 October 2023: Serial impact entrepreneur Matteo Boffa tells Tom and Neil why he puts his money in companies that can both turn a profit and make a difference.  He is joined by Riwa Khan, who is behind vegan ice cream brand Majama. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • New angel community hopes to help founders around the world

    Thursday, 19 October 2023

    38 minutes

    Angel Spark's Gary Sheynkman says he new community hopes to shake up the way startups can get the much needed funding they need to get their business off the groundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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