Innovantage Podcast

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, Max sits down with Jerome Cloetens, Co-founder & CEO at Palau, Sustainability Tech Entrepreneur, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a startup in today’s AI-driven world. From bootstrapping with almost no runway to signing major enterprise clients, Jerome shares the hard realities, clever strategies, and mindset shifts that kept his company alive and growing even when a regulation change nearly wiped them out overnight.

Explore the psychology of fundraising vs. bootstrapping, the power of community-driven product development, and why enterprise sales are both the hardest challenge and the biggest moat for early-stage startups. 

What you’ll learn:

➡️ How startup founders survive between building product and raising funds.
➡️ Why bootstrapping creates discipline and when to switch to venture capital.
➡️ How Palau signed 20+ enterprise clients and built a 750-member expert community.
➡️ Why AI enables small teams to outperform big competitors.
➡️ The reality of enterprise sales cycles and how to shorten them.
➡️ What to do when regulation changes destroy your assumptions overnight.
➡️ Why transparency and non-financial data will reshape global decision-making.
➡️ How AI agents are already transforming real-world workflows.

 

Connect with Our Guest

Jerome Cloetens –https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromecloetens/  

Connect with Max (Host)

Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/  

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437 

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ 

Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/     

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang 

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial 

What happens when technology outpaces democracy? In this episode, Max sits down with Mathieu Michel — Belgian politician, State Secretary for Digitalization, and advocate for digital identity, trust, and responsibility in the online world. He has played a leading role in shaping Europe’s digital identity standards and initiatives such as eIDAS 2.0 and the Declaration of Leuven, with a strong focus on protecting democracy, empowering citizens, and building a safer digital future. Together, they explore the tension between freedom, responsibility, and innovation. From the AI Act to digital identity, they tackle the hard questions: Can regulation protect democracy without killing progress? Is anonymity a right — or a risk?

What you’ll learn:

➡️ Why Europe’s AI Act took five years — and what that means for innovation.

➡️ How digital identity standards like EIDAS aim to rebuild trust online.

➡️ The three levels of identity: anonymous, pseudonymous, and verified.

➡️ How responsible identity can combat fake news and online harassment.

➡️ Why trust is the foundation for innovation and new business models.

➡️ The role of startups in shaping Europe’s digital future.

➡️ Why education and digital literacy are critical for democracy in the age of AI.

➡️ How regulation can unleash technological progress.

➡️ Why Europe’s values could become its competitive advantage in tech.

 

Connect with Our Guest Mathieu Michel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieumichelbe/

Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial 

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max sits down with Gytenis Galkis, Partner at Superhero Capital and venture capitalist with over a decade of experience investing across the Baltic and Nordic startup scenes. From evaluating 600 startups a year to spotting the elusive “founder–market fit,” Gytenis shares what really separates great founders from good ones — and why luck, timing, and conviction all matter more than most entrepreneurs think.

Together, they unpack how investors think, what makes a founder credible, and why being 40 might actually be your startup’s superpower. From poker-table analogies to billion-dollar lessons from Tesla, Uber, and OpenAI, this conversation reveals the human side of venture capital — where judgment, belief, and storytelling shape the future as much as data does.

What you’ll learn:
➡️ How VCs filter and evaluate 600 startups per year.
➡️ The real difference between product-market fit and founder-market fit.
➡️ Why founders around 40 years old statistically succeed more often.
➡️ How investors test “fit” before there’s traction or revenue.
➡️ What makes a non-consensus investment worth the risk.
➡️ Why venture capital is more like poker than spreadsheets.
➡️ How to impress investors with the right risk-reward profile.
➡️ The role of luck, timing, and preparedness in startup success.
➡️ Why some bets fail — and what investors learn from them.
➡️ How to turn deep market insight into a winning pitch.
➡️ The current and future potential of the Baltic startup ecosystem.
➡️ Why even in an age of AI, the future of investing — and entrepreneurship — is still human.

 

Tune in for a candid, insight-packed discussion on startups, risk, and the mindset behind every bold idea that just might make it big. 

 

Connect with Our Guest

Gytenis Galkis – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gytenis/   

Connect with Max (Host)

Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc... 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max sits down with Dennis van Bregt, Head of Data Analytics & AI at allnex, a global leader in materials science. With over 30 years of experience in data, analytics, and AI, Dennis has witnessed the evolution of data from dusty spreadsheets to intelligent, self-learning systems, and shares how mastering “data literacy” is the key to thriving in the AI era.

Together, they explore how data-driven thinking is transforming organizations, why most companies still misuse AI, and how to build a workforce ready for a future powered by automation, analytics, and ethics. From the EU AI Act to data governance, unstructured data, and even VR-powered training, this conversation dives deep into the future of work – where humans and machines truly collaborate.

What you’ll learn:

➡️Why “data, data, data” is still 80% of the job even after 30 years of innovation.
➡️ How AI is changing the game for unstructured data like PDFs, meetings, and transcripts.
➡️ Why true data literacy could save your company from AI chaos.
➡️ How the EU AI Act and GDPR are reshaping responsible innovation.
➡️ Why Dennis built a private, company-safe version of ChatGPT  and what it teaches about data security.
➡️ The surprising link between storytelling and successful tech adoption.
➡️ How to teach AI and data skills to everyone from factory workers to executives.
➡️ The creative side of analytics: why dashboards are the new art form.
➡️ What the workplace of 2040 might look like (hint: AR glasses, smart assistants, and shorter workweeks).
➡️ Why AI won’t replace humans, but those who use AI will replace those who don’t.
➡️ How bias, polarization, and misinformation threaten AI’s potential and what we can do about it.
➡️ Why Dennis still believes the future of AI is bright if we stay curious, critical, and human. 

 

Connect with Our Guest

Dennis van Bregt – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-van-bregt-2a868b1/   

Website –  https://www.van-bregt.com/

Connect with Max (Host)

Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc... 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

 

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max dives into the intersection of defense, security, and innovation with Edvinas Kerza – Managing Partner at Scalewolf and former Vice Minister of Defense of Lithuania. Edvinas brings decades of experience in cybersecurity, defense planning, and strategic innovation to the conversation, offering a rare insider perspective on how military needs drive technological breakthroughs.

Together, they explore why defense startups matter, how Lithuania is building a hub for dual-use technologies, and what lessons Europe can learn from global leaders like Israel and the U.S. Edvinas shares stories from his time shaping Lithuania’s defense strategy, insights on hybrid warfare, and why venture capital is critical for scaling military tech.

What you’ll learn:

➡️ Why most modern innovations from the internet to AI have military roots.
➡️ The rise of dual-use technologies and why they’re shaping the future.
➡️ How Lithuania is attracting global talent and building a defense innovation ecosystem.
➡️ The unique challenges of funding defense startups and mitigating security risks.
➡️ Why reputation and compliance are non-negotiable in military tech.
➡️ How battlefield-tested solutions from Ukraine are redefining competition.
➡️ The role of AI, drones, and neural computing in next-gen defense.
➡️ Why Europe must rethink manufacturing and regain its competitive edge.
➡️ What it takes to pivot from politics to private equity in the defense sector.

If you’re curious about where defense meets entrepreneurship and how innovation can secure freedom, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Our Guest

Edvinas Kerza – https://www.linkedin.com/in/edvinaskerza/

ScaleWolf – https://www.scalewolf.vc/

Connect with Max (Host)

Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc... 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

In the new episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max had a pleasure to speak with Professor Rudy Aernoudt, a venerated author, speaker, founder of EBAN, and political activist with a vast range of expertise. From economics and politics to education and technology, they explore how business meets tech to give you a competitive edge.

 

Professor Aernoudt shares his unique perspective on what truly drives innovation. We unpack the debate between the European and US startup ecosystems, the critical role of business angels, and the surprising challenges holding Europe back. Rudy also introduces a revolutionary new concept: the "Zebra Economy," a model that combines profit with social responsibility to create a more sustainable future.

 

What you'll learn:

➡️ Is "work-life balance" a myth? The power of passion over a 9-to-5 job.

➡️ The dangers of AI in education and the importance of critical thinking.

➡️ The Europe vs. US startup debate: Where does innovation truly flourish?

➡️ How regulation is holding Europe's startup scene back.

➡️ The real reason why there aren't enough female founders being funded.

➡️ Why "Zebra Economy" is the future of sustainable business.

➡️ The crucial role of Business Angels in Europe's startup landscape.

➡️ The importance of syndication and building a strong network of business angels.

➡️ The twin challenges of fundraising and exits in the European venture world.

➡️ What the "Escalar" program means for the future of European funding.

 

 

Connect with Our Guest

Rudy Aernoudt –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paernoudt/

Official website – https://rudyaernoudt.be/

 

Connect with Max (Host)

Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc... 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

 

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Martynas Kairys — General Manager at ZEDGE (formerly Director of AI Strategy & Development at Shift4), AI-driven growth leader, and international keynote speaker — shares how to turn AI from scattered experiments into an operational advantage across a complex, regulated business. With 20+ years across military, logistics, real estate, investment banking, and tech, Martynas blends strategy with sleeves-rolled-up execution.

 

We unpack the AI vision he led at Shift4, global scale, compliance-by-design, and how those lessons translate to ZEDGE and beyond, along with a pragmatic playbook for measurable wins.

 

What you’ll learn:

➡️ How leaders evolve from “AI interest” to an AI operating model

➡️ Shift4’s AI mission: payments innovation, product velocity, and global scale

➡️ Lessons from M&A scale-ups (incl. Finaro) and what that means for data + AI

➡️ Building in regulated spaces: PCI DSS, GDPR, and risk-aware experimentation

➡️ Resource-based learning vs. memorization — upskilling that actually sticks

➡️ When AI should automate tasks vs. augment complex decisions

➡️ GenAI in content: quality bars, ethics, and trust in finance

➡️ Talent strategy: near-term productivity vs. growing junior pipelines

➡️ A day-in-the-life playbook: internal Copilots, HR/merchant support use cases, KPIs

➡️ Lightning predictions: tools, myths to kill, must-read book, bold call for 2030

 

Connect with Our Guest Martynas Kairys: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martynaskairys

Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov

 

🎧 Listen Now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437

 

Follow for More Insightful Episodes:

Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

 

Innovation at scale isn’t about more tools — it’s about clear strategy, disciplined integration, and continuous learning. This conversation is your field guide to building real advantage with AI.

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Thibaud De Keyzer — CEO of Mobilexpense, Board Advisor at TechWolf, and Strategic Advisor at Fortino Capital — joins us to share a CEO’s playbook for leading AI transformation.

From boardrooms to AI task forces, Thibaud is at the center of how leaders can move beyond buzzwords and turn artificial intelligence into a competitive edge. Under his leadership, Mobilexpense is evolving into an “autonomous enterprise” — where AI doesn’t just optimize operations, but reshapes what leadership and decision-making look like in the digital age.

Discover how to:

➡️ Lead AI from the CEO seat — and why delegation isn’t enough

➡️ Spot real business value in AI projects (and filter out the hype)

➡️ Justify AI investments with ROI, not buzzwords

➡️ Embed AI into company culture and overcome resistance

➡️ Structure AI task forces and governance for sustainable execution

➡️ Stay curious as a CEO and unlearn outdated leadership habits

➡️ Compete in SaaS markets where AI is no longer optional, but essential Thibaud’s perspective brings both the investor’s lens and the operator’s urgency.

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or simply curious about how AI is changing the future of leadership, this episode delivers practical insights on turning vision into execution.

Connect with Our Guest Thibaud De Keyzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibauddekeyzer

Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov

Follow for More Insightful Episodes

Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/

Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang

TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

Innovation isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about how leaders choose to guide their companies through change. This conversation is your inside look at how a CEO turns AI into a driver of resilience and growth.