Innovantage Podcast

On this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we dive into the real-world impact of AI in business with Maxime Vermeir, Senior Director of AI Strategy at ABBYY. Maxime has been in the AI space long before it became a buzzword.

 

Why Listen?

In this conversation, we cut through the noise to discuss what’s actually working in AI adoption, where companies are wasting time and money, and how businesses can navigate the next evolution of AI.

 

Key Insights from the Episode:

🔹 The truth about AI in business — when it adds real value vs. when it’s just for show

🔹 How companies get AI adoption wrong — common pitfalls and misconceptions

🔹 The AI hype cycle — spotting real innovation vs. marketing fluff

🔹 Hidden costs of AI — what business leaders underestimate

🔹 AI ethics and risks — the challenges companies don’t talk about

🔹 The future of AI — emerging trends and what’s coming next 

 

Connect with Maxime Vermeir:

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximevermeir/

🔹The AI Pulse Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcawcg-HXtXeE7L_eP5yIE8vg64jhaUXj

 

Listen & Stay Ahead of AI Trends:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0

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

 

Follow for More Insights:

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

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

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

🔹 Sigli TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial

🔹 Innovantage TikTok: @innovantage

 

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #MachineLearning #InnovantagePodcast #Sigli

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max dives deep into the evolving landscape of data, analytics, and AI with a special guest — Dr. Carsten Bange, Founder & CEO of BARC and host of The Data Culture Podcast.

Why Listen?

With over 25 years of experience in data strategy, governance, and AI, Carsten shares his expert insights on how businesses can truly embrace a data-driven culture and navigate the AI revolution in analytics. Introduction 

Key Insights?

• Build a strong data-driven culture in your organization.
• Overcome cultural and organizational blockers to data adoption.
• Differentiate between AI-driven innovation and AI hype.
• Find the right balance between centralized and decentralized data governance.
• Prepare for the future of AI and data in enterprise strategy.

 

Carsten also discusses real-world success stories, the impact of regulatory shifts like the EU AI Act, and the biggest blind spots companies have when preparing for an AI-driven future. Whether you're a data leader, AI enthusiast, or decision-maker, this episode is packed with practical insights you don’t want to miss! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

 

Connect with Our Guest:

🔗 Carsten Bange: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-bange/

🎙️ The Data Culture Podcast: https://barc.com/data-culture-podcast/

Connect with Max (Host):

🔗 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/ Listen Now & Stay Ahead of AI Investment Trends

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

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

Follow for More Insights:

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

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

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

🔹 Sigli TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial

🔹 Innovantage TikTok: @innovantage

What does it take to separate AI hype from real innovation? How do investors assess risk when betting on AI startups? And why are cybersecurity and scalability the hidden deal-breakers in tech M&A?

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Agu Aarna, Co-Founder & Partner at Intium Tech. With deep expertise in M&A, AI strategy, and investment due diligence, Agu has helped investors navigate high-stakes acquisitions and uncover the real risks and opportunities in tech-driven businesses.

Agu shares how tech due diligence has evolved, the biggest blind spots investors often miss, and what it really means to evaluate an AI company—beyond just plugging into OpenAI APIs. He also unpacks critical factors like cybersecurity, scalability, and IP risks that can make or break a deal, plus the investment trends that will shape AI in 2025 and beyond.

If you're in venture capital, private equity, or simply want to understand what separates a solid AI company from one built on smoke and mirrors, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Why Listen?

With years of experience at Intium Tech, Agu has seen firsthand how investors fall into common pitfalls when assessing AI startups. His insights into risk assessment, due diligence, and AI-driven decision-making make this a must-listen for anyone looking to make smarter investment decisions in tech.

Connect with Agu Aarna

[LinkedIn]

Connect with Max (Host)

[LinkedIn]

Follow Sigli & Innovantage

[Sigli LinkedIn]
[Innovantage Podcast LinkedIn]

#AI #VentureCapital #TechDueDiligence #AIInvesting #InnovantagePodcast #Sigli

What separates a good founder from a unicorn founder? How do venture capitalists identify the next billion-dollar company before the world catches on? And what does it take to build a genuinely resilient startup in today’s rapidly changing fintech landscape?

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Mike Sigal, a Venture Partner at GPO Fund and MiddleGame Ventures. He has spent over two decades on both sides of the startup ecosystem—as a founder and an investor. He’s seen it all: the ambitious pitches, the near-misses, and the rare game-changing companies that redefine industries.

Mike shares what he looks for when betting on a founder, why resilience is often more important than vision, and how fintech is evolving with trends like Web3, embedded finance, and alternative funding models. He also unpacks the shifts in venture capital—how crowdfunding and tokenization are challenging traditional VC and what this means for investors and entrepreneurs.

If you want to understand what it takes to thrive in fintech, build a high-growth company, or get inside the mind of a seasoned investor, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Why Listen?

Mike’s journey from startup founder to venture capitalist gives him a rare dual perspective on what makes businesses succeed or fail. As a mentor to startups worldwide, he offers hard-earned insights on navigating market downturns, securing funding, and building lasting companies.

Connect with Mike Sigal

LinkedIn

Connect with Max (Host)

LinkedIn

Follow Sigli & Innovantage

Sigli LinkedIn
Innovantage Podcast LinkedIn

 

#Fintech #StartupSuccess #VentureCapital #UnicornFounders #InnovantagePodcast #Sigli

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov speaks with Laimonas Sutkus, a Fractional CTO and Tech Advisor with over a decade of experience in AI startups, fintech, and health tech. Laimonas brings a unique perspective on the role of fractional CTOs and their game-changing impact on early-stage startups.

Key Topics Covered:
➡️ Laimonas’ Journey: From launching AI and SaaS startups to becoming a fractional CTO.
➡️ AI Startups: Are we in another bubble, or is AI here to stay?
➡️ The Fractional CTO Advantage: How startups can benefit from flexible, cost-effective leadership.
➡️ Startup Strategy: Practical advice on MVP development, securing funding, and scaling effectively.
➡️ AI and Data Quality: Why proper data management is critical for AI success.
➡️ Emerging Technologies: Beyond AI – what other innovations are shaping the startup ecosystem?
➡️ Mentorship and Validation: The importance of mentorship and validating product-market fit.
➡️ Advice for Non-Technical Founders: How to effectively lead and scale a tech-driven startup without a technical background.

Laimonas also shares practical tips on navigating product development uncertainties, building high-performing tech teams, and creating strategies for sustainable startup growth.

If you’re a startup founder, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader in the tech space, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.

🎙 Connect with Our Guest:
🔗 Laimonas Sutkus: LinkedIn

🎙 Connect with Max (Host):
🔗 Max Golikov: LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode for more expert insights on AI, fractional leadership, and startup growth!

#AI #Startups #TechLeadership #Entrepreneurship #DataQuality #InnovantagePodcast #AIStartups

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov is joined by Michael Dowden, a seasoned technology leader, international speaker, and serverless expert with over 30 years of experience in software development and consulting. Michael breaks down the serverless revolution, explaining how it’s transforming infrastructure, driving innovation, and helping businesses scale efficiently.

Key Takeaways:
➡️ What the serverless revolution means and why it’s reshaping traditional infrastructure.
➡️ Myths vs. realities of serverless technology.
➡️ Adopting a “Serverless First” mindset to accelerate product launches and reduce costs.
➡️ Surprising use cases of serverless in industries like gaming, AI, and finance.
➡️ How serverless levels the playing field for startups and small businesses.
➡️ Tips for identifying serverless opportunities within your company’s workflows.

Michael also shares highlights from the Serverless Architecture Conference in Berlin and provides predictions for the future of serverless technology, including the skills tech teams need to thrive in this evolving landscape.

If you’re a tech leader, startup founder, or simply curious about the future of infrastructure, this episode is packed with actionable insights into the serverless revolution!

🎙 Connect with Our Guest:
🔗 Michael Dowden: LinkedIn

🎙 Connect with Max (Host):
🔗 Maxim Golikov: LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more expert insights into the world of technology and innovation!

#Serverless #TechRevolution #CloudComputing #SoftwareDevelopment #InnovantagePodcast

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov is joined by Kimberly Mouvet, Educational Software Specialist and Product Owner at Sensotec, to explore the transformative role of AI in inclusive education. With her background in linguistics and education, Kimberly shares how AI is reshaping learning environments, making education more accessible and personalized for students of all abilities.

Key Takeaways:
➡️ How to meaningfully integrate AI across different education levels.
➡️ Encouraging critical thinking and responsible AI use among students.
➡️ Bridging real-world classroom needs with tech development.
➡️ Overcoming misconceptions and challenges surrounding AI in education.
➡️ Using AI as a tool for personalized, inclusive learning experiences.

Kimberly also shares her experience collaborating with Sensotec’s tech team to develop tools supporting early literacy and numeracy, ensuring they align with actual educational needs. She dives into the ethical considerations of AI in classrooms and offers practical advice for educators ready to embrace AI.

Whether you’re an educator, tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of AI in education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration!

🎙 Connect with Our Guest:
🔗 Kimberly Mouvet: LinkedIn

🎙 Connect with Max (Host):
🔗 Max Golikov: LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode for more discussions on technology, AI, and education!

#AIinEducation #InclusiveLearning #EdTech #AI #InnovantagePodcast

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov sits down with Stijn Viaene, Full Professor and Head of Technology & Operations Management at Vlerick Business School and KU Leuven, to explore how AI is driving digital transformation and empowering enterprises to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

Key Insights You’ll Learn:
➡️ How to define and implement digital transformation for long-term success.
➡️ Building adaptive enterprises that embrace innovation and agility.
➡️ Using AI to enhance decision-making processes.
➡️ Navigating challenges in strategy, governance, and cultural readiness.
➡️ Addressing ethical considerations when implementing AI.

Stijn shares real-world case studies, highlights from his research, and lessons from working with multinational corporations. From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to fostering a culture of innovation, this episode delivers practical advice for leaders and organizations looking to embrace digital transformation effectively.

Whether you’re a business leader, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the transformative power of AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎙 Connect with Our Guest:
🔗 Stijn Viaene: LinkedIn

🎙 Connect with Max (Host):
🔗 Maxim Golikov: LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more expert insights on technology, AI, and digital transformation!

#DigitalTransformation #AI #Innovation #Leadership #InnovantagePodcast