A Seat at the Table

#27: Valkyrie Holmes - Insurtech Ventures and Big Sister Advice

From interning at NASA and SpaceX while still a teenager to graduating early from high school and starting her company instead of going to college, Valkyrie Holmes knows what it means to take bold leaps. Now the CEO and co-founder of Faura, an insurtech startup that helps insurance companies and homeowners reduce their natural disaster risk, Valkyrie brings a rare mix of ambition, clarity, and heart to her work. Her openness turns this episode into a “big sister advice” conversation where we touch on topics like: * 👩‍🏫The role mentors play in shaping your path, especially the powerful influence of female role models * 🌸The importance of recognizing how hormones influence women’s bodies and learning to embrace them rather than work against them * 🚀What it means to build your own impact-driven startup in a legacy‑driven industry This episode is a must-listen for anyone just graduating high school or in their first years of university - and starting to think more deeply about their career. Learn more Faura: https://www.faura.us [https://www.faura.us] Valkyrie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valkyrieholmes/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valkyrieholmes/]

#26: Ewelina Kurtys - Computers from Living Neurons

Dr. Ewelina Kurtys is a Strategic Advisor at FinalSpark, a deeptech startup on a mission to build computers from living neurons. Yes, you read that right! Instead of silicon chips, they’re using living neurons and programming them in vitro (in the dish). And as science fiction as it sounds, they estimate this future is no more than 10 years away. With a PhD in Neuroscience and experience in business consulting, Ewelina has a unique talent for making complex science easy to understand. In this episode, Ewelina shares: * 🔋 How living neurons could solve AI’s energy problem * 🔬 The science behind “training” cells with electrical and chemical signals * 💡 What she’s learned moving from neuroscience to the business world * 🔮 Her vision for the future of computing If you’re curious about the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and the future of computing, this episode is a must-listen! And also make sure to visit FinalSpark’s website and see their neurons working in real time 👀 Learn more: Finalspark: https://finalspark.com/ [https://finalspark.com/] Live view of neurons: https://finalspark.com/neuroplatform [https://finalspark.com/neuroplatform] Ewelina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys]

#25: Angelina Bintoudi - Microgrids, Decentralization, and Energy Management

In this episode, we sit down with Angelina Bintoudi, an electrical engineer and the co-founder of Optimems, a company helping scale microgrids. During this episode Angelina shares: * ⚡ The importance of Microgrids (and how they can be used in space)  * 🌐 Why decentralization is a vital step towards decarbonization  * 🚀 What’s it’s like building and scaling a startup in Europe, from securing first sales to scaling across locations And some “unpopular opinions” of Angelina that we loved: * Make sure you have fun in your student years. Don’t stress too much about your exams, leave room for memories. * Don’t be afraid to go into business with your people: friends, partners, family, whoever they may be. * AI is just another tool; it’s important as ever to be able to understand the science behind a given solution yourself rather than trust tech blindly Learn more: Angelina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinabintoudi⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinabintoudi⁠] Optimems: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimems] Board of European Students of Technology (BEST):  ⁠https://www.best.eu.org/index.jsp [ ⁠https://www.best.eu.org/index.jsp]

#24 - Josefine Quack: Iterative Design and Brick-Laying Robots

In this episode we have the pleasure of being joined by Josefine Quack, an engineer at the Amsterdam-based Monumental, a company building brick-laying robots. It's exactly what it sounds like, and the robots are honestly futuristic to see in action. In this episode, Josefine shares her thoughts on building projects: pick the ones you don't feel ready for, and fun can be a valid reason! We also discuss some specific stories from Monumental, like how camera calibration works and how their engineers have had to work to adapt to the construction environment. And, Josefine shares what she's learned about iterative design. Sometimes, it's better to remove than to add. If you're interested in robotics, building technical projects, or breaking down problems, definitely check out this episode. Learn more: Monumental's website: https://www.monumental.co/ Josefine's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jquack/

#23 - Mona Ismail: Building AI to navigate the information landscape and perspectives from a multicultural upbringing

Mona Ismail is the co-founder and CEO of Arca, a VC-backed startup helping people curate the internet to tailor it to their interests. In this episode, Mona shares how growing up as a Somali in Finland shaped her personality and perspective - specifically how the Finnish honesty combined with the Somali fearlessness helped her as a founder. 💪She also shares how Acra (very creatively) got their first users. And finally, we discussed Mona's advice on raising from venture capitalists, and dealing with the toughness of being a founder! This episode is packed with practical advice on starting a startup, and Mona's advice is particularly helpful when it comes to leveraging your own unique strengths as a founder. 🚀 Learn More: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-ismail/]