Deep Dive by South Summit

We close this incredible second season of Deep Dive with a special guest: Uri Levine, founder of Waze & Moovit, in conversation with Joe Haslam from IE Business School. Uri shares inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs who shaped his journey and leaves us with a powerful lesson: “You might die, but you never give up.” 💪 This episode is a celebration of resilience, vision, and determination—essential traits for every entrepreneur. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us throughout this season, brought to you in collaboration with Cloud District.

In this exciting new chapter of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, to discuss the power of real-world consumer feedback in building successful businesses. Greg shares his belief that there’s no better way to test an idea than by putting it directly in the hands of real consumers who truly understand it. From there, the path becomes clear: find the right investor and gain the momentum needed to propel your business forward. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to refine their ideas, attract the right funding, and scale with purpose. 🎧 Learn how to turn consumer feedback into a growth engine for your business!

In Episode 8 of Deep Dive, our Chief Ecosystem Officer, Liz Fleming, sits down with John Elkington, founder and Chief Pollinator at Volans and a global leader in corporate sustainability. Known as the "father of sustainability," Elkington shares his insights on how companies can genuinely embrace sustainability, the challenges they've faced along the way, and the vital role of platforms like South Summit in this journey. One of the episode's core themes is the increasing need for innovation and collaborative partnerships. Elkington believes that while sustainability is challenging, it’s also an area where constant innovation is key to overcoming obstacles and driving meaningful change. He applauds South Summit for its role in fostering a dynamic ecosystem where startups, investors, and established companies come together to co-create sustainable solutions. According to him, platforms like South Summit are essential in advancing transformative ideas and nurturing the next wave of sustainable enterprises. For listeners interested in the intersection of business and sustainability, this episode offers rich insights. John Elkington’s perspective on sustainable business strategies is essential for anyone looking to understand the role companies can play in shaping a positive future.

In this episode of the Deep Dive podcast, our Chief Ecosystem Officer Liz Fleming welcomes Michele Romanow, a Serial Entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Clearco, one of the world's largest growth capital platforms for startups. Known for her disruptive approach to business, Michele shares valuable insights into the startup ecosystem, offering advice on scaling companies and staying ahead in fast-paced markets. For Michele, the key to entrepreneurial success lies in speed and execution. Her philosophy? Get things 70% right but do them five times faster than everyone else. This agile mindset allows founders to test, iterate, and grow their businesses at a much quicker rate, which is crucial in today’s competitive landscape. Michele also dives into the innovative model of Clearco, explaining how the company provides non-dilutive growth capital to e-commerce and SaaS businesses, empowering founders to retain equity in their startups. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, Clearco is transforming how startups access funding, offering a strong alternative to traditional venture capital. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in the world of startups, Michele’s advice is invaluable.

In our latest Deep Dive episode, we sit down with Jared Carmel, Managing Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to explore the intricacies of startup investment and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jared brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with countless founders and investors, and he shares some of the most crucial insights for anyone looking to succeed in this fast-paced world. Jared emphasizes a key principle for startup success: “The best founders have the best ideas, but they need the tenacity to make those ideas succeed.” Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or an investor looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice. Jared talks about the patterns he’s noticed in successful founders—those who not only come up with groundbreaking ideas but have the determination and grit to bring those ideas to life, even in the toughest environments. This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in building resilient startups, securing investment, and understanding the broader landscape of entrepreneurship.