Gaule's Question Time

In this episode of Gaule's Question Time, Andrew Gaule welcomes Barbry McGann, SVP and Managing Director of Workday Ventures, for a deep dive into the strategic investment arm of enterprise SaaS giant, Workday. Barbry provides an insightful overview of how the $500M fund operates—not as a traditional VC but as an innovation accelerator, aligning startups with Workday’s core mission in HR and finance applications.See more information below....You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/ga...Subscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV9o-htFNIk9Yt7jp2XcdWw Barbry explains the Ventures team’s approach to investing in AI-driven, enterprise-focused SaaS companies that complement Workday's product suite. She breaks down the rigorous investment process, from due diligence to integration support, and highlights the unique value offered through access to Workday’s partner ecosystem.The conversation explores how AI is transforming enterprise software and venture capital itself—from changing job roles to redefining investment strategies and performance metrics. Barbry also reflects on how Workday Ventures is adapting to shifting startup dynamics, including the disappearance of traditional Series A rounds due to rapid acquisitions.With a background in product leadership and strategic alignment, Barbry shares her optimistic yet grounded perspective on how AI augments human capability, reshaping the future of work. This interview offers a compelling look at corporate venturing done right, with strategic alignment, partnership, and long-term vision at its core.To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?

In this episode of Gaule’s Question Time, Andrew sits down with Harry Kimberly-Bowen ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrykimberley-bowen/ ) and Ronan Finnegan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronanfinnegan/ ) , co-founders of Spacebands https://www.spacebands.com —a health and safety wearable technology startup born during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a simple proximity alert device has since evolved into a cutting-edge, multi-sensor wearable designed for industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Harry and Ronan share their candid journey from university side-hustles and tech startups to scaling a hardware business during one of the most disruptive periods in recent history.See more information below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava...To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaBootstrapped from a kitchen table and grown through customer insight and grit, Spacebands’ founders talk openly about the challenges of hardware development, the transition from UK to Asian manufacturing, and the rollercoaster of raising capital—from angel investors to institutional seed rounds. Their story reflects resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit to solve real-world problems in the workplace. If you're a founder, investor, or simply curious about what it takes to build a tech startup from scratch—this is a must-listen.Q&A SummariesWhat is Spacebands and how did it start?A proximity alert wearable developed during the pandemic to prevent COVID transmission, later evolved into a comprehensive health & safety device through customer feedback.How did you pivot post-COVID?They consulted existing users—primarily heads of health & safety—to identify new industry needs, such as forklift proximity alerts, hand-arm vibration, and noise monitoring.What were the challenges in developing new hardware?The second-gen product was far more complex with 10+ sensors, requiring multi-year development, multiple prototypes, and a complete shift from UK to Asian manufacturing.What lessons were learned in working with development agencies?They initially struggled with an under-resourced UK agency and later succeeded by finding a trusted Asian manufacturer through network referrals.What was their fundraising journey like?Started with angels using LinkedIn automation, raised a £750k pre-seed, and are now closing a seed round. They've learned how to improve their pitch and attract higher conversion.Why do early-stage startups need traction, not just ideas?Investors need to see real-world validation, not just pitch decks. Their ability to show working products and early sales was key to gaining investment and credibility.To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?

In this insightful episode of Gaule’s Question Time, host Andrew Gaule (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-aimava/) sits down with Mark Taylor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markyt/), co-founder of Grant Hero, an AI-driven platform aimed at revolutionising the grant application process. Mark shares his journey from product management into the world of R&D funding, including his pivotal time at Innovate UK where he first got under the hood of government-backed innovation grants.See more information below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaThe conversation dives deep into the complexities of navigating grants in the UK, highlighting the challenges startups face—from discovering the right competitions to completing time-intensive applications. Mark explains how Grant Hero is designed to simplify this workflow using AI, allowing applicants to validate eligibility, draft responses, and receive intelligent support throughout the process.The duo also explores the broader implications of AI in investment, the evolving role of Innovate UK under new leadership, and how hybrid human-AI collaboration could shape the future of innovation funding. For founders, researchers, and investors alike, this episode provides a compelling look at how technology can unlock opportunities and transform the way we support high-risk, high-reward ventures in the UK’s innovation ecosystem.Q&A SummariesQ: What is the current state of the Innovate UK grant landscape?A: Despite a temporary lull, funding is increasing—rising from £20B to £22B for R&D and Innovate UK’s own budget reaching £1.2B. A new 10-year industrial strategy focuses on digital, AI, healthcare, and net zero.Q: What makes a strong grant application?A: Alignment with competition scope and innovation in high-risk areas are key. Innovate UK favors ventures that traditional investors might avoid due to risk.Q: How can AI help with grant applications?A: AI can quickly assess eligibility, draft responses, and help scope proposals. Grant Hero, for example, offers GPT tools to support and validate applications in real-time.Q: What value do webinars and briefings offer applicants?A: They clarify grant criteria and language, improving the chances of staying within scope. Tools like Eligibility GPT aim to distill this information further.Q: What is Grant Hero and how does it work?A: Grant Hero helps users accelerate the writing and review process for Innovate UK grants, using AI to understand scope, streamline content creation, and match opportunities.Q: Will AI replace human grant consultants?A: Not entirely. AI excels in drafting and research, but human experts still add strategic, domain-specific value. A hybrid model is ideal.

In this episode of "Gaule’s Question Time," Andrew Gaule (linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-aimava) discusses with Brett Cotten (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-a-cotten/), co-founder and CEO of Arda Biomaterials (https://arda.bio), to explore a revolutionary approach to sustainable manufacturing. Arda transforms brewery waste—specifically spent grain—into high-performance, leather-like materials without relying on plastics or animal products. Brett, who began his journey in biochemistry and entrepreneurship at Penn State and later Cambridge, shares how his career evolved from biotech food startups to founding Arda with co-founder TJ, an Oxford-trained chemist.See more information below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaArda Biomaterials has built a team blending scientific expertise and design thinking, enabling Arda to develop scalable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional leather. Throughout the discussion, Brett explains the chemistry behind Arda’s materials, their performance benchmarks, and the deep supply chain innovation that sets them apart. He also highlights their community-oriented investor base and partnerships with luxury brands and local designers.Listeners will gain insight into how Arda is tackling sustainability with a local-first, high-tech, circular economy mindset—proving that even a pint of beer can start a revolution in material science.Using the 5Ps Strategic Framework from Andrew Gaule's book Purpose to Performance they discussed Arda🧭 PurposeArda aims to replace animal and plastic materials with sustainable alternatives made from brewery waste, reducing environmental impact and ethical concerns.⚗️ ProcessThey extract plant proteins from spent grain to create leather-like materials using existing equipment, enabling fast, scalable, and eco-friendly production.👥 PeopleCo-founders Brett and TJ built a strong, interdisciplinary team of scientists, designers, and engineers focused on innovation and sustainability.🤝 PartnersSupported by investors like Clean Growth Fund and collaborators from luxury brands to local designers, Arda fosters a community-driven development model.📈 PerformanceTheir material has 97% lower CO₂ emissions than animal leather, is scalable, and meets early product performance standards for fashion and accessories.

In this engaging and inspiring episode of Gaule’s Question Time, Andrew Gaule (linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-aimava) sits down with Lydia Finnegan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiafinnegan/) , Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, to explore the purpose, process, and people behind the firm’s impactful entrepreneurial initiatives. Lydia shares her journey from intern to leader, giving listeners a rare inside look at Goldman Sachs’ unique philanthropic focus — economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.See more information below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaThe episode centres around two Goldman Sachs flagship programs: 10,000 Small Businesses, which delivers high-impact education for growth-stage companies in the UK, US, and France; and 10,000 Women, a global initiative aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs with both business education and financial capital. Lydia outlines how these programs have collectively supported over 200,000 entrepreneurs and mobilized $3 billion in capital through partnerships with organizations like the World Bank’s IFC.More than just stats, Lydia discusses the transformative role of community, mentorship, and leadership — shaped by her own experience and the legacy of her entrepreneurial grandmother. The conversation spans purpose-driven partnerships, the challenges women face in accessing finance, and the importance of elevating small businesses to the center of economic growth.Whether you’re a founder, investor, or someone passionate about impact, this episode delivers insight, strategy, and inspiration.Great shout outs for people by Lydia included. Asahi Pompey – Senior leader at Goldman Sachs and Lydia’s mentor within the Corporate Engagement team.Charlotte Keenan – Another senior executive in Goldman Sachs’ Corporate Engagement leadership team.Lydia’s grandmother – A formidable entrepreneur who co-founded a Formula 1 brake manufacturing business in Birmingham.Rana Harvey – Founder of Monster Group, an e-commerce business based in York; part of the 10,000 Small Businesses program.Victorine Sarr Awuah – Founder of LYVV Cosmetics (Live Cosmetics), a Ghanaian beauty brand; part of the 10,000 Women program.

Andrew Gaule (linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-aimava) speaks with Sivan Zamir (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivan-sidney-zamir/), head of Xylem Innovation Labs, about her work in tackling the world’s water-related challenges through innovative technologies. See more information below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaAs a Fortune 500 company, Xylem is a leader in global water solutions, and under Sivan’s direction, the Innovation Labs are advancing initiatives that address climate-driven water issues, from scarcity to pollution and flood management. Sivan shares her journey from civil engineering to corporate innovation, highlighting her work with startups and the unique corporate incubator model at Xylem. Together, they explore how new technologies—such as AI for wastewater treatment design and satellite sensing for water quality—are changing the landscape of water management. Listeners gain insights into Xylem’s investment in partnerships, collaborative innovation, and the structural shifts necessary for creating a water-secure world. Join Andrew and Sivan for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the urgent need for water-focused climate solutions.Top Question & Answer Summaries:Introduction to Xylem and its PurposeSivan introduces Xylem as a water technology leader with a global footprint. The company addresses diverse water-related challenges—from water sourcing and purification to distribution and infrastructure management—supporting industries, agriculture, and urban areas worldwide.Focus on Water in Climate Change DiscussionsSivan explains the underrepresentation of water in climate tech investments, noting that only 3% of climate investments focus on water, despite its crucial role in climate resilience. Xylem’s Innovation Labs aim to bridge this gap and bring effective water solutions to the forefront.Xylem Innovation Labs’ Approach to Partnering with StartupsXylem’s incubator program focuses on integrating startup innovations with Xylem’s solutions by identifying market needs and creating a supportive environment where startups can thrive alongside corporate partners.Team Diversity and Global Reach at XylemSivan emphasizes the diversity in her team—gender, cultural, and academic backgrounds—which supports a global perspective and enables them to tackle a range of water issues more effectively.Corporate and Startup Synergy in InnovationThrough Xylem’s Innovation Champions program, employees work with startups to enhance communication and bring an entrepreneurial mindset into the corporate culture, facilitating a successful flow of ideas and partnerships.Impactful Technologies: AI and Satellite SensingExamples like EO Map’s satellite sensing and Transcend’s AI-driven wastewater treatment designs illustrate the lab’s work. These innovations bring new efficiencies to water management, highlighting Xylem’s focus on tech-driven solutions.

See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@P2PfromAimavaMary shares her experience building Learning Pool, an online learning business she co-founded in 2006, and reflects on the challenges she faced as a female founder. After bootstrapping the business to a £10 million turnover, she successfully exited in 2014.Mary transitioned into angel investing shortly after her exit and now focuses on supporting female-led businesses through her involvement in AwakenHub (https://www.awakenhub.com) and AwakenAngels (https://www.awakenangelshq.com). These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive investment ecosystem by bringing more women into angel investing and supporting early-stage businesses. Throughout the conversation, Mary emphasizes the importance of building a values-driven business, the need for diversity in investment, and her belief that empowering women entrepreneurs can drive positive change. In addition to supporting women entrepreneurs, Andrew Gaule introduces UpStarts4StartUps (http://upstarts4startups.com), a program he created to encourage entrepreneurship among young people. The program allows children to develop business skills by creating and selling products, fostering early creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. Mary enthusiastically supports Andrew's initiative, aligning it with her own mission to promote entrepreneurship, particularly for young women.The interview offers valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and angel investing.Q: What is your entrepreneurial background?A: Mary McKenna founded Learning Pool in 2006, bootstrapping it to a £10 million turnover before exiting in 2014. The company grew through acquisitions and was later sold post-COVID.Q: What were the challenges you faced as a female founder?A: Mary highlighted the difficulty of securing investment as a female founder in tech nearly 20 years ago, which led her to bootstrap the business.Q: What lessons did you learn from building a business?A: Mary emphasized the importance of building a strong team and establishing values early, noting that maintaining company culture becomes harder as a business scales.Q: How did you transition into angel investing?A: After her exit, Mary began angel investing. She learned the importance of due diligence and joined syndicates to better evaluate opportunities.Q: What is AwakenHub and AwakenAngels?A: AwakenHub supports women founders, while AwakenAngels is a syndicate aimed at increasing women’s involvement in investing and business.Q: What do you look for in businesses you invest in?A: Mary focuses on female-led, tech-for-good, and early-stage companies with high growth potential where she can add value.Q: What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?A: Define your values early and stick by them, while building a strong team from the start.Q: How do you approach diversity in investing?A: Mary advocates for more women in angel investing and stresses the importance of diversity in business.Q: What are the challenges female founders face in the investment space?A: Female founders receive only 2% of VC funding. Mary believes more female investors can help close this gap.Q: What are your thoughts on the future of entrepreneurship?A: Mary is optimistic about the future, particularly for women, but stresses the need for continued support and access to investment.

"Navigating the AI Revolution" - In this insightful episode, Andrew Gaule (www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gaule-6a7120) sits down with Peter Gostev (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gostev), the AI lead at Moon Pig, to discuss the profound impact of AI on businesses. Peter shares his experience and perspectives on leveraging AI for innovation, process redesign, and enhancing customer experiences in the retail sector. From overcoming implementation challenges to embracing continuous experimentation, this conversation offers valuable insights for organisations seeking to unlock the full potential of AI. Further details below.You join an AI Academy program see Aimava Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aimava-global-advisory-firm-11938296163To book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?You can listen to this interview as a podcast on Gaule's Question Time on Apple, Spotify, Google and many other podcast channels. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/gaulesqtSubscribe for future interviews. See this and other video content at Aimava Purpose to Performance Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV9o-htFNIk9Yt7jp2XcdWwKey Topics and Main Points:AI Impact on BusinessesExpectations often outpace realityNeed to redesign processes with AI in mindPotential for innovation and customer experience improvementAI Adoption ChallengesTacit knowledge required for effective implementationPrecise process documentation neededMindset shift: employees as AI model managersAI Potential and LimitationsContinued improvement expected, but AGI still distantStruggles with nuanced domains like humor and local cultureExcels at tasks infeasible for humans at scaleVendor Landscape and PartnershipsImportant vendor choices and partnershipsVendor lock-in may not be a significant issueMeasuring AI PerformanceTraditional metrics like cost reduction applySubjective domains challenging to measureHuman evaluation may be requiredAI and CreativityCurrently lags behind top human professionalsCan generate numerous ideas at scaleProcess and People ChangesPrecise process documentation crucialEmployees transition to AI model managersData ManagementData quality and availability remain importantPotential to circumvent data issues with AI modelsCultural NuancesAI struggles with local references and idiomsTraining on nuances is difficultEmbracing AIExperiment and think beyond current limitationsImagine processes previously unfeasibleContinuous learning and adaptation requiredTo book a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, AI and other business change with Andrew - https://calendly.com/andrew-gaule/30min?