Beyond StArtups

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Alex Rowe, St Andrews Economics alumnus and founder of Sun & Planet, a Scottish initiative dedicated to helping early-stage tech startups become investment-ready.

After graduating in 2015, Alex built a career advising hundreds of founders and supporting fundraises totalling over £60 million. He shares his path from academic curiosity about crowdfunding to launching programmes that close Scotland’s early-stage funding gap — and the lessons he’s learned about people, perseverance, and purposeful growth along the way.

Tune in to hear how every no can be a step towards a yes.

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Alex Brunner, St Andrews alumnus and co-founder of Aurelia AI, an Oxford-incubated startup developing voice-driven agents that make navigating the web faster, simpler, and more inclusive.

Alex shares how his first failed student venture sparked a deeper curiosity for entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to co-found Aurelia AI, a company now shaping the next generation of empathetic digital experiences.

Tune in to hear insights on building in the fast-moving AI landscape, finding the right co-founders, and designing technology that puts people, not algorithms, first.

Innovation Week Special Edition – Douglas Clement, Founder of Kingsbarns Distillery

In this special episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Douglas Clement, founder of Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife.

Douglas shares his remarkable journey from St Andrews golf caddie to entrepreneur, transforming a derelict farm into a world-class distillery and visitor centre. He talks about learning an entirely new craft, raising capital for a ten-year business plan, and knowing when to let go of the venture he built.

Recorded as part of Innovation Week 2025, this episode celebrates local enterprise, resilience, and the spirit of t...

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Carina Kohli, founder of HumCare, a health-tech startup dedicated to improving employee wellbeing and access to care across India.

After studying at the University of St Andrews, Carina was inspired by her own health experiences to create a platform that bridges the gaps in everyday healthcare; from mental health and fertility support to chronic condition management and elderly care.

She shares how Humm Care grew from a pandemic-era idea into a nationwide B2B company, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, consistency, and buil...

In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Oliver Clem, St Andrews Chemistry alumnus and co-founder of Solas Healthcare, a startup pioneering patient-focused access to medicinal cannabis in the UK.

Oliver reflects on his journey from graduating in 1996, to a 20-year career in pharmaceutical manufacturing, to launching a venture shaped by compassion and innovation. He shares insights into navigating strict regulations, overcoming stigma, and tackling the rollercoaster of fundraising in a controversial industry.

Tune in to hear Oliver’s story, the lessons he’s learned about resilience and teamwork, and his advice for entrep...

In this episode we are joined by Kat Pohorecka, CoFounder of Mude, an adaptive wear company that delivers functional and fashionable undergarments to people whose health and wellbeing depends on wearing medical devices. Kat shares what she has learnt in her journey from studying Product Design to becoming a founder: from the importance of customer discovery and user-centred design, to the perks and challenges associated with being a neurodivergent entrepreneur, through to how she supports aspiring founders through her work at Edinburgh Innovations.

In this episode, we speak with Angus Robertson, Portfolio Manager within the High Growth Ventures team at Scottish Enterprise. Angus and his team work with early-stage, high-potential companies at the critical point where substantial investment is needed to scale from creation to revenue. With a focus on de-risking and adding value, Angus helps founders navigate leadership development, team building, proof of concept, and, crucially, securing funding through angels, VCs, high-net-worth individuals, grants… Tune in to hear a perspective from the support side of entrepreneurship!

Scottish Enterprise Ecosystem Guide: https://www.scottishenterprise.com/media/ecosystem/ecosystem-guide.pd...

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, award-winning designer and founder of FINDRA, a slow-fashion outdoor clothing brand inspired by her passion for design and love of the outdoors. Spotting a gap in the market for women’s mountain biking apparel. Alex set out to create sustainable, stylish performance wear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in their adventures. She shares how FINDRA grew from an idea at her kitchen table into a multi-award-winning lifestyle brand, built on values of ethical production, community, and a respect for the environment.

In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand inspired by a love of nature and a commitment to empowering women through design. With a background in fashion and textiles, Alex set out to rethink performance wear, creating high-quality, ethically made garments that blend style, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Along the way, Alex opens up about navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, leading with values, and why connection, to nature, self, and community, is at the heart of everything FINDRA stands for.

In this special STAR Radio live edition of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Dr Abd Alsattar Ardati, Lecturer in Computer Science, and Digital Strategy Officer at the University of St Andrews.

With a PhD in Computer Science and a passion for collaboration and impact, Abd’s work focuses on bridging the gap between researchers and communities to tackle pressing social challenges, from digital poverty to misinformation. His research introduced the Ethnographically-informed Distributed Participatory Design (EDPD) framework, which empowers diverse online communities to contribute to bottom-up solutions.

In this episode, Abd shares insights from his curr...

In this week's special EdenTay roundtable episode of Beyond Startups, we’re spotlighting the importance of female founders by sitting down with three women whose ventures challenge the norms of their industries through thoughtful design, technical creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.

👗 Noemie Jouas, founder of NoeDresses, shares her journey in building a sustainable slow fashion brand from the ground up, balancing timeless design with ethical production. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan, and she’s on a mission to change the way we consume fashion.

🎮 Ellen Dunsmore and 🎨 Ivana Rodrigu...

In this episode, we speak with Caragh Keane, founder of Superkeen, an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)-friendly cereal brand, offering allergen-free, gut-friendly products designed to support anti-inflammatory lifestyles. Inspired by her own experience living with lupus, Caragh created Superkeen to make it easier for people with autoimmune conditions or dietary restrictions to access nourishing, enjoyable food. Caragh walks us through her startup journey, from a personal health challenge to building an award-winning food brand now stocked in Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, and Selfridges.

In this episode, we’re joined by Leonardo Binetti — the Chief Technology Officer, Co-founder, and Scientific Director of Arabat, a circular economy startup pioneering a game-changing lithium battery recycling process using agri-food waste. Arabat recovers valuable metals from used batteries using organic waste such as oranges, marking a leap forward in sustainable tech.

Leonardo holds a PhD in Optoelectronics from Edinburgh Napier University and serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence there, guiding the next generation of innovators. His entrepreneurial journey spans multiple ventures, including a pizzeria in Italy, and he shares how he balances five businesses while mana...

In this episode, we are joined by Ali-Reza Omidvar who is the Co-founder & CEO of Inoox, an AI task management platform designed to keep you in control and reduce anxiety. This platform integrates sentimental analytics with proactive task management, empowering teams to stay organized and focused while enhancing productivity and well-being.

His expertise in anxiety and mental health extends beyond AI having previously served as the Event Officer and YouTube Manager for the Oxford Psychedelic Society, where he organized events with top scientists and spiritual leaders.

Tune in to hear Ali-Reza share his story and...

In this episode, we are joined by Carlos Navarro, a Computer Science graduate from the University of St Andrews and the co-founder of Wayak AI - a tech startup that provides an AI operating system to help businesses automate operations using large language models.

Carlos discusses how his company, Wayak, evolved from a cross-border payment platform into a full-scale AI automation solution. He dives into the intricacies of AI, including its rapid pace, competitive landscape, and the importance of privacy-first solutions. Carlos also shares his entrepreneurial journey - from launching his first startup in high school to...

In this episode, we are joined by Carlos Navarro, a Computer Science graduate from the University of St Andrews and the co-founder of Wayak AI - a tech startup that provides an AI operating system to help businesses automate operations using large language models.

Carlos discusses how his company, Wayak, evolved from a cross-border payment platform into a full-scale AI automation solution. He dives into the intricacies of AI, including its rapid pace, competitive landscape, and the importance of privacy-first solutions. Carlos also shares his entrepreneurial journey - from launching his first startup in high school to...

In this episode, we are joined by Emilio Rimini who is the co-founder and owner of The Green Company, which addresses the challenge of finding alternatives to single use plastic products through its goal of offering condensed cleaning solutions to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions from household staples.

Emilio Rimini is a St Andrews Alumnus who graduated from the University last June with a degree in Geography. Throughout his time at the University, Emilio worked on several entrepreneurial endeavors, his E-Commerce experience being instrumental in moving The Green Company’s operations online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, we are joined by Johnny Jain, the founder of JJ Agency, a relocation service dedicated to helping international students secure rental housing in the UK. Johnny is a psychology student at the University of St Andrews, and has started his entrepreneurial journey over a year ago, having to balance academics with the demands of running a business. He shares his experience of launching JJ Agency, discussing challenges like having a low initial budget, outsourcing labor, maintaining work-life balance, and staying motivated through setbacks. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and insights on navigating student entrepreneurship...

In this episode, we are joined by Farshad Nowshadi, the business mentor and VC of Level39(UK), with a background as the ex-VP of Technology for one of the largest banks in the Middle East and experience mentoring original startups such as WISE and Revolut.

Farshad hosted our Fin-Tech workshop at the University of St Andrews during Innovation Week last semester, and joined us once again on the Beyond StArtups podcast to reflect on his journey from working for over 25 years with major corporations such as Reuters, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, and even Microsoft HQ, to writing internationally-selling...

In this episode, we are joined by Noemie Jouas, the founder of NoeDresses, a slow fashion brand specializing in made-to-order garments. Noemie began her entrepreneurial journey during her final year as a management student at the University of St Andrews. After graduating in 2021, she moved to London to continue growing her business.

Noemie shares her experience of turning a lifelong passion for sewing into a thriving brand, discussing challenges like work-life balance, managing her business during COVID, and the creative rewards that come with being an entrepreneur.

Tune in to hear her inspiring story and...

In this episode, we’re joined by Abdhesh Kumar, founder of Copper & Carbon Ltd., an energy tech startup creating innovative wind turbine solutions to fast-track the global transition to net zero.

Abdhesh shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a small town in India, to moving to the UK in pursuit of better education, to launching a cutting-edge business in the UK. He discusses the development of his vertical axis wind turbine prototype, securing funding, and the challenges of being a first-time entrepreneur in the hardware sector.

Tune into this episode packed with insights on...

In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Rieback, CEO and founder of Radically Open Security, a social enterprise transforming cybersecurity through ethical practices and social impact.

Melanie shares her inspiring journey—from addressing cybersecurity issues in the banking sector to building a company with a mission to drive change. She dives into the concept of Post Growth Entrepreneurship, challenging traditional business models and redefining what profit truly means. Her company reinvests a significant portion of its profits into meaningful causes, proving that ethical business can also be highly impactful.

Tune in to learn how bu...

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Sidey, the founder of KindHive, a reward-based crowdfunding platform that enables contactless donations to homeless people that can only be used on essential services. In this episode, Robert Sidey reflects on his journey founding and building KindHive at St Andrews, engaging with the Entrepreneurship Centre, graduating with a degree in Physics from the University in 2023, and shares his future goals.

In this episode, we are joined by Bryan and Annabella, the two St Andrews University student entrepreneurs that started OutNAbout. OutNAbout is a social platform which aims to empower students to have a fulfilling and enriching university experience by matching them with lifestyle events in St Andrews. Bryan and Annabella return to the Entrepreneurship Centre where they first met to share all: from OutNAbout’s origin story to its recent rebrand, and everything that has taken place in between, including the technical and marketing side of things, building their team and much more.

In this episode we are joined by Oliver Lee, the cofounder of a molecular modeling software - Digichem. Oliver is a postgraduate student at the University of St Andrews, and had developed his product alongside his PhD supervisor. In the past Oliver has won grants from the Entrepreneurship Center helping him start his business. Oliver shares his experience in being a first time entrepreneur, discussing challenges such as work-life balance, and task delegations. As well as touching on all the rewards and achievements his entrepreneurial journey has brought to him.

Today we are joined by Paul Cheek, a Senior Lecturer at MIT in the Sloan School of Management as well as the Executive Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. Paul delves into the creation of his New Advanced Programme “Venture Creation Tactics” as well as the release of his book Disciplined Entrepreneurship: Startup Tactics, which is based on this course. Paul also shares his experience being the Co-Founder and CTO of Oceanworks, a for-profit company with a mission to end plastic pollution, and touches on his breadth of experience working and doing consulting for a wide rang...

In this live edition of our podcast, we are joined by guest Harry Bremner, the founder and CEO of Tuggs and an alumnus of the University of St Andrews. Harry revisits his time studying Mathematics at St Andrews as well as the moment he took his first leap into entrepreneurship and founded 'Local Student Storage' - a student storage coming which, eight years later, is still fully operational. Harry delves into his time at the School of Management in University College London (UCL), where he developed his idea for an insect-based dog food. He takes us through how this...

In this episode we are joined by Rachel Hanretty, founder of Mademoiselle Macaron. This award winning female entrepreneur started her business at age 23 from her kitchen table after living in Paris and completing her degree in English and French at the University of St Andrews. Rachel delves into her experience working with a vast variety of clients including Gatwick Airport and Warner Brothers, and how she has navigated brick and mortar retail, scaling an online shop and dealing with HR, finance, marketing and everything in between.

You could have the chance to taste these delicious macarons by...

Today we are joined by Rosemary Scrimgeour, founder of the Building Workshop, an architecture and design practice specialising in sustainable, innovative and adaptive re-use of buildings that are no longer fit for purpose. Rosemary delves into the Design Thinking process that she employs throughout her work, an expertise she aims to transmit to others which is why she built and teaches the Design Thinking course here at the Entrepreneurship Centre in St Andrews. You can apply to this course now at this link: https://st-andrews.startuptree.co/event/s/4RwirfM9Xx49Z5dxRQWKpu/Design-Thinking-%253A-unlocking-creative-solutions

In this episode we are joined by Roger Flint, founder of SPOT, the Safer Prescription of Opioids Tool. This tool reduces unwarranted prescriber variation when opioids are prescribed for patients at the end of their lives. Roger revisits his journey to training to become a GP by taking us back to his years studying in St Andrews and later Dundee, describing his experience learning about the biodesign process and delving into the world of healthcare innovation, and shares the reasons why he created his startup.

In today's episode, we talk to Corinna Sahl about her startup LernLust, a non-profit education initiative based in Germany. Tune in to listen to her thoughts on the German education system, what we can learn from failure, and how St Andrews creates an environment that allows you to sit with your thoughts.

Today we are joined by Jade Mkparu, who founded Braidar. Jade talks to us about importance of braids in identity and community, her experiences with the Entrepreneurship Centre, and where to find support as a solo founder.

In this episode, we are joined by Ideja Bajra. Ideja is a Cell Biology student, soon to start her fourth year at the University of St Andrews. She founded EdvanceAI, an AI automation agency that combines the power of AI with the dynamic e-learning sector to improve the efficiency and content of educational technology platforms across the globe. In this episode, we delve into building a support network, creating habits that support your goals, navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces, and many other topics.

In this episode we are joined by Dr Ross Gillanders, founder of Lightwater Sensors. Lightwater sensors aims to monitor and help protect the world's water supplies now and in the future. Ross delves into his journey building this project from the ground up, touching on his experience as a senior research fellow at the school of Physics and Astronomy, the motivations behind making these sensors widely accessible as well as what it's like to be both a scientist and a business man.

In this episode, we are joined by Juno Lee, founder of CombiniCo. Juno has been a guest speaker and judge at the the Entrepreneurship Centre previously. Inspired by East Asian convenience stores, Combini combines flavours from Korea and Japan to create delicious and convenient ready-to-go meals. Juno talks to us about his early beginnings in entrepreneurship, his attitude towards and learnings in starting a business, including the separation of one's personal identity and the business, and the importance of prioritisation in his everyday life.

In this episode, we are joined by Jake Bill, co-founder of Klank. Klank is an entertainment booking service, aiming to connect musicians and performers with venues, events hosts, and fans. Jake shares with us his experience starting his business while at university, the student entrepreneurship scene in St Andrews, how to find a co-founder, what he thinks of his Management degree, and many more insights.