Category: Business Spotlight

A Female-Led Tech Success Story Breaking Barriers in Fundraising

needi.co.uk, a female-founded tech startup that specialises in sourcing unique, sustainable corporate gifts and branded merchandise from local, independent businesses, has raised £1.4 million in funding, despite the challenges faced by women in venture capital fundraising.

The latest round, which closed in June 2024, secured £895,000 ($1.18M) from prominent investors such as Clarendon Fund Managers and Techstart Ventures, solidifying needi’s position as a rising star in the tech space.

The funding will enable needi to continue its rapid growth trajectory, equipping the company to meet the high volume of orders it has received for the Christmas season and ensure timely, efficient delivery for its clients.

needi’s impressive fundraising has been backed by angel investors who are leaders in the tech industry; including exited tech founders, EY partners, and senior executives from top tech companies. These investors not only provide capital but also offer strategic insights to fuel needi’s growth.

Founded in 2021 by Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes, needi’s journey to securing investment has not been without its challenges. Only 1.4% of all UK venture capital goes to female-only teams, according to the British Business Bank, which makes it even more remarkable as Doyle and Scholes were both balancing the rigours of fundraising with pregnancy and motherhood. 

Louise Doyle, co-founder of needi, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far given the barriers that female founders face when fundraising.  This investment will not only enable us to grow but also to continue our support of local, independent businesses and sourcing sustainable corporate gifts and branded merchandise.”

needi is reshaping the corporate gifting and branded merchandise industry by sourcing from local independent businesses, helping them thrive in markets dominated by large corporations. needi has already generated over £1M in sales for local businesses and is working with major clients including Meta, Spotify, Intuit QuickBooks and Amazon.

With its unique blend of AI-driven technology and human expertise, needi ensures that its corporate gifts and branded merchandise align with clients’ ESG and sustainability goals, offering a socially conscious alternative to traditional corporate gifting.

Claudine Owens, Investment Manager at Clarendon Fund Managers, said:

“Needi’s seamless, tech-driven solution to sourcing high quality, unique gifts has the potential to revolutionise corporate gifting strategies.

“I am delighted to be working with both Louise and Steph on the exciting journey ahead.”

Studies from the British Business Bank indicate that female-led startups generate 20% more revenue per pound invested compared to their male-led counterparts, highlighting the financial strength of businesses like needi.

For more information or to try needi’s gift finder, click here.

GoldCore is an esteemed member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) with access to secure vaults all around the world. Here we explore what the company has to offer as its CEO Dave Russell wins his title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – ROI (Precious Metals).

“GoldCore’s mission is to provide the safest way to buy, sell, and store physical gold and silver,” says CEO Dave Russell.

Spanning the business’ 21 years of operation, Dave has helped to guide GoldCore to unrivalled success so that its clients may prosper. The company’s dedication to providing the best prices and secure storage over this time has meant that its reputation for excellent partnerships, trustworthiness, and the best security measures has flourished.

“Our core values, including trust, transparency, and excellence in execution, guide us daily in ensuring we deliver the best service to our clients.”

Built on a foundation of trust and brilliance in business, GoldCore acts as a buttress for those looking to invest in alternative assets. For GoldCore this means gold or silver investments which may be easily purchased then expertly stored in secure vaults around the world.

Dave tells us, “As LBMA members, we strive to achieve the highest industry standards. What sets us apart is our international storage service, which is available to all types of clients – whether it’s someone starting with our GoldSaver plan or larger private investors, family offices and pension funds.”

The GoldSaver plan is 100% backed by physical investment grade gold bullion, gives the chance to store your precious metals in high-security vaults worldwide, and is an affordable way to invest. If you’re looking for the perfect way to invest in physical gold, with peace of mind supported by a team of experts, GoldCore’s GoldSaver plan is the place to get started.

As the GoldSaver plan is an alternative to traditional savings accounts, GoldCore’s clients can be sure to reap the benefits as the years go by. Investing in alternative assets may seem complex, but GoldCore’s team work hard to demystify the subject and guide their clients to solid investments for a greater return on investments.

GoldCore’s CEO Dave guides the company’s decisions, actions, and offerings. He shares, “As CEO, my primary responsibility is to free people up so they can focus on their highest value tasks. I believe that while a person can achieve anything, it’s not possible to do everything, and certainly not all at once. That’s why delegation and prioritisation are key to success. One mantra that guides me is “Perfect is the enemy of done.” It’s important to strike a balance between striving for excellence and ensuring progress is made.”

Dave’s career in finance started when he became a trader at a bank. With experience in banking and investments in his past, including forex trading, forwards, and bonds, he had the background knowledge necessary to make a positive impact when he became the Director of Marketing for his friends who had set up the ambitious gold brokerage company.

In 2023, Dave took on the role of CEO at GoldCore and continues to stand strong at the helm of the business. He leads with an open mind and highly values cooperation amongst his team members. He comments, “My leadership style has become more collaborative and strategic over the years. I don’t feel the need to have all the answers; instead, I rely on my team’s strengths and problem-solving abilities. The key is to create an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. I’ve also learned not to shy away from making decisions, even when faced with imperfect information. Being able to take responsibility for those decisions and their outcomes is crucial in leadership.”

The team at GoldCore is close-knit, collaborative, and dedicated to helping others with their gold and silver investments so that they can keep the industry refreshing and accessible for investors. Dave enthuses, “Integrity is at the heart of our business, and all staff understand the importance of responsibility towards our clients. I personally ensure these values are reinforced regularly, from the onboarding process through to ongoing communication with the team across our all-hands, one-to-ones, or and our offsite get-togethers. Focusing on our values and keeping ourselves refreshed on the culture is especially important given that we work in a hybrid model, with many of our staff splitting time between home and the office, and across different countries.”

“Our whole business and philosophy is about trust and integrity; people trust us with their gold and silver. That’s a big responsibility. So, this also needs to be reflected in our internal culture. And I am very proud to say that it is. We have a strong internal culture built on trust, integrity, and collaboration.”

Balancing his personal life with his responsibilities as GoldCore’s CEO, Dave continues to support his family and his employees in every way possible. His commitment to managing travel, organisation, and delegation has led him to success in the industry even in the face of challenges – and we’re sure that the years to come will see everyone at GoldCore and their clients experience the best of the best in gold and silver investments.

As the future beckons, Dave shares, “Internally, we’re continuously focusing on a LEAN approach to improve efficiency across all departments. Externally, we’re expanding our offerings both in terms of products and geographical presence. We’re also increasing our physical footprint, which will allow us to serve more clients and regions effectively. I’m always focused on growth—both personally and professionally. My development as a CEO comes with the aim of driving the company’s continued success while adapting to any challenges that come our way.”

With the rising demand for physical gold, Dave believes that the world is truly GoldCore’s oyster. Although the world faces worrying times, GoldCore aims to grow beyond what has been expected of the business. From a gold and silver buyer, seller, and storer, GoldCore is soon to solidify its presence around the globe. In this particular industry it is of utmost importance to build trust and a reputation of excellence, mutual respect, and unparalleled knowledge. GoldCore has done just that as its team contributes years of hard work and growth in the sphere to the future of precious metal investments.

Winning Most Influential CEO 2024 – ROI (Precious Metals), Dave’s dedication has been recognised by us at CEO Monthly. We wish Dave and GoldCore all the best for the sparkling future to come.

For business enquiries, contact Jan Skoyles from GoldCore on their website – https://www.goldcore.com/

Business Spotlight on Laura Keturkė, Head of Product at AAZZUR

Laura Keturkė, Head of Product at AAZZUR, is proof that curiosity, hands-on learning, and embracing unexpected opportunities can carve out a successful career in FinTech. With a deep passion for product design and a focus on user-centric solutions, Laura has emerged as a key player in the sector. Her journey from real estate to a leadership role at a promising startup offers inspiration and practical insights for anyone aspiring to leave their mark in tech.

From Real Estate to FinTech: A Serendipitous Start

Laura’s entry into tech was anything but conventional. After finishing university, she began working as a Broker Assistant in real estate. Her keen interest in technical processes quickly became apparent, leading to a promotion as a Marketing and Product Manager. There, she tackled challenges like developing web databases and refining digital marketing strategies—an experience that taught her the value of merging technical skills with customer needs.

After five years in real estate, Laura sought a new challenge. She found it unexpectedly when her husband was invited to a boot camp retreat with AAZZUR in Vienna. Joining him as a plus-one, Laura was drawn into the startup’s collaborative and fast-paced environment. “I naturally became involved, starting as an intern,” Laura recalls. “I helped with research, marketing, design—whatever was needed. It was an incredible learning experience.” Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and following AAZZUR’s selection for the TechStars accelerator program, Laura transitioned into the role of Product Manager. Four years later, she was leading the charge as Head of Product, focused on delivering innovative and customer-focused digital solutions.

Building Products: Teamwork is Key

In her current role, Laura does more than oversee projects—she shapes visions and guides her team in creating products that resonate with users. “The team dynamic varies greatly depending on the company’s size,” she says. “In a smaller setup like AAZZUR, every role is critical, from the Product Manager to the Tech Lead, Designer, Developers, and QAs.” Laura sees the Product Manager’s role as one that requires a blend of strategic thinking and attention to detail. “It’s about seeing the big picture but also breaking it down into actionable steps. Listening to stakeholders and aligning the team towards common goals is crucial.”

For Laura, the collaborative spirit of her team is what makes AAZZUR special. “No matter how well-defined the roles are, it’s essential that we function like a well-oiled machine,” she explains. “Everyone needs to communicate openly and stay open to new ideas to keep delivering the best possible product.”

The Value of Self-Improvement

Laura has a refreshing take on role models. “I’m not a big believer in role models. It’s more important to focus on being the best version of yourself,” she says. Laura believes that comparing oneself to others can be counterproductive. “It’s fine to be inspired by others, but your path should be uniquely yours.”

This philosophy has guided Laura throughout her learning journey. Without a formal tech background, she immersed herself in new concepts, driven by curiosity. With the support of AAZZUR’s founders Philipp Buschmann and Martin Damaske, as well as her husband, she quickly absorbed the technical skills needed for her role. “Developers are usually more than willing to share their knowledge if you ask,” she says. For those struggling in unsupportive environments, Laura’s advice is simple: find a community that encourages curiosity and fosters growth.

Embracing Uncertainty and Learning from It

Despite her experience, Laura admits that new projects or clients can be intimidating. “There’s always a bit of anxiety when you’re working with a new team or project,” she acknowledges. Her approach is to maintain an open mind. “Have a vision, but don’t over-plan every step. Flexibility and honesty about what you don’t know go a long way in building trust and making the process smoother.”

Laura also believes that success in tech is more accessible than many think. “No one enters this industry knowing everything. What matters most is your commitment, motivation, and eagerness to learn,” she advises. Setting achievable goals and maintaining a balance between work and personal life is key to her approach to both career and well-being.

A Final Word of Advice: Chart Your Own Path

To those starting their careers or feeling overwhelmed, Laura offers encouraging advice: “No one expects you to know everything. Ask questions, but also take the initiative to understand the bigger picture.” She emphasises the importance of being clear about your learning style and communicating it to your team. “When you’re upfront about how you learn best, others are more likely to support you.”

Laura’s journey from a curious plus-one at a startup retreat to a leading voice in product development at AAZZUR is a reminder that career paths are rarely straightforward. Her story highlights how embracing unexpected opportunities, staying curious, and fostering teamwork can lead to success. With her hands-on expertise and passion for creating meaningful digital experiences, Laura continues to inspire those around her to keep learning, building, and moving forward.

Laura Keturke, Head of Product at AAZZUR

With experience in banking, financial services and real estate, product design and strategy are Laura’s forte.

She has extensive experience having worked at multiple companies within the financial industry, where she led digital product development and drove agile projects.

She is strong believer in customer-centric and easy-to-use products and prides herself on being very hands-on throughout the development process.

Exclusive data highlights entrepreneurial hotspots, from clothing stores to coffee culture

Clothing stores, bakeries, software companies, and farms are among the most popular ventures pursued by aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

This trend is captured through the latest data-driven insights from AI-driven business planning platform Venture Planner. The anonymised data from Venture Planner’s platform highlights diverse motivations and growth stories from over 200 countries and 40,000 businesses.

From innovative farming techniques in Africa to Europe’s burgeoning coffee culture, the data showcases unique narratives driving entrepreneurial spirit. Venture Planner’s analysis reveals significant global trends and emerging themes, providing a detailed look at the aspirations shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Global trends in entrepreneurship

The data reveals that clothing stores have emerged as the most popular entrepreneurial venture. This is followed by bakeries (#2), software companies (#3), and farms (#4). These ventures not only highlight the varied paths to business development but also reflect the diverse interests and opportunities available in different regions.

A sizeable portion of entrepreneurs are at the nascent stages of their business journey, with nearly half (47%) in the idea stage and 42% in the start-up stage. Only 11% have reached the growth stage. This indicates a thriving environment of innovation and new business ideas, with many entrepreneurs just beginning to explore and develop their ventures.

Myanmar boasts the highest proportion of start-ups, with 69% of businesses in this phase among countries with more than five entries. This suggests a particularly vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Myanmar, where many individuals are actively working to turn their business ideas into reality.

Funding needs reflect ambitious growth plans

An overwhelming 72% of businesses on the platform are seeking funding, highlighting the robust growth ambitions and the high costs associated with launching new ventures. This significant demand for funding underscores the substantial initial investments required to get businesses off the ground or scale their operations.

Alex Clansey, CEO and co-founder of Venture Planner, commented, “Our data highlights a compelling trend. 72% of businesses require external funding to get off the ground or scale their operations. This demand for funding underscores the ambitious growth plans of today’s entrepreneurs and the substantial initial costs associated with launching new ventures.”

He added, “It also reflects a vibrant startup ecosystem and a supportive investment environment. At Venture Planner, we are committed to helping these businesses navigate the complexities of securing funding and turning their innovative ideas into successful enterprises.”

The most common sectors requiring funding include clothing stores (#1), software companies (#2), farms (#3), bakeries (#4), and cafes (#5). On the other hand, among businesses that do not require funding, the leading sectors are clothing stores (#1), beauty salons (#2), bakeries (#3), candle stores (#4), and cosmetics stores (#5).

Geographic distribution highlights entrepreneurial hotspots

In terms of geographic distribution, the United Kingdom leads with 8,434 businesses on the Venture Planner platform, followed by the United States with 5,007 businesses. This significant presence in the UK and the US indicates strong entrepreneurial ecosystems in these regions, supported by robust infrastructure and resources for startups.

Other notable regions represented include South Africa with 3,428 businesses, Jamaica with 2,737 businesses, and Nigeria with 2,628 businesses. These regions highlight the global nature of entrepreneurship and the diverse opportunities available in different parts of the world. For more information on Venture Planner’s platform and to start your entrepreneurial journey, visit https://ventureplanner.ai/

Edwige Dazogbo is Founder and President of Edgy TV, a multicultural TV channel created especially for North American, Asian, African, West Indies, European, and Middle Eastern audiences to celebrate the diversity of life through glamour, music, fashion, and entertainment. The channel is available on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku TV, Android TV, and more, with its programmes covering general news, music videos, and fashion, alongside Nollywood, Hollywood, and Bollywood movies, celebrity interviews, reality shows, and even manga anime. Being the brilliant visionary behind Edgy TV with over 20 years’ experience in the media field, we leapt at the opportunity to discover Edwige Dazogbo’s story.

Edwige Dazogbo was born in Benin, West Africa, and much of her youth was spent travelling and living across several different countries due to her father being a United Nations diplomat. As such, she was, during these formative years, exposed to an abundance of different cultures, igniting a passion for embracing diversity and inclusivity early on. It was also at a young age that Edwige discovered her flair for storytelling, with this fuelled by French literature studies at high school and her creativity being nurtured by her father and teachers.

By the age of 17, Edwige’s dream was to become a filmmaker, so, after a move to Montreal, she immersed herself in cinematographic studies at university, and found she loved American Film History the most. After a year, the university’s orientation coordinator had recognised Edwige’s talent and recommended she switch to communications and public relations – This meant she found herself at a crossroads. Her desire was to study at a UK private school, but she wasn’t ready to move abroad on her own just yet, thus she made the decision to continue studying at the University of Montreal, before realising how more problem-solving, analytical skills such as finance could benefit her career.

Wanting to gain practical experience, Edwige and her friends created a short film entitled “Colors”. From there, she discovered her forte for media management, which soon opened doors to exciting media and television opportunities. At the age of 20, Edwige began her first job in cinema and communications at a film festival, a four-year stint which gave her a deeper understanding of African film representation in the media. She then decided to take her learning further with leadership and management courses, with her now looking to complete a Doctorate in Business Administration in the USA.

Edwige celebrates her Beninese heritage, while also identifying as Afro Canadian, and she stands tall as a black entrepreneur who is taking the corporate world by storm. She is paving the way for other immigrants, ensuring equal opportunities for future generations, and is proud to see more people of colour in leadership roles. “As a black business leader, I’m glad every time I see more and more people of colour seeing a high level of success,” she tells us. “But it lacks in the media; this is why I believe we need Edgy TV, as a mirror of our diverse society to show a better inclusive world for the future generations.”

Indeed, it is the lack of diverse representation in the media that inspired Edwige to establish the unique and original concept of Edgy TV. It all began with the 60-page digital Edgy Magazine back in 2014, which celebrates the lifestyles of professional women aged 20 to 55, covering fashion and different cultures. Edgy didn’t take long to grow into a mini empire comprising 10 magazines, five TV channels, and two radio stations. Notably, during the pandemic, Edgy TV surpassed 10 million views on a UK platform, which reflects its extensive growth and influence. Today, Edgy TV is joined by sister channels, MAMA BENZ TV, which aims to empower African women, and EDGY URBAN, which shows a refreshing combination of content, from romantic dramas to Indian movies to traditional African films, and more.

Edgy TV now boasts a global reach and looks to share its platform with other businesses that share its values. It has been partnered with Reuters TV for three years, featuring their news on its website, and it continues to welcome partnerships with other businesses, offering opportunities for them to advertise and broadcast their content. The channel is actively seeking partners to feature their short films, features, documentaries, animations, music videos, student and television productions such as series and reality, fashion-inspired shows, cooking shows, talk shows, cultural events, and more.

While Edgy has seen vast success, that’s not to say it has come without its hurdles, as Edwige tells us, “The most challenging accomplishment was having the right funding in place and getting my government licenses for broadcasting and telecom.” It was her passion towards getting her vision across to investors and partners that was the key to securing the funding needed in order to make Edgy TV a reality and a success. Ever since, she has built a strong network of partners, supporters, filmmakers, journalists, actors, producers, marketers, and more, whose values and beliefs align with her own and who each contribute to the thriving of Edgy TV in their own way.

It is clear to see the trailblazer that Edwige is, and we can already count several factors that have made her stand out for success within the Global CEO Excellence Awards 2024 – but she tells us what she feels makes her special: “I feel I stand out from other CEOs in my industry because I’ve experienced too many ‘destiny’ moments. It is a well-trodden, clear path; it is not by ambition, but by passion, inspired by artists. I wanted to realise my dreams.”

She continues, “A positive impact in my role as CEO at Edgy TV is the moment when I see a light in the eyes of someone else while I’m talking to them about my passion for multiculturism, media, and fashion. When I feel someone learned something positive through my work, then I feel satisfied. I want to keep people happy and continue to grow my media thanks to their support.”

Edwige’s passion and determination are undeniable, and they have led her to some extraordinary places, with her showing no signs of slowing down. She continues to work towards making her dreams a reality, telling us how her next plans are to enter the hospitality and telecoms industries. She remains motivated and devoted toward achieving her greatest aspirations and making a global impact, constantly pushing the boundaries and having solidified her position as a truly inspirational figure within the media industry and the black community.

Edwige is excited about all that is to come, not just for her upcoming projects, but for the media industry as a whole. She believes the best is yet to come and looks forward to content becoming more interactive through the innovative ways it is produced, broadcast, and consumed. In line with this, her company isn’t named ‘Edgy’ for nothing; it is the definition of different and avant-gardism, continuing to combine modern and traditionalism, and always striving to remain innovative and relevant for its partners and audience.

For those wishing to follow in Edwige’s footsteps, whether in the media industry or as a leader, she leaves us with the following food for thought: “Be yourself when you talk to the corporate world dealing with you. Never ever give up on your dreams and dare to listen to your heart and passion to keep going. Great things will surely eventually happen.”

For business enquiries, contact Edwige Dazogbo from Edgy TV via email – [email protected] or on their website – www.edgytv.ca

Asendia Group is one of the world’s leaders in international ecommerce and mail distribution, formed in 2012 as a joint venture between La Post and Swiss Post. The group was established to harness and develop the cross-border international B2C market for goods distribution. Asendia Italy is helmed by CEO Ulisse Albertazzi, who has been named in the prestigious Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. Below, we speak with Ulisse to find out more about his journey to success.

Driven by the global boom in ecommerce, Asendia Group operates with the global vision of empowering its customers across the globe with seamless access to global markets through innovative and sustainable cross-border ecommerce distribution  solutions. In addition to this, Asendia Italy covers the entire logistic supply chain, including fulfilment and warehousing.

The company is built upon the core values of putting the customer at the forefront of its operations and working towards a sustainable future. “Trust is at the heart of everything we do,” says Ulisse. “We deliver on our promises, promoting the trust and goodwill of our staff and customers. Sustainability is also one of our key priorities – we aim to reduce our own impact on the environment, along with supporting and advising our customers with their own sustainability objectives.”  

Ulisse Albertazzi is an entrepreneurial expert, renowned across the industry for his capabilities in leadership, logistics, and management. Ulisse began his career in 1993, as Founding Partner and Managing Director of Pony Express Greece Ltd. He was responsible for the startup of the company and its complete management, including operations, sales, and finance.

In 2000, Ulisse became the Depot Director Milan and managed the company’s major branch in Italy. Following this, he was then appointed the role of Country Operations Manager Italy, a position that saw Ulisse responsible for coordinating the Italian branches of Pony Express.

In September of 2002, Ulisse took on the role of Business Area Manager for TNT Global Express S.p.a., in which he managed the entire business of the Lombardy area branches. Over the course of 11 years, Ulisse rose the ranks to become the Business Unit Strategic Account Director for the company, a position he took on in 2012. Throughout the duration of his career with TNT Global Express S.p.a., Ulisse gained invaluable experience in leadership, team management, and performance management.

“I am a manager who, after a successful entrepreneurial experience, has embarked on a career path within major multinationals operating in the B2B and B2C services sector, covering roles of responsibility, characterised over time by increasing complexity and strategic vision,” Ulisse tells us. “My career has allowed me to acquire consolidated skills in managing teams dedicated to operational, commercial, administrative, and relational activities with all stakeholders.”

In 2014, Ulisse joined Asendia Italy as its Chief Executive Officer. In this role, he is responsible for the profit and loss management of the company, hence all the functions respond to him. In particular, Ulisse’s direct reports manage operations, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and IT. His expansive experience across numerous roles in his career has perfectly enabled Ulisse to oversee a myriad of operations.

For budding CEOs who are at the beginning of their journey, Ulisse advises, “Do different experiences; be curious and listen to others. Looking at the world and situations from different angles facilitates a lot of the decision-making process. Never forget that companies are composed of people – staff, customers, and suppliers.”

To Ulisse, people are the first priority in the business, both employees and customers. Therefore, he strives to spend as much time as possible with his team and clientele. Listening to customers and market needs is the only way to grow in such a fast-paced climate

As for his leadership style, Ulisse abides by two mottos: “Never give up” and “Don’t panic”. His varying experiences gained over the course of his career has well-equipped him to drive his team through any challenge that may arise. Ulisse believes that he has learned a lot from his failures, which he considers essential for professional and private growth. Additionally, Ulisse stresses the importance of teamwork across the company, believing that we alone cannot achieve any important result.

In fact, Ulisse cites the team as the heartbeat of Asendia Italy. He tells us that the culture is deeply customer-centric; every day, its employees are committed to providing excellent services that anticipate its client’s needs and exceeds their expectations.

Asendia Italy is a forward-looking company that firmly believes in the power of innovation. The company actively encourages employees to contribute ideas and continuously searches for new ways to improve its processes and services. Asendia Italy invests in developing the skills of its employees through customised training programmes, professional development opportunities, and regular information meetings to share company goals, achievements, and new strategies. In this approach, all employees feel a part of each project and are motivated to produce their best work.

“Innovation is the engine that drives us towards new goals and allows us to remain competitive in an ever-changing market,” says Ulisse. “We strongly believe in teamwork and collaboration. We promote a stimulating work environment, where ideas are shared, and challenges are faced together.”

In such a fast-paced world, Ulisse encounters numerous challenges and often must make decisions in a short time frame. He reflects that it is important to have a strong and reliable team that can support their CEO in difficult times and situations. He has successfully cultivated such a team in Asendia Italy, driven by the belief that transforming challenges into opportunities is the best result one can achieve.

With challenges come many new opportunities, and Ulisse notes that he has been presented with numerous during his time with Asendia Italy. The company allows Ulisse the freedom to explore any kind of logistics business, which has given him the opportunity to close new deals with important multinational companies.

“In these last ten years,” he says, “I have led the company to achieve important results in terms of business development, customer retention, process optimisation, and the improvement of the internal climate and corporate image through an important change management process.”

The logistics and supply chain management sector, like many others, is subject to continuous evolution and new challenges. One of the main challenges currently facing Asendia Italy is the rapidly increasing demand for international shipping services, particularly within the ecommerce sector. To meet this need, the company has developed e-PAQ 360 by Asendia Italy, an integrated solution that covers the entire logistics process, from the storage of goods, preparation and processing of orders to the  final delivery. Because of this solution, and the introduction of automation in its warehouses, the company can handle increasing volumes of shipments whilst maintaining fast delivery times and competitive costs.

Another challenge is environmental sustainability. Ulisse tells us that the company is aware of its impact on the environment and is actively working to reduce its CO2 emissions. As of 2022, Asendia Group is 100% carbon neutral and offsetting all emissions caused by its international transport worldwide, including that of its partners. Additionally, the company offsets emissions from parcel returns, its buildings, machinery, and business travels, investing in projects that promote renewable energy to do so.

Asendia Italy successfully demonstrates its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability through taking concrete actions within the workplace. Such actions include adopting low energy consumption equipment, implementing strict policies to reduce the use of plastic, and encouraging customers to use sustainable packaging. These adjustments are effective steps on the journey to carbon neutrality and are a testament to the company’s dedication to the planet.

As for the future, Ulisse tells us that Asendia  has recently set a new five year strategy, based on the five pillars of global network development, customer base expansion, innovation and product evolution, technological advancement, and strengthening the range of solutions offered. The company is seeking continual improvement on its journey to success, and with an industry mogul such as Ulisse spearheading the operation, it will not achieve anything less.

In regard to his own career, Ulisse tells us of his plans to build upon his own success. “I will be listening to the market’s evolution, learning from others and developing the business as much as possible,” he says. “In addition to thinking outside of the box. This is the only way I know to improve my professional journey.”

Already regarded as an esteemed individual within the industry, we have no doubt that Ulisse will certainly hone his craft even further. Ulisse displays an unwavering commitment to the prosperity of both his team and the company, a commitment that has deservedly earned him the title of the Most Influential CEO 2024 in eCommerce and Mail Delivery Solutions. We at CEO Monthly would like to congratulate Ulisse on his achievement, and eagerly anticipate future developments from this pioneering leader.

For business enquiries, contact Ulisse Albertazzi from Asendia Italy S.r.I on their website – https://www.asendia.it/

AAZZUR stands out as a beacon of foresight and strategic thinking in an industry where innovation is the key to survival. The fintech has grown to be a trailblazer in the financial technology sector, navigating through waves of change and emerging as a leader in embedded finance solutions. We had the privilege of speaking with the CEO and co-founder of AAZZUR, Philipp Buschmann, who shared insights into the company’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for the future.

The Birth of AAZZUR

The inception of AAZZUR coincided with the third wave of fintech, a period marked by the rise of app-based financial services like Railsr and Solaris. While the first wave focused on infrastructure, the second brought user-centric applications and the third introduced solutions providers. It was in this evolving landscape that AAZZUR was conceived. Initially, the goal was to establish a challenger bank for Europeans. However, the team quickly realised that the future of fintech lay in creating innovative solutions rather than traditional banking models.

Philipp reflects on this early vision: “We started with the idea of becoming a challenger bank, but as we looked at the broader fintech landscape, we realised that the future would be built on more than just banking. We envisioned a world where financial services were seamlessly integrated into everyday experiences, and that’s where we positioned ourselves.”

Advice for Startups: Think with the End in Mind

For startups looking to lead rather than follow, Philipp offers sage advice: “Think with the end in mind and work backward. Too many people start with a great idea and then try to figure out how to implement it. Instead, focus on your end goal. What do you need to achieve it? Start small, grow bigger. Look at your journey in reverse. It’s essential to begin with a well-defined, high-value idea—one that’s defensible and can generate revenue quickly.”

He cautions against getting caught up in the allure of grand ambitions without a solid foundation. “Nobody starts an airline by buying planes first. They start with a route, then expand. In fintech, it’s important to start with a small, high-value idea that you can build on over time. It took us four years to reach where we are today, and it was a learning process.”

Embracing Innovation

AAZZUR’s success can be attributed to its ability to stay ahead of the curve. Philipp and team credit this to a combination of foresight and a bit of luck: “We were always years ahead, whether by design or circumstance. The key is to keep innovating. Once you’re established, the momentum can carry you, but you can’t afford to stop. Technology is always changing, and so must we.”

This philosophy has allowed AAZZUR to maintain its competitive edge in an industry that’s constantly evolving. By continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the company has ensured that it remains at the forefront of fintech innovation.

The Power of Embedded Finance

Embedded finance is at the heart of AAZZUR’s offerings. The founder is quick to highlight the advantages of adopting these solutions: “If you’re hesitant to embrace embedded finance, you risk falling behind. Your competitors will have a 5% revenue advantage, and you’ll lose customers over time. It’s similar to when the internet first launched; those who didn’t adapt were left behind.”

He explains how embedded finance can transform businesses by giving an example of a lending client: “Imagine a lender who traditionally processes loans and disperses them to an applicant’s account. By embedding a bank account into this process, where the borrower’s salary is paid into that account, the lender can reduce default rates and offer lower interest rates, making their product more competitive. This is something AAZZUR enables, allowing lenders to offer better rates and grow faster.”

Building a Winning Team

At the core of AAZZUR’s success is its team. The founder places a strong emphasis on values and what he calls ‘superpowers’—the unique qualities each team member brings to the table. “All people are different, but values are important. Things like being nice, punctual, and helpful—they don’t cost a thing, but they make you a better person and, by extension, a better company. Success comes when opportunities are given to you when you’re not even in the room.”

Achievements and the Road Ahead

AAZZUR’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The company has been recognised with several awards, including the Techround Fintech50 Award, Sifted’s EU Startup to Watch, and the coveted Mastercard Pitching Competition. These accolades are a testament to the impact AAZZUR is making in the fintech space.

Looking to the future, AAZZUR remains tight-lipped about its upcoming projects, although the founder hints at exciting developments on the horizon. “We’re working on some very exciting things, but I can’t share too much just yet. All I can say is, watch this space.”

Conclusion

As AAZZUR continues to innovate and expand, its long-term goals remain focused on transforming industries through embedded finance. The company is already making strides in sectors like travel, employee benefits, and insurance, with a clear vision for where they want to go next.

In an industry as dynamic as fintech, AAZZUR has shown that the key to success lies in foresight, innovation, and a strong, values-driven team. With these principles guiding them, AAZZUR is set to continue its journey as a pioneer in the world of financial technology.