Sesame Summit 2026 – application open

Dan’s List

While Ben was away in Spain last week, I knew “the list” would fall into my lap, and I turned my attention to what my attention was turned to. What I found was that much of it wasn’t really “business” focused at all.

At least not directly.

Which made me think that I was failing. At least at the “business” part.

And while this may be true by some measurements, I came to realize that my “business” is the business of creation. Of storytelling. Of drawing from a wide range of resources so that I CAN and AM armed with a wide range of knowledge.

Whether that’s to carry on an intelligent conversation, craft an intro to a newsletter, or simply know my fucking history, it all adds up.

With a clear and present danger of ignorance on full display last week, the Persona Universale is, and should be, the most sought after “business” skill of them all.

And that, has made all the difference.


Book

From basement project to most sought after cycle in the world in less than a decade. This inspiring chronicle of Cervélo outlines the cultivation of the unique culture of the brand, as well as the daring and innovative engineering that’s set them apart from their competitors.

Cervélo history book – Vroomen and White story – Cervélo Cycles
A book about two entrepreneurs, Gerard Vroomen and Phil White, who took their company, Cervélo Cycles, from a school basement project to their bikes winning in the Tour de France, the Olympics and Ironman. TO MAKE RIDERS FASTER is a 256-page hardcover book with the story woven through the words, pic…
blank


Entrepreneurship

Robin called it last week.

Uber and Airbnb were created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Do with that what you will.

Why Right Now Is the Best Time Ever to Start a Business
Macro-economic uncertainty is creating opportunities entrepreneurs have not seen in decades. Seize this extraordinary moment.
blank

Branding

Life. A bit less fucking seriously.

Prediction: Nicolas Cage is poised for a John Travolta-circa-Pulp Fiction renaissance.

Because sometimes taking your brand LESS seriously can be the path to success.

History of Swear Words | Netflix Official Site
Nicolas Cage hosts this proudly profane, funny and engagingly educational series about the history and impact of the most notorious English swear words.
blank


Advertising

Saving the world with Snoop and the story behind it.

It’s a proven fact, humor works. And saving the planet is no laughing matter.

Behind the Idea: Snoop Dogg saves the planet – With SodaStream Global CMO Karin Schifter
So here we are: Christmas is over, the new year is all ahead of us, and the road is still long to make another positive year for sustainability – but we might be on the right track. 2020 was an interesting year for the planet in many ways, and brands…
blank


Content

Plan it or lose it

If you’re still scrambling for content on a weekly basis … clicky clicky.

11 Social Media Calendars, Tools, & Templates to Plan Your Content
If you have campaigns across many channels, organizing can be hard, but these social media calendars and other tools can improve your process.
blank


Comms

All your data are belong to us

Later on Thursday, Facebook issued a statement saying that there would be no changes in the “European region” – which covers the EU, EEA, and post-Brexit UK.

And if you believe that one, there’s this company called Cambridge Analytica I’d like to introduce you to.

Signal. #justsayin’

WhatsApp and Facebook to share users’ data outside Europe and UK
Users in Europe and the UK must accept new terms to use the service, but will not see data rule changes.
blank


Twitter

Sit the fuck down and shut up.

Well, we saw what it finally takes to get the fat man banned forever. Encouraging a violent insurrection by domestic terrorists. Great.

Here, Corey sums up EVERYTHING that I’ve been thinking for the past 4 years.


Music

It’s about time

“A record label markets music and distributes royalties for the artists that it’s signed based on records sold, downloaded and streamed. But unless the company also a publisher it won’t provide a full service for songwriters.”

London’s own Henry Marsden wants to change that.

On Song—How Technology Can Help Composers To Get Their Just Deserts
British MPs have been investigating streaming payments but there are other ways that musicians can enhance their earnings. Trevor Clawson talks to two entrepreneurs who see data as the key to higher royalty payments
blank


Podcast

It’s a podcast. About a startup podcast media company.

That was eventually acquired by Spotify. To the tune of $230M. … un huh.

Listen and learn.

StartUp | Gimlet
A show about what it’s really like to start a business
blank

Hat tip: Nick Stevens. This man knows his shit.


Art

“Your art is only as good as who says it’s good.” – Dan Taylor

Masterpiece? Child’s doodle? Art is in the eye of the beholder. And when the beholders are art critics … well …


Tool

Cut it out

Do you know YOUR carbon footprint? I didn’t either. It’s 2021. Time to get with the program.

WWF Footprint Calculator
The planet is in crisis – from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It’s up to all of us to fix it. Take your first step with our environmental footprint calculator.
blank

you might also like

Fundraising 1 day ago

Despite ongoing conflict, Ukrainian fintech companies continue demonstrating remarkable resilience in securing international investment, challenging preconceptions about wartime entrepreneurship in Europe’s eastern frontier. The latest proof comes from Fintech IT Group, which has successfully raised €16.5M in growth funding from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking one of the most significant wartime investments in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem. This funding round represents more than capital allocation—it signals international confidence in Ukraine’s tech sector durability and the strategic importance of maintaining financial infrastructure during crisis periods. Ukraine wartime funding attracts international backing The Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund’s investment thesis centres on supporting critical financial infrastructure that serves both civilian and business communities during unprecedented circumstances. UMAEF, backed by the U.S. government, specifically targets companies providing essential services that maintain economic stability in challenging geopolitical environments. “We’re investing in companies that demonstrate not just financial potential, but strategic importance for regional economic resilience,” noted UMAEF representatives familiar with the deal. This approach differs markedly from traditional European venture capital, which typically prioritises pure growth metrics over strategic infrastructure value. The investment reflects broader international recognition that Ukrainian fintech companies have proven their operational capabilities under extreme stress conditions—a unique value proposition in European markets where regulatory compliance and operational resilience increasingly matter to institutional investors. Monobank’s European expansion strategy Fintech IT Group, operating primarily through its flagship Monobank platform, has established itself as Ukraine’s leading digital bank with over 7 million active users. The company’s mobile-first approach and robust API infrastructure have proven particularly valuable during wartime, when traditional banking channels face physical disruption. The €16.5M funding will primarily support technological infrastructure expansion and enhanced security measures, according to company leadership. This includes strengthening cross-border payment capabilities and developing additional financial products tailored for both domestic and international Ukrainian communities. “Our experience maintaining financial services during conflict has given us unique insights into building resilient fintech infrastructure,” explained Monobank leadership. “These capabilities position us well for expansion into other European markets where operational reliability is paramount.” The funding also enables deeper integration with European financial systems, potentially positioning Monobank as a bridge between Ukrainian diaspora communities and their homeland—a strategic advantage as refugee populations establish new lives across European capitals. This investment underscores how wartime innovation often produces solutions with broader European market applications, particularly in financial services where trust and reliability prove more valuable than flashy features. For Ukrainian startups, proving operational excellence under extreme conditions may well become their unique competitive advantage in European expansion.

Fundraising 1 day ago

The UK’s fintech landscape is witnessing a new wave of institutional backing as specialised accelerators emerge to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and scalable growth. Against this backdrop, Antidote has secured €2.95M (£2.5M) in funding to launch its accelerator programme focused on fintech and Bitcoin-adjacent technologies. The funding signals renewed confidence in the UK’s position as a global fintech hub, despite ongoing regulatory uncertainties around digital assets. Led by Fulgur Ventures, the round reflects the growing appetite among European investors for infrastructure plays that can nurture the next generation of financial technology companies. The timing aligns with increasing institutional adoption of Bitcoin and digital assets across traditional finance, creating demand for specialised support structures. Fintech accelerator funding attracts specialist investors Fulgur Ventures’ decision to lead this round underscores the firm’s thesis around Bitcoin infrastructure and the tools needed to support mainstream adoption. The Venice-based venture capital firm, known for backing Lightning Network infrastructure companies and Bitcoin-native startups, sees Antidote as a strategic platform to identify and develop promising UK fintech talent. “The UK remains one of Europe’s most vibrant fintech ecosystems, but there’s a clear gap in specialised support for Bitcoin and crypto-adjacent innovations,” notes a Fulgur partner familiar with the investment. “Antidote’s approach combines traditional accelerator methodology with deep domain expertise in digital assets.” The investor’s portfolio strategy focuses on companies building critical infrastructure for Bitcoin adoption, from payment rails to custody solutions. Antidote fits this thesis by positioning itself as a talent pipeline for the next wave of Bitcoin-enabled financial services. Bridging traditional fintech with digital asset innovation Antidote’s programme targets the intersection between established fintech verticals and emerging digital asset opportunities. This positioning reflects broader market dynamics where traditional financial services increasingly integrate blockchain-based solutions, creating demand for hybrid expertise. The accelerator plans to support 8-12 startups per cohort, providing €50,000 in initial funding alongside mentorship from industry veterans. The programme specifically targets companies working on payment infrastructure, trading platforms, custody solutions, and compliance technology for digital assets. “We’re seeing exceptional talent in the UK who understand both traditional financial services and the technical nuances of Bitcoin,” explains Antidote’s founding team. “Our role is to provide the runway and expertise needed to turn these insights into scalable businesses.” The funding will support programme operations, mentor network development, and follow-on investment capacity for portfolio companies. Antidote also plans to establish partnerships with major UK financial institutions seeking exposure to digital asset innovation without direct investment risk. This launch reflects the maturation of Europe’s digital asset ecosystem, where specialised support infrastructure is emerging to complement general-purpose accelerators. With regulatory clarity improving across EU markets, accelerators like Antidote are positioning to capture the next wave of fintech innovation at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets.

Fundraising 1 day ago

Germany’s tax advisory sector faces a looming crisis. With 57% of the country’s tax advisors aged over 50, the profession confronts both a demographic cliff and mounting pressure to digitalise decades-old processes. Into this gap steps AnyTax, which has secured €1 million in pre-seed funding from IBB Ventures to modernise Germany’s tax infrastructure through intelligent automation. The Berlin-based startup’s timing couldn’t be more strategic. As Germany’s Mittelstand grapples with increasingly complex tax regulations whilst traditional advisors edge towards retirement, AnyTax’s platform promises to bridge the growing expertise gap through technology that augments rather than replaces human judgment. German tax modernisation attracts strategic investment IBB Ventures’ investment reflects a broader recognition that Germany’s tax advisory market—worth billions annually—requires urgent technological intervention. The Berlin-based VC, backed by the city’s investment bank, has consistently backed companies addressing structural inefficiencies in German business processes. “The German tax system’s complexity creates both challenges and opportunities,” notes an IBB Ventures spokesperson. “AnyTax’s approach of augmenting advisor capabilities rather than replacing them aligns perfectly with how German professional services are evolving.” The funding round positions AnyTax within a growing cohort of European RegTech companies that specifically address continental European regulatory environments, rather than adapting Anglo-Saxon solutions. This localised approach proves increasingly valuable as EU member states maintain distinct professional service requirements. Addressing Germany’s tax advisor shortage through technology AnyTax’s platform targets the critical bottleneck facing German businesses: accessing quality tax advice amid advisor shortages. The company’s technology enables existing advisors to handle larger caseloads whilst maintaining compliance standards, effectively multiplying capacity within the existing professional framework. The startup’s solution addresses uniquely German challenges, including the complex interplay between federal and state tax obligations that confounds even sophisticated international businesses operating in Europe’s largest economy. By automating routine compliance tasks, AnyTax frees advisors to focus on strategic tax planning—precisely where human expertise adds most value. Founder insights suggest the €1 million will primarily fund platform development and partnerships with established German tax advisory firms, recognising that success requires deep integration with existing professional networks rather than attempting to bypass them entirely. AnyTax’s funding reflects broader momentum in European professional services technology, where regulatory complexity creates sustainable competitive moats for startups that truly understand local market dynamics. As Germany’s tax landscape grows increasingly sophisticated, platforms like AnyTax become essential infrastructure rather than mere efficiency tools.

Subscribe to
our Newsletter!

Stay at the forefront with our curated guide to the best upcoming Tech events.