Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Where are the business opportunities right now?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ziina, GLEAC and Letswork have found opportunities to still grow and keep the business going during challenging times.  If you're a business owne...

Practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Yango Ride says it will match customers' tips to help their drivers. Plus, we chat about practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat with ...

How well does Dubai really support women founders?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From the outside, the picture looks strong. Women are visible. Women are launching businesses. Women are building brands and communities. But visibili...

What does resilience in business really mean? 

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Denise Lim of Calo and Carnistore's Dan Wanies to talk about what they're doing to reassure their teams and maintain a "business as us...

How the Doorbell of Dreams is helping Dubai entrepreneurs

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

HelpBnk, a platform that helps entrepreneurs, has brought the Doorbell of Dreams initiative to Dubai, helping entrepreneurs in the city with support l...

So you've raised some capital - what do you do with the money? 

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dubai has no shortage of talented and successful business owners. How did they raise capital, and what did they use the money on? We hear from Er...

How to raise entrepreneurial children?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are we teaching our kids to be their own boss? Well, we should be. Tom and Neil chat with Raya Bidshahri, Founder and CEO of School of Humanity and Ma...

How can businesses and leaders embrace AI

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Dragon's Den Piers Linney warns companies and bosses about the dangers of not having an AI strategy. He is now helping SMEs to navigate its use...

Beyond Profit: Can you set up a business for social good?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tom explores how some businesses set up their models to help other people. Carl Gough, Founder of meetmagic, talks about their Ramadan campaign with D...

From personal brand to company brand

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We explore why personal branding matters in business, with Tracy Harmoush, tech entrepreneur and speaker, and social media expert Alexandra, founder o...

Want a successful business? Build solid systems

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil tell us why a great idea and an amazing team aren't enough grow a business. The boring stuff, like setting up systems, will ensure scalab...

Is it too late to join the property game?

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Yes but with a caveat: We hear from Atinirmal Pagarani, Managing Director of Yogi Group, a Dubai-born family business that spans real estate, property...

What's your dream? Simon Squibb on helping people succeed

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Entrepreneur Simon Squibb has inspired millions of people to achieve their dreams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a virtual business out of Dubai

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you run a fully virtual business out of Dubai? Ekta Gandhi and Hannan Moti have successfully done itSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Do we need a leadership refresh in 2026?

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Paul explore the leadership landscape of 2025 - and how it can level up in 2026. They're joined by three leaders with different perspectives: ...

The Great Dubai Comeback

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil explore the journeys of two Brits who are coming back to Dubai to live or do business. After years in the property business, Nicky W...

How to create an upmarket brand 

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Morales, Brand Manager of Aura Bakery and Café and Basma Chaieri, founder of Etika Jewels - our featured guests, have built brands th...

What REAL luxury feels like in Dubai 

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new Visa Global Economic Insight report has found that while luxury spending is slowing in cities like London and New York, Dubai tells a different ...

Rethinking Retirement

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does retirement really look like today, and can you design a life you never need to retire from?Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch sit down with aviatio...

From employee to entrepreneur: how to take the leap

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our all-female panel tell Tom and Neil how they ditched their pay cheque to take the plunge into starting a new business.See omnystudio.com/listener f...

How to build an AI startup in Dubai

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No matter your industry, you can build an AI-powered startup. We have experts in studio who have done it: Nokhez Usman, Psychologist and Founder of Mi...

How entrepreneurs "reset"

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Paul speaking to biohacking expert CJ Malhotra, business psychologist Amanda White beauty tech entrepreneur Haifa Addas about why all entrepre...

How to Win the UAE Property Market

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We kicked things off with Dubai Holding’s Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 - a platform empowering entrepreneurs to drive real sust...

The husband-and-wife duo that built Squatwolf

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Squatwolf founders Wajdan and Anam tell Katie and Neil what it takes to run a global fitness empire with your spouse. Plus, Al Ryum Group CEO Rafael K...

How to fund your business in the UAE

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Katie and Virtuezone Chairman Neil Petch explore the tricky topic of raising capital for your business, with our guests:  - Helen McGuire founder...

How to look after your employees

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Georgia joins Paul Bryson, MD of Virtuzone, discuss how bosses can effectively manage their employees with our dynamic panel:  Sebastian Bedu - G...

The business of fine dining with Chef Jason Atherton

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton tells Tom and the Virtuzone team how he runs a global restaurant business, and what's new at Row on 45, his two- ...

What you should know about corporate tax filing

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Casey, Managing Director of TaxReady.ae tells you everything you need to know about the UAE's corporate tax rule, and what you need to know to st...

There's no shame in starting small in business

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Paul speak to brilliant entrepreneurs on the show who have either been there, done that, or are experiencing the journey of growing slowly but...

How do you stand out in a crowded market?

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

05 Sep 2025. Starting Up with Virtuzone returns after the summer break with one big question: how do you stand out in a crowded market? Tom and Neil s...

How Ajmal Perfumes thrived over the decades

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, told Starting Up about his plans to further grow the scent empire that his grandfather started in the 1950's,. P...

How I turned my failure to fuel for success

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Three brave entrepreneurs share their failure stories, and how they turned things around to achieve success. Dan Bolton, Founder, Be Creative  Ka...

Build local, go global: how to expand outside the UAE

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With snacks across 65 markets, UAE snack brand Hunter Foods is making waves across the world. The secret? Understanding the market and innovating flav...

Why beauty and e-commerce are the perfect combination

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just how big is the online beauty industry in the UAE? What are the opportunities for small business owners? noon Beauty VP Ritika Jain tells us.See o...

Build your online store from scratch

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Experts Kian Golzari and Nas Mansurali tell us how to source and sell products online, and build a brand people won't forget.See omnystudio.com/listen...

What are your company's non-negotiables?

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our panelists share how company values are formed, and why we need them to make difficult decisions.  David Ribott, Managing Partner at Ribott Pa...

Shuja Jashanmal: What I learned from the shop floor

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shuja Jashanmal, Group CEO of the Jashanmal National Company, tells Tom and George why starting as a salesman made him the business leader he is today...

Entrepreneurs share their burnout-to -breakthrough stories  

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These successful empire builders managed to turn a burnout moment into a business breakthrough:Vadim Fedotov, CEO and Co-Founder of BioniqEmma Burdett...

Keeping customers happy and loyal

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of dealing with clients and customers. They're joined by: Vishal Menon, founder of Fireflies ME, C...

Finding your business tribe

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil explore the power of belonging in a community with those who have built thriving and solid ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Cash flow challenges in business

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does your business struggle with cash flow?  Cash flow is the number one challenge for small businesses. So what's the solution?  Tom and Ne...

Moving your business to the UAE

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil discuss the truths and takeaways of moving your business to the UAE. They're joined by guests: Salman Moghimi, CEO of Peyk - attended sch...

Are you just a boss, or a true leader?

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil discuss the qualities of a great leadership, especially in this day and age when workplace hierarchy is seeing a massive shift. They're j...

The Psychology of Selling: Pitch, Persuade, Close

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From real estate to soft skills, our guests break down what it takes to sell—especially when it’s hard. Plus, the one line they swear by w...

Finding the Right Business Partner

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The right business partner can help you scale faster, push further, and actually enjoy the ride. But the wrong one? That could be the most expensive m...

Can a viral moment lead to business success?

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The viral Dubai chocolate has led to worldwide success and soaring sales.  We discuss the power of  virality with social media experts Anand...

Is solopreneurship for you?

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Solopreneurship is on the rise in the UAE and it's often glorified as the ultimate freedom—owning your time, making all the decisions, and reapi...

Are we really empowering women in business?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil gain some powerful insight from fintech leader Amnah Ajmal and Female Fusion founder Jen Blandos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

"Nice car bro. What do you do for a living?"

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ayman Al Yaman's viral videos have been viewed one billion times. Together with his big brother Ghazy, they tell Tom and George how they turned their ...

Hyperspace changes the entertainment and retail scene with digital-themed parks

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alexander Heller, CEO and Founder of Hyperspace, tells us how he built Hyperspace venues Aya Universe and House of Hype, and why Dubai was the perfect...

Dragon's Den Tej Lalvani on his pet peeves when investing

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tej Lalvani grew Vitabiotics into a £400 million business. He shares some advice on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when investing in a bu...

Does your business need robots?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fadi Amoudi of IQ Robotics tells us how to use automation to grow your business. Plus, Kushal and Sagar of Publish tell us how  to craft the perfect ...

Mum-preneur: The juggle is real

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

MUMpreneur: Does the term empower - or patronise - mothers who run their own businesses? We get the thoughts of investor, entrepreneur and mum of four...

From cash flow woes to business success

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mermaids of Arabia founder Josephine Adams told Tom and Neil about how she hit rock bottom, and why she kept going. We also discussed a movement that ...

From cabin crew to design and furniture business owner

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Design House CEO Sharon O' Keefe tells us how she started his design and furniture business while working as cabin crew in Dubai. See omnystudio....

Why a beauty business owner values education and personal development

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mariela Marcantetti started hair removal business Furless Permanent in 2016 and has since been educating aspiring beauty technicians. Meanwhile Renata...

Gaming in the Middle East

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As game developers from overseas flock to the Middle East to explore the market, we meet one who's coming from Spain- Manel Sort, CEO and Founder of G...

What's your take on the buy-now-pay-later model?

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the man behind Tabby, co-founder Hosam Arab, who tells us why e-commerce has brought him so much success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

Do you have a wealth planning strategy?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

21 March 2024: We asked the team of experts at Cone Marshall about how to pass on your wealth to the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

In conversation with Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

14 March 2024: Tom and Neil find out how Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group, started his hospital empire.  Plus, familiarize ...

How are we supporting female business owners?

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

07 March 2024: Lack of funding and worklife balance are only some of the challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How tokenisation can help startups in the UAE

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

29 February 2024: We demystify tokenisation and tell you how it can help startups and consumers  with Ahsan Sharif,  Head of Corporate Business for ...

Life lessons with the founder of The Entertainer

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

22 February 2024: Donna Benton told Richard and Neil how she built, exited and later on rejoined her brainchild The Entertainer, and the lessons she l...

"Motherhood inspired me to start my own business."

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

08 February 2024: Fal Qadir started multi-sensory centre Mini Explorers. Listen to her story.  Plus, husband and wife Carlos and Francesca tell us h...

Short term rental, long term success

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

01 February 2024: Gregory Lewis tells us why his business AirDXB is thriving in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank You: A social enterprise that aims to end global poverty

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

25 January 2024: Daniel Flynn launched Thank You with the aim of supporting charities and eradicate global poverty.  Tom and Neil find out all about...

Why networking in your community is good for business

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

18 January 2024 William Stenhouse, President and CEO of the UAE Africa Networking Group, tells us why it pays to get involved in your community.See om...

Shawn Chidiac: How viral impressions can turn into a lucrative career

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

11 January 2024: Comedian Shawn Chidiac has made it big on social media, and is quickly turning his online fame into a fulltime career. Plus, Emirati...

SME's in the circular economy

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the businesses thriving in the circular economy, plus learn all about marketing from the best in the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

How to build a strong brand and make your business go viral

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

07 December 2023: What makes a business go viral? We find out from the man behind Aquafun, the world's largest inflatable water park, Ahmed Ben Chaib...

How do people see your brand?

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

That's one big question for businesses to ponder on, including their stand on sustainability, says Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Co-Founder and Managing Direct...

Empowered Investing

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Investing is power to not let your money lose value overtime, but how? Hear Baytukum Founder Latifa Bin Haider's advices.See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Hiring top talent.

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

16 November 2023. Finding the best people to fill vacancies is crucial but how do companies make sure they get the cream of the crop? Rachel Yilmaz, C...

Deeper purpose in entrepreneurship.

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

09 November 2023: Social enterprises are businesses with a deeper purpose. But how do you set up one? Find out from Iman Suguitan, Co-founder & Cr...

The business of coaching

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

02 November 2023: Fitness Coach and entrepreneur Charlie Johnson started as a ftiness coach before growing his business in Europe, and expanding into ...

Investing with a purpose

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

26 October 2023: Serial impact entrepreneur Matteo Boffa tells Tom and Neil why he puts his money in companies that can both turn a profit and make a...

New angel community hopes to help founders around the world

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Angel Spark's Gary Sheynkman says he new community hopes to shake up the way startups can get the much needed funding they need to get their business ...

When a boss burns out

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

12 October 2023: Saeed Alghafri, CEO of Emirates Steel, tells Tom and Neil how he suffered from a burnout and got through it. See omnystudio.com/list...

The Magic Formula for Success

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

05 October 2023: Magician and hypnotist Luca Gallone has amassed 12 million followers on Tiktok, and appeared on The Ellen Show.  He shares some tip...

Business etiquette 101 with Tom and Neil

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

28 September 2023: Etiquette coach Ziying Zhou quizzes Tom and Neil on how to behave in a business meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

What makes employees happy?

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Neil look into the what makes employees happy, and what bosses can do to improve their staff's wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Bootstrapped versus funding: How to raise money for your startup

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

14 September 2023: Tom and Neil find out how startups in the UAE are raising money, and what routes one can take when they're trying to get capital fo...

We find out more about the UAE's first ever... gourmet water bar

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

22 June 2023: This new venue offers 30 different water concoctions.Roia Jabari, managing director of Luqel's Aqua Gourmet Water Bar, tells us all abou...

SME Banking 101: How to take out a loan as an SME owner

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SME owners, we take you through the process of securing a loan from a bank with the Director General of the UAE Banks Federation Jamal Saleh.See omnys...

How to hire and keep Emirati talent

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

08 June 2023: With the half year deadline for Emiratisation quotas coming up, we discuss how startups can hire and keep Emirati talent, and ensure the...

Tax GPT answers all your questions about the UAE corporate tax law

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

01 June 2023: John Casey, general manager of Virtuzone, tells us about TaxGPT, an AI tool that answers all your questions about the new corporate tax ...

Can you be friends with your boss?

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

25 May 2023: Tom and Neil put the question to Rafael Khanoyan, CEO of Al Ryum and Jonathan Berry, regional head of Robert Walters. See omnystudio.com...

Hacking the minds of VCs

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

18 May 2023: What do venture capitalists look for in a startup?  Tom and Neil discuss how to get VC funding with Lachlan Hughes of Aditum Investment...

Top lawyer Mark Beer, OBE on whether AI will wipe out his profession

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

11 May 2023: Former DIFC courts chief and registrat Mark Beer, OBE weighs in on the prediction that AI will make lawyers obsolete. See omnystudio.com...

Why "The Blooming Man" and TV star Ebraheem Al Samadi stays positive no matter what

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

04 May 2023: Ebraheem Al Samadi tells Tom and Neil how he developed an entrepreneurial mindset that led to his successful businesses Forever Rose Lond...

Why the path to success isn't a straight line for Dariush Soudi

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

27 April 223: Serial entrepreneur Dariush Soudi lost everything he had in the UK and has to start over in Dubai. It wasn't easy, but he was determined...

Making money from magic

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

13 April 2023: The UAE's most famous children's entertainer Magic Phil tells Tom and Neil how he turned his talent into a business.See omnystudio.com/...

Ever dreamed about being a rapper?

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

06 April 2023: Have you ever wanted to quit your 9-5 to make it in the music industry? Well Emirati rapper Saud G has done just that and told us how h...

How to avoid food wastage during Ramadan?

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During Ramadan up to half of our food goes to landfill - and we speak to two businesses who say it’s time to put a stop to this. Seta Tutundjian is ...

Business partners who found a niche market in football stars

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

23 March 2023: Coach Nic and Nabil know when the world's biggest football stars are in town, because they work with them. Find out how they built a bu...

What UAE startups and VCs can learn from SVB's collapse

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

16 March 2023: Tom and Neil find out if any UAE startups and VCs have been badly hit by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.We also...

Donna Benton's biggest regret when she exited The Entertainer

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

09 March 2023: We're celebrating female founders on Starting Up!  Tom asks The Benton Group's Donna Benton about her experience exiting her first bu...

Freelancing 101: Everything you need to know

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Felice Hurst of The Work Crowd tells us everything we need to know to get started as a freelancer.  Ruya Partners' Omar Al Yawer tells us how the pri...

Food meets tech

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we looked into how a digital bank can help SMEs, why a startup wants to tackle food waste in restaurants, and dining in the Metaverse - is i...

The power of short form videos for your business

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

14 February 2023: 25-year-old Fahad Kaleem is building an empire by creating shortform viral videos for businesses in the UAE. See omnystudio.com/lis...