There's no shame in starting small in business

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 surely.  Haider Al Assam, Co-Founder of Maiz Tacos and Good Burger Maria Vitoratos, Founder of MV Careers Maria Pruna, Founder of My Car Care See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 speak to KCal founder Andreas Lindgreen Borgmann about building one of Dubai’s first healthy meal plan brands. Plus Chef Nick Alvis and Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder, two experienced individuals sharing their secrets to building a business that truly stands out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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,. Plus, we get business advice on business longevity from Guillaume Giroux, CEO of Dubai Immo and Tristan Lowe, CEO of Escrow Made Easy. Finally, we look into the big Labubu trend - is it going to fade soon? What's the next big thing, and how can businesses take advantage of it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three brave entrepreneurs share their failure stories, and how they turned things around to achieve success. Dan Bolton, Founder, Be Creative  Kane Andrews, Founder, The Rock Star Group  Nithin Mathew Thombil, Founder, Wheels AHOY and AHOY ModzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With snacks across 65 markets, UAE snack brand Hunter Foods is making waves across the world. The secret? Understanding the market and innovating flavours, according to Founder and Managing Director Ananya Narayan. And what if the brand was YOU? Seif El Hakim, author, speaker and entrepreneur and Founder of The Alpha Movement, tells us how he was able to build a personal brand that the world can resonate with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/listener for privacy information.

Our panelists share how company values are formed, and why we need them to make difficult decisions.  David Ribott, Managing Partner at Ribott Partners  Christian Moufarrej, Founder and Managing Partner, Pet's KitchenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. His son Seth also shares his aspirations for the family business as he prepares to start his career journey.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These successful empire builders managed to turn a burnout moment into a business breakthrough:Vadim Fedotov, CEO and Co-Founder of BioniqEmma Burdett, CEO and Founder of WILD: Women in Leadership Deliver & WILD TalentMaria Pavani, Founder of Tres Marias CoffeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.