Advertise on podcast: Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Can you really make money as a content creator? And do you need millions of followers to build a successful business? On Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Paul Bryson speak to former CNBC journalist turned entrepreneur Uptin and Hollywood producer Patrick Caligiuri about the creator economy in Dubai, brand deals, monetisation and turning content creation into a sustainable business.Plus, we meet Maria El Fassi and Julien Toïgo from Wondergifts the Dubai-based start-up changing the way we give gifts. They share how they built their experience-gifting platform, scaled the business and expanded internationally.Essential listening for entrepreneurs, start-up founders and aspiring content creators in the UAE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build trust — in a business, in a deal and in yourself?In this episode of Starting Up with Virtuzone, brothers Rishi and Jash Vaya, founders of SellYourGold.ae, share how they took their family’s experience in the gold business and turned it into a modern digital platform built around transparency and trust. Then we ask whether soft skills are becoming some of the most important business skills of all. Neil Orvay, founder of Evolution-U and business coach, and Yasin Kasirga, entrepreneur, trainer and founder of Qasirga Advisory, discuss communication, confidence, influence and the people skills entrepreneurs need to lead, sell and grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to build a brand in Dubai? Cove Beach Co-Founder Adel Ghazzawi takes us behind the business — from his career in finance and spotting a gap in the hospitality market, to scaling the brand, expanding internationally and navigating some of the toughest periods the industry has faced. Then Philippe Mathijs, Founder and CEO of Reach Outstanding, explains the business behind coaching: how you find clients, set your fees, manage your costs and turn professional expertise into a viable company. Plus, DIFC Courts Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban explains how the Small Claims Tribunal can help entrepreneurs and SMEs resolve commercial disputes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We asked businesses that depend on tourists visiting the emirate.  Nada Badran, Founder of Wander with Nada Dean Jarvis, Director of Operations of Sunset Hospitality Group   Plus, we get to know the guys behind UAE-made clothing company Old Pal, Charlie and Matt.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All you questions about UAE tax deadlines and e-invoicing, answered by John Casey, Managing Director of TaxReady by Virtuzone.  Business owner Jake Gardner, owner of PBI Middle East, shares his experience transitioning from a tax-free business towards compliance.  And what does it take to create an app that lets you save money? Cence Founder Amaar Khan talks pitching, funding and developing an app.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walid Antabli co-founded HalaPop to create a healthy soft drink for the UAE and GCC market.  And events season is upon us! How busy will the city be until the end of the year?  We her from Sumaira Isaacs, President of The Events Group, and General Manager of Gulf Dunes and Diji Shujahi, Director at Pinnacle Events and Urban A to Z See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final Starting Up with Virtuzone before the summer break, Katie Chambers and Paul Bryson from Virtuzone are joined by Dan Ashburn, CEO and Founder of the Titan Network, and product development and supply chain expert Kian Golzari to explore what it really takes to build a successful e-commerce business in 2026. From identifying winning products and avoiding costly sourcing mistakes to launching online, growing sales, automating key processes and scaling a brand, the discussion is packed with practical advice and real-world insights for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow an online business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blurb:Georgia Tolley and Paul Bryson speak to executive communication strategist Maher Elusini about presence, influence and the habits that help leaders communicate with clarity. They also learn about confidence and self-worth with. Luke Mind Power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch find out why summer could be one of the most underrated growth seasons for founders and SMEs. Pedro Antunes from PCA Events joins the show to talk about preparation, planning and what businesses should be doing when the pace slows down. Then Lauren Hamilton, Founder and General Manager of Ride Skipper, shares what it takes to build momentum, win support, and keep growing a business that solves a very real Dubai problem. A practical conversation about using the quieter months properly — before the busy season comes rushing back.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at different ways to access capital for startups with:  Tala Khlat, who's Director of Philanthropy for Dubai Holding Peter Tavener, CEO and Co-founder of Beehive Omar Al Yawer, Partner and Chief Capital Formation Officer at Ruya Partners See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esat Canli of Echo Twin AI tells us how to work with the public sector to improve our cities.  Got an idea but don't know how to take it further? Here's Simon Lewis - founder and CEO of 3D Actio and Zhupar Teleubayeva, Managing Director of Avela Middle East, formed IDEAS MADE REAL - a programme that gives young GCC nationals a structured pathway to take an early idea, test it, build around it, and turn it into something more commercially viable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When products are late, prices rise and stock suddenly disappears, supply chains stop being an invisible business function - and start being front and centre of the business conversation.  This week on Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch look at how UAE businesses are adapting, from national track-and-trace technology and smarter forecasting to the real-life pressures facing importers, retailers and founders. With insights from EVOTEQ, Desert Forge, SHOEQ and Silk Souq, this episode asks what resilience really looks like when your business depends on goods arriving on time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

But as crypto companies set up and more people put more money into crypto, we need to know who's regulating these crypto companies. There is a company that works with authorities to ensure your crypto wallet is safe and crypto companies here are all operating above board.  That's ACX Compliance. Joining us  is Toms Pauders, its CEO and Co-Founder. What does it take to build an AI platform? Rechitta founders Aryaman Maheshwari and Atiksh Mittal tell us all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lush Cosmetics has won the retail game for decades - through economic ups and downs. What's their secret? Anita Baker, MD of Lush Middle East tells Starting Up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we rethink the real estate game during uncertain times?  Tom and Paul exchange insight with our expert panel: Manar Mahmassani, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentify Liam Chase, Associate Director at Arabian Acres See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.