Disrupts is a cutting-edge media platform delivering the latest news, insights, and stories that shape the global tech ecosystem.
Podcast Summary: Born to Disrupt – Venture Building in the Middle East with Oliver Kreusen
In this episode of Born to Disrupt, Oliver Blume, Managing Director at Bridgemaker Gulf, joins the hosts to discuss the rise of venture building in the Middle East. He shares insights into how structured venture creation is helping corporates, governments, and family offices innovate and diversify, especially in a rapidly evolving regional landscape. The conversation explores the role of AI, talent, and long-term thinking in building sustainable businesses, and why the Gulf is uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional innovation models through collaboration, adaptability, and strategic government support.
Born to Disrupt Podcast: Saudi Arabia’s FinTech Boom, Regulation, and Investment with Michael O’Loughlin
This episode of Born to Disrupt explores Saudi Arabia’s rapid fintech evolution, featuring insights from Michael O’Loughlin, a fintech expert turned regulator and investor. Hosts Grant Niven and Simon Hardie discuss how Saudi’s fintech sector grew from a handful of firms to over 200, the role of regulation in fostering innovation, and the future of investment in AI, digital assets, and emerging financial technologies. Michael shares his journey from banking to fintech, regulation, and now venture capital, offering a unique perspective on how startups, regulators, and investors can navigate Saudi’s booming financial landscape.
Born to Disrupt Podcast: The Future of Banking with Simon Hardie
This episode of Born to Disrupt explores the evolution of banking, from the 2008 financial crisis to the rise of fintech and neobanks. Hosts Mark Walker and Simon Hardie discuss how trust in banks was shaken, leading to digital-first alternatives like Monzo, Revolut, and Starling. They examine the global impact of fintech, the growing competition between banks and disruptors, and the role of AI, data, and innovation in shaping the future of financial services. The conversation highlights why traditional banks must adapt or risk falling behind.
Podcast Summary: Born to Disrupt – Featuring Bill Ashlock
In this episode of Born to Disrupt, hosts Grant Niven, Simon Hardie, and Mark welcome Bill Ashlock, a seasoned financial services leader, tech innovator, and mentor. The discussion centres on innovation, disruption, and the crucial role of people and culture in shaping these processes. Ashlock shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting the challenges of innovation in both corporate and startup environments.
Podcast Discussion: Born to Disrupt - Episode 2
In this episode of Born to Disrupt, hosts Grant Mingzulu and Simon Hardie are joined by Michael Clark to explore the transformative potential of data and AI. The discussion delves into the concept of data as an undervalued asset, the challenges and opportunities of AI, and the global need for equitable data access. Michael highlights the importance of digital identity, ethical frameworks, and systemic reform to unlock data’s potential for innovation, personal empowerment, and societal benefit, offering a forward-thinking vision for a data-driven future.
Podcast Discussion: Born to Disrupt - Episode 1
The inaugural episode of the Born to Disrupt podcast, hosted by Mark Walker, Grant Niven, and Simon Hardie, provides an engaging introduction to the series’ objectives, themes, and target audience. Presented by Disrupts and Mingzulu, the podcast aims to explore the forces reshaping industries, with a particular emphasis on innovation, technology, investment, and the unique opportunities emerging from the Middle East and beyond.