Startup Newsletter - Innovators Can Laugh

Innovators Can Laugh

 

In this week’s episode of Innovators Can Laugh, I’m thrilled to start season 6 with Maurits Last, the founder of Swap-box, a startup that is making a real impact by producing high quality reusable packaging for B2B companies. They offer a modular service of reusable packaging, logistics, tracking technology, and cleaning that fits any type of operation or event.

Maurits is a young and passionate entrepreneur. He spent some time living in Spain when he was younger so there is a unique blend of growing up in two different cultures: one where people are very direct and to the point, and the other where people take siestas and ‘manana’ is the norm.

One of the big challenges Maurits faces when launching Swap box is that he had to pivot the business from a B2C to a B2B focus. This impacted everything from logistics and marketing to sales. But the pivot was a good one as there are more than 120 restaurants on board and more than 5,000 people have started using Swap box.

🎙️📺 Catch the interview on Spotify, Apple, or other platform.

From the ICL Community 🏃‍♀️

Former ICL guest and startup founder Karina Karagaeva from Mindset Design now has a beta version of the first-ever mobile app that combines physical and mental training for young athletes. Karina, a former professional poker player, and her team know a thing or two about psychology & neuroscience which makes Mindset Design very attractive from an investment perspective.

Already backed by VCs from Bulgaria and the Netherlands, they have an investment opportunity now available on the SeedBlink platform. See their goals for this round in their pitch deck. 

 

Complimentary Bread

 

Fun Links

🏔️ This 360-degree view of Mt Everest is truly amazing.

🤖 10 AI tools that make Marketers more productive by Colby Flood. 

📋 List of ChatGPT plugins from Jordan West. 

☺️ 5 tips I would recommend to anyone who is conducting an interview by yours truly.

Some Fav Quotes

➡️ “I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent -  no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.” 

• Seneca

The End

 

This is me and the kiddos enjoying a Saturday stroll on Victorie Boulevard in downtown Bucharest. On Saturdays they close the street which is really nice as there are lots of cafes and shops along the street. (and places to get ice cream 🍨)

Things were somewhat ‘slow’ this week as I only had one evening call. I’ve been focusing on building relationships with Shopify related agencies based out of the UK for OptiMonk. So, I will likely head to London later this month to meet them in person.

We’re also planning a long weekend to the Balvanyos Resort that is near Brasov. Anyone ever been?

Thanks again for reading. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it with a friend : )

Eric M.