Innovantage Podcast

• Investing in Security: Edvinas Kerza on Cyber Wars, Spy Tech & Startups | Innovantage Podcast #34

  In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max dives into the intersection of defense, security, and innovation with Edvinas Kerza – Managing Partner at Scalewolf and former Vice Minister of Defense of Lithuania. Edvinas brings decades of experience in cybersecurity, defense planning, and strategic innovation to the conversation, offering a rare insider perspective on how military needs drive technological breakthroughs. Together, they explore why defense startups matter, how Lithuania is building a hub for dual-use technologies, and what lessons Europe can learn from global leaders like Israel and the U.S. Edvinas shares stories from his time shaping Lithuania’s defense strategy, insights on hybrid warfare, and why venture capital is critical for scaling military tech. What you’ll learn: ➡️ Why most modern innovations from the internet to AI have military roots. ➡️ The rise of dual-use technologies and why they’re shaping the future. ➡️ How Lithuania is attracting global talent and building a defense innovation ecosystem. ➡️ The unique challenges of funding defense startups and mitigating security risks. ➡️ Why reputation and compliance are non-negotiable in military tech. ➡️ How battlefield-tested solutions from Ukraine are redefining competition. ➡️ The role of AI, drones, and neural computing in next-gen defense. ➡️ Why Europe must rethink manufacturing and regain its competitive edge. ➡️ What it takes to pivot from politics to private equity in the defense sector. If you’re curious about where defense meets entrepreneurship and how innovation can secure freedom, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Our Guest Edvinas Kerza – https://www.linkedin.com/in/edvinaskerza/ ScaleWolf – https://www.scalewolf.vc/ Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/   🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc...  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...   Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial

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• Nothing is Impossible! How Europe Can Compete in Scaling Businesses | Innovantage Podcast #33

  In the new episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max had a pleasure to speak with Professor Rudy Aernoudt, a venerated author, speaker, founder of EBAN, and political activist with a vast range of expertise. From economics and politics to education and technology, they explore how business meets tech to give you a competitive edge.   Professor Aernoudt shares his unique perspective on what truly drives innovation. We unpack the debate between the European and US startup ecosystems, the critical role of business angels, and the surprising challenges holding Europe back. Rudy also introduces a revolutionary new concept: the "Zebra Economy," a model that combines profit with social responsibility to create a more sustainable future.   What you'll learn: ➡️ Is "work-life balance" a myth? The power of passion over a 9-to-5 job. ➡️ The dangers of AI in education and the importance of critical thinking. ➡️ The Europe vs. US startup debate: Where does innovation truly flourish? ➡️ How regulation is holding Europe's startup scene back. ➡️ The real reason why there aren't enough female founders being funded. ➡️ Why "Zebra Economy" is the future of sustainable business. ➡️ The crucial role of Business Angels in Europe's startup landscape. ➡️ The importance of syndication and building a strong network of business angels. ➡️ The twin challenges of fundraising and exits in the European venture world. ➡️ What the "Escalar" program means for the future of European funding.     Connect with Our Guest Rudy Aernoudt –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paernoudt/ Official website – https://rudyaernoudt.be/   Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/   🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc...  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...   Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial  

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• AI Transformation in Payments with Martynas Kairys | Innovantage podcast #32

  In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Martynas Kairys — General Manager at ZEDGE (formerly Director of AI Strategy & Development at Shift4), AI-driven growth leader, and international keynote speaker — shares how to turn AI from scattered experiments into an operational advantage across a complex, regulated business. With 20+ years across military, logistics, real estate, investment banking, and tech, Martynas blends strategy with sleeves-rolled-up execution.   We unpack the AI vision he led at Shift4, global scale, compliance-by-design, and how those lessons translate to ZEDGE and beyond, along with a pragmatic playbook for measurable wins.   What you’ll learn: ➡️ How leaders evolve from “AI interest” to an AI operating model ➡️ Shift4’s AI mission: payments innovation, product velocity, and global scale ➡️ Lessons from M&A scale-ups (incl. Finaro) and what that means for data + AI ➡️ Building in regulated spaces: PCI DSS, GDPR, and risk-aware experimentation ➡️ Resource-based learning vs. memorization — upskilling that actually sticks ➡️ When AI should automate tasks vs. augment complex decisions ➡️ GenAI in content: quality bars, ethics, and trust in finance ➡️ Talent strategy: near-term productivity vs. growing junior pipelines ➡️ A day-in-the-life playbook: internal Copilots, HR/merchant support use cases, KPIs ➡️ Lightning predictions: tools, myths to kill, must-read book, bold call for 2030   Connect with Our Guest Martynas Kairys: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martynaskairys Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov   🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437   Follow for More Insightful Episodes: Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial   Innovation at scale isn’t about more tools — it’s about clear strategy, disciplined integration, and continuous learning. This conversation is your field guide to building real advantage with AI.

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• A CEO’s Playbook for AI Transformation with Thibaud De Keyzer | Innovantage Podcast #31

  In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Thibaud De Keyzer — CEO of Mobilexpense, Board Advisor at TechWolf, and Strategic Advisor at Fortino Capital — joins us to share a CEO’s playbook for leading AI transformation. From boardrooms to AI task forces, Thibaud is at the center of how leaders can move beyond buzzwords and turn artificial intelligence into a competitive edge. Under his leadership, Mobilexpense is evolving into an “autonomous enterprise” — where AI doesn’t just optimize operations, but reshapes what leadership and decision-making look like in the digital age. Discover how to: ➡️ Lead AI from the CEO seat — and why delegation isn’t enough ➡️ Spot real business value in AI projects (and filter out the hype) ➡️ Justify AI investments with ROI, not buzzwords ➡️ Embed AI into company culture and overcome resistance ➡️ Structure AI task forces and governance for sustainable execution ➡️ Stay curious as a CEO and unlearn outdated leadership habits ➡️ Compete in SaaS markets where AI is no longer optional, but essential Thibaud’s perspective brings both the investor’s lens and the operator’s urgency. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or simply curious about how AI is changing the future of leadership, this episode delivers practical insights on turning vision into execution. Connect with Our Guest Thibaud De Keyzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibauddekeyzer Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial Innovation isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about how leaders choose to guide their companies through change. This conversation is your inside look at how a CEO turns AI into a driver of resilience and growth.

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• Bridging Policy and Innovation with Ausrine Armonaite | Innovantage Podcast #30

  In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max Golikov sits down with Aušrinė Armonaitė — former Lithuanian Minister of Economy & Innovation and now Head of Investor Relations at prop-tech crowdfunding leader InRento. Disclaimer: Investing involves the risk of losing some or all of the amount invested, so it is recommended to diversify your investments and evaluate them responsibly. From parliamentary debates to startup boardrooms, Aušrinė has seen first-hand how policy and innovation collide — and how the right leadership can turn crises into catalysts for growth. Discover how to: ➡️ Build a national innovation ecosystem that attracts investors and empowers startups ➡️ Leverage policy to fuel economic resilience during global disruptions ➡️ Transition from public service to tech leadership — and bring the best of both worlds with you ➡️ Use global perspectives to position Europe in the worldwide innovation race ➡️ Spot the future trends in prop-tech, fintech, and emerging technologies Aušrinė brings a rare dual lens — the policymaker’s grasp of macroeconomic levers and the founder’s agility to execute in fast-moving markets.   Whether you’re scaling a startup, shaping policy, or simply curious about how nations foster innovation, this conversation offers actionable lessons from both sides of the table. Connect with Our Guest Aušrinė Armonaitė – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausrine-armonaite Connect with Max (Host) Max Golikov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/   🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc1pbeTkYcOeOkJc0?si=aab60a9ec2864ba2 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/innovantage-podcast/id1749330437   Follow for More Insightful Episodes: Innovantage Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial   Innovation doesn’t just happen in labs or boardrooms — it’s shaped by the policies, partnerships, and people who dare to think differently. This episode is your front-row seat to how it all comes together.

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