What happens when a senior banking leader transitions from global finance to advising SMEs? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Jonathan Beebe, a former Barclays and Merrill Lynch executive who now serves as an advisor, investor, and non-exec across multiple businesses.

Jonathan shares his unique perspective on the SME world—offering insights from both big corporations and hands-on SME leadership. He unpacks the key lessons business owners need to know when seeking investment, managing advisors, and making the shift from founder-led to a scalable company.

What you'll learn:

• 📊 Investment insights: What investors really look for in SMEs
• 💰 Funding alignment: Why the wrong investment partner can hurt your business
• ⚖️ Corporate vs. SME leadership: How decision-making, agility, and resources compare
• 🤝 The role of advisors: How to leverage non-execs and boards effectively
• 🔄 Pivoting & adapting: Why flexibility is key in business strategy

If you're a founder, business leader, or thinking about raising investment, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate growth, funding and leadership.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Niama El Bassunie, a trailblazing entrepreneur who built and exited a successful B2B marketplace in Africa and is now backing the next generation of founders at Baobab Network.

Niama shares her journey — from starting WaystoCap, navigating the challenges of scaling a cross-border trade platform in Africa, and ultimately exiting the business. She also unpacks the realities of raising capital in emerging markets, building trust in digital commerce, and why having a strong "why" is the key to resilience.

What you’ll learn:

• 🌍 How to scale a business in challenging and emerging markets
• 📈 Lessons from raising capital—including the realities of securing investment in Africa
• 🔥 Why founder mindset and resilience matter more than the original business model
• 🚀 The role of accelerators like Y Combinator and how they impact scaling
• 💡 How Baobab Network is investing in 1,000 African startups over the next decade

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor or business leader looking for real, hard-earned insights on growth, fundraising and exiting a business, this episode is for you.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene sits down with Jordan Relfe, Co-founder of Lifeproven, to explore the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven business in the real estate sector. From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship to embedding ESG principles in the property industry, Jordan shares candid lessons on resilience, leadership and finding your "why."

Key takeaways include:

• 🔑 The importance of having a strong personal and professional purpose
• 🌱 How ESG and sustainability are reshaping the real estate landscape
• 💡 Lessons in building a business culture centred on ownership, communication and values

If you're a founder, leader or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your journey. Give it a listen!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.