Aspiring Founders Meetup #6
Are you an aspiring founder in Berlin and feels overwhelmed with pursuing your self employed or startup idea? Employed.world wants to create a safe space for people affected by layoffs in Berlin and want to be able to pursue their ideas or self employment initiatives and have a support system which can offer know-how network and access.
Our sixth meetup is joined by:
1. Astrik Mkrtchyan
Co-Founder & CEO @ Wavess
Building a startup isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution, strategy, and making the right decisions before launch.
In her talk, “From Philosophy to Tech: The Unorthodox Path of a Founder,” Astrik will share insights from her journey as a three-time founder and how she is transforming marketing with AI-powered pre-launch predictions at Wavess. She will discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making, how to eliminate uncertainty in marketing, and what it takes to build a scalable AI startup.
With expertise in AI, marketing, deep tech, and philosophy, Astrik combines technical innovation with strategic thinking to build high-impact solutions. Beyond being a founder, she is a mother of two daughters and a strong advocate for female entrepreneurship and ethical AI.
2. Bruno Morgante
Founder & CEO @ Mantegora
Building a startup isn’t just about having the right experience or strategy—it’s about finding purpose and meaning in what you create.
In his talk, “From Corporate to Founder: My Journey to Building Something Meaningful,” Bruno will share his transition from Global Head of PMO at a Fortune 500 company to launching his own business. He’ll dive into the mindset shifts, challenges, and lessons learned in building Mantegora, a consultancy dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in leadership, project management, and transformation.
With over 20 years of experience in high-level business leadership, Bruno has led large teams, delivered complex projects, and driven strategic transformations. Now, through Mantegora, he helps organizations align their initiatives with strategic objectives, improve project execution, and develop high-performing teams. His story is one of reinvention and impact, showing how the right mindset can turn career shifts into opportunities.
3. Liubov Antonova
Co-founder @Blimp
Starting a business often feels like a lonely road—but it doesn’t have to be.
In her talk, “When Dreams Come True: Real Founders’ Journeys,” Liubov will share the real struggles and successes of early-stage founders. She will highlight practical strategies for validating business ideas, finding the right market fit, and navigating uncertainty.
With over 10 years of experience in AI product development, user research, and leadership, Liubov co-founded Blimp, a platform that helps founders make smarter business decisions. Her insights will help aspiring founders avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices when building their startups.
Agenda:
17:00 - 17:15 - Check-ins & getting to the event room
17:15 - 17:40 - Introductions, getting to know the audience, the speakers, Ice breaker
17:40 - 18:40 - (ish) Talks, 15 mins + 5 mins Q&A per speaker
18:40 - 19:00 - Closing words & Open to networking
Support for people affected by layoffs and wish to pursue self employment / startup:
Employed.world wish to help you with business coaching (funded by the agenturfürarbeit for people affected by layoffs/receiving ALG) :
💼 Registering business/self employment, Tax implications (by German tax advisor), Navigating Visa challenges for internationals, Startup subsidy for unemployed people.
🏅 Applying for startup subsidy (Gründungszuschuss) or Start grants.
🤝 Access to internationals friendly co-working spaces and recommendations for founders and VCs communities.
Photos at event:
There will be photos and videos taken at the event, should you have any issues, please contact our team at the event.