BLOCKS 2 BAGS
You are now locked into Blocks 2 Bags with Sebuh Mesfin and Micky Tesfaye. Our mission? To build the best business podcast in Europe, and you are coming on the journey with us. Take a seat and enjoy the ride, as we reveal business hacks, share fascinating stories and insider tips from leading founders, investors, creators and operatorsβ¦all with the goal of helping you UNLOCK THE BAG.
Episodes

Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Welcome to The Social Update by Β @blocks2bagsΒ - in todays episode hosts Sebuh Mesfin & Shadee B discuss take a closer look at the groundbreaking release of the game-changing app, Threads, a Twitter competitor brought to you by the Meta. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BLOCKS2BAGS is a weekly show on #business , #tech and #culture πΌ. We break down the hottest ideas and interview entrepreneurs, investors, and creators to share their stories. The aim? To help YOU GET 2 DA BAG πΌ π° Join our community of entrepreneurs, creators and investors by visiting ππΌ https://www.blocks2bags.com/community ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episode breakdown and topics are discussed below: 1) Threads becomes the fastest growing app ever, gathering an astounding 100 million users within a mere two weeks of its launch. π But what's driving this rapid rise, and how does it stack up against its rival, Twitter? π¦ 2) Key reasons behind Threads' meteoric rise. With Twitter facing its own set of challenges, like the controversial move to limit tweet visibility, Threads seized the opportunity to capture users' attention. 3) Threads facing a 20% user churn rate and a drop in average time spent on the app suggest that while the initial excitement is high, keeping users engaged could be a hurdle for Threads. 4) Comparing Threads to Twitter, our hosts dissect the feature landscape. It's clear that Twitter boasts a wider array of options, from geotags and robust search functionality to news updates and captivating videos. 5) For all the creators and businesses out there, our hosts provide some valuable advice: While being on Threads might be a good move, using it solely as a marketing tool could potentially alienate your audience.

Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
The Money Matrix is a Blocks2Bags show hosted by Sebuh Mesfin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebuh-mes...) & Micky Tesfaye (https://www.linkedin.com/in/micky-tes...) where they dive into the world of finance, economics and money. The aim? Financial education and empowerment by breaking down The Money Matrix.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Join us in this exciting episode of The Money Matrix as we dive deep into the world of venture capital (VC) and explore the fascinating process of raising funds for startups and risky ventures. Our host, Sebuh Mesfin shares his experience working for Notion Capital, a European software as a service (SaaS) investment fund. We discuss the sources of VC funds, the potential for high returns, and the different stages of VC funding. Additionally, we explore the critical role of lead investors, their benefits, and how they impact the success of startups. Get ready for a ride through the cutthroat world of VC, where big money and innovation collide!---------------------------------------------------------------------------- πΌ Breakdown of Key Points:1) Custom-Built Institutions: VC funds are designed to invest in founders and risky startups, unlike traditional banks. 2) Funding from Diverse Sources: VC funds can come from individuals, financial institutions, or entrepreneurs who have sold their businesses. 3) Oversubscribed Funds: Learn how our hosts faced the challenge of more demand than they could accommodate in their fund. 4) The Mandate and Timeline: Discover how VC funds work with a specific amount of money to invest over approximately 10 years. 5) Potential for High Returns: Explore success stories like Instagram's acquisition by Facebook and SoftBank's investment in Alibaba. 6) Tech Industry Trends: Delve into the ever-evolving tech landscape, with mentions of AI-based tech companies and green energy. 7) B2B Sector Growth: The B2B sector, exemplified by companies like DocuSign, is an essential aspect of VC investments. 8) The Race for Success: VC is a competitive race to find the next successful founder or company. 9) VC Funding Stages: Understand the different stages of VC funding, from seed to series A, B, and beyond. 10) The Role of Lead Investors: Learn about the main investors in funding rounds and their influence on founders' decisions. 11) Managing Resources: Discover the importance of resource management and hedging bets in VC investments. 12) Pro Rata Rights: Explore the benefits of maintaining ownership stakes in subsequent funding rounds. 13) VC Impact on Companies: Understand the influence VCs can have, including the ability to oust CEOs if necessary. 14) VCs' Expertise and Selective Investments: Gain insights into VCs' extensive knowledge and experience from analysing thousands of companies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLOCKS2BAGS is a weekly show on #business #tech and #culture πΌ We break down the hottest ideas and interview entrepreneurs, investors, and creators to share their stories. The aim? To help YOU GET 2 DA BAG πΌ π° Join our community of entrepreneurs, creators and investors by visiting ππΌ https://www.blocks2bags.com/community

Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Blocks2Bags host Sebuh Mesfin & Shadee B discuss monetisation strategies for creators in 2023. Shadee is a brand and social strategist, working with fitness influencers to help them create online coaching businesses.Β BLOCKS2BAGS is a weekly show on #business , #tech and #culture πΌ. We break down the hottest ideas and interview entrepreneurs, investors, and creators to share their stories. The aim? To help YOU GET 2 DA BAG πΌ π° Join our community of entrepreneurs, creators and investors by visiting ππΌ https://www.blocks2bags.com/communityEpisode breakdown and topics discussed below: 1) The importance of understanding your niche and audience, as well as finding your passion. 2) The online coaching industry is worth 20 billion and has seen significant growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shadee highlights the flexibility and profitability of online coaching businesses. 3) When working with creators, Shadee conducts branding consultations to help them identify their niche and develop a marketing strategy. She emphasises the importance of having a budget and a proper marketing plan to ensure success. 4) They discuss a case study of a fitness influencer who shifted her focus to PCOS coaching. By creating educational content around PCOS and targeting a specific demographic, she was able to grow a six-figure online coaching business. 5) Finding a brand strategist or business partner to help with the launch of products/services and consider a revenue share model to ensure both parties are equally invested in the success of the brand. 6) Advice on content posting strategies and the potential for long-term profitability through revenue share models.

Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Our host Sebuh Mesfin & @toyowrites discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the creator economy and artists. Toyosi is the founder of a luxury art decor & design service, shortlisted by the Telegraph & Natwest in the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to watch, has sold artwork to Hollywood Clients, shipped to over 20 countries and exhibited at Google, John Lewis, Barclays, Westfield, HSBC, Boots and more.---------------------------------------------------------BLOCKS2BAGS is a weekly show on #business , #tech and #culture πΌ. We break down the hottest ideas and interview entrepreneurs, investors, and creators to share their stories. The aim? To help YOU GET 2 DA BAG πΌ π° Join our community of entrepreneurs, creators and investors by visiting ππΌ https://www.blocks2bags.com/community----------------------------------------------------------Episode breakdown and topics discussed below: 1) The value of AI in art but and the importance of the human element in creating art. Questions about the intent behind AI-generated art and the definition of "real" art in the age of AI. 2) AI as a potential solution to make art more affordable and accessible for consumers. They discuss the differentiation between AI-generated art and traditional art, highlighting the tactile and sensory experience of physical artwork. 3) The ethical concerns of AI platforms using other artists' work without proper compensation, emphasising the importance of developing laws and regulations to protect artists' intellectual property in the digital age. 4) Whether voices, specifically those that can mimic famous artists like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, should be copyrightable. The use of AI to create music from deceased artists, such as the Notorious B.I.G. Timbaland, a renowned producer, has already made a song using AI and plans to start a company that allows people to create music using the voices of deceased artists. 5) AI art generator reviews of: images.ai, getimage.ai, Night Cafe Shutterstock, Dali 2, Runway ML 6) The positive impact of AI in art is highlighted, citing an artist who uses AI to showcase elderly African people on fashion runways. 7) The conversation delves into the future of work, the role of AI in society, and the potential for AI to create new job opportunities. 8) The emergence of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies and their impact on human experiences is also mentioned.

Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
In this episode of Blocks2Bags, host Sebuh Mesfin and special guest Shadee B discuss the recent social media updates on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instragram, Snapchat and Meta and how it will effect entrepreneurs and creators. Want join our community of entrepreneurs, creators and investors? Subscribe to our newsletter and win FREE products every week ππΌ ππΌ https://www.blocks2bags.com/community B2B Episode 20, topics discussed: 1) Twitter Blue subscribers now have an hour to edit a tweet, up from half an hour. Creators on Twitter will be able to access the email addresses of subscribers, seeing the potential for monetization through email marketing. 2) B-Real is a dying app compared to Instagram and TikTok, which are dominating the market. The hosts then discuss various updates and features on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 3) They talk about TikTok's evolution into a search engine, with the platform now showing wiki pages in search results for certain terms. They recommend building a presence on TikTok for successful brand growth, highlighting its better engagement and reach compared to Instagram 4) They also discuss TikTok as a learning platform, mentioning the addition of more free courses to TikTok's academy resource and praising the platform for supporting creators and pushing them to monetize their content. 5) They mention TikTok's new AI-powered tool called Script Generator, which helps users map out video concepts based on prompts, and express excitement about the potential for creators to generate engaging content using this tool. They touch on the increasing integration of AI in social media apps and the benefits and potential concerns associated with it. 6) Moving on to Instagram, the hosts discuss the introduction of an AI chatbot that will provide advice and answer questions, which will be a useful tool for creators to build their community and engage with their audience more efficiently. They also mention Instagram's new notes feature, which allows users to add songs they're listening to and potentially monetize their posts. 7) Lastly, the hosts talk about LinkedIn's new feature that allows company pages to send and receive direct messages. They express excitement about this long-awaited feature and discuss their experiences managing social media for a venture capital fund on LinkedIn.

Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Welcome to our podcast! π§
In this episode, we embark on an exciting exploration of the intersection of technology, venture capital, and marketing. Discover how recent events, such as the collapse of #SVB, have reshaped the startup financing landscape and influenced the strategies of entrepreneurs seeking funding. We'll analyze the implications for early-stage companies, discuss potential solutions, and provide valuable insights to navigate the changing investment landscape. Get ready to dive into the world of venture capital and explore the strategies for success in securing funding for your startup. πΈπ³π
But that's just the beginning! We'll also delve into the captivating world of technology and its profound impact on marketing. Explore cutting-edge innovations such as AI, blockchain, and AR/VR, and uncover how they are revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their audience. Gain actionable strategies to leverage technology and digital marketing tactics to drive growth and build a strong online presence. Discover the secrets to staying ahead of the curve in the digital age. ππ²πΌ
Join us as we interview industry experts, thought leaders, and successful entrepreneurs who have harnessed the power of technology, venture capital, and marketing to propel their businesses to new heights. Be inspired by their stories, learn from their experiences, and gain valuable insights that you can apply to fuel your own success. πͺππΌ
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and insights to navigate the tech, venture capital, and marketing landscape in 2023. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain a competitive edge and take your business to the next level! π₯ππ
Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @blocks2bags for more exciting episodes and updates. Let's keep optimizing ourselves together! π

Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Welcome to our podcast! π§
Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of investments and explore the various avenues available to grow your wealth. From stocks and bonds to real estate and cryptocurrencies, we'll delve into different investment vehicles, their potential returns, and the associated risks. Get ready to gain the confidence to navigate the investment landscape like a pro! πΈππ
In the next segment, we'll dive deep into the realm of pension plans and demystify the intricacies of retirement savings. Learn how to maximize your contributions, understand employer match programs, and make the most of tax advantages. We'll discuss various pension plan options, including 401(k)s, IRAs, and pension schemes, empowering you to build a robust retirement nest egg. It's time to secure a prosperous future! π
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But that's not all! We'll shed light on the importance of life insurance and its role in protecting your loved ones and securing their financial well-being. Explore the different types of life insurance policies, understand the key considerations in choosing coverage, and discover how to strike the right balance between cost and protection. Gain peace of mind knowing your family's future is safeguarded. π‘οΈπβ¨
By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with valuable knowledge and insights to make informed decisions about investments, pension plans, and life insurance. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to take control of your financial journey and secure a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones! πππ
Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @blocks2bags for more exciting episodes and updates. Let's keep optimizing ourselves together! π

Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of public relations and unlocking the secrets to elevate your personal brand to the next level. Get ready to learn the strategies, tips, and insider secrets on effectively leveraging PR agencies to amplify your presence, expand your reach, and make a lasting impact in your industry. πππ₯
Discover the true importance of crafting a compelling personal brand story and how PR agencies can play a crucial role in helping you articulate your unique value proposition. We'll explore the art of storytelling, media relations, and strategic communications to position yourself as an influential figure and establish your expertise in your niche. ποΈποΈπ
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and insights to take full control of your personal brand and harness the power of PR agencies to skyrocket your success. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the expertise of the amazing @brendajuliet_ and transform your personal brand into a force to be reckoned with! ππͺ
Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @blocks2bags for more exciting episodes and updates. Let's keep optimizing ourselves together! π

Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Welcome to our podcast! π§
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we offer you a captivating glimpse into the inspiring story of a UK entrepreneur's mother. Prepare to be amazed by the wisdom and insights shared by this incredible woman, whose guidance played a vital role in shaping her child's entrepreneurial journey. π‘π©βπ§βπ¦
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Get ready to discover the secrets of raising an entrepreneur, breaking free from age-related limitations, and embracing the power of pursuing your passions to achieve true success. Uncover the transformative impact of unwavering support and the determination to do what you love. ππΌ
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Whether you're a parent seeking guidance on nurturing your child's entrepreneurial spirit, an aspiring entrepreneur of any age, or simply someone in search of inspiration and motivation, this trailer is a must-watch! Immerse yourself in this extraordinary conversation and witness the power of passion, determination, and unwavering support in paving the way for entrepreneurial success. ππΌ
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Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @blocks2bags for more exciting episodes and updates. Let's keep optimizing ourselves together! π
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Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
Welcome to our podcast! π§
Are you ready to turn your passion for content creation into a profitable business? Join us as we dive into the strategies and insights of two highly successful entrepreneurs, Bejay Muelnga and Sebuh Mesfin, who have mastered the art of making money from content. π¬π°π»
In this trailer, we'll give you an exciting glimpse into the valuable insights and practical tips they'll be sharing. They'll cover a wide range of topics, including effective monetization strategies, building a strong brand, and leveraging platforms to maximize your earning potential. πΌππ‘
Whether you're a budding content creator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to harness the power of digital media, this trailer is a must-watch! ππͺ
Get ready to unlock the secrets of Bejay Muelnga and Sebuh Mesfin's success, learn how to monetize your content effectively, and build a thriving business around your creative endeavors. It's time to take your content creation journey to the next level! π
Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @blocks2bags for more exciting episodes and updates. Let's keep optimizing ourselves together! π