
The Difference Engine helps founders and funders maximise business growth through category design. Hosted by two British northerners with decades of experience in launching, managing, and marketing disruptive tech companies. Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett have been there, done it and thrown away the slogan t-shirts - now they'll help you become a category king. The Difference Engine - Disrupting ... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 84 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EntrepreneurshipBusinessNewsTech News | |||

Great products don't break markets. Great Category strikes do.
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In the midst of record AI investment, soaring valuations, and relentless hype, a growing question is emerging: are we witnessing a technological revolution or an AI bubble? We explore the warning signs that have preceded past market fallouts, from in... more
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In this episode, we return to The Vibe Chasm, the growing gap that appears when AI-fuelled, solo-founder speed collides with the messy realities of scaling Category leading companies. The winners of the next decade will not be those who use AI the fa... more
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Brilliant and informative
This is a great listen. Thought provoking on my commute to my job at a stressful bank.
Refreshingly British angle on all things business on both sides of the pond. Feel entertained whilst learning a lot from a couple of seemingly very credible minds!
Best UK tech news show I’ve heard!
Great presenters. Great rapport. Think these guys give great advice and don’t hold back.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #122 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This show targets B2B technology leaders and funders, frequently exploring how category design can unlock growth and create durable market leadership. Episodes often tackle AI deployments, governance, regulatory dynamics, European tech policy, and the evolving role of venture capital in shaping disruptive tech ecosystems. Noteworthy angles include open standards, sovereign AI initiatives, and practical go-to-market strategies for AI-native businesses, all delivered with a candid, founder-focused perspective. Listeners are likely attracted to rigorous strategic thinking, category-centric marketing, and insights from both startup and PE/VC worlds, with an emphasis on Europe's tech sovereignty and global competitive dynamics.
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The Difference Engine launched 3 years ago and published 84 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Difference Engine include:
1. Roman Stanek
2. David Friend
3. Cristina Caffarra
4. Colin Tenwick
5. Ben Richmond
6. Rupert Jones
7. Phil Robinson
8. Laura Hill
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