Welcome to The Engine – Founders’ Stories Podcast. In this episode, host Donna Owenis joined by Rodrigo Malachias, Co-Founder of MedibleGo and CEO at Medible. Rodrigo shares how he built two global companies by combining technology, strategic consulting, and a deep commitment to understanding SMEs. He takes us through his journey from early technical training in Brazil to leading multinational teams, teaching innovation, and now scaling an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses grow.

Rodrigo explains how MedibleGo uses AI to bridge the information gap between SMEs and banks, unlocking better access to financing while giving founders the insights they need to succeed. He also shares candid reflections on burnout, resilience, and how running became an anchor for his mental and physical wellbeing. From global expansion to the importance of customer listening, Rodrigo offers grounded, practical wisdom for founders building with purpose.

In this episode, Rodrigo breaks down how he transformed years of consulting experience into an AI-driven product trusted by both SMEs and financial institutions. He talks about bootstrapping two companies, securing Innovate UK grants, and why customer insight – not investment – is at the heart of sustainable growth. Rodrigo also opens up about his background, the turning points that shaped his career, and why balance, authenticity, and curiosity are essential to long-term success as a founder.

Key Takeaways

1. How MedibleGo uses AI to close the global SME financing gap.
2. Why customer conversations matter more than investor conversations.
3. Burnout, recovery, and how running became part of Rodrigo’s life philosophy.
4. The power of iteration, listening, and humility in building a tech company.
5. Global expansion and how the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme accelerated growth.

Additional Insights

1. Rodrigo began as a trained electrician and worked in manufacturing at 14.
2. His non-technical PR degree sharpened his communication, teaching, and leadership skills.
3. Years of consulting for global brands shaped Medible’s methodology and product evolution.
4. He teaches innovation in Chile and is writing a book about resistance to new technology.
5. Rodrigo believes scarcity environments (LatAm, Africa) create more resilient founders than wealthy ecosystems.

Quotes from the Episode

1. “Listen to your customers, not your investors.” – Rodrigo Malachias
2. “Burnout taught me I needed to redesign my life.” – Rodrigo Malachias
3. “Small businesses deserve the same strategic power as big corporations.” – Rodrigo Malachias

Join Rodrigo as he shares how his passion for innovation, customer insight, and global entrepreneurship drives his mission to support SMEs with purpose, technology, and clarity.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – Teaser

[01:08] – Introduction of Guest

[02:15] – MedibleGo & Medible: What the Companies Do

[03:18] – Why SMEs Need AI Support

[05:19] – The Global SME Financing Gap

[07:14] – No Lightbulb Moment: Building Through Iteration

[09:57] – Rodrigo’s Background & Early Work

[13:33] – Studying PR & Growing Into Tech

[16:01] – Understanding Resistance to New Technologies

[21:09] – Burnout, Collapse, and Reinvention

[29:36] – Global Expansion Through the GEP

[32:09] – Advice for Founders: Customer Obsession

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY:

1. LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rodmalachias
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_malachias/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmalachias/
4. Company Website (MedibleGo): https://mediblego.com/
5. Company LinkedIn (MedibleGo): https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/mediblego/
6. Company Website (Medible): https://www.medible.cl/es
7. Company LinkedIn (Medible): https://www.linkedin.com/company/medible/

FOLLOW THE HOST:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnalowen/
2. Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-engine-growth/
3. Website: https://www.theengine.uk/
4. Email: [email protected]