How to Tame a Dragon (and Rebrand a Startup) 🐲

Venture Crush Interview with Dragons Den Member/ Your Magazine

Earlier this year, Your Business Magazine ran a feature with James Caan from Dragons’ Den, exploring how AI is reshaping startups. Alongside his insights, the magazine interviewed Harry Geisler, CEO of YAVA and cofounder of the now 'Venture Crush', about the rise of AI-driven matchmaking between founders and tech leaders.

The interview (and the exceptional interest that followed) confirmed what the team already knew – the mission was strong, but the brand needed to evolve. The platform originally launched as the Virtual CTO Platform, with a clear focus on helping startups find technical leadership. Over time, the scope expanded. It was no longer just about CTOs – it was about compatibility, culture, and the spark that happens when founders and techies align.

Venture Crush was born to reflect that spark. The name carries energy and playfulness, echoing the feeling of standing in front of investors on Dragons’ Den – the nervous pitch, the tough questions, and the thrill when someone leans in instead of stepping back.

The rebrand also introduced a new visual identity anchored in Coral. This colour was chosen for its warmth and boldness – it avoids the safe corporate blue or the grey of enterprise tech. Coral represents connection and confidence, the human energy that sits at the centre of every strong startup team.

Venture Crush (Formerly Virtual CTO Platform)

The principles remain unchanged. Venture Crush continues to connect visionary founders with the right technical leaders. It does so by going beyond CVs and job titles, looking instead at skills, values, and the subtle factors that make a team work under pressure. In short, it aims to outsmart traditional recruitment rather than replace it.

The rebrand signals growth, not departure. Venture Crush carries forward the same mission as the Virtual CTO Platform – helping startups build faster, stronger, and with lasting resilience – but with a sharper identity and a brand that matches its ambition.

No dragons were harmed in the making of this rebrand.