LP | E444 | Defining And Validating Your Ideal Customer Profile With Alicia Carney, Ex Deliveroo [Path To Market] EUVC podcast

38:54

In this episode, Adriana Stan is joined by Jon Coker , founding partner at Eka Ventures , to unpack how the team behind the £68M Fund I has backed 21 early-stage companies driving systemic change in consumer health and sustainable consumption. They dive into the team’s shift from MMC Ventures to launching a new kind of impact fund, the lessons learned from backing 3 unicorns, and why founder learning velocity is Jon’s No. 1 metric for long-term success. Eka Ventures is an early-stage VC fund with a clear mission: to back the founders building a more equitable, sustainable future with business models that scale both shareholder value and societal return . Here’s what’s covered: 01:50 Jon’s journey from analyst to co-managing partner at MMC 05:15 Launching Eka Ventures: why impact needs its own home 08:30 Choosing the themes: consumer health & sustainable consumption 12:45 Building conviction around shared value 16:00 Distribution in health: why access is half the battle 19:25 Generalist vs. Specialist: where Eka fits in 23:10 Fund I analysis: what worked and what didn’t 27:45 Operating in the “real world”: why it’s harder, but worth it 30:10 Lessons from unicorns and founder growth 34:00 The problem with how VCs evaluate “team”…

EUVC

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VC | E489 | Moments Lab Raises 24M USD 52:47

2 days ago52:47

52:47

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Philippe Petitpont , co-founder & CEO of Moments Lab , and Gökçe Seylan , Principal at OX , for an insider conversation on the future of video AI and how Europe is producing vertical champions with real traction. Fresh off a $24M scale round, Philippe walks us through the evolution of Moments Lab from metadata indexing to full AI-powered video agents. Gökçe shares why this was a must-invest opportunity for OX and what the company’s journey reveals about product-market fit, global GTM, and the rise of vertical AI platforms in Europe. This one’s a must-listen for anyone building at the intersection of AI, SaaS, media, and enterprise. Here’s what’s covered: 04:00 Understanding 1 Million Hours of Video: Why AI was the only answer 07:00 Why ChatGPT Can’t Win This Market: Vertical depth vs. horizontal power 10:30 Real Video vs. Synthetic Content: Where emotion, IP, and accuracy still rule 16:00 Rights Management in Video AI: How Moments Lab handles ownership at scale 21:10 What Is Agentic AI? From prompt to production, with real content 27:30 The VC Perspective: Why OX backed this team at scale 31:00 From Startup to Scale-Up: Going enterprise, going US 36:30 Business Model Design: Why they price by hours, not seats 44:00 Scaling from Seed to Series A+: Building infrastructure, not just growth 49:30 Being a European Deeptech Founder: Talent advantages, GTM challenges 54:30 The Rise of European Vertical AI: Legal, industrial, cyber—and now video…

EUVC

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VC | E488 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax 57:43

3 days ago57:43

57:43

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast , where Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and Lomax from Outsized Ventures gather to unpack the macro forces and micro signals shaping European tech and venture. This week, the trio dive into: Why Europe’s fiscal firepower could be its unfair advantage The growing exodus of IPOs from the UK to the US Strategic defense investment—can the UK move the needle? How AI and capital markets are colliding And yes, we close on psychedelics and patient-first biotech breakthroughs Here's what’s covered: 02:15 Europe’s Fiscal Advantage: Why Better Balance Sheets Matter for Innovation 07:00 The Return of Low Rates: What It Means for Startups 11:20 London vs. New York: The IPO Drain 17:00 Why Capital Leaves: Liquidity, Coverage & the Search for Growth 21:30 Rebuilding the UK Market: The Case for LP Allocation Reform 25:50 Beyond IPOs: The Full-Stack Capital Problem 30:40 AI and Lawsuits: Welcome to the New Frontier 33:10 Defense Tech Heats Up: Drones, AI & Strategic Capital 38:40 Can the UK Compete? Global Arms Races & National Reviews 42:30 Liquid Biopsies & Healthcare Breakthroughs 46:20 NHS Efficiency Crisis: More Money, Worse Outcomes 50:30 Psychedelics on the Edge: Awaiting the Data Drop…

EUVC

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VC | E487 | Building GTM Teams with Gia Scinto, Talent Partner at The Cole Group [Path to Market – Seedcamp Series] 55:15

4 days ago55:15

55:15

In this episode of Path to Market, Seedcamp’s Natasha Lytton and Pipeline Ventures’ Micah Smurthwaite are joined by Gia Scinto , Partner at The Cole Group and one of the most seasoned go-to-market talent experts in tech. Gia has helped build out executive teams at category-defining startups like Stripe, Airbnb, Datadog, Canva, and Confluent — and previously led talent at Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz. Gia shares hard-earned lessons from years of recruiting top-tier GTM leaders and partnering directly with founders at every stage, from pre-seed to IPO. In this conversation, she breaks down how to hire your first sales leader, how to evaluate candidates for stage fit and values alignment, and how to avoid common hiring pitfalls that can cost startups months of momentum. From sales methodology and hiring frameworks to founder mindset and onboarding tactics, this episode is packed with tactical insights for founders, operators, and investors alike. Here’s what’s covered: 02:34 Building the First GTM Talent Function in VC 06:25 From a16z to YC: Supporting Founders Across Stages 09:42 First Sales Hire vs. Later-Stage Leadership 13:38 The Anatomy of a Great Recruiting Process 22:26 Best Interview Questions for Sales Roles 29:45 How to Pitch Senior Candidates at Early Stage 33:39 What GTM Leaders Want to Hear 44:35 Why Sales Hires Fail — and How to Avoid It 47:36 Systems, Team Design & Ops from 0 to $10M 51:42 Advice for GTM Candidates: How to Pick Your Next Role…

EUVC

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VC | E486 | Living a Meaningful Life in Tech with Fred Destin at Stride from the EUVC Summit 28:57

5 days ago28:57

28:57

If you came expecting a neat keynote, you were in for something else entirely. What he gave us instead in fourteen minutes was part sermon, part therapy, and part existential gut check for anyone shaping the future. Here’s what stuck: “This isn’t a rehearsal.” Fred opened with vulnerability: standing in front of his peers, in a room that lives and breathes venture, ready to say the uncomfortable things. He asked us to zoom out—to consider the power we hold as people who don’t just fund companies but shape the narratives that shape the future. “We sit in the cockpit alongside the founders. That’s where creation happens now. That’s our canvas.” But with that power comes disorientation. Because the world we’re building into? It’s fragmented. Conflicted. Loaded with moral confusion. On Truth, Power, and the Collapse of Shared Narratives Fred pulled no punches. “Historically, we had shared systems for truth. Religion. Philosophy. Math. But now? Everything’s been deconstructed. Lived experience replaced truth. Everything’s power.” Welcome to the legacy of critical theory. Foucault, Derrida—ideas that once helped explain systems of oppression have now left us with... nothing to agree on. “We’re left in a nihilistic landscape. Everything is a power struggle. There’s no shared center.” And it’s not just academic. It unfolds in cycles of outrage, weaponized identities, and moral ambiguity. Tech doesn’t escape this, it amplifies it. The Algorithm Doesn’t Care About Truth “We thought more information meant more truth. It doesn’t. ”Truth, Fred reminded us, is costly. Outrage is cheap. And platforms optimize for what’s fast, not what’s real. “A four-second tweet can destroy someone’s life. Investigative journalism takes months. ”Now, enter AI. Beautiful, powerful—and deeply destabilizing. “We’re staring at it like it’s the sun or a cobra. We don’t know what it is yet. But it’s changing the rules faster than we can track.” The Danger of Playing Games We Don’t Know We’re In A warning: You may think you’re being righteous. You may think you’re being helpful. “But maybe you’re playing a social game. Maybe you’re being used. And maybe you don’t even know it.” In a world where narratives shift daily, we often end up reinforcing the very dynamics we oppose. “You want to call out a Nazi salute online? Be careful. You might just normalize the thing you hate.” So Where Does That Leave Us? In a word: Stewardship. Fred closed with a challenge: “This is the most powerful tool mankind has ever created. What the fuck are we doing with it?” We’re not just funding innovation. We’re authoring meaning. In an anxious world, that’s a profound responsibility. One Last Question (That Stuck With Us All) “What is the quality of the conversation we’re having?” With ourselves. With each other. With our founders. With the world. Because if we don’t ask that, the rest doesn’t matter.…

EUVC

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VC | E485 | Kamel Zeroual on Building Europe’s Next Powerhouse Seed Fund 27:11

6 days ago27:11

27:11

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Kamel Zeroual , GP of Varsity , one of Europe’s boldest new funds out of Paris. Varsity is making waves—not just for their ambition to build a pan-European fund with global aspirations, but for already closing €120M+ toward a first-time fund targeting €150M. Kam breaks down what makes Varsity different: a team with deep operator and investor experience, a track record spanning over 100 startups, and an agnostic but conviction-led strategy focused on next-gen SaaS, fintech, healthtech, and climate. 🎧 Here’s what’s covered: 00:00 – Introduction to Varsity and team background 03:34 – Track record and investment thesis 05:57 – Varsity’s investment strategy 07:08 – Paris roots, pan-European vision 09:57 – Sector focus and founder-first logic 13:53 – Why generalist funds still matter 18:00 – The case for a €150M seed fund 22:23 – What convinced LPs to back Varsity 25:53 – Final reflections and EUVC Awards recognition…

EUVC

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VC | E484 | Gloria Baeuerlein at Puzzle Ventures & Europe’s Solo GP Revolution 46:37

7 days ago46:37

46:37

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Gloria Baeuerlein , founding partner of Puzzle Ventures , about building a solo GP model rooted in high-conviction, ultra-early B2B investing. From AI-native SaaS pricing to capital-efficient pre-seed strategies, Gloria breaks down how she’s crafting a differentiated firm in one of Europe’s most competitive venture environments. They unpack why capital is commoditized, how solo GPs can outperform larger seed funds, and what it takes to design a fund around personal strength, not industry templates. If you’re building a fund, raising one, or just want an inside look into how modern venture firms are architected, this one’s for you. Here’s what’s covered: 03:20 How AI Is Reshaping SaaS: Delivery, Pricing, and UX 07:30 Pricing Models in Construction Tech and Outcome-Based Sales 09:45 The Shifting VC Landscape: Seed, Multi-Stage, and Angels 12:30 Differentiation in VC: Finding Your True Value-Add 14:40 Building a Fund Around Strengths, Not LP Preferences 22:50 The Competitive Landscape: Seed Funds vs. Solo GPs 24:15 Operational Differences: Solo GPs vs. Multi-Stage Funds 30:00 Fund Model, Ownership, and Return Expectations 38:20 Firm Building as a Solo GP: Who to Lean On 42:26 Will Puzzle Always Be a Solo GP Fund?…

EUVC

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VC | E483 | Rina Onur on Offboarding as a VC Partner, Istanbul’s Gaming Boom & the Tug-of-War Between Building and Investing 52:18

9 days ago52:18

52:18

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Rina Onur , co-founder of Peak and formerly of 500 Istanbul, for a raw and rare conversation about stepping back as a VC partner—and what it takes to switch hats between operator and investor. Together with Enis Hulli, they unpack the story behind Rina’s exit from fund management, her next chapter with Spyke Games , and the unique DNA behind Turkey’s explosive gaming ecosystem. This one’s both personal and analytical—a crash course in partnership dynamics, performance-driven ecosystems, and what founders truly need from their VCs (and what they don’t). Here’s what’s covered: 02:00 Rina’s Back-and-Forth Journey: From Private Equity to Peak, Back to VC, and Out Again 08:20 The Emotional Weight of Short-Term Partnerships 11:15 How to Offboard Gracefully as a VC Partner 13:10 What Rina Hated About Venture Capital 15:25 Fundraising Fatigue & Convincing Dozens vs. One 21:40 Why Gaming Became Turkey’s Breakout Sector 24:15 Local vs. Global Success Stories: Turkey, Poland & Beyond 29:50 Serial Founders vs. Untapped Talent: The Two Sides of Portfolio Building 36:30 Geographic Advantage: Why Local VCs Still Matter 41:30 State-Backed Ecosystems: What Works, What Doesn’t 49:00 A Candid Ending: Offboarding, Vulnerability & Starting Over…

EUVC

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VC | E482 | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen, and Lomax Ward 52:01

10 days ago52:01

52:01

In this episode, Dan Bowyer , Lomax, and Mads Jensen reunite to talk about the stories behind the headlines - Trump’s tariffs, EU’s sluggish startup strategy, the Anthropic surge, and why Europe’s hardware design hopes might rest on Munich. From missiles interrupting pool time in Tel Aviv to Nvidia’s record-breaking quarter, the crew tackles everything from macro trade wars to micro founder incentives—plus a healthy dose of sarcasm, realpolitik, and startup survival. Here’s what’s covered: 04:30 Tariffs, trade wars & what it means for European startups 08:15 Harmonization vs. regulation: Why EU/US divergence matters 10:55 Tariffs & inflation: Why macro still rules the game 13:10 The public/private schism and bond market dismay 21:45 The EU startup plan: blue carpets, unicorn labs & old ideas 26:00 Talent, tax & the fight for Europe's future founders 29:30 Why Munich might be Europe’s next deep tech capital 31:00 Big tech flexes: Google, Anthropic, and the return of hardware 35:00 Vibe coding & SaaS disruption: The new normal? 41:00 AI agents, Nvidia blowouts, and the pace of change 45:20 Deal of the Week: Brightflag exits for $425M 57:00 Why the crew skipped SuperVenture to actually build stuff…

EUVC

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VC | E481 | Etienne on Intuition, Going Deep on Consumer, and What Founders Can Learn from Pro Athletes 49:16

11 days ago49:16

49:16

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Etienne , co-founder and GP at Intuition —a new €10M fund focused on pre-seed and seed investments in consumer, prosumer, and B2B2C startups across Europe and the US. From chasing the NBA dream to raising a fund for overlooked sectors, Etienne shares the founder's journey behind the fund, his obsession with AI-native products, and why consumer investing needs a new generation of believers. Here’s what’s covered: 02:20 From Pro Basketball to Founding Intuition 05:11 Discipline, Resilience & Pain Tolerance: The Athlete’s Edge 08:30 Why Obsession Beats Talent Every Time 13:13 Recalibrating After Burnout: Life Beyond the Grind 19:13 Why Building a Fund Is Just Another Startup 24:41 Building a Portfolio to Survive Volatility 36:46 The Return of the Capital-Efficient, Profitable Company 41:14 Why Intuition Plans to Stay Small (on Purpose) 46:00 Create Like a God, Connect Like a Human: The New Founder Paradigm 50:11 Multitask or Die: Surviving in the Agentic Age of AI…

EUVC

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VC | E480 | Evan Finkel, Carmen Alfonso & Andreas Holm on Fundraising Fog, LP Red Flags & the Real Meaning of “Edge” 54:30

12 days ago54:30

54:30

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by LP Evan Finkel and Cocoa’s Carmen Alfonso to explore the gritty, unvarnished truth about what it takes to raise a venture fund today. They unpack the fundraising myths that mislead first-time GPs, the pitch deck traps that instantly raise LP eyebrows, and the misunderstood concept of “edge” that too often becomes just another slide. Together, they dive into the uncomfortable but essential lessons that don’t get talked about enough—why brutal feedback is a gift, why preparation is a differentiator, and why your real superpower probably doesn’t look good on LinkedIn. From fake timelines to founder references and chocolate brand storytelling, this one’s for every emerging manager looking for clarity in the fog. Here’s what’s covered: 03:04 Why Brutal Honesty in Venture Matters More Than Ever 05:44 The Myth of the Effortless Fundraise (and Who It Hurts) 08:04 Preparation Is a Superpower—Not Just Talent 12:48 What LPs Want to Know 16:23 The VCX Framework: Edge ≠ Thesis 19:55 Superpowers Are Personal—Not PR 26:58 The Case for Being an Outlier (or Not Doing VC at All) 30:22 How LPs Evaluate GPs on Call #1 35:47 Red Flags in Decks That Make LPs Cringe 41:52 Polish vs. Substance: What the Deck Signals…

EUVC

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VC | E479 | Cyril Gouiffès on What It Takes to Be a Real Impact Fund Manager 1:07:09

13 days ago1:07:09

1:07:09

In this episode, August Solliv and Douglas Sloan speak with Cyril Gouiffès , Head of Social Impact Investments at the European Investment Fund (EIF) , to explore what distinguishes authentic impact fund managers from the growing crowd. From team composition and investment discipline to LP expectations and impact integrity, Cyril shares a candid perspective shaped by years of experience at the intersection of public capital and private markets. Together, they unpack what EIF looks for when backing emerging impact managers, why team dynamics matter more than ever, and how the market can defend against “impact washing” as the sector matures. Here’s what’s covered: 01:00 – Why Cyril’s early influences shaped his mission-driven investing lens 04:15 – From altruism to efficacy: lessons from failed NGO models 06:20 – The rise of genuine dual-performance funds post-2014 08:45 – Why team quality is the #1 differentiator in impact VC 17:30 – EIF’s role in supporting first-time, emerging managers 20:10 – Why impact metrics must tie to the business model 23:15 – The dangers of forgetting your impact thesis post-fundraise 26:00 – Impact failures vs. financial failures: lessons learned 28:00 – Why LPs must stay engaged beyond the fundraising stage 33:15 – State of fundraising: too many funds, not enough capital 35:20 – The call for impact pioneers: back to the original thesis…

EUVC

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VC | E478 | Size Matters… Or Does It? LP Strategies in the Micro vs Mega Fund Era 13:29

14 days ago13:29

13:29

If you tuned in hoping for crisp conclusions on fund performance, you may have left empty-handed. But if what you came for was a razor-sharp, high-stakes debate on the mechanics of venture economics—then this was your moment. Fourteen minutes of fierce dialogue at the EUVC Summit, and not a second wasted. Here’s how it went: “If you're drawing any conclusions from those data sets... be my friend. But we won't do that. ”Why? Because the data is still messy. Still underpowered. And when you're modeling venture returns—especially for emerging managers—it’s more art than science. But oh, did we try. This fast-paced exchange brought clarity (and fire) to a few of venture’s most misunderstood dynamics: Why the $20B outcome is the new benchmark for greatness How fund size maps to percentile outcomes The hard math behind Seed-to-Series A attrition Why early-stage investing remains low-probability but high-upside And the eternal debate: do emerging managers truly outperform, or just dominate a distorted sample? "If you're really needing data to prove that model—it does not exist.” We’ll get back to that.…

EUVC

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VC | 477 | Jeremy Uzan on Chasing Pure Performance, Generalist VCs & Why Europe is Ready for Science-Driven Founders 47:47

15 days ago47:47

47:47

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Jeremy Uzan , co-founder and GP at Singular , for a look at how a “plain vanilla” approach to venture—driven by deep founder focus and relentless performance orientation — can be a powerful advantage. Together, they unpack the mechanics behind Singular’s model, how the team stays agile without a rigid thesis, and what it means to create an empowering internal culture. Singular is an early-stage venture capital firm born in Europe, committed to empowering European founders with global ambitions across all sectors, from Seed to Series B, with a strong focus on Series A companies.Jeremy also shares his evolving views on European talent, the rise of Paris as a startup epicenter, and why he believes we’re only just beginning to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Europe’s scientific minds.Here’s what’s covered:02:00 – Should Generalist VCs Still Exist in Europe? 07:10 – Fundraising Like a Founder: How LPs Backed Fund I and II 14:00 – Why Generalist Isn’t a Weakness—It’s Strategic 16:25 – Diversification vs. Focus: Squaring LP Needs with Performance 21:15 – Temporary Specialists: Sprinting Deep Into Sectors 24:20 – From Zero to One on Markets: Learning via Founders 27:15 – European Talent Post-COVID: What’s Changed 30:00 – Paris Joins the Core of the European Ecosystem 35:15 – The Rise of Science Entrepreneurs in Europe 39:00 – Why Bio is the Next Big Tech Frontier…

EUVC

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VC | E476 | Finn Murphy on Nebular, Going Solo, and Why the Next Great VC Firm Starts with You 48:46

16 days ago48:46

48:46

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Nebular GP Finn Murphy . From launching Nebular after FTX’s collapse to backing AI, data centers in space, and fossil startups, Finn shares the unpredictable and highly personal journey of building a fund from scratch. A manifesto for curiosity-led investing emerges, as does a bold vision for reshaping European venture and policy.Here’s what’s covered: 01:25 Leaving Frontline, Launching Nebular, and Solo GP Life 03:45 Fund One in the Nuclear Winter of VC Fundraising 06:30 A Thesis of Curiosity: No Theme, Just Timing, Talent & Tails 09:50 From Healthcare Ops to AI Teddy Bears to Fossil Markets 16:10 Strategy Drift, Authenticity, and Embracing the Unknown 18:30 Being a Solo GP Without Being Alone 21:00 How Long Can You Be Great? A Venture Career as Athletic Peak 27:30 Europe vs. US: Talent, Incentives, and Risk Appetite 35:40 Project Europe, EU Inc & Why Attitude Is the Real Bottleneck 44:00 Yes, Tech Should Get Political…

EUVC

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VC | E475 | Kasper Hulthin on Breaking the “Better” Myth & Building Food for the Many 52:04

20 days ago52:04

52:04

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Kasper Hulthin , co-founder of Kost Capital and Future Five , to unpack what it takes to build food startups that change the system. Kasper argues that creating better food is not about crafting the perfect health product for the elite, but about designing for impact, scale, and real-world distribution.They explore why traditional VC models often fail food startups, how founders can balance purpose with platform thinking, and what it means to move beyond “more alternatives” into a world of more and better. Here’s what’s covered: 00:45 – Why “more” food options doesn’t always mean “better” 03:30 – Why optimizing for Whole Foods isn’t a scalable strategy 06:20 – The ketchup analogy: exclusive vs. inclusive innovation 10:15 – Scaling challenges: distribution, regulation, perception 14:05 – What founders miss about consumer routines 17:50 – Building platforms, not just products 21:10 – The role of storytelling in transforming food narratives 25:00 – What “better” really means: nutrition, access, equity…

EUVC

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VC | E474 | Guenther & Enrique on Redesigning Capital for Circular Futures & Europe’s Systemic Sustainability Shift 35:13

21 days ago35:13

35:13

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna and Enrique Molina from Qi Impact Capital to explore how capital can be deployed with purpose to accelerate the circular economy. From personal stories to portfolio-level insight, this conversation shows how values-based investing can be compatible with venture returns. Guenther and Enrique unpack the urgency of systems change, how storytelling shapes capital flows, and why they believe Europe’s sustainability movement is at a critical inflection point, despite the headwinds.Here’s what’s covered: 02:18 Qi Impact Capital’s Holistic Investment Thesis 03:27 Guenther’s Journey: From PwC to Circularity Champion 05:34 Why Capital is the Catalyst for Circular Innovation 06:37 Narratives, Regulation & the Sustainability Backlash 08:50 Storytelling, Identity & Investment Decision-Making 13:30 What ‘Conscious Capital’ Really Means 17:17 Case Studies: OceanSafe, Vital & ID Genève 22:53 Designing Products for Reusability & Impact 25:41 The Financial Returns Behind Circular Success 29:45 Tensions in Consumer Behavior: Circular vs. Fast Fashion…

EUVC

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VC | E473 | Marcus Behrendt of BMW iVentures: Hedging the Future of Mobility, One Strategic Bet at a Time 49:24

22 days ago49:24

49:24

Marcus Behrendt , Managing Partner at BMW iVentures , joins Andreas and Jeppe to explore how corporate venture capital can drive transformation in Europe’s most iconic industries. From autonomy to AI and natural-fiber composites, the episode dives deep into how BMW’s venture arm scans, invests, and hedges across global markets while staying rooted in strategy and sustainability.🎧 Here’s what’s covered: 04:11 Investment Focus: From Smart Supply Chains to Sustainability 09:56 The Auto Industry in Flux: Disruption, Legacy & Tesla’s Vertical Model 14:31 Integration vs. Modularity: What Will Define the Next Automotive Leaders 17:01 Avoiding the Kodak Trap: Why Culture Eats Strategy in Corporate Innovation 25:56 Leveraging the Core: Staying Close to BMW’s Strategic Heartbeat 28:04 Natural Fibers & Rare Earths: Investing for CO2 Impact and Supply Chain Resilience 34:42 Scaling Autonomy in the Real World: From Car Plants to Ports 37:33 Europe's Structural Weakness: Legal Complexity and Inconsistent ESOPs 44:11 Pensions, Politics & the Case for Venture Policy Engagement 47:04 Why BMW iVentures Remains a Single-LP Fund—and Proud of It…

EUVC

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VC | E472 | Oliver Holle on Europe's VC Momentum, Political Engagement & Global Alliances 1:00:02

23 days ago1:00:02

1:00:02

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Oliver Holle, Founding Partner at Speedinvest, to unpack Europe’s current position in the global venture landscape. Fresh off the EUVC Summit and gearing up for GITEX, Oliver brings the heat — calling out flawed narratives, making the case for political engagement by founders and VCs, and breaking down the strategic implications of geopolitical capital shifts.Oliver shares how Europe is better positioned than its reputation suggests, why AI represents a public narrative opportunity for tech, and how learning from private equity could help European VCs build durable winners. From silent fund shutdowns to the rise of solo GPs, this episode is a crash course in navigating the new European venture normal.Here’s what’s covered: 03:46 Key Relationships in the Founder-VC Dynamic 09:56 Navigating Power Dynamics in Founder-VC Relationships 22:03 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Startups 26:05 Building Effective Communication and Culture in Growing Teams 28:44 The Challenge of Team Dynamics in VC Firms 32:36 Addressing Ego Issues in Leadership 38:32 The Evolving Role of Founders 47:12 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 55:12 The Importance of Energy Management…

EUVC

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VC | E471 | Sales and Scaling Strategies from Ryan Lieber, Snowflake’s First SDR and EMEA’s Go-To-Market Leader [Path to Market] 46:17

26 days ago46:17

46:17

In a new episode of “Path to Market” , our Director Natasha Lytton and her co-host Micah Smurthwaite , Partner at Pipeline Ventures are joined by Ryan Lieber , an experienced Go-to-Market Leader and one of Snowflake’s earliest employees and its first SDR. Together they discuss Snowflake’s impressive growth trajectory, the challenges and strategies of category creation, key sales methodologies like MEDDPICC, the best approaches for scaling internationally, and cross-functional sales efforts. Ryan shares his experiences from joining Snowflake when it was an unknown startup in 2014 to its current status as a data giant with over 7,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $50 billion. He also delves into when and how founders should hire their first SDRs and sales leaders, the metrics for measuring their success, and the role of marketing alignment in scaling sales. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of understanding regional cultural and communication nuances, and how to leverage partnerships in new markets. Lastly, Ryan discusses his current role leading Snowflake’s startup program in Europe, aiming to help next-generation data-intensive startups succeed using Snowflake’s data cloud.…

EUVC

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VC | E470 | Joe Seager-Dupuy & Mike Martin on Building a Specialist VC Platform Around Consumer and Retail Tech | Deep Dive Episode v1 29:46

27 days ago29:46

29:46

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Joe Seager-Dupuy and Mike Martin , General Partners at True , a £ 600 M+ consumer and retail-focused investment and innovation firm, to explore what it means to be a sector specialist in venture—and why that matters more than ever in today’s market.They unpack how True brings together deep operational experience, a robust corporate network, and full life-cycle investment—from pre-seed to public markets. This episode offers a masterclass in building durable advantage in venture through network effects, strategic LP engagement, and sector expertise.Here’s what’s covered: 03:14 Founders' Backgrounds and Experiences 05:50 Overview of True's Investment Strategy 09:02 Sector Specialization in Consumer and Retail 12:00 Leveraging Network and Expertise 15:09 Investment Decision-Making Process 17:59 Ecosystem and Corporate Partnerships 21:10 Consumer Market Opportunities 24:07 Investment Strategy and Focus Areas 27:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions…

EUVC

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VC | E469 | Christian Hernandez on the Real ROI of Adaptation (ImpactVC spotlight series) 47:04

28 days ago47:04

47:04

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Christian Hernandez , co-founder and Partner at 2150 , to challenge a common VC misconception—adaptation isn’t plan B, it’s a billion-dollar frontier. From heat-proofing megacities in the Global South to tackling the carbon cost of concrete, Christian breaks down why the climate crisis needs more than mitigation—and why adaptation is just as investable.Christian shares how 2150 is building its strategy around deployment readiness—bridging the chasm between early tech and infrastructure-scale solutions. This conversation lays out the economics, urgency, and capital flows reshaping climate tech today—and why adaptation is core to building a livable 2150. Here’s what’s covered: 01:35 Scaling for the Switch: When Venture Hands Off to Infra 03:01 Cooling the Planet: Human Limits, Economic Drivers & Air Conditioning 05:06 De-risking for Deployment: The Role of IFC, World Bank & Public Finance 07:42 Software for Adaptation Risk: Interdependencies & Insurability 11:42 Concrete, Meat & Flying: Where Real Emissions Come From 16:50 Why 2150? Long-Termism and Climate Deployment Urgency 18:15 Lessons for Climate VCs: Investing with Impact and ROI in Mind 24:38 Case Study: Vammo's Electric Scooters & Battery Swapping in Brazil 26:15 Open Source Thinking: Sharing Climate Research Across the Ecosystem…

EUVC

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VC | E468 | Sebastian Pollok on Building Visionaries Tomorrow & Europe’s Deep Tech Renaissance 53:26

29 days ago53:26

53:26

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Sebastian Pollok to unpack the thesis behind Visionaries Tomorrow , a fund purpose-built to back industrial deep tech founders emerging from Europe’s labs and institutes.Sebastian explores why Europe's frontier innovation requires new LP-GP dynamics, portfolio construction models, and national ambition—and how family offices and sovereign industrial strategy can unlock a generational leap in European deep tech leadership.Here’s what’s covered: 02:30 Why Industrial Deep Tech Needs Purpose-Built Capital 06:45 Founders from Labs, Not MBAs: Rethinking Team Archetypes 10:10 Case Study: Proxima Fusion & Max Planck’s World-Leading Design 13:55 Balancing Moonshots and Pick-and-Shovel Businesses 18:20 Family Offices & Mittelstand: Europe’s Strategic LP Base 22:40 What It Means to Truly Love Your LPs 26:30 The New Portfolio Construction for Deep Tech VC 36:10 Why Capital Efficiency Still Matters in Deep Tech 40:25 Strategic Sovereignty & the Role of the West in Frontier Tech…

EUVC

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VC | E467 | Dave Haynes on How AR Glasses, Multimodal AI, and Teleoperated Robots Will Reshape How We Work 48:27

4 weeks ago48:27

48:27

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Dave Haynes at FOV Ventures to unpack how the evolution of multimodal AI, audio intelligence, and teleoperation are driving a new wave of human-computer interaction. From audio-enhancing models like AI Acoustics to video synthesis via 3D engines, and from VR-powered robot control to wearable AI glasses—you'll get a front-row seat to the technologies that are redefining the frontier of ambient computing.Dave shares how AR glasses are already unlocking new workflows, why multimodal models are changing the way we use AI daily, and what this means for investors eyeing the next trillion-dollar opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after mobile and SaaS, this is it.Here’s what’s covered: 02:30 From Text to Multimodal: How AI Has Leveled Up 06:00 Voice is the Interface: Audio Models Like 11 Labs and AI Acoustics 08:45 The Rise of Ambient AI: Talking to Your Computer Like a Human 12:10 The Future Is Synthetic: Training Video Models in 3D Engines 15:55 Robotics in the Wild: Why Teleoperation Still Matters 19:40 The Role of VR in Human-Robot Collaboration 23:20 AR Glasses and Continuous Context Capture 26:50 Using AI to Wrap Your Day: Follow-Up Summaries from Lifelogging 30:10 Beyond SaaS: Why Frontier Tech Is Where Alpha Lives 33:00 Convincing LPs to Bet on the Future 36:25 Venture in the Age of Disruption: The 10-Year Thesis…

EUVC

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VC | E466 | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen, Lomax & Andrew J. Scott 1:02:34

4 weeks ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed , in discussion with Lomax Ward from Outsized Ventures and Andrew J. Scott , Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures , cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape.Behind the headlines—wind implosions, deep tech dead ends, exit deserts, secondaries, and AI drama—lie seismic shifts that will define the trajectory of European startups and the capital that fuels them.Here’s what’s covered: 01:30 Europe’s Wind Sector in Crisis 05:12 Hornsea 4 Fallout & Government Accountability 10:24 The Collapse of Deep Tech Momentum in the UK 15:36 Public Sector Catastrophes: Fujitsu’s £12B Flop 20:48 UK-EU Youth Mobility Deal & Trade Strategy 26:00 Trump, IP Tariffs & Global Trade Disruption 31:12 RIA Funds & the Evolving VC Model 41:36 Secondary Markets in Venture 46:48 The AI Arms Race: OpenAI vs. Google 52:00 European Drone Unicorns & GovTech…

EUVC

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VC | E465 | 🏆 Impact Leader of The Year Finalist: Jon Coker on Why Concentration, Conviction & Impact Are the Future of VC 46:31

4 weeks ago46:31

46:31

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Jon Coker , co-founder and GP at Eka Ventures , to unpack the strategy behind their conviction-led investment model and its outsized outcomes. Jon shares why Eka’s focus on consumer health and sustainable consumption is redefining what it means to deliver impact from venture, not just within it.Jon challenges the traditional index-style logic of venture capital, arguing instead for deep diligence, founder-first frameworks, and high-bar decision-making shaped by firsthand experience with outlier success. This episode is a masterclass in aligning fund design, sourcing strategy, and conviction-building to deliver both impact and performance. Here’s what’s covered: 03:25 Why Eka Doubled Down on Concentrated Portfolios 05:44 Structural Drivers Behind the Portfolio Strategy 07:18 Challenging the Index Logic of Venture 14:05 How Eka's Style Shapes Decision-Making Processes 16:34 Consumer Tech: Eka's Favorite Layer Cake 21:05 Bias for Action: A Key Founder Trait 28:35 Building Conviction: The Founder's Role at Eka 29:12 Eka's Deep Founder Diligence Model 44:57 Impact From Venture vs. Impact In Venture 50:57 Scaling Impact: Why Depth and Scale Matter…

EUVC

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VC | E464 | 🏆 Exit of The Year Finalist: Fergal Mullen of Highland Europe on Sensible Growth, Hard Truths & Building Europe’s Next Giants 44:06

5 weeks ago44:06

44:06

In this episode, Andreas sits down with Exit of The Year Finalist Fergal Mullen , Founding Partner at Highland Europe , to explore the firm’s growth-only investment strategy and what it really takes to scale durable, capital-efficient European champions.Fergal shares why Highland’s equal partnership model is more than just internal structure—it’s a reflection of how trust, alignment, and founder collaboration drive outcomes. From turning operational efficiency into alpha to navigating U.S. expansion and cap table cleanups, this episode lays out a blueprint for growth with discipline in a market still shaped by cycles, hype, and hard-earned fundamentals. 🎧 Here’s what’s covered: 01:15 Spinning Out from Highland Capital & Building a Growth-Only Fund 02:30 Why Equal Partnership Structure Matters—for GPs and Founders 04:20 Sensible Growth > Blitzscaling: Highland’s Core Investment Philosophy 09:10 Founder Coachability, No-Frills Marketing & Building Trust Post-Investment 11:50 Exiting and Re-Investing: When and Why to Consult LPs 13:45 US Expansion: Why Founders Must Move to Make It Work 16:00 Europe’s Best Exit Year? Why Fundamentals (Still) Win 17:55 Tourist Capital: How Cycles Distort Venture Discipline 19:20 Founders’ Liquidity and Cap Table Cleanups—Done Right 24:30 Closing Reflections from Fergal: Growth with Discipline, Always Exit of The Year Sponsor: Ace Alternatives At ACE Alternatives, we’re honoured to sponsor the Exit of the Year Award at the EUVC Summit. This award celebrates not only the incredible achievements of founders and their teams but also the vital roles played by the GPs who champion them and the LPs who believe in their vision. Together, these efforts create success stories that drive innovation, growth, and long-term impact in the venture ecosystem. We’re thrilled to recognise and celebrate these collective milestones.…

EUVC

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VC | E463 | Andreas Klinger, Prototype Capital & EU INC (Achievement finalist) v1 49:27

5 weeks ago49:27

49:27

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Andreas Klinger—founding team at Product Hunt, ex-CTO at On Deck, and now GP at Prototype Capital—to dive into the work behind EU Inc., a grassroots initiative to fix Europe’s fragmented startup ecosystem by rewriting its regulatory plumbing.Klinger shares how his experience as a founder and investor on both sides of the Atlantic led to a mission to standardize how we do business in Europe. They unpack how EU Inc. is working with the ecosystem—associations, communities, and top GPs—to propose a concrete policy blueprint aimed at simplifying scaling across borders.But the conversation goes much deeper: into the role of media as a self-selecting tool for ambition, how to build conviction and access as a micro-VC, and why VCs must engage with both macro-level systems change and micro-level founder support to make a lasting impact.Here’s what’s covered: 01:15 From Product Hunt & AngelList to Fixing European Venture 02:30 Why Klinger Made VC a Full-Time Play 06:10 Vlogging Hyper-Ambition: Behind-the-Scenes of Europe's Top Startups 09:30 The Cultural Gap: Work Ethic, Values & Systemic Signals 12:00 The Hidden Power of Performative Culture (and Its Risks) 14:22 What EU Inc. Actually Is: A Business-Led Policy Blueprint 18:30 Industry-Wide Buy-In: Why Everyone's Signing the EU Inc. Manifesto 24:15 Can VCs Stay Apolitical While Driving Change? 34:00 Reports Don’t Build Economies—People with Bias for Action Do 37:10 Action, Not Words: What Europe Really Needs Next…

EUVC

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VC | E462 | George Robson on Scaling Global Ambitions, Deep Tech, and the European VC Landscape 47:03

5 weeks ago47:03

47:03

In this short but insightful episode of the EUVC Podcast, we’re joined by George Robson of Sequoia and Benjamin, our trusted ambassador from Tech Barbecue, for a candid conversation on the transformative impact of AI—especially through the lens of content creation.The group touches on the disconnect between innovators and the mainstream when it comes to AI adoption. George and Benjamin reflect on the massive potential of AI, the surprisingly slow uptake among everyday users, and how those on the cutting edge are already rethinking workflows, communication, and strategy. Here’s what’s covered: 05:46 Reconciling European Optimism with U.S. Skepticism 17:22 U.S. Views on Europe: Misconceptions & Missed Nuance 21:00 The Return of Real Venture: Deep Tech vs. SaaS 24:00 Evaluating Deep Tech Founders: What Sequoia Looks For 26:59 Adapting Sequoia’s Platform to Serve Technical Founders 29:57 Scale-Up Capital in Europe: Reality vs. Perception 32:11 AI Company Metrics: Changing Signals & Due Diligence 34:56 Explosion of Founders in the AI Era: A Double-Edged Sword 36:59 Why Some European Companies Don’t Scale Big Enough 42:54 Foundational Principles for Building in the AI Era…

EUVC

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VC | E461 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Chris, Head Venture Capital at the BVCA 1:17:22

5 weeks ago1:17:22

1:17:22

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and Lomax from Outsized Ventures dive deep into the macro and micro of European venture, joined this week by special guest Chris Elphick, Head of Venture Capital at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA).Together, they pull back the curtain on the real stories shaping VC—from pension reform to geopolitical shocks, blackout readiness, and the transatlantic battle for AI and aerospace dominance. Here’s what’s covered: 03:15 What Really Happens at a VC Conference? 07:40 Politicians Using AI: Tech Literacy or National Security Risk? 12:01 UK Local Elections: Rise of Reform & Political Fragmentation 18:20 Trump’s Tariffs: Recession Risk & Global Trade Realignments 22:33 Heart Aerospace Flies to LA: A Blow to Europe? 28:04 UK VC Fundraising Rebounds—but Where’s the LP Money? 33:42 The Pension Problem: Zero UK Pensions Backing UK VC? 48:58 NATO x Deeptech: Europe’s First Combat Robots? 52:35 Portugal’s Great Blackout: A Warning for Renewable Grids 1:03:00 Show Me the Money: Can Pension Reform Really Unlock Capital for UK VC?…

EUVC

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VC | E460 | Daniel Dippold on Launching EWOR to unite Europe’s most powerful unicorn founders 56:13

6 weeks ago56:13

56:13

In this episode, Daniel Dippold unpacks the radical vision behind EWOR — a venture platform designed not as a fund, but as a self-reinforcing ecosystem where LPs become builders, community drives capital, and Europe’s boldest entrepreneurs find a launchpad.Daniel challenges the traditional LP-GP dynamic, advocating instead for an interconnected flywheel where education, storytelling, and systems-thinking empower both founders and funders. From the structural flaws in European venture to the cultural shifts needed to drive generational change, this episode is a masterclass in rethinking the venture equation from first principles. Here’s what’s covered: 02:47 The Origin of Ewor: Lessons from Building Momentum 07:12 Understanding the LP Journey 11:25 The European LP Landscape vs. the U.S. 15:33 Structuring EWOR as a Flywheel, Not a Fund 21:10 Solving for LP Education and Community 26:45 Why Now: The Timing Behind EWOR’s Launch 30:30 LPs as Builders: Shifting the Narrative 35:18 How EWOR Aims to Serve GPs 42:14 Storytelling, Visibility, and the Next Chapter…

EUVC

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VC | E459 | Kinnevik’s Charles Martin on Nordic AI Talent, Founder Archetypes, Evergreen Funds and more 49:31

6 weeks ago49:31

49:31

In this episode, Charles Martin from Kinnevik shares how the firm's evergreen investment model supports long-term, sustainable growth for portfolio companies. By eliminating the pressure of fixed fund lifecycles, Kinnevik can take a hands-on approach, offering support through various growth stages and aligning closely with entrepreneurs over time.Charles highlights the shift in venture capital, where today’s focus is not just on financial returns but also on building adaptable companies with strong governance and positive societal impact. Kinnevik’s approach exemplifies this broader movement toward deeper, more collaborative partnerships in driving lasting success.Here’s what’s covered: 05:10 AI in the Nordics: Talent and Innovation 08:56 The Importance of Operational Talent 13:16 Spotting Outlier Talent and Venture Insights 25:22 Evaluating Founders: Experience vs. Potential 39:02 The Importance of People in Venture Capital 44:53 The Future of AI and Talent…

EUVC

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VC | E458 | Norrsken’s Sara Kappelmark & Willem Vriesendorp on Impact-Driven EU Policy & Supporting Mission-Driven Founders 42:33

6 weeks ago42:33

42:33

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Sara Kappelmark , Co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation , and Willem Vriesendorp , Founder of Sustainable Public Affairs , to explore the powerful intersection of venture capital, sustainability, and EU policymaking.In this episode, Sara and Willem share how they’re bridging the gap between Europe’s most mission-driven founders and the often distant world of regulation, starting with the launch of the Norrsken House in Brussels. From climate tech to deep tech, they unpack why now is the moment for VCs and startups to engage with policy, how smart regulation can unlock real scale, and why Europe may be on the brink of its own era of exceptionalism.Here’s what’s covered: 04:15 The Importance of Regulation in Venture Capital 06:04 The Excitement in Brussels: Tech and Policy 12:27 The Role of Norkin House in Brussels 16:55 Engaging in Policy as a Small VC Firm or Startup 20:26 The Importance of Sustainability in Tech 26:07 The Role of VCs and Founders in Shaping Policy…

EUVC

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VC | E457 | Behind European Unicorns Featuring Dan Vahdat, Founder & CEO at Huma 46:16

6 weeks ago46:16

46:16

In this episode of our Behind European Unicorns series, David Cruz e Silva talks with Dan Vahdat , the founder and CEO of Huma , to unpack the journey behind one of Europe’s standout digital health scaleups. Founded in 2011, Huma is headquartered in London and has grown to approximately 500 employees and has raised over €275 million to date. Dan shares how the company evolved from supporting rare diseases to building a disease-agnostic, globally scalable platform used by healthcare systems, research institutions, and pharmaceutical giants. Here’s what’s covered: 07:09 The Evolution of Huma 09:56 Challenges and Future Vision 22:16 The Challenges of Starting a Digital Health Company 22:40 Geographical Focus and Strategy 29:57 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Digital Health 36:12 Partnerships and Organizational Growth 41:26 Future Vision and Expansion Plans for Huma…

EUVC

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VC | E456 | 2050’s Marie Ekeland on Reinventing VC from the Ground Up & Powering Systemic Change with Impact 1:10:02

6 weeks ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Welcome to a new episode of our podcast series focused on impact, where August Soliv , author of Impact Supporters, and Douglas Sloan , Managing Director at Better Society Capital , talk with Marie Ekeland , Founder and CEO of 2050 and one of Europe’s most forward-thinking impact investors. In this episode, Marie shares how her path, from coding at J.P. Morgan to founding France Digitale and now 2050, has been driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for building businesses that matter. She discusses why the classic VC model falls short in addressing today’s biggest challenges and how she is rewriting the rules with a regenerative, evergreen fund that aligns profit with purpose.Here’s what’s covered: 05:53 Challenges and Systemic Issues in Tech and Impact VC 10:15 The Concept of Alignment in Impact VC 28:17 Reinventing the VC Model for a Sustainable Future 33:17 Rethinking the VC Model: Extending Time Horizons 37:14 Evergreen Model: Diversifying Risk and Liquidity 39:53 Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change…

EUVC

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VC | E455 | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen, and Andrew J. Scott 35:24

6 weeks ago35:24

35:24

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott , Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures , cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

EUVC

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VC | E454 | Haynes Boone’s Karma Samdup & Vicki Odette on Fund Structuring, and Legal Challenges in Venture 51:58

7 weeks ago51:58

51:58

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Karma Samdup , Head of Private Funds and Venture in Europe in Haynes Boone's London office, and Vicki Odette , Partner in Dallas and New York, at Haynes Boone . They discuss the legal considerations in launching and managing venture capital funds. They also provide a detailed overview of key issues such as fund structuring, regulatory compliance, cornerstone LP dynamics, GP commitments, default provisions, and expense policies. They also discuss practical guidance on compensation models for key employees, using side letters, and negotiating with different types of investors.Here’s what’s covered: 03:59 The Importance of Legal Expertise in Fund Management 10:58 Key Legal Considerations for Fund Managers 26:31 Navigating LP Negotiations 35:57 Effective Communication with LPs 40:48 Compensation Strategies for Key Employees 45:00 Hiring from Competitors: Best Practices 47:11 Protecting Your Firm from Departing Employees…

EUVC

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CVC | E453 | Marika King (Head of PINC – Paulig’s CVC) on How Purpose-Driven CVCs Drive Early-Stage Innovation and Corporate Synergy 51:25

7 weeks ago51:25

51:25

In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier , talk with Marika King , Head of PINC , the corporate venture arm of Paulig. Marika shares how PINC was born to accelerate core innovation and deliver long-term impact across health, sustainability, and food security. She explains why PINC goes earlier than most CVCs and how they leverage Paulig’s R&D and cultural DNA to validate, support, and scale startups. Marika also offers candid reflections on governance structures, founder dynamics, and how her journey through burnout shaped her values as an investor.Here’s what’s covered: 03:10 Early Stage Investments and Validation 16:54 Governance and Structure of Pink Ventures 24:00 Lessons in Structuring a Corporate Venture Fund 26:34 Understanding the Role of a CVC 27:03 Misconceptions About CVCs 28:49 Flexibility and Patience in CVC Investments 31:29 The Importance of Founder-Friendly A…

EUVC

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VC | E452 | Meet the Finalist: Concept Ventures’ Reece Chowdhry on reimagining Europe’s pre-seed landscape with lead investments 47:03

7 weeks ago47:03

47:03

In this episode we're spotlighting Emerging Manager of the Year finalist Concept Ventures. Andreas talks with Reece Chowdhry , Founding Partner of Concept Ventures , about his bold approach to pre-seed: leading rounds, writing big checks early, and building founder trust from day one. Curious who else made the shortlist? Stay tuned—the big reveal’s coming soon. Reece shares his journey into early-stage investing and explains how his approach to pre-seed funding means writing big lead checks when others hesitate, building trust and momentum with founders right from the start. He also opens up about his early experiences in tech investing, which shaped his conviction to back talented teams and innovative ideas in a maturing European ecosystem. Reece also dives into the heart of his investment philosophy, focusing on the power of a strong people process and unwavering conviction. He outlines how his team’s careful evaluation of team dynamics and growth mindset helps startups skip rounds of dilution and accelerate their progress. Chapters: 03:02 Reece's Journey into Investing 06:35 The Evolution and Philosophy of Concept Ventures 09:44 Challenges and Strategies in the Pre-Seed Ecosystem 23:38 Collaborative Investment Strategies 25:00 The Importance of People in Venture Capital 26:25 Father-Son Partnership Dynamics 28:52 Public Markets Insight in Venture Capital…

EUVC

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LP | E451 | Cocoa's Carmen Alfonso Rico & Integra GA's Evan Finkel on How LPs Build Conviction When Evaluating Emerging Managers 1:09:51

7 weeks ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas talks with Carmen Alfonso Rico , a self-described VC turned angel at Cocoa Ventures . and Evan Finkel , Head of Venture Capital Investments at Integra Global Advisors . Evan outlines a framework for how LP expectations evolve across different fund stages, highlighting key criteria like thesis clarity, team credibility, track record, and consistency of execution. Carmen shares her experience raising Cocoa Fund I during a peak market and the challenges of navigating a very different environment for Fund II. Together, they explore practical strategies for targeting the right LPs, understanding different LP profiles, and managing long-term relationships. Here’s what’s covered: 11:36 Challenges in the European LP Ecosystem 29:51 Long-term Commitment and Strategy 38:46 Evaluating the Product: Key Considerations 39:54 Importance of Historical Track Record 41:22 Decision-Making Process in Investments 54:14 The Role of LPs in Fund Management 01:02:15 Challenges of Being a Fund Manager…

EUVC

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VC | E450 | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Lomax Ward, Andrew J. Scott, and Dilek Dayınlarlı. 59:15

7 weeks ago59:15

59:15

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friend Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed meets with Andrew J. Scott , Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures , Lomax Ward , General Partner at Outsized Ventures , and Dilek Dayınlarlı , General Partner at ScaleX Venture ,s to cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬Here’s what’s covered: 01:31 Recent News and Highlights 02:38 European Defense and Tech Investments 07:41 UK and Turkish Startup Ecosystems 30:42 Capital Efficiency in Europe vs. Silicon Valley 31:34 Navigating the Middle of the Portfolio 34:57 Insights from the 2024 PitchBook Report 45:17 The Rise of the Turkish Startup Ecosystem…

EUVC

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CVC | E448 | Wayra's Bruno Moraes on Leading Telefónica’s CVC in the UK and Turning Deals into €1B in Revenue 38:46

8 weeks ago38:46

38:46

In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Bruno Moraes , Managing Director at Wayra , Telefónica’s corporate venture capital arm . With nearly 15 years of experience, Wayra stands out for its focus on driving strategic business value by connecting startups with Telefónica’s core operations across Europe and Latin America. Here’s what’s covered: 03:40 Investment Strategies and Goals 04:51 Fund Management and Structure 06:32 Geographical and Vertical Focus 08:28 Team Structure and Operations 19:54 Evolution and Growth of WRA 22:56 Incentives and Compensation in CVC…

EUVC

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VC | E449 | Isomer Capital's Chris Wade on Navigating The Venture Landscape in 2025 53:50

8 weeks ago53:50

53:50

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, our host, David Cruz e Silva , talks with Chris Wade , Co-Founder of Isomer Capital , to explore the evolving European venture landscape in 2025. Reflecting on a decade since Isomer’s inception, Chris shares insights on the industry's growth and how Europe has expanded from just 20 unicorns in 2014 to nearly 400 today. Here’s what’s covered: 02:25 Celebrating 10 Years of Isomer 05:39 The Growth and Future of European Venture Capital 08:43 Challenges and Opportunities in the VC Landscape 17:56 Transparency and Communication in Venture Capital 25:57 The Role of VCs on Company Boards 27:17 Understanding DPI and Secondary Transactions 39:16 The Future of European VC and Emerging Managers…

EUVC

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VC | E447 | Norrsken’s Niklas Adalberth on Going From Klarna to Impact and Redefining Venture for Good 49:23

8 weeks ago49:23

49:23

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast series focused on impact, where August Soliv , author of Impact Supporters, and Douglas Sloan , Managing Director at Better Society Capital , talk with Niklas Adalberth , co-founder of Klarna and the visionary behind the Norrsken Foundation . Here’s what’s covered: 02:14 Niklas' Personal Journey and Realizations 06:45 The Birth of Norsken Foundation 11:30 Norsken's Global Expansion and Impact 13:35 Balancing Commercial Success and Impact 25:07 The Role of AI in Impact Investing 39:50 Building a Mission-Driven Team 43:04 Future of Impact VC and Norsken's Vision…

EUVC

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VC | E446 | S16VC’s Oleg Bibergan on Scaling Founder Communities and Productizing Venture Capital 35:50

8 weeks ago35:50