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717 episodes — Page 5 of 15

E517 | Jacqueline van den Ende (Carbon Equity) & Dougie Sloan (Impact Venture at Better Society Capital): Rewiring capital for climate impact and making everyday investors part of the solution

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC Impact Highlight, where we bring you the people and perspectives pushing the boundaries of purpose-driven venture. This week, sits down with , Managing Director,, and , Co-founder & CEO of , to explore how we unlock billions for climate action by rethinking the very architecture of venture capital.Together, they dive into how Carbon Equity is turning everyday citizens into climate LPs, why “retail” doesn’t mean amateur, and how tech, transparency, and trust can finally bring impact investing to scale.This episode’s themes:Why climate finance is stuck—and how we build new pipesReimagining access: giving more people a seat at the capital tableThe rise of the prosumer LP: conviction, education, and agencyBridging alpha and impact without trade-offsRedesigning private markets for participation at scaleHere’s what’s covered:00:30 Jacqueline’s journey: from traditional VC to climate capital rebel02:15 The climate capital gap: why only 2% of VC goes to climate tech03:45 Institutional capital vs. bold innovation: the trust mismatch05:30 Rethinking “retail”: building for a sophisticated next-gen LP07:00 Tech as an enabler: onboarding, transparency, and scale08:45 What private market investors need (and don’t get today)10:00 Productizing the LP experience: clarity, ownership, conviction11:45 How Carbon Equity builds education into capital deployment13:00 The vision: mobilizing the masses without dumbing things down14:30 Impact with returns: challenging the trade-off fallacy16:00 What’s next: tokenisation, retail regulation, and unlocking access

Jul 9, 202555 min

E516 | Lorenzo Franzi, Italian Founders Fund: Founding with Focus: Why Italy’s VC Moment Is Now

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where we connect and champion the voices shaping European venture. Today, we spotlight , Founding Partner at the , to explore how a new generation of fund managers is reshaping Italy's startup landscape—and why deep empathy, focused strategy, and intentional market building are the foundation.Lorenzo opens up about his journey from angel investor to institutional VC, shares insights on navigating Italy’s regulatory landscape, and explains why now is the time to believe in the Italian opportunity.Here's what's covered:02:00 Why Fund Strategy Starts With Empathy: How Lorenzo’s unique experience grounds his founder-first approach05:15 The Thesis of Italian Founders Fund: A triad of Italy, diaspora, and inbound startups08:10 Why There Are No Small Funds in Italy: Structural barriers and the missing middle12:44 Data-Driven Support at Scale: Building productized VC operations16:02 Market Maturation: Applying Foundamental's venture framework to Italy19:00 Building an Edge through Focus: A concentrated portfolio with proximity-driven value22:30 From Angels to Institutions: What the Italian startup scene needs next25:50 Forget Unicorn Chasing: Why the alpha strategy matters more at pre-seed28:40 Is Now the Time to Back Italy? Lorenzo’s bet and what makes it different30:18 Ecosystem Building Through Visibility: Why global VCs must come meet local founders

Jul 8, 20251h 1m

E515 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax

Welcome back to another episode of the EUVC Podcast, your trusted inside track on the people, deals, and dynamics shaping European venture.This week, and of and from , gather to unpack the macro forces and micro signals shaping European tech and venture.They sit down to break down the two sides of the IPO market: the soaring optimism behind Figma’s public debut — and the deep freeze that’s hit London listings harder than at any time since before the dot-com crash.They also unpack what Figma’s $730M paper loss means, how vertical AI is the next generation of SaaS, and what the UK must fix to stand a chance in the global listings race.If you’re investing, building, or just trying to make sense of the markets this summer — this one’s for you.Here’s what’s covered02:30 | AI infra’s moment & CoreWeave hypeWhy infra plays like CoreWeave and Circle have the market buzzing — but vertical AI is where the next SaaS returns lie.04:50 | Figma’s $730M paper loss explainedMad breaks down the headline figure, the failed Adobe deal, the FTC veto, and why this IPO is about fundamentals — not hype.08:20 | Tender offer drama & employee moraleHow Figma’s $20B exit fizzled — and the May 2024 tender to keep teams motivated ahead of listing.12:00 | Figma as a bellwether for design & vertical AIWhy product-led SaaS is shifting toward deep vertical AI workflows — and what that means for investors.15:45 | London: the slowest IPO H1 in nearly 30 yearsCounter to the US’s $9B+ haul in 12 deals, London managed just $160M across five listings. A brutal gap.18:10 | Worse than dot-com. Worse than ‘08.Dan & Mad put the numbers in perspective: this is the weakest stretch since before many listeners were born.26:15 | Dual-class shares & free float: too little too late?Why tweaking share classes & float minimums is more copy-paste than innovation — and not the real fix.35:20 | The ESG paradox & listing tensionWhere does London’s ESG edge help — and where does it push big companies abroad?40:15 | US vs UK capital markets: talent, trust & scaleWhy founders and funds still flock to New York — and the structural advantages London must address.44:30 | Can London fight back?What would it actually take to make London relevant again for growth listings? Dan’s realist take.50:00 | Lessons from Figma for foundersWhy strong fundamentals still matter — and how the tender saga shows the cost of employee trust.55:00 | The vertical AI playbook: Europe’s edge?Where Europe’s sector expertise might win if it can get capital markets working again.

Jul 7, 20251h 9m

E514 | Matt Cooper & Paolo Pio, Exceptional Ventures: Fixing HealthTech’s Hype Problem

In this episode, talks with and Founding Partners of , to unpack their mission-driven approach to health and wellness investing. They dive into “Joyspan®”, their unique investment thesis which centres on a personal balance between health and happiness, and the growing need to separate science from hype in health tech.Here’s what’s covered:02:53 Paolo Pio's Journey to Venture Capital05:52 Matt Cooper's Accidental Path to VC14:57 Unique Positioning in the Venture Ecosystem17:46 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Integrity20:55 Navigating the European Venture Landscape24:08 Investment Strategies and Value Creation28:03 Developing Future Leaders in Venture Capital31:01 The Mission of Joyspan®: Health, Wellbeing, and Happiness36:34 Integrating Health and Joyspan® into Venture Capital40:27 Separating Science from Fiction in Health Tech

Jul 6, 202551 min

E513 | Rich Ashton, FirstPartyCapital: Backing AdTech’s Trillion Dollar Niche

In this episode, sits down with to unpack the unique thesis behind , a specialist VC fund backing early-stage founders in the global AdTech and MarTech sector.Rich explores why this trillion-dollar industry has remained overlooked by mainstream VC, what it takes to be a successful investor in the complex ad ecosystem, and why FirstPartyCapital's massive LP network and deep expertise are enabling them to lead the charge.Here’s what’s covered:04:07 Why AdTech is the Trillion Dollar Niche11:51 The Facebook & Google Dominance Myth12:22 Case Studies: Trade Desk, AppLovin, Lumen14:17 Why Most Funds Miss the AdTech Opportunity15:38 DOJ vs Google, and the Breakup Implications17:20 AI & the Future of Attention24:37 Why First Party Capital is Uniquely Positioned26:27 From Fund to Syndicate, Studio, and Lending28:54 Portfolio Highlights: Lumen, Bedrock, Pixels31:22 Fund II: Now Raising, Backed by Strategic LPs

Jul 5, 202529 min

E512 | Oliver Brunschwiler & Enrique Molina, Chi Impact Capital: Riding First Tracks: Circularity, Purpose & Leading Beyond Hierarchy

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture.This week, is joined by , purpose-driven entrepreneur, former pro snowboarder, and longtime systems thinker, along with from, co-hosting this deep dive into what it means to lead with purpose, design for circularity, and build organizations that reinvent themselves from the inside out.Oliver’s journey goes from first tracks on fresh powder to first tracks in organizational design—helping companies ditch rigid hierarchies for role-based, purpose-led systems. Enrique brings the investor lens, showing how these principles translate into impact capital and portfolio building today.In this episode, they break down how circularity is moving from hype to hard reality, why trust and leadership still matter in the most “self-organizing” teams, and how the best founders navigate the tension between market dips and mission-driven staying power.This Episode’s Themes:Holacracy, role-based teams & why leadership still mattersCircularity’s gap phase—and what’s quietly thrivingIndustrial impact: batteries, PET, and supply chains redesignedPolicy tailwinds: how the EU is making circular the new normFirst tracks mindset: from snowboarding to systems changeHere’s what’s covered:00:00 | From pro snowboarding to purpose-driven business02:00 | Sports, freedom & the roots of Oliver’s entrepreneurial DNA04:30 | The value of pushing limits—on boards and in boardrooms08:00 | Holacracy & new work: why “no boss” usually fails12:00 | Purpose is boss: role-based systems done right15:00 | AI, agents & managing the unmanageable—what changes, what doesn’t19:00 | When people don’t want ownership—why clear leadership stays vital20:00 | Circularity: beyond the hype cycle and into tough reality24:00 | Surviving the stock dip: founders reconciling mission and market28:00 | Industrial scale impact: batteries, chemical recycling & what’s next32:00 | Where Oliver sees big opportunities now (food, upcycling, building)36:00 | Corporates, supply chains & Fairphone as a case in point40:00 | The EU Green Deal, Right to Repair & why policy matters44:00 | Final thoughts: trust the purpose, ride the dip, build the system

Jul 4, 202542 min

E511 | Bernard Dalle & Thomas Kristensen, LGT Capital Partners: Lessons from Building Index (EUVC Summit 2025)

At the EUVC Summit, Bernard Dalle (formerly of Index Ventures) and Thomas Kristensen (LGT Capital Partners) shared candid reflections on how to build a venture firm from the inside out. Instead of fixating on star hires and grand strategies, their talk emphasized the compounding power of cultural alignment, junior talent development, and early operational investment.Drawing on first-hand experience, they unpack what it takes to build enduring institutions—where team, trust, and time matter more than titles.Whether you're raising your first fund or scaling your platform team, this conversation offers timeless lessons from one of Europe’s most respected firms.Here’s what’s covered:00:45 Betting on People: Why hiring for cultural fit beats chasing CVs02:20 Long-Term Talent Playbooks: Junior hires, long runway, big impact03:50 Under-hiring on Purpose: Why Index rarely hired GPs straight out05:10 The Operations Edge: Building support teams early pays dividends07:00 The Index Blueprint: Early days with David, Pascal, and a deep ops bench08:30 Institutional Memory: Capturing partner insights across the portfolio

Jul 3, 202522 min

E510 | Emma Steele (Ascension) & Emily Trant (Wagestream): Building ventures where profit and purpose scale together

Welcome to the Impact Highlight series, powered by EUVC, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture.This week, August is joined by (Partner at ) and (Head of Impact at ), two of the most vocal champions for mission-aligned tech in Europe.In this episode, we explore the nuances of building and backing commercial businesses that generate genuine social value. Emma and Emily reflect on where the commercial model does work for impact, where it doesn’t, and why intent matters as much as outcomes.From designing products that serve vulnerable users to structuring impact advisory boards that challenge you, this is a real look into how impact venture plays out at the fund and founder level.🎯 This Episode’s Themes:What “tech for good” actually looks like in ventureBuilding scalable impact and sustainable returnsHow to think about charity vs commercial modelsWhy intent and design matter more than labelsHow impact boards can go wrong—and how to make them workHere’s what’s covered:00:00 | Meet Emma & Emily: Impact VC meets operating at scale02:30 | What Is “Impact” Anyway? And why Ascension never used the label06:15 | Wagestream’s Model: Serving those who can’t pay—at scale10:00 | Market Failures & Margin Models: Why commercial still wins13:00 | Data That Matters: From savings behavior to sleep quality17:00 | Charity vs Commercial: The tension no one likes to talk about20:15 | Impact Boards: How to make them useful (hint: be honest)24:30 | The Venture Fit: Why scale and impact aren’t opposites28:00 | Calling Future Founders: Be intentional from day one

Jul 2, 202551 min

E509 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where and of and from , gather to unpack the macro forces and micro signals shaping European tech and venture.This week, the trio tackles one of the most geopolitically charged, capital-heavy, and morally complex episodes yet:🎯 This Week’s Themes:The global reshuffling of power: Israel, Iran, Russia, UkraineWhy defense is back—and what it means for VCsEurope’s space ambitions and what the ESA’s new satellite project signalsChina’s trade plays and Europe’s rare earths vulnerabilityAI, IPOs, and why founders might want to stay private longerSurgical robots, ambient AI, and who’s building the future of healthcarePlus: Daniel Ek gets flak, SPACs sneak back, and why VCs are speed-running $15B deals in one weekHere’s what’s covered:02:00 | War & Markets: Iran, Israel, oil prices & the Bank of England holds steady06:00 | Defense Budgets: Why Europe is (finally) spending10:00 | VC Taboo: Why investing in weapons gets complicated fast15:00 | EIF Restrictions: Sex, gambling, and no defense20:00 | The Rise of Helsing: Europe’s $12B defense unicorn24:00 | Strategic Autonomy: Europe’s new military satellite constellation30:00 | ESA vs Starlink: Earth observation gets serious34:00 | China, Trade Wars & Rare Earths: Why Europe’s exposed40:00 | EU-US Tariffs & Trump’s Pharma Threat42:00 | IPO Boom: Chime, Circle, and the SPAC comeback47:00 | CMR Surgical: UK’s $4B robot exit—is that enough?53:00 | Lessons from Intuitive Surgical & deeptech M&A56:00 | Deal of the Week: Nabla’s AI for clinicians, Helsing’s big swing, and Scale AI’s lightning-fast cash1:02:00 | Founders in Government: Alex DePledge & Matt Clifford’s impact1:05:00 | Meta’s AI Transfers: Zuck goes full football transfer window

Jun 30, 202553 min

E508 | Paolo Pio, Exceptional Ventures: Betting on Better Humans: Inside Exceptional Ventures’ Health & Longevity Playbook

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture.This week, sits down with , co-founder and Managing Partner at — a mission-driven early-stage fund investing in the future of human health, fitness, nutrition, and longevity.Paolo shares how a personal obsession with sleep, metabolism, and fitness evolved into a structured thesis for investing in businesses and technologies that help us live better, longer — and how Exceptional Ventures plans to back over 200 founders across three funds to deliver returns that match the mission.🎯 This Episode’s Themes:Why health, fitness, and prevention are ripe for VC investmentHow personalized, continuous monitoring unlocks true wellnessThe 4-pillared thesis: prevention, early detection, smarter care & deliveryLessons from Fund I: 3,600 companies reviewed → 37 investmentsThe case for “high-volume VC” in Europe: why more bets matterFrom sleep hygiene to nanobots: the future of health innovationCommunity, LPs, and morning workouts at SuperVentureHere’s what’s covered:01:00 | The Mission: Improving the human joy path through health & longevity03:00 | Why Now: Obesity, metabolic health & the need for smarter prevention05:00 | The Four Pillars: Sleep, exercise, early detection & delivery innovation08:00 | Exceptional’s Model: Fund I learnings, Fund II targets, Fund III ambitions10:00 | The Volume Bet: Why Europe needs funds backing 50+ startups per cycle12:00 | Sourcing & Screening: From 3,600 companies to 37 portfolio bets15:00 | Backing Founders on the Edge: From glucose monitoring to rural US clinics18:00 | The Big Vision: 200+ founders backed, 30,000+ community members21:00 | Big LP Names & Co-Investors: How the wider venture stack leans in24:00 | Why Community Matters: The morning workouts, the events, the energy27:00 | Longevity & Fund IV: Why the best is still ahead

Jun 30, 202550 min

E507 | Björn Tremmerie, European Investment Fund: Tech Sovereignty, DPI Realities & Europe’s Venture Evolution

In this episode, sits down with , Head of Technology Fund Investments at the , live from the EUVC studio at .They delve deeply into the true state of European venture capital, examining long-term performance trends, the role of EIF as Europe's policy-aligned capital allocator, and how sovereignty, resilience, and maturity are reshaping the ecosystem.Here’s what’s covered:00:00 SuperVenture Loyalty & Ecosystem Energy01:02 The Mood in Market: Storms, Maturity & Resilience03:04 What Makes This Moment in Venture a Real Opportunity03:31 Recap of Björn’s Panel with Joe from Isomer05:15 DPI Truths: The Top 50 Funds & A Look Back to 201706:04 Defense Tech & Dual-Use: What EIF Will (and Won’t) Fund09:34 Sovereignty ≠ Isolation: The Real Role of the EIF11:00 Later-Stage Funding Gaps & Europe’s Infrastructure Problem12:36 Satellites, SpaceX & European Strategic Dependencies14:14 Learnings From 25+ Years in the Game15:01 Philosophical, But Practical: What VC Responsibility Means16:17 A Clear Statement on Openness, Not Isolation

Jun 29, 202518 min

E506 | Andre de Haes, Backed VC: Building the Davos for Founders, Redefining VC Edge & Embracing Authenticity

In this episode, sits down with , founder of , live from SuperVenture 2025 in Berlin.Backed is one of Europe’s boldest early-stage funds, known not just for investing in frontier tech but for pioneering a new model of VC community. In this conversation, Andre unpacks the philosophical and practical foundations of their work—from turning a value-add into a moat to why “edge” in venture is mostly a myth—unless you build your own rules.Who should listen:Emerging managers figuring out how to build true differentiationLPs trying to evaluate durable edge in a saturated VC marketFounders deciding what kind of capital partner they want long-termHere what’s covered:00:00 Who is Andre de Haes & What is Backed VC?00:32 Frontier Tech Focus: Fintech, Bio, and Manufacturing Software01:30 Why Community is a Core Offering—Not a Side Show02:15 Behind the Scenes: The SuperVenture Speaker Dinner & Rooftop Surprise04:00 Playing the Long Game: Trust Built Over 20-Year Cycles05:08 Stage Preview: What it Means to Build VC Edge07:50 Advice for LPs on Identifying Real Differentiation10:50 Biggest Learnings: Humility, Leverage & Contrarian Courage15:00 Investing at the Frontier: Computational Bio, Optics & Non-Invasive Brain Tech16:00 What Munger & Buffett Teach Us About Capital Efficiency in VC

Jun 28, 202518 min

E504 | Jan Miczaika, HV Capital: ESG, Defense, and Deep Tech from a Pan-European Heavyweight

Live from SuperVenture 2025 in Berlin, sits down with , Partner at , one of Europe’s largest and longest-standing venture capital firms.Together, they talk about macro trends shaping the future of VC, HV Capital’s unique positioning across funding stages, and offer a refreshingly honest take on ESG, DEI, defense, hype, LP dynamics, and the challenges of building a VC fund.This episode is a must-listen for:LPs trying to understand how established firms see the worldEmerging managers finding their product-market fitFounders building across deep tech, defense, and climate💡 What you'll learn:Why SuperVenture is a cultural paradox in Berlin—and why Jan loves itHow HV Capital operates with flexibility across €500K to €50M investmentsThe future of ESG & DEI in a depoliticized, impact-first worldDefense investing: HV’s bets on Quantum Systems & Rocket StartupsWhat the G in ESG means—and why it's more relevant than everAdvice for emerging managers: Fund I is hard, Fund II and III are harderA reflection on being humbled by VC, even after successful exitsHere what’s covered:00:00 SuperVenture, Berlin, and Capitalism in the Radical Left’s Hometown01:00 The HV Capital Model: From €500K to €50M in One Platform02:00 ESG, DEI & Fiduciary Duty: Past the Pendulum, Toward Balance04:05 Why Impact Companies Still Win: A Case Study from Copenhagen05:05 Defense Tech & ESG: Not Contradictory, But Complementary06:54 Advice for Emerging Managers: Fund Fit, Hustle & Dual Product-Market Fit10:02 Words for LPs: Don’t Dismiss Venture as “Too Risky”11:45 Lessons in Humility: From Founding Two Companies to Becoming a VC13:00 Betting Big: Why NeuroRobotics Said No to Focus & Yes to Full Stack

Jun 27, 202515 min

E503 | Cathy White, CEW Communications & Dan Taylor: The Fall of TechCrunch Europe & The Future of European Tech Media

Welcome to a special emergency episode of the EUVC podcast, where Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Cathy White founder of CEW Communications and her star colleague and former tech.eu managing editor Dan Taylor —two of the most plugged-in voices in European tech media —to dissect the shocking news of TechCrunch Europe’s closure and what’s ahead.In this raw and real conversation, they unpack:Why TechCrunch’s downfall signals something bigger in mediaWhat the rise of AI means for journalists, PR pros, and founders alikeAnd how Europe’s startup ecosystem can—and must—take charge of its narrativeFrom the role of creators and newsletters to the shift from SEO to “LEO,” this one’s for anyone building in, writing about, or pitching European tech.Here’s what’s covered:00:10 The Impact of TechCrunch's Closure on European Media06:33 The Future of Media in Europe10:30 The Rise of Entrepreneurial Journalism15:46 Navigating the New Media Landscape for Startups18:06 The Shift from SEO to LEO in Media Strategy23:13 Making Complex Ideas Accessible27:18 The Role of PR in the Age of AI29:31 The Importance of Human Touch in AI33:12 AI's Impact on Content Creation and Journalism39:37 The Future of Journalism and New Publications

Jun 26, 202541 min

E502 | Joe Schorge, Isomer Capital: Unlocking European Liquidity, Secondaries as a Catalyst & Why Predictive Power is a Myth

In this episode, David Cruz Silva sits down with Joe Schorge, founder of Isomer Capital, one of Europe’s most thoughtful and active LPs—backing funds, co-investing with top GPs, and increasingly leaning into secondaries.From deep dives into the maturing European tech ecosystem, to the reality of what “liquidity” means today, Joe shares what it takes to build long-term portfolios and navigate cycles with wisdom (and a little humor).Who should listen:LPs thinking through secondary exposure and portfolio liquidityGPs raising new funds with legacy tailwinds (or baggage)Founders and angels curious about how liquidity really works behind the scenesHere’s what’s covered:00:00 Meet Joe Schorge & Isomer Capital’s model00:31 Why SuperVenture is ground zero for LP/GP dealflow01:30 A New Era of Secondaries: From passive to proactive02:55 "It's not a return until you can buy a beer with it." 🍻03:30 DPI, exits & reflections from the stage with Björn Tremmerie05:00 What macro uncertainty (and Trump tariffs) are doing to exit timelines06:00 Under the hood: Growth is happening — but the windows haven’t reopened yet07:30 Who’s actually buying today? Founders, growth funds, and LP-focused secondaries09:28 Joe’s key learnings: time, uncertainty & the illusion of predictive power12:23 Advice to aspiring LPs & emerging allocators15:00 Diversification in venture is not optional — it’s existential

Jun 25, 202518 min

E501 | Matthew Spence, Barclays: Why Defense Tech Is Back, IPOs Are “Sneaky Good” & The Return to Deep Tech

In this episode, David Cruz Silva sits down with Matthew Spence, Barclays’ Global Head of Venture Capital Banking, to talk about the state of exits, dual-use tech, and how Europe can seize the next defense innovation wave. With a background spanning the White House, Pentagon and a16z, Matt shares a unique view from the intersection of global power, technology, and venture.Who should listen:GPs working with later-stage companies or exit-readinessLPs and allocators curious about dual-use and defense opportunitiesPolicymakers and ecosystem builders across EuropeAnyone wondering how venture intersects with geopoliticsHere’s what’s covered:00:00 Meet Matt Spence & why Barclays is doubling down on venture01:00 SuperVenture 2025: Why Berlin matters to a Silicon Valley banker01:39 “Sneaky good”: The IPO market is back—but not how you expect03:00 How GPs can prep for exits—before they’re even on the table04:00 Barclays as an LP: What their private bank is looking for05:10 Defense tech: From bombs to AI & cloud for the battlefield07:00 “The government is a terrible customer”—but that’s changing08:30 Dual-use: Why it’s not code for defense and shouldn’t be10:00 The real opportunity for Europe: leapfrog, don’t lag12:30 A wake-up call for Brussels and national leaders15:00 The return to deep tech: hardware + software, redux16:45 Why this isn't just a new trend—it's a venture returning to its roots

Jun 24, 202519 min

E500 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax

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 tackles one of the most geopolitically charged, capital-heavy, and morally complex episodes yet:The global reshuffling of power: Israel, Iran, Russia, and UkraineWhy defense is back—and what it means for VCsEurope's space ambitions and what the ESA's new satellite project signalsChina's trade plays and Europe's vulnerability in rare earthsAI, IPOs, and why founders might want to stay private longerSurgical robots, ambient AI, and who’s building the future of healthcarePlus: Daniel Ek gets flak, SPACs sneak back, and why VCs are now speed-running $15B deals in one week.Here’s what’s covered:02:00 War & Markets: Iran, Israel, oil prices & Bank of England holds06:00 Defense Budgets: Why Europe is (finally) spending10:00 VC Taboo: Why investing in weapons gets complicated fast15:00 EIF Restrictions: Sex, gambling, and no defense20:00 The Rise of Helsing: Europe’s $12B defense unicorn24:00 Strategic Autonomy: Europe’s new military satellite constellation30:00 ESA vs. Starlink: Earth observation gets serious34:00 China, Trade Wars & Rare Earths: Why Europe’s exposed40:00 EU-US Tariffs & Trump’s Pharma Threat42:00 IPO Boom: Chime, Circle, and the SPAC comeback47:00 CMR Surgical: UK’s $4B robot exit—is that enough?53:00 Lessons from Intuitive Surgical & deeptech M&A56:00 Deal of the Week: Nabla’s AI for clinicians, Helsing, and Scale AI’s lightning-fast cash01:02:00 Founders in Government: Alex DePledge & Matt Clifford’s impact01:05:00 Meta’s AI Transfers: Zuck goes full football transfer window

Jun 23, 202559 min

E499 | Christophe Jurczak, Quantonation: Quantum Is Here: Europe’s Deeptech Moment

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture. This week, is joined by , Managing Partner at , the world’s first dedicated quantum technologies VC fund.Together, they unpack the tangible, applied promise of quantum technologies—far beyond the hype—and discuss why Europe may still win in this deep tech arena if capital (and courage) show up at the right time.This week’s themes:Real-world quantum use cases in health, energy, climate, and securityThe rise of quantum internet and the race to secure communicationsHow interdisciplinary talent makes or breaks applied quantum venturesWhy late-stage capital remains quantum Europe’s biggest bottleneckHere’s what’s covered:01:30 Quantum Is Real: Health, energy, climate & security02:45 Quantum Drug Discovery: Pascal & Qubit Pharmaceuticals05:00 Simulation Power: Designing less toxic, more effective molecules06:45 Quantum Internet: Unhackable infrastructure deployments in NYC & Berlin08:30 Why Encryption Is Under Threat—And What Quantum Does About It10:00 No Cryo, No Labs: Room-temp quantum machines are here11:45 Talent Mix: Why computer scientists + physicists = startup advantage13:30 ML on Quantum Hardware: Graph ML and novel quantum algorithms15:00 Europe’s Competitive Edge: IQM, Pascal, and more16:30 The Real Risk: Growth-stage capital and the transatlantic gap18:00 Quantonation’s Vision: A future late-stage fund for European quantum19:00 Final Thoughts: Sci-fi vibes, real-world traction, and a rallying cry

Jun 22, 202540 min

E498 | Micah Smurthwaite, Pipeline Ventures: Path to Market: From Zero to Market Leader, A CRO’s GTM Playbook [Seedcamp Series]

In this new episode of Path to Market, our Director and co-host , Partner at Pipeline Ventures, sit down with — a three-time GTM leader who’s scaled companies from just a few million to hundreds of millions in revenue. Currently serving as President of , Tim previously held sales leadership roles at and , and brings deep insights into category creation, founder-led sales, sales hiring, and international expansion.Tim walks us through his career of building sales engines from the ground up — including Acquia’s leap from $2M to $200M+ ARR — and explains why he keeps coming back to the early-stage trenches.He also shares actionable advice for founders: when to hire (and who to hire) in your first sales roles, how to think about pricing in new markets, how to align product and GTM, and what great onboarding and sales coaching look like.Here’s what’s covered:05:00 Early-Stage Sales: Why Tim Keeps Coming Back07:12 Structuring Your First Sales Hires09:44 Traits of Great Early-Stage Sellers13:00 Does Domain Expertise Matter?15:28 Best Practices for Sales Onboarding17:48 Sales Methodologies: MEDDICC & BANT22:14 Creating Real Urgency in the Sales Cycle30:23 Value-Based Pricing & Market Signals38:09 Building a Business Around Open Source42:16 Sales Methodologies for Founders43:40 Hiring a CRO: When & What to Look For

Jun 21, 202546 min

E497 | Nicole LeBlanc, Woven Capital: Corporate VC, Strategic Alignment & Value Creation at Scale

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm and Jeppe Høier sit down with Nicole LeBlanc, Partner at Woven Capital, the $800M growth-stage CVC fund backed by Toyota. They unpack what it takes to drive real strategic and financial outcomes in corporate venture — and what founders and GPs often get wrong when working with CVCs.Nicole shares how Woven structures its global operations, works hand-in-hand with Toyota’s business units, and leverages a portfolio success team to shepherd startups through complex corporate dynamics. She also breaks down Woven’s investment logic, from hydrogen to lunar rovers — and why corporate alignment shouldn’t come at the cost of independence.Here’s what’s covered:00:40 – The structure of Woven Capital & its relationship with Toyota03:00 – How Toyota Ventures (early-stage) and Woven (growth-stage) complement each other09:45 – Building internal bridges: the Portfolio Success team model13:15 – Toyota’s internal incentives (and the carrot vs. stick approach)15:10 – The CVC cultural challenge: Japan, US, and Europe21:40 – How to spot a “red flag” CVC as a founder31:30 – Toyota Open Labs: a new playbook for startup-corporate collaboration34:00 – Woven’s LP strategy: investing in funds for access, insight & geography39:00 – Learnings from fund investing: what CVC LPs need from GPs42:00 – Final advice for startups and corporates alike

Jun 19, 202543 min

E496 | Dario de Wet, LTV Capital: Cracking the LP Code: Dario de Wet on Building a Global FoF from Europe

In this conversation, David Cruz e Silva sits down with Dario de Wet, Founding Partner of LTV Capital, a next-generation fund-of-funds reshaping the LP-GP landscape through intentional, hands-on support for emerging managers, especially in underserved and global markets.Together, they unpack what it takes to stand out as an emerging VC manager today, how LP sentiment is shifting across continents, and why democratizing access to venture capital remains fraught with friction.📣 Want to go beyond the podcast? Join us as a EUVC member and dive deeper with Dario de Wet in a Live LP AMAFollowing his powerful podcast episode, Dario de Wet—Founding Partner at LTV Capital—is joining us live to continue the conversation with the EUVC community.We’re bringing together top LPs actively investing in VC fundsto unpack the realities of allocation strategy, fund selection, and how the global LP playbook is evolving, particularly for emerging managers in Europe and underserved markets.🎤 Don’t Miss This AMA: LP Strategy with Dario de WetFrom sitting on the Ubuntu Foundation’s LP committee to running a hands-on, next-gen fund-of-funds, Dario brings rare insight into how LPs think, how narrative shapes outcomes, and what’s working (and not) across geographies.Whether you’re raising your first fund or leading a fund-of-funds, this is your chance to:✅ Ask your questions directly✅ Learn how LPs assess GPs beyond the pitch✅ Explore trends in co-investments, secondaries & cross-border allocationsThis is the room to be in if you care about the future of venture capital investing—and the LPs who shape it.📅 RSVP here for MEMBERS ONLY→Here’s what’s covered in the podcast:03:10 Becoming the Best Emerging Manager: Intentional Positioning06:05 What LPs Actually Want: Archetypes, Risk & Regional Nuance09:30 The Ubuntu Foundation: Building Africa’s Emerging Managers12:45 US vs Europe: Why Dario Still Bets on Europe15:20 Strategic Value in Venture: More Than Just Capital18:35 The Power of Narrative: How Emerging Managers Stand Out26:30 The “1000 Funds” View: Pattern Recognition from UVC28:45 Strategic Sessions, GP Coaching & Market Signal Loops31:20 Should LPs Just Invest in the U.S.? Dario’s Response39:15 If You Made It This Far… The Real Secret to Success

Jun 18, 202542 min

E495 | Will McQuillan, Frontline: Breaking the “Europe vs. US” Myth (EUVC Summit 2025)

At the EUVC Summit, Will McQuillan delivered a keynote that flipped the script on the increasingly popular narrative of Europe needing to "decouple" from the US. With data points, historical context, and a call to action, Will urged VCs and founders to resist isolationist instincts and double down on building global companies, despite rising geopolitical noise.Rather than succumbing to isolationist trends, this talk urges the venture community to reclaim a global mindset, reminding us that the best companies are built across borders, not within them.Whether you're in venture, policy, or portfolio support, this is your reminder that global ambition still matters—and it’s up to investors to make it possible.Here’s what’s covered:00:50 US Revenue Reliance: A warning or a reality check?02:30 The Case Against Isolationism: Why Europe can’t afford to go it alone04:15 Historical Proof of Collaboration: From deep-sea cables to the Large Hadron Collider06:00 Policy vs Practice: Why builders must rise above political narratives08:10 VC’s Role in the Globalization Equation: Making international scale possible again

Jun 17, 202550 min

E494 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax

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 cyber preparedness is a growing boardroom concernThe overlooked fragility of Europe's energy systemsHow automation, AI, and policy are colliding in the UKEurope's capital gap—and the uncomfortable truth behind itPlus: OpenAI margins, startup resilience, and robotaxis in LondonHere’s what’s covered:02:00 Cybercrime as a Macro Risk: Are We Sleepwalking into Crisis?06:10 Iberian Blackouts & Energy Fragility09:00 Immutable Ledgers, AI & Infrastructure Resilience11:15 UK’s £2B AI Action Plan: Where’s the Real Bravery?14:20 Nuclear Woes: The True Cost of Delay17:40 Marginal Cost Pricing & the Renewable Conundrum20:30 Tesla’s Robotaxi Vision & a $40K Price Tag22:00 Wave x Uber Deal: Level 4 Autonomy Comes to the UK24:00 Brexit’s AV Dividend? The UK Races Ahead of the EU26:30 Europe’s Capital Gap: Funding or Fundamentals?29:00 OpenAI’s Gross Margins & Startup Implications31:30 Incumbents Strike Back: Why Big Tech Moved Faster34:00 Startup Opportunity in the Next Wave of AI35:40 European vs. US Startup DNA: Who’s Built to Win?37:30 Final Thoughts & Condolences on Global Tragedies

Jun 16, 20251h 5m

E493 | Joe Seager-Dupuy & Mike Martin, True Global: Why Consumer AI Is Europe’s Next Breakout Frontier

In this episode, is joined by and , General Partners at , a £1B investment firm focused on consumer and retail, to explore how AI transforms how consumer businesses are built, scaled, and experienced.They unpack why consumer AI is more than a buzzword - it's unlocking entirely new market categories, reshaping broken UX flows, and expanding the definition of addressable markets. From agentic software and hyper-personalized health stacks to defensibility through data, brand, and workflow, this episode offers a deep dive into how to build and invest at the intersection of frontier tech and human behavior.Here’s what’s covered:07:27 Exploring Consumer AI Innovations14:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Consumer AI20:27 The Path to Agentic Business Models25:27 Building Optionality in AI Products26:23 Case Study: Superhuman's Agentic Email System28:10 The Velocity of AI Announcements31:10 Defensibility in Consumer AI39:15 AI's Impact on Consumer Company Operations43:07 The Disruption of Incumbents by AI Startups

Jun 14, 202548 min

E492 | Zack Weisfeld, Ignite Deep Tech: Reinventing Corporate Venture

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm and Jeppe Høier sit down with Zack Weisfeld, the founding force behind Intel Ignite (now Ignite Deep Tech), to explore the evolution of one of the most respected deep tech accelerators in the world. From reinventing how corporates engage with startups to pioneering a "co-founder as a service" model, Zack shares what it takes to build real bridges between enterprise and entrepreneurship.Here’s what’s covered:03:10 Why Intel Chose to Spin It Out—And How the Ecosystem Reacted06:15 The Three Pillars: Seed, Pre-Seed, and Ideation Programs08:00 What Most Corporate Accelerators Get Wrong11:40 Co-Founder as a Service: A New Model of Acceleration13:25 Why Corporate Mentorship Works When Done Right19:40 Lessons from 14 Years of Building Accelerators26:20 How Mentorship Creates Internal Champions30:15 Aligning Startup Success with Corporate Transformation35:10 Why Mental Health Support for Founders Is a Strategic Imperative

Jun 13, 202544 min

E491 | Patric Hellermann, Foundamental: “VC edge” aka differentiation

In this special episode, we welcome back to dive deep into the concept of edge in venture capital. This isn't your average discussion on differentiation—it's a methodical breakdown of what creates enduring alpha for fund managers, grounded in Patric’s experience building , a B2B-focused early-stage VC.This episode is for anyone asking: How do I build an edge that scales? You’ll leave with answers rooted in practice, not theory.Here’s what’s covered:02:30 What Makes an Edge? Why Most VCs and LPs Struggle to Answer06:15 The 4 Steps of VC Value Creation: Sourcing, Picking, Winning, Managing12:45 What Founders Want: How to Make Yourself the First Call17:10 DPI Over Hype: Why Patrick Optimizes for Liquidity, Not Likes21:20 Empathy, Proximity & Pattern Recognition: What Most European Funds Get Wrong28:35 Pan-European Funds & the Pitfalls of “Routine-Free” Investing34:40 Why Distribution Beats Product: Lessons from Category Leaders41:25 Fund Design That Scales: GPs with Domain Depth Over Generalism53:30 Prioritization as a Superpower: How to Build With Focus1:00:45 National vs Global Champions: How LPs Think About Risk and Follow-On Capital

Jun 12, 20251h 13m

E490 | Jon Coker, Eka Ventures: Building Systemic Impact, Why Shared Value Wins & The Founder Learning Curve (ImpactVC spotlight series)

In this episode, August 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 MMC05:15 Launching Eka Ventures: why impact needs its own home08:30 Choosing the themes: consumer health & sustainable consumption12:45 Building conviction around shared value16:00 Distribution in health: why access is half the battle19:25 Generalist vs. Specialist: where Eka fits in23:10 Fund I analysis: what worked and what didn’t27:45 Operating in the “real world”: why it’s harder, but worth it30:10 Lessons from unicorns and founder growth34:00 The problem with how VCs evaluate “team”

Jun 11, 202538 min

E489 | Philippe Petitpont (Moments Lab) & Gökçe Seylan (OX): Moments Lab Raises 24M USD

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Philippe Petitpont, co-founder & CEO of Moments Lab, and Gökçe Seylan, Principal at OXX, 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 answer07:00 Why ChatGPT Can’t Win This Market: Vertical depth vs. horizontal power10:30 Real Video vs. Synthetic Content: Where emotion, IP, and accuracy still rule16:00 Rights Management in Video AI: How Moments Lab handles ownership at scale21:10 What Is Agentic AI? From prompt to production, with real content27:30 The VC Perspective: Why OX backed this team at scale31:00 From Startup to Scale-Up: Going enterprise, going US36:30 Business Model Design: Why they price by hours, not seats44:00 Scaling from Seed to Series A+: Building infrastructure, not just growth49:30 Being a European Deeptech Founder: Talent advantages, GTM challenges54:30 The Rise of European Vertical AI: Legal, industrial, cyber—and now video

Jun 10, 202552 min

E488 | This Week in European Tech with Dan, Mads & Lomax

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where and of and from 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 advantageThe growing exodus of IPOs from the UK to the USStrategic defense investment—can the UK move the needle?How AI and capital markets are collidingAnd yes, we close on psychedelics and patient-first biotech breakthroughsHere's what’s covered:02:15 Europe’s Fiscal Advantage: Why Better Balance Sheets Matter for Innovation07:00 The Return of Low Rates: What It Means for Startups11:20 London vs. New York: The IPO Drain17:00 Why Capital Leaves: Liquidity, Coverage & the Search for Growth21:30 Rebuilding the UK Market: The Case for LP Allocation Reform25:50 Beyond IPOs: The Full-Stack Capital Problem30:40 AI and Lawsuits: Welcome to the New Frontier33:10 Defense Tech Heats Up: Drones, AI & Strategic Capital38:40 Can the UK Compete? Global Arms Races & National Reviews42:30 Liquid Biopsies & Healthcare Breakthroughs46:20 NHS Efficiency Crisis: More Money, Worse Outcomes50:30 Psychedelics on the Edge: Awaiting the Data Drop

Jun 9, 202557 min

E487 | Gia Scinto, The Cole Group: Building GTM Teams [Path to Market – Seedcamp Series]

In this episode of Path to Market, Seedcamp’s and Pipeline Ventures’ are joined by , Partner at 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 VC06:25 From a16z to YC: Supporting Founders Across Stages09:42 First Sales Hire vs. Later-Stage Leadership13:38 The Anatomy of a Great Recruiting Process22:26 Best Interview Questions for Sales Roles29:45 How to Pitch Senior Candidates at Early Stage33:39 What GTM Leaders Want to Hear44:35 Why Sales Hires Fail — and How to Avoid It47:36 Systems, Team Design & Ops from 0 to $10M51:42 Advice for GTM Candidates: How to Pick Your Next Role

Jun 8, 202555 min

E486 | Fred Destin, Stride: Living a Meaningful Life in Tech (EUVC Summit 2025)

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 NarrativesFred 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 InA 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.

Jun 7, 202528 min

E485 | Kamel Zeroual, Varsity: Building Europe’s Next Powerhouse Seed Fund

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 background03:34 – Track record and investment thesis05:57 – Varsity’s investment strategy07:08 – Paris roots, pan-European vision09:57 – Sector focus and founder-first logic13:53 – Why generalist funds still matter18:00 – The case for a €150M seed fund22:23 – What convinced LPs to back Varsity25:53 – Final reflections and EUVC Awards recognition

Jun 6, 202527 min

E484 | Gloria Baeuerlein, Puzzle Ventures: Europe’s Solo GP Revolution

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 UX07:30 Pricing Models in Construction Tech and Outcome-Based Sales09:45 The Shifting VC Landscape: Seed, Multi-Stage, and Angels12:30 Differentiation in VC: Finding Your True Value-Add14:40 Building a Fund Around Strengths, Not LP Preferences22:50 The Competitive Landscape: Seed Funds vs. Solo GPs24:15 Operational Differences: Solo GPs vs. Multi-Stage Funds30:00 Fund Model, Ownership, and Return Expectations38:20 Firm Building as a Solo GP: Who to Lean On42:26 Will Puzzle Always Be a Solo GP Fund?

Jun 5, 202546 min

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

In this episode, sits down with , co-founder of 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 , 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 Again08:20 The Emotional Weight of Short-Term Partnerships11:15 How to Offboard Gracefully as a VC Partner13:10 What Rina Hated About Venture Capital15:25 Fundraising Fatigue & Convincing Dozens vs. One21:40 Why Gaming Became Turkey’s Breakout Sector24:15 Local vs. Global Success Stories: Turkey, Poland & Beyond29:50 Serial Founders vs. Untapped Talent: The Two Sides of Portfolio Building36:30 Geographic Advantage: Why Local VCs Still Matter41:30 State-Backed Ecosystems: What Works, What Doesn’t49:00 A Candid Ending: Offboarding, Vulnerability & Starting Over

Jun 3, 202552 min

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

In this episode,, Lomax, and 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 startups08:15 Harmonization vs. regulation: Why EU/US divergence matters10:55 Tariffs & inflation: Why macro still rules the game13:10 The public/private schism and bond market dismay21:45 The EU startup plan: blue carpets, unicorn labs & old ideas26:00 Talent, tax & the fight for Europe's future founders29:30 Why Munich might be Europe’s next deep tech capital31:00 Big tech flexes: Google, Anthropic, and the return of hardware35:00 Vibe coding & SaaS disruption: The new normal?41:00 AI agents, Nvidia blowouts, and the pace of change45:20 Deal of the Week: Brightflag exits for $425M57:00 Why the crew skipped SuperVenture to actually build stuff

Jun 2, 202552 min

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

In this episode, sits down with , co-founder and GP at —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 Intuition05:11 Discipline, Resilience & Pain Tolerance: The Athlete’s Edge08:30 Why Obsession Beats Talent Every Time13:13 Recalibrating After Burnout: Life Beyond the Grind19:13 Why Building a Fund Is Just Another Startup24:41 Building a Portfolio to Survive Volatility36:46 The Return of the Capital-Efficient, Profitable Company41:14 Why Intuition Plans to Stay Small (on Purpose)46:00 Create Like a God, Connect Like a Human: The New Founder Paradigm50:11 Multitask or Die: Surviving in the Agentic Age of AI

Jun 1, 202549 min

E480: Evan Finkel, Carmen Alfonso (Cocoa) & Andreas Holm: Fundraising Fog, LP Red Flags & the Real Meaning of “Edge”

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, is joined by LP and Cocoa’s 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 Ever05:44 The Myth of the Effortless Fundraise (and Who It Hurts)08:04 Preparation Is a Superpower—Not Just Talent12:48 What LPs Want to Know16:23 The VCX Framework: Edge ≠ Thesis19:55 Superpowers Are Personal—Not PR26:58 The Case for Being an Outlier (or Not Doing VC at All)30:22 How LPs Evaluate GPs on Call #135:47 Red Flags in Decks That Make LPs Cringe41:52 Polish vs. Substance: What the Deck Signals

May 31, 202554 min

E479 | Cyril Gouiffès, European Investment Fund (EIF): What It Takes to Be a Real Impact Fund Manager

In this episode, and Douglas Sloan speak with , Head of Social Impact Investments at the , 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 lens04:15 – From altruism to efficacy: lessons from failed NGO models06:20 – The rise of genuine dual-performance funds post-201408:45 – Why team quality is the #1 differentiator in impact VC17:30 – EIF’s role in supporting first-time, emerging managers20:10 – Why impact metrics must tie to the business model23:15 – The dangers of forgetting your impact thesis post-fundraise26:00 – Impact failures vs. financial failures: lessons learned28:00 – Why LPs must stay engaged beyond the fundraising stage33:15 – State of fundraising: too many funds, not enough capital35:20 – The call for impact pioneers: back to the original thesis

May 30, 20251h 7m

E478 | David Clarke (VenCap), Ertan Can (Multiple Capital) & Chloe Dagnell (Isomer Capital): The Path to Superior Venture Returns in Europe (EUVC Summit 2025)

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 greatnessHow fund size maps to percentile outcomesThe hard math behind Seed-to-Series A attritionWhy early-stage investing remains low-probability but high-upsideAnd 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.

May 29, 202513 min

E477 | Jeremy Uzan, Singular: Chasing Pure Performance, Generalist VCs & Why Europe is Ready for Science-Driven Founders

In this episode, is joined by , co-founder and GP at , 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 Europe07:10 – Fundraising Like a Founder: How LPs Backed Fund I and II14:00 – Why Generalist Isn’t a Weakness—It’s Strategic16:25 – Diversification vs. Focus: Squaring LP Needs with Performance21:15 – Temporary Specialists: Sprinting Deep Into Sectors24:20 – From Zero to One on Markets: Learning via Founders27:15 – European Talent Post-COVID: What’s Changed30:00 – Paris Joins the Core of the European Ecosystem35:15 – The Rise of Science Entrepreneurs in Europe39:00 – Why Bio is the Next Big Tech Frontier

May 28, 202547 min

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

In this episode, sits down with GP . 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 Life03:45 Fund One in the Nuclear Winter of VC Fundraising06:30 A Thesis of Curiosity: No Theme, Just Timing, Talent & Tails09:50 From Healthcare Ops to AI Teddy Bears to Fossil Markets16:10 Strategy Drift, Authenticity, and Embracing the Unknown18:30 Being a Solo GP Without Being Alone21:00 How Long Can You Be Great? A Venture Career as Athletic Peak27:30 Europe vs. US: Talent, Incentives, and Risk Appetite35:40 Project Europe, EU Inc & Why Attitude Is the Real Bottleneck44:00 Yes, Tech Should Get Political

May 27, 202548 min

E475 | Kasper Hulthin, Kost Capital: Breaking the “Better” Myth & Building Food for the Many

In this episode, talks with , co-founder of and , 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 strategy06:20 – The ketchup analogy: exclusive vs. inclusive innovation10:15 – Scaling challenges: distribution, regulation, perception14:05 – What founders miss about consumer routines17:50 – Building platforms, not just products21:10 – The role of storytelling in transforming food narratives25:00 – What “better” really means: nutrition, access, equity

May 23, 202552 min

E474 | Guenther & Enrique, Chi Impact Capital: Redesigning Capital for Circular Futures & Europe’s Systemic Sustainability Shift

In this episode, is joined by and Enrique Molina from 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. and 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 Thesis03:27 Guenther’s Journey: From PwC to Circularity Champion05:34 Why Capital is the Catalyst for Circular Innovation06:37 Narratives, Regulation & the Sustainability Backlash08:50 Storytelling, Identity & Investment Decision-Making13:30 What ‘Conscious Capital’ Really Means17:17 Case Studies: OceanSafe, Vital & ID Genève22:53 Designing Products for Reusability & Impact25:41 The Financial Returns Behind Circular Success29:45 Tensions in Consumer Behavior: Circular vs. Fast Fashion

May 22, 202535 min

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

, Managing Partner at , joins and 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 Sustainability09:56 The Auto Industry in Flux: Disruption, Legacy & Tesla’s Vertical Model14:31 Integration vs. Modularity: What Will Define the Next Automotive Leaders17:01 Avoiding the Kodak Trap: Why Culture Eats Strategy in Corporate Innovation25:56 Leveraging the Core: Staying Close to BMW’s Strategic Heartbeat28:04 Natural Fibers & Rare Earths: Investing for CO2 Impact and Supply Chain Resilience34:42 Scaling Autonomy in the Real World: From Car Plants to Ports37:33 Europe's Structural Weakness: Legal Complexity and Inconsistent ESOPs44:11 Pensions, Politics & the Case for Venture Policy Engagement47:04 Why BMW iVentures Remains a Single-LP Fund—and Proud of It

May 21, 202549 min

E472 | Oliver Holle, Speedinvest: Europe's VC Momentum, Political Engagement & Global Alliances

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 Dynamic09:56 Navigating Power Dynamics in Founder-VC Relationships22:03 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Startups26:05 Building Effective Communication and Culture in Growing Teams28:44 The Challenge of Team Dynamics in VC Firms32:36 Addressing Ego Issues in Leadership38:32 The Evolving Role of Founders47:12 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth55:12 The Importance of Energy Management

May 20, 20251h 0m

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

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.

May 17, 202546 min

E470 | Joe Seager-Dupuy & Mike Martin, True: Building a Specialist VC Platform Around Consumer and Retail Tech | Deep Dive Episode

In this episode, is joined by and , General Partners at , 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 Experiences05:50 Overview of True's Investment Strategy09:02 Sector Specialization in Consumer and Retail12:00 Leveraging Network and Expertise15:09 Investment Decision-Making Process17:59 Ecosystem and Corporate Partnerships21:10 Consumer Market Opportunities24:07 Investment Strategy and Focus Areas27:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

May 16, 202529 min

E469 | Christian Hernandez, 2150: The Real ROI of Adaptation (ImpactVC spotlight series)

In this episode, sits down with , co-founder and Partner at , 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 Infra03:01 Cooling the Planet: Human Limits, Economic Drivers & Air Conditioning05:06 De-risking for Deployment: The Role of IFC, World Bank & Public Finance07:42 Software for Adaptation Risk: Interdependencies & Insurability11:42 Concrete, Meat & Flying: Where Real Emissions Come From16:50 Why 2150? Long-Termism and Climate Deployment Urgency18:15 Lessons for Climate VCs: Investing with Impact and ROI in Mind24:38 Case Study: Vammo's Electric Scooters & Battery Swapping in Brazil26:15 Open Source Thinking: Sharing Climate Research Across the Ecosystem

May 15, 202547 min

E468 | Sebastian Pollok, Visionaries Tomorrow: Building Visionaries Tomorrow & Europe’s Deep Tech Renaissance

In this episode, talks with to unpack the thesis behind , 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 Capital06:45 Founders from Labs, Not MBAs: Rethinking Team Archetypes10:10 Case Study: Proxima Fusion & Max Planck’s World-Leading Design13:55 Balancing Moonshots and Pick-and-Shovel Businesses18:20 Family Offices & Mittelstand: Europe’s Strategic LP Base22:40 What It Means to Truly Love Your LPs26:30 The New Portfolio Construction for Deep Tech VC36:10 Why Capital Efficiency Still Matters in Deep Tech40:25 Strategic Sovereignty & the Role of the West in Frontier Tech

May 14, 202553 min

E467 | Dave Haynes, FOV Ventures: How AR Glasses, Multimodal AI, and Teleoperated Robots Will Reshape How We Work

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 Up06:00 Voice is the Interface: Audio Models Like 11 Labs and AI Acoustics08:45 The Rise of Ambient AI: Talking to Your Computer Like a Human12:10 The Future Is Synthetic: Training Video Models in 3D Engines15:55 Robotics in the Wild: Why Teleoperation Still Matters19:40 The Role of VR in Human-Robot Collaboration23:20 AR Glasses and Continuous Context Capture26:50 Using AI to Wrap Your Day: Follow-Up Summaries from Lifelogging30:10 Beyond SaaS: Why Frontier Tech Is Where Alpha Lives33:00 Convincing LPs to Bet on the Future36:25 Venture in the Age of Disruption: The 10-Year Thesis

May 13, 202548 min