The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: The Future of War: Are We Ready & What Needs to Be Done | China, Russia and Trump: What Happens Now | Raising $828M to Build the Defence Champion of Europe | Torsten Reil, Co-Founder @ Helsing

Dec 11, 2024

Torsten Reil, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Helsing, an AI-driven defense technology company, delves into pressing global conflicts involving China, Russia, and their implications for European defense. He advocates for a shift in defense strategies to enhance readiness against adversaries, emphasizing the importance of AI and autonomy in warfare. Discussing the need for rapid innovation and recruitment, he critiques Europe's ambitions and explores challenges within the defense sector's procurement processes, highlighting a pressing call for reform.

01:12:19

Creator website

Episode guests

Torsten Reil

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Acknowledging the urgent geopolitical threats from China and Russia is essential for adapting our defense strategies and budgets.

Prioritizing the hiring of exceptional talent is crucial for success, enabling agility and efficiency in a growing defense company like Helsing.

Navigating ethical responsibilities in defense technology development requires transparent decision-making processes to ensure alignment with democratic values.

Deep dives

Responding to Geopolitical Threats

The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing increasing geopolitical threats, particularly from Russia and China. The founders of Helsing anticipated two major events—the invasion of Ukraine and the potential invasion of Taiwan—that would significantly alter the global landscape. The focus is on understanding how these conflicts require immediate action and adaptation within the defense industry, highlighting that many in democratic societies have yet to fully grasp the implications of these threats. The need for increased defense spending and proactive measures to protect democracies is emphasized as a critical urgency for governments.

Intro

4min

Building Exceptional Teams

9min

Navigating Defense in a Complex Landscape

14min

Drones and Defense: Navigating Modern Warfare

16min

Challenges in Defense Innovation

9min

Ambition,挑战,和欧洲科技生态

14min

The Addictive Nature of Social Media and Its Political Implications

1min

The Transformative Power of Automation and AI in Business

3min

Lessons in Adaptation and Team Dynamics in Technology Startups

2min

10.

The Future of Automation and Investment Accessibility

3min

Torsten Reil is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Helsing, a new type of defence company providing artificial intelligence to protect our democracies. Torsten has raised over $825M from the likes of Prima Materia, Elad Gil, Accel and General Catalyst. Previously Torsten founded NaturalMotion, one of the UK's most successful games and technology start-ups. Torsten was named as one of MIT's Top 100 Innovators and is a member of the Munich Security Conference Innovation Board.

In Today’s Episode with Torsten Reil We Discuss:

1. The World Around Us: China, Russia and Trump:

What will happen between China and Taiwan?
What will happen between Russia and Ukraine?
How will a Trump administration impact the US’ commitment to fund European defence?
What conflict do people not pay enough attention to in the world today?

2. Are We Ready and What Needs to Be Done:

Are the west ready to fight against our adversaries as we stand today?
What do we need to do to equip ourselves?
What needs to change in our defence budgets? Where do they need to go?
How does the procurement process for defence need to change?

3. The Future of War:

Why does Torsten believe the future of war is contactless?
In the next wave of defence, what are the most important elements for allies to own? What elements concern Torsten the most?
What role does AI and autonomous play in the future of war?

4. Is Europe F********:

Why does Torsten believe that Europe’s biggest problem is ambition not capital?
Why does Torsten believ that we put too much weight on the location in which companies are founded? Why does it not matter?
How does Torsten respond to the statement that we do not have the depth of experienced talent in Europe to recruit?

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more