EUVC

E373 | EUVC | Robin Capital's Robin Haak on the solo GP path and being a founder-led VC in Europe

Nov 7, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Robin Haak, the solo GP behind Robin Capital, shares his adventurous journey from running a coffee shop in Bhutan to Muay Thai battles in Thailand. He dives into the realities of being a solo GP in Europe, facing fundraising challenges, and the importance of community-driven LP relationships. Robin emphasizes his commitment to a boutique approach and his philosophy of serving founders beyond just financial means. With insights into spirituality and personal connection, he offers a fresh perspective on investment and personal growth.

51:17

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Episode guests

Robin Haak

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Robin Haak's journey from building a coffee shop to being a solo GP emphasizes the importance of personal experiences in shaping his investing approach.

The podcast highlights the significance of community-driven relationships with LPs and a long-term vision in navigating the challenges of fundraising for solo GPs.

Deep dives

Introduction to Robin Capital

Robin Capital operates as a solo general partner (GP) targeting a fund size of about 10 million euros, focusing primarily on B2B SaaS investments. Since launching, Robin has completed nearly 23 investments, with plans to reach a total of 35. His strategy emphasizes mid-market and enterprise sales, reflecting his own background and comfort in these sectors. The fund distinguishes itself by maintaining a significant presence in Europe, which Robin sees as an advantage for both himself and his limited partners (LPs).

Intro

2min

Navigating Solo VC: Insights and Challenges

11min

Origins of Connection: A Journey Through Personal Growth and Networking

7min

Journey of Purpose and Connection

14min

Navigating Venture Capital in Europe

16min

Innovative Portfolio Tracking with Synaptic

2min

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas is joined by Robin Haak, the solo GP behind Robin Capital, to share his unique journey through venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Robin opens up about his extraordinary path, from building a coffee shop in Bhutan to fighting Muay Thai in Thailand, and how these experiences shaped his investing philosophy. Andreas and Robin discuss the realities of being a solo GP in Europe, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of community-driven LP relationships. Robin shares why he chose the solo GP route after co-built Revaia, a €250 million growth fund, and why staying small and boutique matters to him.

This episode goes beyond the typical investment talk. It dives deep into what drives Robin, the principles behind his investments, and the personal journey that shaped him into the investor he is today. Robin’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a deep desire to serve founders in ways that go beyond just financial backing.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Chapters:

02:55 Robin Capital: The Basics
03:59 Investment Strategy and Progress
05:54 Challenges of Fundraising
09:14 Personal Journey and Philosophy
13:02 Spirituality and Life Lessons
16:54 The Importance of Community
17:46 Long-Term Vision and Acceptance
20:07 Spiritual Exploration and Insights
25:23 Conclusion and Newsletter Shoutout
26:59 The Journey's End: Funding Status
27:17 Finding Passion in Marketing
27:45 The Love for Human Stories
28:34 Exploring Bhutan: A Personal Journey
30:36 Meeting the Royal Family
32:13 Building a Coffee Shop in Bhutan
32:47 Impact of COVID-19
33:10 Transition Back to Travel Business
34:09 The Role of Operators in VC
44:57 The Importance of Serving Founders

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