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

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