VC | E375 | Future of work & learning VC Emerge launches oversubscribed Fund II at $73M

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas sits down with Jan Lynn-Matern, Founder and General Partner at Emerge, a global pre-seed fund backed by over 100 leading operators in the future of work and learning. Jan shares Emerge’s mission to democratize access to opportunity for early-stage founders, providing not just capital but deep expertise and a community of seasoned professionals.

Together, Andreas and Jan dive into how AI is transforming work and education. They discuss Emerge’s investment philosophy and focus on impact, the importance of nurturing curiosity from a young age, and Jan's insights on the European market and its dynamics. Jan sheds light on the evolving landscape of education, the challenges and opportunities posed by generative AI, and how these shifts are redefining job markets. The conversation explores the critical need for adaptability and upskilling within organizations to keep up with technological change and how AI could become a powerful tool for enhancing learning and career development.

This episode offers a nuanced look at Jan’s journey, Emerge’s investment approach, and the unique role AI plays in reshaping the future of work, learning, and access to opportunity.

Go to eu.vc to read the core take-aways.

Chapters:

00:02 Meet Jan from Emerge
00:25 Emerge's Mission and Impact
01:48 Personal Stories and Inspirations
02:23 The Role of AI in Learning and Work
04:16 Founding Journey of Emerge
07:31 Investment Philosophy and Strategies
20:01 The European Opportunity
21:36 Technological and Societal Convergences
25:43 Investment Themes: Learn, Navigate, Work
38:51 Consumer Learning and AI in Education
39:49 Challenges in Formal Education Systems
40:50 The Decline of Traditional Universities
42:30 AI-Powered Learning Support for Students
44:50 Innovative Education Models 
46:09 Personal Experiences with Education Systems
49:19 Navigating Career Choices with AI
56:23 AI in Recruitment and Career Development
01:01:11 Upskilling and AI Adoption in Enterprises
01:07:50 Future of Education and Final Thoughts