EUVC VC | E511 | EUVC Summit: Lessons from Building Index with Bernard Dalle & Thomas Kristensen, LGT Capital Partners
Jul 3, 2025
Bernard Dalle, formerly a partner at Index Ventures, and Thomas Kristensen from LGT Capital Partners share their insights on building a successful venture firm. They stress the importance of cultural fit over flashy resumes when hiring. The conversation dives into developing junior talent with long-term potential and the benefits of under-hiring to foster growth. Dalle discusses the significance of having support teams early on, highlighting how operational strength contributes to enduring success in venture capital.
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Early Days at Index Ventures
- Bernard Dalle joined Index Ventures before it officially existed, seeing its roots as early as 1991 with Neil Rimer.
- Fundraising was tough initially, taking years to build track record and credibility before raising significant capital.
Hiring for Culture Fit
- Hire junior talent that fits the firm culture and promote from within to maintain cohesion.
- Avoid rushing senior hires from outside as cultural fit is critical and difficult to achieve.
Value of Strong Operations Team
- Invest early in a dedicated operations team to manage LP demands, compliance, and portfolio relationships.
- This frees GPs to focus on investing and supporting entrepreneurs without distraction.