EUVC

EUVC | E378 | Dawn Capital's Evgenia Plotnikova on navigating today's exciting AI landscape

Nov 15, 2024

Evgenia Plotnikova, General Partner at Dawn Capital, shares her journey from investment banking during the financial crisis to thriving in venture capital. She discusses the significance of mentorship and team culture at Dawn, particularly in B2B software investments. Evgenia explores the challenges of venture capital exits, advising a focus on genuine business metrics over inflated valuations. Additionally, she dives into the dynamic AI landscape, urging investors to prioritize authentic solutions rather than tech buzzwords. An insightful look at navigating today's venture environment!

25:09

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Episode guests

Evgenia Plotnikova

AI Summary

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Evgenia Plotnikova emphasizes the importance of specialization in the venture capital landscape, particularly through Dawn Capital's focus on early-stage B2B software funding.

She highlights the complexities and challenges of exits in venture capital, advocating for sustainable business practices over merely pursuing high valuations.

Deep dives

Evgenia Plotnikova's Career Journey

Evgenia Plotnikova shares her unconventional path to becoming a General Partner at Dawn Capital, highlighting her beginnings in investment banking during a financial crisis. Growing up in a working-class family in Russia and later in France and the US, her experiences fueled her ambition to succeed in finance. Initial roles in banking and private equity exposed her to industries facing disruption, prompting her desire to contribute to innovation rather than be sidelined by it. This realization guided her transition into venture capital about a decade ago, where she felt drawn to the burgeoning asset class in Europe, specifically focusing on B2B software investments.

Intro

6min

Investing in B2B Success

9min

Navigating the Challenges of Venture Capital Exits

5min

Navigating the AI Landscape in Venture Capital

3min

Exploring Alternative Paths and the Impact of Venture Capital

3min

Hello and welcome back to 'At The Cap Table”, a podcast series here at EUVC, where we explore the journeys and insights of some of the most influential leaders in venture capital. Today, we’re thrilled to have Evgenia Plotnikova, General Partner at London HQ’d Dawn Capital.

From her start in investment banking during the financial crisis to her role now in VC, she talks about the challenges, successes, and what it takes to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

We dive into her work at Dawn, what it means to be a B2B software specialist, and her thoughts on navigating today's exciting AI landscape. Let's get into it!

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

Chapters:

00:14 Guest Introduction: Evgenia Plotnikova
00:20 Evgenia's Early Career in Investment Banking
00:30 Transition to Venture Capital
00:49 Invitation to Venture Escape Event
01:24 Welcome to the Interview
01:35 Evgenia's Journey to Dawn Capital
02:01 Early Career Challenges and Insights
03:19 Private Equity and the Shift to Venture Capital
04:59 Joining Dawn Capital
05:51 Dawn Capital's Focus and Specialization
08:57 The Importance of Mentorship
09:57 Team and Culture at Dawn Capital
13:51 Challenges and Resilience in Venture Capital
15:20 The Exit Environment in Venture Capital
20:49 AI and the Future of Venture Capital
22:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections
22:47 Alternative Career Paths 24:06 Conclusion of the Interview
00:41 Closing Invitation to Venture Escape Event

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