EP #495 - Felix & Jianhe Mao: Investing in Startups as Father and Son

May 18, 2025

Jianhe Mao, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in MedTech, joins his son Felix Mao, a next-gen investor in Switzerland's startup scene. They discuss how their shared journey shapes their investment strategies and the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. Notable topics include helping European companies enter China, building AI models to predict fundraising success, and SICTIC’s innovative youth investment program. Their unique perspectives mirror the evolving landscape of startup investing and how young investors can make impactful decisions.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Early Venture and Consulting Balance

Jianhe Mao balanced consulting with building ventures, including launching China's first armored cash-transport business.
Consulting provided steady income, but his venture work brought satisfaction and real entrepreneurial fulfillment.

INSIGHT

Human Factors Break Businesses

Many European firms failed in China more due to human factors than technology or finance.
Recruiting top managers was key to overcoming cultural and operational challenges in foreign subsidiaries.

INSIGHT

Common Startup Failures

Startup entrepreneurs differ from managers due to personal risk and full commitment.
Common failure causes include misprioritization, lack of focus, and market misreading despite passion.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Timestamps:

5:20 - Helping European companies set up shop in China

11:43 - SICTIC’s investment program for kids

17:57 - Building AI models to predict fundraising success

26:00 - How being a young investor changes your perspective

This episode was co-produced by SICTIC, the leading angel investor network in Switzerland.

This episode was sponsored by Relai. Get started with Bitcoin by downloading the Relai app today, and profit from 10% less fees by entering code SWISSPRENEUR at checkout.

(Disclaimer: Relai services are exclusively recommended for Swiss and Italian residents.)

Resources Mentioned:

Ep 135 with Thomas Dübendorfer

Fueled by Randomness, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

About Felix Mao & Jianhe Mao:

In this episode, we sit down with Mao and Felix, a dynamic father-son duo who share their incredible journey through entrepreneurship, venture investing, and the startup world. Mao, a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience, recounts his path from studying in Germany to building businesses across Europe and Asia. After starting his career in industrial engineering, he transitioned into consulting and later founded ventures in China, including an armored cash-transport business: one of the first of its kind. By 2010, he shifted focus to MedTech startups in Europe, turning around struggling companies like neoplas Med GmbH (pioneering plasma wound treatment) and Medmira Inc. (a rapid diagnostic testing innovator). His approach? Hands-on involvement, strategic risk-taking, and a sharp eye for undervalued potential.

Felix, Mao’s son, brings a fresh perspective as a next-gen investor immersed in Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. Initially drawn to history and behavioral economics, he found corporate life uninspiring and instead dove into startups through SICTIC. There, he learned the importance of team dynamics over just product-market fit, emphasizing traits like adaptability, vision, and resilience in founders. He advocates for a more structured approach to evaluating entrepreneurs, blending academic insights with real-world due diligence. Both highlight how SICTIC’s rigorous selection process sets Swiss startups apart, favoring steady, deep-tech innovations over the "go big or go home" mentality often seen in Asia.

As Mao eyes retirement, he plans to deepen his involvement with SICTIC, mentoring the next wave of entrepreneurs. Felix, meanwhile, is just getting started, aiming to build a methodical venture investment strategy while learning from seasoned angels. Their key takeaway? Venture investing is a humbling, long-game journey that rewards patience, passion, and a willingness to take calculated risks. Tune in for their candid stories, hard-earned lessons, and why the startup world’s energy keeps them hooked!

The cover portrait was edited by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartportrait.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.