This Week in Startups

Europe’s Startup Future with Harry Stebbings | E2097

Mar 14, 2025

Harry Stebbings, Founder of Project Europe and host of the 20-Minute VC, dives into the struggles of European startups. He discusses the trend of startups moving to the U.S. due to overregulation in Europe. Stebbings highlights efforts to empower young entrepreneurs with Project Europe, focusing on nurturing the local ecosystem. The conversation also addresses the challenges of talent acquisition and the need for innovative support in the European landscape, contrasting it with the American venture capital scene.

58:43

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Episode guests

Harry Stebbings

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Europe's startup ecosystem is challenged by overregulation and lack of experienced mentors, risking the migration of talent to the U.S.

OpenAI's recommendations on copyright laws highlight a contentious debate on balancing innovation and intellectual property protections for creators.

Venture capital dynamics are evolving with the emergence of 'barbell rounds', allowing startups to access funding in more flexible, resourceful ways.

Deep dives

Encouraging European Entrepreneurs

There is a significant push to encourage young entrepreneurs in Europe to build their businesses locally rather than migrate to the U.S. The notion that Europe cannot support thriving startups is challenged by highlighting successful companies like Spotify and Revolut as evidence of potential within the region. This new initiative aims to shift perceptions by providing funding and mentorship to young founders, changing the narrative that success can only be achieved outside of Europe. The goal is to foster local talent and create a supportive ecosystem that retains young innovators within their home countries.

Intro

2min

Skiing Stories to AI Policies

6min

Navigating Copyright and Developer Challenges in AI

4min

Navigating AI and Content Creation

6min

The Intersection of Blogging and Venture Capital: Authenticity and Challenges

6min

Embracing Criticism and Entrepreneurship in Europe

7min

Navigating the Challenges of European Startups

5min

Navigating Europe's Startup Landscape

15min

Navigating Startup Challenges and Investment Strategies

8min

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Today’s show: Jason and Alex break down the biggest tech stories of the moment. OpenAI is pushing to rewrite copyright laws to benefit AI companies while suing others for doing the same—hypocrisy or smart strategy? Meanwhile, European startups are fleeing to the U.S. as overregulation and weak IPO markets make scaling harder. Harry Stebbings joins to discuss whether Project Europe can reverse the trend. Plus, with AI-driven startups staying lean, angel investing is evolving—should investors wait for traction or bet on potential? Jason shares his 2024 playbook. Watch the full episode now!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Episode Teaser(1:15) OpenAI's recommendations, stance on copyright, and ethics(8:30) Sam Altman's political donations and the media's response

(9:41) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(15:48) Introduction of guest Harry Stebbings and his venture capital journey(19:51) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(22:05) Discussing the human aspect of investing and handling criticism(27:37) Project Europe and its support for EU founders(30:49) CLA. Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://www.claconnect.com/tech(32:16) Balancing roles as an investor and public figure(33:04) Analyzing the European startup ecosystem(35:48) Addressing Project Europe's age cap and mentorship(38:09) Global talent competition and Europe's stance(42:29) Economic impacts and the future of Project Europe(45:18) Growth and housing in Austin compared to other tech regions(47:36) Startup funding strategies and angel investment advice(55:27) Evolving startup and content creation landscapes(57:37) Founder University announcement

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Links from the show:

Check out Project Europe: https://www.projecteurope.co/

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Check out Stride VC: https://stride.vc/

Follow Harry:

X: https://x.com/HarryStebbingsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrystebbings

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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(9:41) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(19:51) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(30:49) CLA. Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://www.claconnect.com/tech

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