Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast

Miriam Partington, a senior reporter at Sifted and author of the Startup Life newsletter, dives into the dual nature of AI's impact on startups. She discusses how AI is enabling small teams to scale while simultaneously threatening entry-level jobs. The conversation highlights the shift from specialists to adaptable generalists in hiring practices and the evolution of engineering roles. Miriam also explores the challenges startups face in maintaining brand trust amidst a flood of AI-generated content and the resurgence of hustle culture.

Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems and a former German helicopter pilot, discusses the evolving landscape of military drones. He shares insights on the company's rapid growth and the impact of the Ukraine conflict on innovation. Seibel emphasizes the importance of long-term planning in defense tech, citing China as a model. He candidly critiques the influx of opportunistic investors and advocates for the need for transparency in political and defense decisions. His views on ethical practices in the industry spark a compelling dialogue on the future of unmanned technology.

Freya Pratty, a senior reporter and investigations lead at Sifted, dives into the world of Tekever, a Lisbon-based defense tech unicorn known for its innovative surveillance drones. She discusses Tekever's impressive global contracts, including key roles in Ukraine and initiatives across Europe. The company’s recent €70 million funding and ambitious £400 million investment plan in the UK are explored, showcasing its commitment to creating jobs and enhancing defense capabilities. The uniqueness of Tekever's growth strategy compared to competitors also makes for a compelling listen.

Jordi Romero, CEO and co-founder of Factorial, takes us through the company's remarkable evolution into a business management platform. He shares insights on scaling their team from 1,000 to 1,300 in tough market conditions, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit over flashy resumes. The conversation dives into innovative investment strategies that allow for growth without equity dilution and the role of AI in enhancing operations. Jordi offers refreshing takes on hiring passion over pedigree and the transformative nature of leadership in a fast-growing company.

Tom Matsuda, a fintech reporter at Sifted, dives into the remarkable journey of Revolut, Europe's leading private tech company. He reveals the driving force behind its rapid expansion—small, agile teams known as the 'new bets team' that launch innovative products at lightning speed. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in obtaining a UK banking license, and the speculation surrounding an upcoming IPO, sparking interest in the evolving fintech landscape and how Revolut plans to position itself as a financial super app.

Ilkka Paananen, CEO and cofounder of Supercell, the Finnish powerhouse behind hits like Clash of Clans, dives deep into the secrets of successful game development. He reveals how empowering independent teams, or 'cells', fosters creativity and innovation. Paananen emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and urges a balanced approach to merging tradition with new features. He also highlights the transformative role of AI in gaming and shares insights on nurturing European entrepreneurship through investment and community collaboration.

Daphné Leprince-Ringuet, a senior reporter and French tech correspondent at Sifted, dives into the intriguing journey of Mistral, a Paris-based AI startup that raised a whopping €105 million in 2023. She explores Mistral's strategic partnerships, its shift towards data centers, and how it competes against giants like OpenAI. Daphné discusses the pressures of leadership in a rapidly growing environment, evolving communication strategies, and the broader context of challenges within the French tech landscape. Is Mistral's $6bn valuation justified? Listen to find out!

Emma Burrows, cofounder and CTO of Portia AI, was previously the UK CTO at Stripe. She discusses the rise of AI agents and their potential to reshape the workforce, warning about risks to junior engineering roles. Burrows reflects on her transition from corporate life to founding a startup and the significance of female representation in tech. She also critiques hustle culture and its negative impacts on well-being, while sharing insights on angel investing and the importance of regulation in fostering innovation in AI.

Anne Schraders, a VC and defence tech reporter based in Berlin, dives into the mysterious world of Helsing, a defence tech unicorn valued at €12bn. She discusses its substantial €600m funding and the secretive nature of its operations, particularly around autonomous drones and maritime tech. Schraders addresses scrutiny over the company's drone performance and the challenges it faces in a competitive landscape. She also shares insights on Helsing's potential growth paths, including an IPO, amid shifting attitudes towards defence investments in Europe.

Alexandre Prot, Co-founder and CEO of Qonto, a profitable French fintech unicorn, shares insights on how his company serves 500,000 small businesses across Europe. He discusses Qonto's plans to apply for a banking license and how they leverage AI to combat financial fraud. Prot reveals their strategic acquisition plans and the operational challenges involved. He also touches on the intricacies of fundraising in fintech and emphasizes the importance of celebrating team milestones. Tune in for a peek into the future of financial services!