EUVC

Fabian Heilemann, founding partner at AENU, is a former entrepreneur turned VC heavyweight focused on climate tech. He discusses his shift from generalist VC to dedicated impact investing, emphasizing the need for accountability in impact metrics. Fabian addresses the challenges of raising an evergreen fund in a bear market and why mission-aligned founders demand more than just capital. He highlights the urgency of tackling global issues like climate change and biodiversity collapse, advocating for a holistic approach to investing that aligns economic interests with environmental sustainability.

Florian Noell, PwC’s Global Venturing & EMEA Startups & Scale-ups Leader, shares insights from his diverse background as a founder and corporate innovator. He discusses the common pitfalls of corporate venture capital, revealing why most CVCs falter after just 3.7 years. Florian emphasizes the importance of collaboration between startups and corporations, outlining ten key strategies for enduring success. He advocates for later-stage investing and challenges traditional mindsets that hinder corporate reinvention, making a compelling case for a cultural shift towards innovation.

Mads Jensen from SuperSeed and Lomax Ward of Outsized Ventures join to dissect the landscape of European tech. They explore the EU's plans to streamline corporate registration for startups, the challenges of navigating diverse legal systems, and the surge of AI innovations from China. The discussion also touches on the impact of Brexit, the evolving funding landscape, and the need for Europe to enhance its competitive edge. With a mix of cautious optimism and analytical insight, they navigate the future of venture capital across the continent.

Fanny Talagrand, Head of EMEA sales for startups and SMBs at Stripe, shares her wealth of knowledge from tech giants like Google Cloud. She discusses the importance of understanding user needs and adapting sales strategies for both startups and enterprises. Fanny emphasizes the need for smart, driven hires and effective onboarding to ensure quick productivity. She explores how product-led growth can coexist with enterprise sales and highlights tailored metrics to optimize performance. Her insights are practical for any founder looking to enhance sales operations and build robust teams.

Jean Schmitt, who heads Jolt Capital focusing on deep tech investments, and Rob Blackie, founder of Crampton Blackie, discuss the critical state of RNA in Europe. They address the hurdles of commercialization and investment, revealing stark funding disparities with North America. Insights from their landmark report highlight the regulatory challenges faced by biotech startups. They argue for a supportive environment to foster innovation and explore the impact of COVID vaccine advancements. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships to unlock RNA's full potential.

In this discussion, Carlos Trenchs, an early-stage investor at Masia VC, dives into the vibrant Barcelona startup scene. He explores the rise of repeat founders who are now becoming emerging managers, sharing their insights and experiences. The conversation highlights structural challenges in fundraising for new managers and innovative investment designs aimed at fostering ecosystem development. Carlos also discusses collective capital and the inspiration drawn from US micro-funds, shedding light on the evolution of Europe's seed investment landscape.

Sarah Drinkwater, Founding Partner at Common Magic, previously led Google's startup programs in EMEA, while Anthony Danon, founder of Rerail, focuses on fintech micro-funds. They discuss the rise of solo GPs in Europe, emphasizing their flexibility and tailored approaches to investing. Topics include the concept of 'headless rounds,' the shift towards conviction investing, and the evolving role of angel investors. They explore how smaller funds can better support outlier founders and navigate the competitive landscape, predicting future trends for micro funds.

Colin McQuade, an executive coach with a decade of experience in the startup space, and Mike Reiner, co-founder of 432 Legacy, explore the emotional dynamics that influence venture success. They dive into the importance of relationships, effective communication, and the challenges of ego within venture teams. The duo discusses transitioning roles, the myth of pleasing, and the value of inner peace amidst chaos. They emphasize finding joy in the entrepreneurial journey while managing energy for long-term success.

Andrew Hill, an Investor at Bessemer Venture Partners, joins the discussion on Europe's booming defense sector and its implications for tech startups. The hosts debate the ethics of investing in defense, especially as Germany leads in funding. They also explore OpenAI's new browser and its potential to disrupt Google, and whether we’ve hit peak large language model technology. Additionally, they dive into the impact of remote work on startup culture and examine how geopolitical factors are reshaping the venture landscape.

Nicholas Nelson, Founding GP of Archangel, is a defense expert with a background in advising governments and serving in Afghanistan. He discusses the urgent need for Europe to invest unapologetically in defense. Nicholas emphasizes that dual-use tech isn't sufficient for real security. He highlights the rapid evolution in military tech, the 'hourly sprints' in Ukraine, and the risks of muddying the waters with dual-use brands. The conversation also tackles the challenges posed by the military industrial complex and the unique hurdles in scaling defense innovations across Europe.