EUVC

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!

Jan Lynn-Matern, Founder and General Partner at Emerge, discusses how AI is dramatically reshaping learning and work. He emphasizes Emerge's mission to democratize opportunities for early-stage founders and the importance of nurturing curiosity in education. The conversation addresses the challenges faced by traditional universities, the urgent need for upskilling in the workforce, and innovative solutions driven by AI to enhance learning and career navigation. Jan provides keen insights into the evolving European market and the impact of generative AI on job dynamics.

Tension rises in a critical American election, with concerns over civil unrest and economic impacts from candidates' policies. The discussion highlights the revamped CHIPS Act and Europe’s semiconductor ambitions in the face of U.S. advancements. Meanwhile, a prominent investor shifts focus to liquidity amid market uncertainty while contemplating tech's evolution, especially as AI tools challenge Google's dominance. The pressures on startup founders are scrutinized, emphasizing the need for supportive venture capital to prioritize their mental health.

In this engaging discussion, Robin Haak, the solo GP behind Robin Capital, shares his adventurous journey from running a coffee shop in Bhutan to Muay Thai battles in Thailand. He dives into the realities of being a solo GP in Europe, facing fundraising challenges, and the importance of community-driven LP relationships. Robin emphasizes his commitment to a boutique approach and his philosophy of serving founders beyond just financial means. With insights into spirituality and personal connection, he offers a fresh perspective on investment and personal growth.

Join Tarek Khalil and Mohamed Elbadwihi, co-founders of Rasayel, as they discuss the innovative ways WhatsApp is reshaping business communication. They share their journeys from software engineering to launching Rasayel and the essential lessons learned from past startups. The duo reveals how WhatsApp serves as a dynamic platform for real-time customer engagement, particularly in developing countries. They also delve into trust, compliance, and the challenges of integrating WhatsApp into existing systems, highlighting its potential for transforming customer interactions.

In this lively discussion, Mikael Johnsson, Founding General Partner of Oxx, shares insights from his 24-year journey in venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity and a focus on product-market fit in successful investments. Mikael discusses Oxx's unique approach to backing growth-stage B2B SaaS companies and the challenges faced in a competitive landscape. He also critiques traditional investment philosophies and highlights the need for collaborative investor relationships, making this a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Carmen Alfonso Rico, an angel investor at Cocoa Ventures, and Evan Finkel, Head of VC Investments at Integra Global Advisors, dive deep into managing personal and business relationships in venture capital. They explore the intricate dynamics of GP-LP interactions, emphasizing trust and transparency. The duo shares insights on identifying strong GPs, the implications of management fees, and the need for aligning incentives in investment funds. They compare these relationships to dating, underlining the complexities in securing commitments while maintaining professional integrity.

The discussion kicks off with highlights from the UK Autumn Budget, analyzing its impact on public services and investor sentiment. The intense rivalry between ARM and Nvidia takes center stage, showcasing their race in AI chip production. Concerns about Volkswagen's profit warnings reveal challenges in the automotive industry. AI's role in startup innovation is discussed, emphasizing the need for strategic investments. Finally, proposed regulations in UK football spark debate over market freedoms and fan involvement.

In this engaging episode, Anthony Danon, Founder of Rerail, discusses his innovative $20M angel fund aimed at early-stage FinTech investments. He delves into his vision that FinTech can revolutionize multiple sectors beyond finance, including healthcare and climate tech. Anthony emphasizes the significance of networking and collaboration in the European venture space, while sharing insights into investment strategies, balancing funding stages, and spotting exceptional talent. This insightful conversation positions him as a key trailblazer in European venture capital.

Mads Jensen, a Partner at SuperSeed, shares his expertise on the evolving European tech landscape. The conversation kicks off with Perplexity's eye-popping $8 billion valuation and the race against Google. Mads dives into Anthropic's new AI model and its implications for security in robotic automation. They tackle the NHS's outdated tech and the urgent need for modernization. The duo discusses how Stripe, HubSpot, and JP Morgan are strategically acquiring media to boost engagement. Economic insights and the need for Europe's digital growth also take center stage.