EUVC

This podcast features Julia Binder, co-author of 'The Circular Business Revolution' at IMD, Manuel Braun from Impact Hub, and Enrique Molina from G Impact Capital. They discuss circularity as a critical investment strategy across industries like textiles and logistics. The conversation reveals how startups can drive systemic change, the importance of digital product passports, and the need for a collaborative ecosystem to scale circular practices. They urge stakeholders, from founders to investors, to embrace circularity as essential for future growth.

Jacqueline van den Ende, Co-founder and CEO of Carbon Equity, and Dougie Sloan, Managing Director at Better Society Capital, discuss innovative ways to transform capital for climate impact. They highlight the challenge of accessing venture money, noting that only 2% goes to climate tech. The duo explores rethinking ‘retail’ investors, emphasizing their sophistication and potential. They stress the role of technology and transparency in democratizing impact investing, aiming to involve more people in climate solutions and bridge the gap between profit and purpose.

Lorenzo Franzi, Founding Partner at the Italian Founders Fund, is reshaping Italy's startup scene through a founder-first approach. He discusses the importance of empathy in investment strategies and emphasizes the unique triad of Italian, diaspora, and inbound startups. Lorenzo shares insights on navigating regulatory hurdles and why Italy's moment as a venture capital powerhouse is now. He advocates for a concentrated portfolio strategy and stresses that the focus should shift from unicorn chasing to building an impactful ecosystem that supports local founders.

Lomax Ward from Outsized Ventures and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed join Dan Bowyer to dissect the European tech scene. They dive into the dynamics of Figma's recent IPO, its surprising $730M paper loss, and its implications for the market. The trio also discusses the sluggish London IPO climate and necessary reforms to enhance competitiveness. Vertical AI is revealed as a promising new frontier, potentially shaping the next wave of SaaS. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the evolving venture capital landscape.

Matt Cooper and Paolo Pio, Founding Partners of Exceptional Ventures, share their passion for health and wellness investing. They delve into their unique 'Joyspan®' approach, emphasizing the balance between health and happiness. The duo discusses the importance of integrity in entrepreneurship and the need to separate genuine health innovations from exaggerated claims. With insights into the ethical landscape of health tech, they advocate for informed choices and purposeful innovations that truly benefit individuals and society.

Rich Ashton, Founder of FirstPartyCapital and expert in AdTech and MarTech investments, discusses the overlooked trillion-dollar potential of the ad tech sector. He debunks the myth of Facebook and Google's dominance, sharing insights on why most funds miss these opportunities. Rich highlights successful case studies like The Trade Desk and AppLovin, and emphasizes the importance of a strong LP network. The conversation also touches on AI's role in the future of advertising and the need for specialized knowledge to navigate this complex landscape.

In a captivating conversation, Oliver Brunschwiler, a former pro snowboarder turned purpose-driven entrepreneur, and Enrique Molina of Chi Impact Capital dive into the transformative power of circularity in business. They discuss leading with purpose and how organizations can ditch rigid hierarchies for adaptive, role-based systems. The duo shares insights on the intersection of sustainability and investor perspectives, addressing the evolving landscape of impact capital and the importance of trust in self-organizing teams while navigating market fluctuations.

Bernard Dalle, formerly a partner at Index Ventures, and Thomas Kristensen from LGT Capital Partners share their insights on building a successful venture firm. They stress the importance of cultural fit over flashy resumes when hiring. The conversation dives into developing junior talent with long-term potential and the benefits of under-hiring to foster growth. Dalle discusses the significance of having support teams early on, highlighting how operational strength contributes to enduring success in venture capital.

Emma Steele, Partner at Ascension VC, and Emily Trant, Chief Impact Officer at WageStream, discuss the intersection of profit and purpose in tech. They dive into the concept of 'tech for good' and share insights on aligning social impact with commercial success. The duo examines the role of impact advisory boards and their potential pitfalls, advocating for strong intent and effective design. They also explore market failures, emphasizing how innovation can address social challenges and improve financial inclusivity for vulnerable communities.

Mads Jensen from SuperSeed and Lomax Ward from Outsized Ventures join the conversation to unpack the dynamic landscape of European tech. They explore the geopolitical shifts affecting investment, the rising importance of defense budgets, and Europe's ambitions in space. The duo dives into trends like the return of SPACs, the implications of private IPO strategies, and innovations in healthcare technology. Their insights uncover the complexity of navigating venture capital in a rapidly changing world, blending optimism with critical challenges.