Upside

In this conversation, Dan, Mads, and Andrew discuss what's happened this week in the European startup ecosystem. The real value of events for investors and founders, highlights from the All In Conference, DeepMind's new AI system for protein design, productivity challenges in the EU, the future of innovation in Europe, and the impact of AI on SaaS. * Events can be valuable if approached strategically.* AI is making significant strides in medical research and drug discovery.* Fixing EU challenges with productivity and innovation.* Does politics matter at these conferences? Should we care?* DeepMind's AI system could revolutionise protein design.* Klarna ditches SaaS for Ai.  * The EU's real productivity dilemmaChapters00:00 The Value of Events for Investors and Founders04:40 Insights from the All In Conference10:18 The Intersection of Politics and Inspiration13:38 DeepMind's Breakthrough in Protein Research19:08 Mario Draghi's Vision for European Competitiveness26:12 The Future of SaaS in the Age of AIKeywordsevents, investment, AI, productivity, Europe, DeepMind, innovation, Klarna, healthcare, technology, investing, VC

In this conversation, Dan and Mads discuss various topics including the SuperSaaS event, the Council of Europe's convention on AI, the central bank digital currency, founder mode, and immigration and the future of AI. They highlight key takeaways such as the importance of relationships in dealing with big corporates, the progress made in living standards over the years, the implications of the AI regulation treaty, the characteristics of successful CEOs in founder mode, and the impact of immigration on economic growth and productivity.TakeawaysBuilding relationships is crucial when dealing with big corporates.There has been significant progress in living standards over the years.The AI regulation treaty has implications for human rights and democratic values.Successful CEOs in founder mode focus on the most important tasks, embrace bad news, and are mission-driven.Immigration plays a vital role in economic growth and productivity.Productivity-enhancing technology investment will be crucial in the coming decade.Sound Bites"Dealing with big enterprise is always the machine, but actually these guys and girls really value relationships and building relationships.""We made incredible progress in living standards, especially since the 50s.""The US, EU, and UK have signed the Council of Europe's Convention on AI."Chapters00:00 SuperSaaS and Building Relationships with Big Corporates04:08 The Progress in Living Standards08:20 Implications of the AI Regulation Treaty22:21 Characteristics of Successful CEOs in Founder Mode30:51 The Role of Immigration in Economic Growth33:18 The Importance of Productivity-Enhancing TechnologyKeywordsSuperSaaS, Council of Europe, AI regulation, central bank digital currency, founder mode, immigration, future of AI, relationships, living standards, progress, CEO characteristics, economic growth, productivity

Dan and Mads discuss various topics including the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, the debate between big and small venture capital firms, the potential impact of the autumn budget on startups, advancements in cancer treatment, the regulation of AI in Europe, Germany's energy transition, and the concept of agentic workflows in business.keywordsPavel Durov, Telegram, arrest, children's security, venture capital, big firms, small firms, autumn budget, startups, SEIS, EIS, cancer treatment, AI, agentic workflows, EU regulation, Germany, energy transitiontakeawaysThe arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, raises questions about the responsibility of technology platforms in ensuring security and preventing illegal activities.There is a debate between big and small venture capital firms, with some arguing for more $100 million funds to support a wider range of startups, while others advocate for mega funds to tackle big challenges that require significant capital.The impact of the autumn budget on startups, particularly in relation to SEIS and EIS, is a concern, and there is speculation about potential changes to wealth tax and capital gains tax.Advancements in AI and mRNA technology are driving progress in cancer treatment, with the potential for personalized medicines and significant improvements in survival rates.The regulation of AI in Europe, particularly in relation to agentic workflows, raises questions about the balance between regulation and innovation, and the need for businesses to adapt to changing regulatory environments.Germany's energy transition is a mix of progress in renewables and challenges in phasing out nuclear energy, raising concerns about the country's seriousness in addressing climate change.Agentic workflows, where AI agents within organizations interact and automate functions, are expected to play a significant role in enterprise operations by 2025, enabling more efficient and intelligent workflows.titlesThe Rise of Agentic Workflows in BusinessThe Potential Impact of the Autumn Budget on StartupsSound Bites"Does technology or these kinds of platforms, where does the responsibility start and stop?""The reason that that's the charge has been put forth is it's just so abhorrent that we can't possibly condone such saw there was speculation that he had been invited"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:11 The Arrest of Pavel Durov and the Responsibility of Technology Platforms05:01 The Debate Between Bigger and Smaller VC Firms09:04 The UK Budget and Its Impact on Startups15:31 The Development of Cancer Vaccines and Personalized Medicine19:34 The Regulation of AI in Europe and the Potential for Innovation22:30 Germany's Economy: Stagnation and Renewable Energy26:15 Agentic Workflows: Revolutionising Business Processes

SummaryIn this conversation, Mads, Dan and Alex discuss various topics including sports team ownership, freedom of movement, startup work culture, AI regulation, and the state of venture capital. They touch on the investment in Venezia FC, the rejection of the freedom of movement proposal by the UK government, the potential risks and benefits of AI, and the recent increase in startup shutdowns. They also explore the impact of politics on the tech industry and the cyclical nature of venture capital.Keywordssports team ownership, freedom of movement, startup work culture, AI regulation, venture capitalTakeawaysInvesting in sports teams can be an exciting opportunity if the business plan and team involved make sense.The rejection of the freedom of movement proposal by the UK government is seen as a short-term outlook that may limit talent and investment opportunities.AI is viewed as both a potential risk and a transformative technology, with companies increasingly recognizing its impact on their business.The debate around AI regulation centers on the balance between innovation and potential risks, with some advocating for awareness-level regulation.The increase in startup shutdowns should be viewed in the context of a higher number of companies being started, indicating a healthy level of entrepreneurial activity.Venture capital returns have been affected by the cyclical nature of the industry, but patient investors who understand the long-term nature of the business can still succeed.Sound Bites"An investment opportunity sent by Drake's manager""Freedom of movement for young people is a sensible thing""US companies seeing AI as a potential risk"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Investing Climate 03:04 Startup Work Culture06:21 The Potential Risks and Benefits of Artificial Intelligence16:13 Does Politics Interfere Too Much with Tech?26:46 The State of the Venture Capital Industry28:44 The Increase in Startup Shutdowns and the Cyclical Nature of Venture Capital

SummaryIn this conversation, Dan, Mads, and Andreas discuss various topics including the current state of the US economy, raising capital internationally, the role of European VCs in tech policy and politics, and the decision for founders to bootstrap or seek venture capital. They highlight the importance of understanding the global economy and its impact on venture capital, the need for more fund of funds and platforms to make venture accessible, and the potential for VCs to be more involved in policy and regulation. They also emphasise that the decision to go VC or bootstrap depends on the level of ambition and the goal of building a lifestyle business or a global category leader.KeywordsUS economy, raising capital, international, European VCs, tech policy, politics, founders, bootstrap, venture capitalTakeawaysThe US economy and its consumer spending have a significant impact on the global economy, making it important for venture capitalists to pay attention to market trends.Raising capital internationally can be challenging, with different regions having different preferences and gravitations towards certain investment opportunities.There is a need for more fund of funds and platforms to make venture capital more accessible to non-sophisticated LPs and provide diversification.European VCs should be more involved in tech policy and politics, as they are at the forefront of shaping the future and can contribute valuable insights.The decision for founders to bootstrap or seek venture capital depends on their level of ambition and the goal of building a lifestyle business or a global category leader.TitlesThe Role of European VCs in Tech Policy and PoliticsThe Decision for Founders: Bootstrap or Seek Venture CapitalSound Bites"US consumers will spend less, it'll impact everybody.""Markets may not affect us that much in venture, but a US recession would affect the global economy at large.""Middle East more difficult to penetrate, Asia has a lot of new money, Europe offers better valuations and investment opportunities."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:27 Navigating Market Volatility and Economic Indicators06:19 Considerations for Raising Capital Internationally19:39 VC Involvement in Tech Policy and Politics28:20 Choosing Between Bootstrapping and Venture Capital

Leo Ringer, co-founder and partner at Form Ventures, champions Europe's innovation potential and debunks the myth of it being a startup backwater. He advocates for a streamlined, pan-European legal entity to unify the startup landscape and tackle regulatory challenges. The discussion also dives into controversial topics like cryptocurrency regulation and the idea of universal basic income amidst rising AI and automation threats. Ringer emphasizes the need for a narrative shift to highlight Europe’s strengths in the global startup ecosystem.

Discover the resurgence of SPACs as a route for struggling companies to go public. Explore the fine line between investing and gambling in the unpredictable crypto market. Learn about the challenges faced by European founders in securing capital and the importance of strong value propositions. Dive into the significance of Revolut's UK banking license and its impact on the fintech sector. Finally, enjoy a light-hearted take on navigating payment woes across digital marketplaces.

Guillermo, the AI enthusiast, discusses the AI bubble, transforming sales functions, best funding routes for tech founders, challenges in different markets, and the impact of a Trump administration on European venture. They touch on the need for AI regulation in the UK, fundraising challenges, and the significance of space exploration.

Startup expert Howard Kingston joins Mads and co-host to discuss the impact of govt endorsements on AI, new stock exchange rules, European founders' wealth, founder financial wellbeing, and AI's influence. They also touch on communication, marketing hacks, and branding in the tech industry.

Exploring the impact of the new government on the industry, rebuilding relationships with the EU, and the valuation of NVIDIA. Delving into AI's influence on education, its role in VC, and the responsibility of VCs towards the future. Discussing the qualities of a great founder and the importance of sales strategies and investor connections.