Upside

In this conversation Dan and Mads explore crazy hAIpe valuations at Perplexity, Claude controlling the desktop in Enterprise - but RPA is nothing new, Palantir, the NHS and patient records? Is everyone becoming a media company? American markets will chill the growth now, what will a Trump administration really mean for the economy? And more...Chapters00:00 AI Valuations are Going to be hAIpe. Right?01:58 AI in RPA in the Enterprise - I won't close the podbay doors Dave.03:45 NHS Digital Records, Palentir, any Opportunities for Startups?07:24 NHS Technology (failed) Implementations10:09 The Future of Workforce and AI Integration12:59 The Content Economy - is Everyone Becoming a Media Business?15:47 Europe's Innovation Gap Again - Will Draghi win out?18:38 AI's is the Only Way to Grow (Within the Resources we Have)21:43 What Will a Trump Admin Really Mean for the Economy?24:28 The Future is a Gift

In this conversation, Dan and Mads explore the current state of European venture capital, who cares about climate change? insights from the UK International Investment Summit, public sector investment could cost us nothing, and make us everything, Trumps trolls in the polls, EU Inc Petition - any teeth? SpaceX caught a thing - so what, liquidity is everything in VC. Takeaways• UK based VCs are on track to raise over £12bn this year - more than 2021.• Corporates bow out of COP29 - virtue signalling over?• Investment in climate tech is projected to drop by 20% in 2024.• The UK International Investment Summit - meaningful outcomes?• Public sector investment can potentially cost nothing & create everything.• The EU project - is it over?• The EU Inc petition - any teeth?• SpaceX's caught a thing, so what?• Venture capital is experiencing a lack of exits = no liquidity - now what?• Trump and trolls in the polls• The answer to strategic investment that will really drive growth.Chapters00:00 European Venture Capital Landscape07:03 Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility12:01 UK International Investment Summit Insights17:04 Public Sector Investment and Economic Growth24:39 The Future of the European Project - Is the EU dead?28:59 EU Inc Petition - any teeth?31:12 SpaceX caught at thing - so what?37:31 Venture Capital and liquidity - where is it coming from?KeywordsEuropean venture capital, climate change, UK investment, public sector investment, EU project, startup ecosystem, SpaceX, venture capital challenges

In this conversation, the hosts discuss a range of topics including the recent Nobel Prizes awarded for AI innovations, the regulatory challenges facing Google, the economic situation in the UK, and the future of venture capital. They explore the implications of the Regulatory Innovation Office in the UK, the appetite of Limited Partners (LPs) for investing in venture capital, and the significance of ownership and location for European startups. The discussion highlights both the challenges and opportunities within the current landscape, emphasising the need for careful handling of emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks.Takeaways• Nobel Prizes awarded for AI innovations highlight the importance of technology in medicine and environmental issues.• AI technologies are fundamental to the current industrial revolution but require careful regulation.• The DOJ's move to break up Google may be ironic as the company faces more competition than ever.• UK borrowing costs are rising, raising concerns about the impact on startups and the venture scene.• The Regulatory Innovation Office aims to streamline approvals for new technologies, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.• LPs are currently cautious about investing in venture capital, with a notable decline in interest in first-time managers.• There are pockets of renewed interest from family offices looking to invest in emerging managers.• European startups are increasingly raising significant capital, indicating a growing talent pool.• Ownership and location are becoming less rigid as companies seek funding across borders.• Despite challenges, the overall sentiment is that European venture is progressing positively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the European VC Podcast01:47 Nobel Prizes and AI Innovations03:23 Regulatory Challenges and Market Dynamics05:34 The Future of Google and Antitrust Issues10:53 UK Economic Challenges and Startup Impact19:06 Regulatory Innovation and Its Implications22:34 LPs and the Future of Venture Capital31:25 Ownership, Location, and European Startups

SummaryDan and Mads discuss Europe's energy challenges, the need for more positive leadership, the future of remote work, the transformative impact of AI on society, and insights from the Foundations paper regarding the stagnation of the UK economy. They explore the implications of these themes on the future of technology, infrastructure, and economic growth.TakeawaysEurope faces significant energy challenges to support AI growth.Positive leadership is crucial for business morale and investment.The return to office mandates - a step backwards or forwards.AI is set to revolutionise err, everything.The UK's complicated planning stifles investment.Infrastructure projects in the UK are significantly more expensive than peers.Real wage growth in the UK has been stagnant for years.The Foundations paper highlights systemic issues in the UK economy.Historical examples show that the UK can recover from economic downturns.Optimism and strategic planning are essential for future growth.Sound Bites"How will Europe power the next wave of AI?""We need a positive message from our leaders.""Is Amazon's return to office a step backwards?"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Topics01:07 Energy Challenges in Europe: The Case of Three Mile Island05:17 Positivity and Energy in the UK: A Call for Optimism07:53 Amazon's Return to Office Policy: A Step Forward or Backward?09:57 Chip Manufacturing in the UAE: Samsung and TSMC's Plans11:52 The Future of AI: Predictions for 203016:34 Telegram's Concessions: Implications for Messaging Platforms17:36 Meta's Orion Glasses: The Future of Human Connectivity?23:16 Foundations Paper: Understanding the UK's Economic Stagnation29:27 Unlocking Growth: The Path Forward for the UKKeywordsenergy, AI, leadership, remote work, UK economy, nuclear power, positivity, technology, infrastructure, productivity

SummaryIn this episode, Mads, Dan and Monik discuss the dynamics of startup funding, particularly the trend of startups moving from Europe to the US in search of better investment opportunities. They analyse the implications of recent US interest rate cuts on global investments and the challenges faced by the UK government in fostering a conducive environment for startups. The conversation also highlights Germany's new initiative to boost startup investments and the role of the EU Commissioner for Startups in enhancing the European startup ecosystem. Additionally, the hosts explore the importance of identifying economic proxies for startups and the delicate balance between technological innovation and government regulation.Takeaways•Why startups moved to the US for funding.•How US interest rate cuts will stimulate global investment.•UK government faces significant challenges in economic growth.•Germany's WIN initiative aims to invest heavily in startups.•The EU's new Commissioner for Startups could drive innovation.•Economic proxies can indicate the health of startup ecosystems.•AI regulation poses risks to innovation in Europe.•Collaboration between government and startups is essential.•Investment in technology is crucial for economic prosperity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Startup Funding Dynamics02:58 The Shift of Startups from Europe to the US05:59 Impact of US Interest Rate Cuts on Global Investments09:51 UK's Economic Challenges and Government's Role15:04 Germany's Initiative to Boost Startup Investments19:00 The Role of the EU Commissioner for Startups24:11 Proxies for Economic Health in Startup Ecosystems30:09 The Balance Between Technology and Government Regulation

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