Welcome back to the Impact Highlight Series, powered by EUVC, Impact VC, and Impact Supporters.

Over the past months, we’ve hosted ten conversations with some of the most thoughtful GPs, LPs, and unicorn founders shaping the impact investing landscape. In this special capstone episode, August Solliv (Impact Supporters) and Dougie Sloan (Impact VC & Better Society Capital) sit down to unpack what we’ve heard and distil the lessons into four big themes.

🎧 Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:00 Impact driving returns: from the founder lens to the “lockstep” model where impact and profits reinforce each other.

• 04:00 Shared value in practice: how impact-native companies scale impact and profit — and why this creates resilience and de-risks venture.

• 07:00 Proving performance: what LPs at EIF, Isomer, and BSC are seeing in their data, and why DPI still matters.

• 09:00 Great vs. good funds: LP perspectives on partner skills, GP thesis fit, and “edge” in impact venture.

• 12:00 Specialist vs. generalist: why even generalist impact funds must go deep in certain verticals.

• 14:00 Overlooked opportunities: adaptation, circularity, first-of-a-kind plants, and where impact capital is most needed.

• 17:00 Innovating the VC model: evergreen structures, impact-linked carry, and the tension between GP innovation and LP appetite.

• 20:00 Democratizing LP capital: why both institutional and retail channels are needed to scale impact VC.

• 23:00 It all comes back to people: values, motivation, and the dual lens of commercial and impact acumen that defines the unicorn founders of tomorrow.

• 26:00 Closing reflections: what we’ve learned from 10 conversations, and what’s next for the Impact Highlight Series.

Welcome back to another episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we gather Europe’s venture family to share the stories, insights, and lessons that drive our ecosystem forward.

Today we welcome David Vlerick, Founding Partner at Bluegrass Ventures, to discuss how LP capital can be mobilised with meaning, why a platform approach makes venture more accessible, and what it takes to shift mindsets in a conservative market like Belgium.

Bluegrass Ventures backs top-decile, small-to-mid-sized VC funds globally, while giving investors flexibility and transparency through a platform model. In this conversation, David shares his journey from law and private equity into venture, the philosophy behind Bluegrass, and why he believes primary capital is one of the most powerful forces for shaping a brighter future.

🎧 Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:00 David’s Path: From law and private equity to launching Bluegrass Ventures.

• 05:00 Building Bluegrass: Why a platform, why small-to-mid-size funds, and why top-decile track records matter.

• 08:00 Fund Selection: Unfair advantages, avoiding hype cycles, and sector-focused funds.

• 15:00 The Person Behind Bluegrass: Travel, poetry, and how fatherhood shapes perspective.

• 22:00 Risk in VC: Why startups ≠ diversified funds, and what the data says.

• 27:00 Primary Capital: Fueling the future vs. parking money in secondary markets.

• 31:00 Belgium’s Culture: From conservatism and PE comfort to embracing venture.

• 36:00 Platform Model: How Bluegrass balances investor choice with portfolio discipline.

• 42:00 Venture as Community: High-calibre people, collaborative networks, and optimism.

• 43:00 Bluegrass’s Mission: Delivering Belgium’s best financial product and moving more money with meaning.

At the EUVC Summit 2025, Nirmesh Patel from Amino Collective took the stage with a message that felt less like a pitch and more like a call to arms. His focus? The intersection of AI, health, and bio—and why Europe is uniquely positioned to lead this next era.

We’re still waiting for the first blockbuster drug developed using large AI models. But don’t mistake that for inaction. As Nirmesh put it:

“It’s fundamentally changed how everyone does research in this space.”

So much so that the Nobel Prize committee had no choice but to take notice.

That shift is already reshaping how scientists think, experiment, and build companies—and it’s opening the door for a new generation of outlier founders at the earliest stages.

Amino Collective invests pre-seed and seed into health and bio, and Nirmesh was unequivocal:

“Europe has all the ingredients required to make the next healthcare giants.”

Here’s what he sees:

• Technical founders now thinking commercially from Day 1.

• Citizens more willing to contribute data to studies, even if they don’t cancel that January gym membership.

• Stable grant funding across Europe—especially in contrast to recent volatility at U.S. institutions like the NIH.

• On-continent innovation in manufacturing mRNA at scale—key to pandemic preparedness.

These aren’t future predictions. They’re current capabilities, and they’re maturing fast.

Venture is about betting on outliers.
In AI x Bio, the next outliers are likely being formed right now.

“We’re at the very early stages of the collision between AI, health, and bio. The companies that will define the future are just starting.”

If you want to back the next transformative firm in medicine, don’t just look to the coasts.
Look to Europe. The science is here. The funding is here. The talent is ready.

“I truly believe the future of medicine is European.”

So do we.

AI Has Already Transformed Research. The Market Impact Comes Next.Why Europe? The Ingredients Are Already Here.From Outliers to Giants

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and Lomax from Outsized Ventures dive deep into the macro and micro of European venture, joined this week by special guest Chris Elphick, Head of Venture Capital at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA).

Together, they pull back the curtain on the real stories shaping VC—from pension reform to geopolitical shocks, blackout readiness, and the transatlantic battle for AI and aerospace dominance.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:15 What Really Happens at a VC Conference?
• 07:40 Politicians Using AI: Tech Literacy or National Security Risk?
• 12:01 UK Local Elections: Rise of Reform & Political Fragmentation
• 18:20 Trump’s Tariffs: Recession Risk & Global Trade Realignments
• 22:33 Heart Aerospace Flies to LA: A Blow to Europe?
• 28:04 UK VC Fundraising Rebounds—but Where’s the LP Money?
• 33:42 The Pension Problem: Zero UK Pensions Backing UK VC?
• 48:58 NATO x Deeptech: Europe’s First Combat Robots?
• 52:35 Portugal’s Great Blackout: A Warning for Renewable Grids
• 1:03:00 Show Me the Money: Can Pension Reform Really Unlock Capital for UK VC?

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Daniel Dippold to unpack the vision behind EWOR, a venture platform designed not as a fund but as a self-reinforcing ecosystem where LPs become builders, the community drives capital, and Europe’s boldest entrepreneurs find a launchpad.

Daniel challenges the traditional LP-GP dynamic, advocating instead for an interconnected flywheel where education, storytelling, and systems-thinking empower both founders and funders. From the structural flaws in European venture to the cultural shifts needed to drive generational change, this episode is a masterclass in rethinking the venture equation from first principles.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:47 The Origin of Ewor: Lessons from Building Momentum
• 07:12 Understanding the LP Journey
• 11:25 The European LP Landscape vs. the U.S.
• 15:33 Structuring EWOR as a Flywheel, Not a Fund
• 21:10 Solving for LP Education and Community
• 26:45 Why Now: The Timing Behind EWOR’s Launch
• 30:30 LPs as Builders: Shifting the Narrative
• 35:18 How EWOR Aims to Serve GPs
• 42:14 Storytelling, Visibility, and the Next Chapter

In this episode, Charles Martin of Kinnevik unpacks how their evergreen investment model fuels sustainable growth—enabling long-term, hands-on support that aligns deeply with entrepreneurs through every stage.

By eliminating the pressure of fixed fund lifecycles, Kinnevik can take a hands-on approach, offering support through various growth stages and aligning closely with entrepreneurs over time.

Charles highlights the shift in venture capital, where today’s focus is not just on financial returns but also on building adaptable companies with strong governance and positive societal impact.

Kinnevik’s approach exemplifies this broader movement toward deeper, more collaborative partnerships in driving lasting success.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 05:10 AI in the Nordics: Talent and Innovation
• 08:56 The Importance of Operational Talent
• 13:16 Spotting Outlier Talent and Venture Insights
• 25:22 Evaluating Founders: Experience vs. Potential
• 39:02 The Importance of People in Venture Capital
• 44:53 The Future of AI and Talent

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Sara Kappelmark, Co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation, and Willem Vriesendorp, Founder of Sustainable Public Affairs, to explore the powerful intersection of venture capital, sustainability, and EU policymaking.

In this episode, Sara and Willem share how they’re bridging the gap between Europe’s most mission-driven founders and the often distant world of regulation, starting with the launch of the Norrsken House in Brussels.

From climate tech to deep tech, they unpack why now is the moment for VCs and startups to engage with policy, how smart regulation can unlock real scale, and why Europe may be on the brink of its own era of exceptionalism.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 04:15 The Importance of Regulation in Venture Capital
• 06:04 The Excitement in Brussels: Tech and Policy
• 12:27 The Role of Norkin House in Brussels
• 16:55 Engaging in Policy as a Small VC Firm or Startup
• 20:26 The Importance of Sustainability in Tech
• 26:07 The Role of VCs and Founders in Shaping Policy

In this episode of our "Behind European Unicorns" series, David Cruz e Silva talks with Dan Vahdat, the founder and CEO of Huma, to unpack the journey behind one of Europe’s standout digital health scale-ups. Founded in 2011, Huma is headquartered in London and has grown to approximately 500 employees, raising over €275 million to date.

Dan shares how the company evolved from supporting rare diseases to building a disease-agnostic, globally scalable platform used by healthcare systems, research institutions, and pharmaceutical giants.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 07:09 The Evolution of Huma
• 09:56 Challenges and Future Vision
• 22:16 The Challenges of Starting a Digital Health Company
• 22:40 Geographical Focus and Strategy
• 29:57 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Digital Health
• 36:12 Partnerships and Organizational Growth
• 41:26 Future Vision and Expansion Plans for Huma

Welcome to a new episode of our podcast series focused on impact, where August Soliv, author of Impact Supporters, and Douglas Sloan, Managing Director at Better Society Capital, talk with Marie Ekeland, Founder and CEO of 2050 and one of Europe’s most forward-thinking impact investors.

In this episode, Marie shares how her path, from coding at J.P. Morgan to founding France Digitale and now 2050, has been driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for building businesses that matter. She discusses why the classic VC model falls short in addressing today’s biggest challenges and how she is rewriting the rules with a regenerative, evergreen fund that aligns profit with purpose.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 05:53 Challenges and Systemic Issues in Tech and Impact VC
• 10:15 The Concept of Alignment in Impact VC
• 28:17 Reinventing the VC Model for a Sustainable Future
• 33:17 Rethinking the VC Model: Extending Time Horizons
• 37:14 Evergreen Model: Diversifying Risk and Liquidity
• 39:53 Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Karma Samdup, Head of Private Funds and Venture in Europe in Haynes Boone's London office, and Vicki Odette, Partner in Dallas and New York, at Haynes Boone. They discuss the legal considerations in launching and managing venture capital funds. They also provide a detailed overview of key issues such as fund structuring, regulatory compliance, cornerstone LP dynamics, GP commitments, default provisions, and expense policies. They also discuss practical guidance on compensation models for key employees, using side letters, and negotiating with different types of investors.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:59 The Importance of Legal Expertise in Fund Management
• 10:58 Key Legal Considerations for Fund Managers
• 26:31 Navigating LP Negotiations
• 35:57 Effective Communication with LPs
• 40:48 Compensation Strategies for Key Employees
• 45:00 Hiring from Competitors: Best Practices
• 47:11 Protecting Your Firm from Departing Employees

In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Marika King, Head of PINC, the corporate venture arm of Paulig.

Marika shares how PINC was born to accelerate core innovation and deliver long-term impact across health, sustainability, and food security. She explains why PINC goes earlier than most CVCs and how they leverage Paulig’s R&D and cultural DNA to validate, support, and scale startups. Marika also offers candid reflections on governance structures, founder dynamics, and how her journey through burnout shaped her values as an investor.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:10 Early Stage Investments and Validation
• 16:54 Governance and Structure of Pink Ventures
• 24:00 Lessons in Structuring a Corporate Venture Fund
• 26:34 Understanding the Role of a CVC
• 27:03 Misconceptions About CVCs
• 28:49 Flexibility and Patience in CVC Investments
• 31:29 The Importance of Founder-Friendly A

In this episode we're spotlighting Emerging Manager of the Year finalist Concept Ventures. Andreas talks with Reece Chowdhry, Founding Partner of Concept Ventures, about his bold approach to pre-seed: leading rounds, writing big checks early, and building founder trust from day one.

Curious who else made the shortlist? Stay tuned—the big reveal’s coming soon.

Reece shares his journey into early-stage investing and explains how his approach to pre-seed funding means writing big lead checks when others hesitate, building trust and momentum with founders right from the start.

He also opens up about his early experiences in tech investing, which shaped his conviction to back talented teams and innovative ideas in a maturing European ecosystem. Reece also dives into the heart of his investment philosophy, focusing on the power of a strong people process and unwavering conviction.

He outlines how his team’s careful evaluation of team dynamics and growth mindset helps startups skip rounds of dilution and accelerate their progress.

Here what's covered:

• 03:02 Reece's Journey into Investing

• 06:35 The Evolution and Philosophy of Concept Ventures

• 09:44 Challenges and Strategies in the Pre-Seed Ecosystem

• 23:38 Collaborative Investment Strategies

• 25:00 The Importance of People in Venture Capital

• 26:25 Father-Son Partnership Dynamics

• 28:52 Public Markets Insight in Venture Capital

Welcome back to another episode of Upside at the EUVC Podcast, where Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and this week’s special guest Joe Knowles from Smedvig Ventures unpack what’s happening in European venture capital.

This week: Are we doomed to lag the US in wealth creation or is Europe finally closing the gap? Why a record $100B of M&A matters for exits and recycling capital, and how founders should think about selling vs going for gold. Plus: Porsche & Deutsche Telekom anchoring a €500M defence fund as Germany drops its taboos, the scramble for cheap energy and battery breakthroughs, and what GPT-5, Perplexity, and Nvidia tariffs tell us about Europe’s place in the AI race.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 00:48 US vs Europe in Wealth Creation: Compounders, unicorns, and Europe’s capital efficiency.

• 09:07 Late-Stage Funding Gap: Why pensions and IPO markets hold Europe back.

• 17:36 M&A is Back: Google’s $32B Wiz deal, Windsurf drama, and Europe’s “second tier” opportunity.

• 25:52 Why Exits Matter: Recycling capital and the venture flywheel.

• 27:09 Defence Tech Goes Mainstream: Porsche, DT, EIF and Germany’s cultural shift.

• 36:18 The Ethics Question: Dual use, deterrence, and uncomfortable truths.

• 41:22 Energy Corner: Lithium recycling, sodium-ion batteries, and Europe’s 4x US energy costs.

• 46:44 AI Needs Power: Grid bottlenecks, red tape, and planning reform urgency.

• 51:10 GPT-5 Launch: Unified model, user backlash, and coding benchmarks.

• 54:37 Perplexity vs Chrome: PR stunt or regulatory opening?

• 58:32 Chip Wars: Nvidia tariffs, Huawei delays, and why Europe needs Chips Act 2.0.

• 1:05:59 Shoutout to Italy: Record €655M H1 startup funding.

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas talks with Carmen Alfonso Rico, a self-described VC turned angel at Cocoa Ventures. and Evan Finkel, Head of Venture Capital Investments at Integra Global Advisors.

Evan outlines a framework for how LP expectations evolve across different fund stages, highlighting key criteria like thesis clarity, team credibility, track record, and consistency of execution. Carmen shares her experience raising Cocoa Fund I during a peak market and the challenges of navigating a very different environment for Fund II.

Together, they explore practical strategies for targeting the right LPs, understanding different LP profiles, and managing long-term relationships.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 11:36 Challenges in the European LP Ecosystem
• 29:51 Long-term Commitment and Strategy
• 38:46 Evaluating the Product: Key Considerations
• 39:54 Importance of Historical Track Record
• 41:22 Decision-Making Process in Investments
• 54:14 The Role of LPs in Fund Management
• 01:02:15 Challenges of Being a Fund Manager

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:31 Recent News and Highlights
• 02:38 European Defense and Tech Investments
• 07:41 UK and Turkish Startup Ecosystems
• 30:42 Capital Efficiency in Europe vs. Silicon Valley
• 31:34 Navigating the Middle of the Portfolio
• 34:57 Insights from the 2024 PitchBook Report
• 45:17 The Rise of the Turkish Startup Ecosystem

In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Bruno Moraes, Managing Director at Wayra, Telefónica’s corporate venture capital arm. With nearly 15 years of experience, Wayra stands out for its focus on driving strategic business value by connecting startups with Telefónica’s core operations across Europe and Latin America.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:40 Investment Strategies and Goals
• 04:51 Fund Management and Structure
• 06:32 Geographical and Vertical Focus
• 08:28 Team Structure and Operations
• 19:54 Evolution and Growth of WRA
• 22:56 Incentives and Compensation in CVC

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, our host, David Cruz e Silva, talks with Chris Wade, Co-Founder of Isomer Capital, to explore the evolving European venture landscape in 2025. Reflecting on a decade since Isomer’s inception, Chris shares insights on the industry's growth and how Europe has expanded from just 20 unicorns in 2014 to nearly 400 today.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:25 Celebrating 10 Years of Isomer
• 05:39 The Growth and Future of European Venture Capital
• 08:43 Challenges and Opportunities in the VC Landscape
• 17:56 Transparency and Communication in Venture Capital
• 25:57 The Role of VCs on Company Boards
• 27:17 Understanding DPI and Secondary Transactions
• 39:16 The Future of European VC and Emerging Managers

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast series focused on impact, where August Soliv, author of Impact Supporters, and Douglas Sloan, Managing Director at Better Society Capital, talk with Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of Klarna and the visionary behind the Norrsken Foundation.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:14 Niklas' Personal Journey and Realizations
• 06:45 The Birth of Norsken Foundation
• 11:30 Norsken's Global Expansion and Impact
• 13:35 Balancing Commercial Success and Impact
• 25:07 The Role of AI in Impact Investing
• 39:50 Building a Mission-Driven Team
• 43:04 Future of Impact VC and Norsken's Vision

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with

, co-founder of S16CV, a venture capital fund built on the foundation of a tight-knit founder community. Oleg shares the story of how S16 began in a Moscow apartment he shared with fellow founders, where casual poker nights evolved into startup discussions, business clubs, and an informal incubator.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:18 Alex's Entrepreneurial Journey
• 05:17 Oleg's Background and Investment Experience
• 06:50 The Birth of S16: From Poker Nights to a Tech Incubator
• 10:37 Building a Global Community and Fund
• 11:48 The Fund's Unique Approach and Strategy
• 19:37 Productizing the Fund: Technology and Community
• 29:36 Investment Success and Future Goals

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed, in discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:22 Klarna's IPO and European Market Insights
• 04:19 AI, Tariffs, and Future Predictions
• 24:35 European Venture Capital Trends
• 25:52 Generative AI and Market Speculations
• 29:56 Challenges in the European Tech Ecosystem
• 35:30 UK AI Sector Report Insights
• 46:22 Exciting Deals and Future Prospects

In this insightful episode of “Path to Market”, Director Natasha Lytton and co-host Micah Smurthwaite, Partner at Pipeline Ventures, are joined by Alicia Carney, a seasoned product marketing expert with extensive experience at high-growth startups like Deliveroo. Together, they dive deep into identifying and validating Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs) in pre and post product-market fit stages. Alicia shares her insights on navigating early market fit through to scaling operations post-product market fit.

Here what's covered:

• 01:01 - 01:36 | Pre-Product Market Fit Strategies

• 01:36 - 02:30 | Validating Customer Assumptions

• 02:30 - 03:50 | Effective Customer Interviews

• 03:50 - 05:04 | Identifying ICP and Pain Points

• 06:23 - 07:39 | The Importance of Customer Feedback

• 07:39 - 08:54 | Retention vs. Acquisition Strategies

• 08:54 - 10:15 | Post-Product Market Fit Tactics

In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Gitte Aabo to explore the world of corporate venture. With a remarkable background that spans 27 years at Leo Pharma, including 12 years as CEO and further experience at GN Hearing, Gitte shares her journey in building innovation initiatives like Leo iLab.

She explains how she helped develop digital tools to improve treatment outcomes and diagnostics, drawing on her extensive experience in both board leadership and hands-on management to drive change.

During the conversation, Gitte dives into aligning corporate culture with innovative practices. She emphasizes that success in corporate venturing doesn’t come from following a one-size-fits-all formula but from ongoing, one-on-one discussions with board members and key executives. By integrating strategic insights with practical initiatives, she shares how innovation teams must work closely with the core business to ensure long-term impact, even if the financial returns take time to materialize.

Chapters:

• 03:55 Establishing Leo Innovation Lab

• 04:15 Digital Tools for Skin Disease Treatment

• 05:01 Improving Diagnosis with Mobile Tools
• 05:16 Philosophy of Patient Focus

• 06:20 Structure and Funding of Leo iLab

• 08:10 Challenges and Learnings from Leo iLab

• 08:28 Collaboration with US and External Investments

• 09:31 Balancing Innovation and Core Business

• 11:24 Reflections on Corporate Innovation

• 14:43 Transition to GN Hearing

• 15:50 Integrating Innovation in GN Hearing

• 17:00 Strategic Partnerships and External Innovation

• 19:52 Challenges in Corporate and Startup Collaboration

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Enis Hulli, General Partner at e2vc, and Gorken Yurtseven, founder and CTO of Fal.ai, to unpack the story behind one of Europe’s fastest-growing AI startups.

Gorkem shares how Fal.ai carved a unique niche in the generative media space, focusing not on text but AI-generated images, video, and audio. Enis reflects on the challenges (and perks) of backing a long-time friend turned founder rocketship. Together, they walk through the journey from scrappy pre-seed rounds to a $49M Series B led by Andreessen Horowitz, offering an unfiltered look at what it takes to scale in a hyper-competitive, fast-moving AI landscape.

Gorkem also discusses building a sales motion from scratch as a technical founder, the importance of developer-first products, and how being in San Francisco created viral moments that fueled Fal’s breakout growth. Meanwhile, Enis shares how Fal’s rise shapes his investment strategy, doubling down on diaspora founders and “blue ocean” markets where Europe’s engineering talent can quietly build global winners.

Chapters:

• 04:50 Deep Dive into Faleye and Generative Media

• 23:48 Revenue Growth and Market Dynamics

• 25:30 Strategic Market Positioning

• 29:10 Sales and Team Management

• 35:18 Building in San Francisco vs. Europe

• 47:33 Lessons and Insights for Founders and VCs

At this year’s EUVC Summit, the “Newcomer of the Year” award didn’t go to someone just making noise—it went to a team making real moves.

A team built for the long game. A team proving that even when entering late, you can lead early.

Shapers VC took home the honor. And in the words of Phil himself:

“Being new is not easy. But this team makes it look easy.”

What makes a great newcomer?

At EUVC, we looked for three things:

1. Performance — Are they picking winners or building platforms?

2. Perspective — Are they differentiated, or derivative?

3. Community & Conviction — Are they lifting the ecosystem around them?

Shapers VC showed up on all three.

Backed by over 60 FinTech founders and operators, they’re building the kind of platform that’s more than capital. It’s signal. It’s support. It’s sweat equity from people who’ve been in the trenches.

“Community is core to us. Most of our LPs are strategic—it’s what makes our model work.”
– Greg Brown, Shapers VC

Greg put it simply:

“When everyone else left the party, that’s when we showed up.”

Shapers wasn’t chasing a trend. They were responding to a gap—stepping in when others were stepping back. In FinTech, timing is everything. And they timed it with intent.

“It probably feels weird to receive an award just as we’re getting started. But shining a light on emerging managers matters—and we’re honored to be in that spotlight.”

Phil’s closing message was one we believe in deeply:

“There are so many strong emerging managers striking out on their own right now. Some are in this room. Recognizing them isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.”

At EUVC, we don’t just celebrate the legends. We champion the next ones.
And if this year’s award is any sign—Shapers VC is one to watch.

Why It Matters: Community, Conviction & TimingThe Power of Showing Up Late (and Ready)

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Alex Konoplyasty, Managing Partner at Flashpoint Venture Growth. Currently raising its fourth venture growth fund with a target of $200 million, Flashpoint manages $500 million across multiple funds. The firm is headquartered in the UK and focuses on Series A investments in global high-growth B2B software companies from Europe and Israel. With 80 portfolio companies—including Guesty, Chili Piper, and OfficeRnD—Alex and his team bring deep expertise in guiding startups toward sustainable success.

In this conversation, we discuss the nuts and bolts of exits, co-investments, and the role of venture debt in today’s market. Alex shares how Flashpoint Venture Growth builds operator-led portfolios, taking a hands-on approach to deal sourcing and capital efficiency and helping founders make tough decisions.

Chapters: 

• 06:54 Fundraising Challenges and Strategies
• 11:05 Portfolio Management and Exits
• 28:51 Understanding Liquidation Preferences
• 30:02 Valuation Discrepancies in Different Markets
• 32:04 Strategies for Founders to Manage Valuations
• 36:49 Investment Criteria and Founder Fit
• 47:39 Co-Investment Opportunities and Challenges

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed, in discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Jim Pulcrano, an entrepreneur turned venture capital educator and professor at IMD Business School. Jim shares how his early startup experience in Switzerland pulled him into the orbit of venture capital back when the ecosystem was still in its infancy. He talks about creating IMD’s VC Asset Management Program, which aims to give LPs a crash course in venture, teaching them both the appeal and the real difficulty of being a GP. It’s a fresh look at how education can bridge the knowledge gap between conservative allocators and the fast-moving world of startups.

Jim also shares what he’s learned running IMD’s startup competition and Swiss scale-up programs. He shares insights from his research into VC behavior, like why less experienced investors are often eager to lead rounds while mid-career ones take a backseat. He explains why experienced GPs tend to source proactively and why most avoid relying too much on HR assessments when evaluating founders.

Chapters:

• 01:38 Jim's Journey into Venture Capital
• 02:42 Creating the VC Asset Management Program
• 03:37 Challenges and Strategies in Educating LPs
• 07:24 Understanding Pension Fund Managers
• 16:40 The IMD Starter Competition
• 18:29 Swiss Startups and Silicon Valley
• 20:04 European vs. US Entrepreneurial Ambitions
• 22:50 Can You Teach Venture Capital?
• 25:38 Recognizing Entrepreneurial Potential
• 26:04 Swiss Scale-Up Program Overview
• 26:32 Challenges in Scaling Up
• 27:16 Leadership in Scaling Companies
• 28:05 Venture-Backed vs. Bootstrapped Startups
• 28:57 Founder-Led Companies and VC Opinions
• 31:41 VCs and Lead Investors
• 36:33 VC Experience and Investment Strategies
• 41:17 Evaluating Founders and Teams
• 46:18 Outbound Sourcing by Experienced VCs

In today’s episode of our CVC series, Andreas Munk Holm and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Ida Christine Brun, Venture Investments and Partnership Director at Maersk Growth. With over 13 years at Maersk under her belt, Ida brings experience from commercial business development and supply chain management to her current role in corporate venturing. She explains how Maersk Growth invests in early-stage startups focused on decarbonizing and digitizing supply chains, using a well-rounded approach that blends equity investments with strategic partnerships.

During the conversation, Ida shares how her team leverages Maersk’s deep logistics expertise to test and validate innovative solutions in real-world settings. She discusses the value of engaging with both internal teams and external VC partners to drive impactful change, emphasizing the importance of addressing current business challenges and paving the way for future growth. By integrating strategic insights with practical pilot projects, Maersk Growth is working to bridge the gap between groundbreaking technology and sustainable, long-term industry transformation.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Chapters:

03:08 Ida's Journey at Maersk
03:38 Transition to Corporate Venturing
04:02 Maersk Growth's Mission and Team
04:26 Corporate Venturing at Maersk Growth
04:54 Investment Focus: Climate Tech and Supply Chain
05:52 Portfolio and Investment Strategy
06:39 Strategic Partnerships and Internal Collaboration
07:05 Challenges in Corporate Venturing
07:30 Engaging with Internal Teams 
09:24 Value Creation for Portfolio Companies
13:56 Decarbonizing Supply Chains
14:14 Investment Strategy and Exciting Startups
17:35 Global Collaboration for Innovation
22:21 Navigating Regulatory Challenges
32:49 Corporate Venturing vs. Corporate Venture Capital
36:59 Collaborating with VCs and Investors 

We are excited to introduce you to Seedcamp’s new podcast series, “Path to Market,” where Director Natasha Lytton and co-host Micah Smurthwaite, Partner at Pipeline Ventures, dissect the art and science behind effective go-to-market (GTM) strategies for startups and scale-ups.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur grappling with your first sales hires or a seasoned founder looking to refine your GTM approach, this podcast aims to bring you valuable insights from industry experts.

In today’s fast-moving entrepreneurial landscape, mastering the art and science of go-to-market strategies is vital for startups and scale-ups. While companies must drive customers, revenue, and monetization sooner than ever before, founders struggle to find a consolidated resource that distinguishes between various GTM motions. Our podcast aims to fill this gap by providing diverse insights through the lenses of both sales and marketing.

The introductory episode explores essential elements of go-to-market planning, real-world examples of startups overcoming market-entry challenges, and practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls.

In today’s episode, David Cruz e Silva talks with Justinas Milasauskas, an investment manager at Willgrow, a single-family office based in Lithuania. Justinas explains how Willgrow approaches venture investments worldwide, focusing on US and European early-stage managers. He shares the family office’s history, reasons for getting into venture, and how they think about manager selection, covering everything from ticket sizes to fund-of-funds benefits. It’s a great look at how an LP outside the traditional financial hubs can still build a global venture portfolio.

In this conversation, Justinas also reveals the importance of balancing conviction with consistent due diligence, highlighting why his team benchmarks managers against top peers worldwide. He talks about how they stay disciplined by maintaining a structured watchlist, stacking GPs based on strategy fit, and investing across multiple vintages. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes view of how a first-generation family office grows its exposure to private markets while keeping that entrepreneurial spirit front and center.

Chapters: 

03:02 WillGrow's Investment Strategy and Focus
04:31 The Background and Experience of Justinas
08:39 Building a Convincing Strategy for Sourcing
09:45 The Role of Senior Advisors and Fund of Funds
12:09 The Importance of Diversification and Long-Term Commitment
13:56 Understanding WillGrow's Investment Approach
14:28 Investment Strategy and Risk Profiles
18:10 Active vs Passive Investment Approach
20:54 Biggest Learnings in Venture Investing
22:43 The Importance of Proper Benchmarking
23:53 Diversification Across Funds and Vintages
28:03 The Role of Stack Ranking in Investment Decisions
34:47 Overcoming Barriers to Access in Venture Investing
42:45 The Value of Fund of Funds
43:48 Book Recommendation: Leading by Alex Ferguson 

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed discuss with Alex Macdonald, Co-Founder & CEO of sequel, and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, to cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Chapters: 
03:54 The Fall of 23andMe
05:37 Challenges in Commercializing Healthcare Data
08:11 Project Europe: A New Venture Initiative
14:51 Addressing Criticisms and Diversity
18:11 The Need for Growth Capital in Europe
28:03 Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement and Economic Outlook
34:17 Navigating Economic Challenges
35:23 Spring Statement and Policy Implications
36:08 AI Corner: OpenAI's New Developments
36:54 Deep Seek's V3 Model and AI Competition
37:53 Google's Gemini and AI Wars
39:00 AI and Copyright Issues
43:08 Scandals in the Tech World
50:08 Brand Power and Soft Power
51:58 US-EU Relations and Defense Implications

In today’s episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Victoria Palatnik, Managing Partner at Raw Ventures, Peter Effenberg, Founder & CEO of Jay, and Severin Zugmayer, Founder of New Renaissance Ventures.

The discussion starts by exploring why consumers are returning to trusted, branded media for quality journalism, even as the digital world bombards us with endless information streams. It also tackles the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks like GDPR, the rapid pace of technological change, and emerging opportunities in areas such as shoppable content and digital twin technology—painting an engaging picture of the media tech future.

Chapters:

01:07 The Rise of Legacy Media
02:41 Victoria's Perspective on Media Tech
03:47 Peter's Journey in Media Tech
05:43 Severin's Focus on Creative Industries
07:32 Mapping Media Tech Hubs in Europe
12:02 The Shift in Media Branding
17:31 Challenges in Monetizing Media Content
19:13 Debate on Legacy Media's Future
28:44 Media Bias in the US vs Europe
29:43 The Role of Journalists in Europe 
31:06 The Impact of Technology on Journalism
31:50 The Rise of Independent News Platforms
32:15 Challenges in Modern Journalism
33:15 The Flourishing Creator Economy
35:27 AI's Role in Media Tech
39:36 Generative AI and Media Production
46:59 Ethical and Legal Considerations in AI
52:24 Future of Media Tech and AI

In today’s episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Jonatan Luther-Bergquist from Inflection.xyz, who shares his journey in framing crypto fundamentally as a compute technology and formulating their thesis on sovereign compute back in 2023. Jonatan explains that while the early work in crypto helped lay the groundwork for disruptive technology, he saw a bigger picture emerging - a need for Europe and other regions to improve their digital independence.

In this conversation, Jonatan dives into the three pillars of his sovereign compute thesis: scaling compute capabilities, building resilient systems, and ensuring access to data flows. He illustrates his points with real-world examples, from photonics and semiconductor technologies to communications that can make all the difference in modern defense scenarios. By drawing parallels between evolving technology and the pressing geopolitical challenges, like those seen in Ukraine, Jonatan makes a compelling case for why investing in robust, forward-thinking compute solutions is essential for a secure and prosperous future.

Chapters: 

00:23 The Importance of Compute for Sovereignty
00:38 Key Areas for Improvement in Compute
01:27 Integrating Compute into Daily Life
02:54 The Story of Inflection
04:03 Inflection's Early Focus on Crypto 
05:18 Transition to Sovereign Compute
11:22 Challenges in the Crypto Space
17:22 Understanding Sovereign Compute
21:24 Equipping Compute Resources with Quality Data
22:04 Understanding the Concept of Flow in Compute
22:15 Evaluating Vertical Focus in VC Firms
24:14 The Importance of Quality in Investment Decisions
28:52 Exploring Technologies in Sovereign Compute
29:40 Innovative Compute Solutions: From Semiconductors to Brain Tissue
31:47 The Role of Communication in Modern Warfare
33:48 The Geopolitical Importance of Sovereignty
34:27 Personal and Professional Journey in Defense Tech
41:26 Transitioning from Crypto to Sovereign Compute

In today’s episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Ertan Can, the Founding General Partner of Multiple Capital, a venture capital fund based in Luxembourg. Together, they delve into how micro funds work and why they’re becoming an attractive investment option for limited partners.

Ertan discusses the role of manager selection and the benefits of a diversified micro-fund portfolio. He outlines LPs' challenges in sifting through hundreds of emerging funds each year, noting that a disciplined approach is needed to identify the best opportunities. The discussion also touches on the influence of local networks and market niches in sourcing high-quality deals and future trends in venture capital, highlighting how a strategic focus on micro funds may offer more sustainable and robust returns for LPs.

Chapters: 

• 02:15 Importance of Fund Size
• 03:34 Emerging Managers and Small Funds
• 04:56 Performance of Small Funds
• 11:08 Management Fees and Small Funds
• 12:41 Exit Valuations and Small Funds
• 13:31 Summary of the Presentation
• 14:49 Post-Presentation Discussion
• 16:39 Challenges for LPs in Selecting Funds
• 17:43 Optimal Number of Fund Managers
• 19:13 Debate on Micro Funds
• 21:27 Risk Perception in Venture Capital
• 22:34 Alternative Investment Strategies
• 26:37 Geographical and Vertical Specialization
• 27:29 Future of the Venture Market

At the EUVC Summit 2025, Anthony and Sarah took the stage with what turned out to be one of the most intellectually charged exchanges of the day.

The topic? Solo GPs, specialization, and the hard choices that define fund performance.

Let’s just say—no consensus was reached. But the tension? That’s where the insight lived.

Anthony came in strong:

“Being a solo GP is the purest form of interest alignment.”

To him, solo GPs aren’t a stepping stone or niche play—they’re a category in their own right. The advantage? Focus. Speed. Zero overhead. And most importantly: a differentiated product founders want.

He highlighted what he sees as the compounding edge:

• No IC.

• No coordination cost.

• Vertically integrated workflows.

• A position as a complementary node, not a competitor, in the ecosystem.

And yes—there’s scale in solo too.

“I just had coffee with two solo GPs managing over a billion in AUM. You don't need to ‘scale up’ to be credible.”

Sarah offered a more grounded lens: focus on performance over scale.

“You don’t win on good ops alone—but you can lose on bad ops.”

Her point: it’s not about copying what works in another market. It's about right-sizing your fund to what your strategy and your market can actually sustain.

Especially in Europe, she argued, the path isn’t about chasing a 10x in AUM—it’s about finding the zone where your edge sings.

“If I think about the funds I admire, they got really good at finding the fund size that matched their true strategy.”

And for emerging managers, the key is still figuring out what the market needs now, not just what worked last cycle.

As the session wrapped, one line captured the spirit of it all:

“The test of a great intelligence is holding two opposing ideas at the same time.”

At EUVC, we didn’t just hear those ideas.
We saw them—sitting side by side on stage.

And if we’re smart about it, we won’t choose one or the other.
We’ll connect the dots.

The Case for the Solo GP: Pure Alignment, Compounding AdvantageThe Performance Perspective: Ops, Fund Size & Market FitTwo Views. Both True.

In today’s episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Enis Hulli, General Partner at e2vc, and Akin Babayigit, Co-founder of Tripledot Studios. Akin brings a wealth of experience from his journey across Turkey, the U.S., and the U.K., while Enis provides insights into the evolving ecosystems of Turkey and Eastern Europe. Together, they discuss how mobile gaming has emerged as a massive industry driven by a unique blend of creativity and data analytics and how the sector’s scale and business models differ significantly from traditional console and PC gaming.

In this conversation, Akin and Enis delve into the latest trends reshaping mobile gaming, including the rapid adoption of AI to enhance gameplay and optimize monetization strategies. They also discuss the launch of Arcadia Gaming Advisors, a new $100 million fund designed to drive the next wave of innovation in gaming.

Chapters: 

02:58 How We Met: A Humorous Backstory
04:56 Akin's Life Story: From Turkey to the UK
06:01 Career Path: From Engineering to Gaming
07:46 Tripledot and Gaming Success
09:10 Investing in Gaming: Challenges and Opportunities
12:08 The Misunderstood World of Gaming
17:08 Mobile Gaming: A Unique Business Model
23:08 Gaming Talent in Turkey and Eastern Europe
25:11 Turkey's Unique Conditions for Success
26:11 Gaming vs. E-commerce in Turkey
27:03 Rise of Successful Turkish Gaming Companies
27:35 Shifting Career Aspirations in Turkey
28:18 The Importance of Iteration in Gaming
28:47 Investment Strategies in Gaming
30:50 Europe vs. US: A Venture Capital Perspective
32:16 The Talent and Diversity in Europe
40:14 The Future of Gaming with AI
43:51 Launching a Mobile Gaming Fund

In today’s episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Claude Ritter and Stefan Walter from NAP, formerly known as Cavalry and Rene Andres from the European Investment Fund (EIF).

In today’s episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Claude Ritter and Stefan Walter from NAP, formerly known as Cavalry and Rene Andres from the European Investment Fund (EIF).

The conversation centers on Cavalry’s recent rebranding into NAP and evolving investment approach, which now emphasizes backing early-stage startups led by expert founders. The team explains how their shift from a broad, pre-seed focus to a more refined strategy—centered around proprietary data, instant utility, and interoperability—reflects the changing dynamics of the tech landscape in Europe.

Our guests also discuss broader themes shaping the venture ecosystem, such as managing team dynamics and maintaining transparent, candid communication with limited partners. They share insights on the importance of agility in a market influenced by rapid technological change, political shifts, and the AI boom.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Chapters:

02:35 Claude and Stefan's Background and Firm Overview
03:52 Rene's Background and EIF's Role
06:13 Current State of the European Venture Ecosystem 
09:55 The Role of Tech in Politics
17:47 Rebranding from Cavalry to NAP
20:55 The Meaning Behind Nerds and Pioneers
22:10 Managing Partnership Changes
24:05 Navigating Team Changes in VC Firms
24:39 The Importance of Adaptability
26:00 Challenges and Strategies in Team Dynamics
29:44 Honesty and Transparency with Investors
32:08 Reflecting on Core Learnings
36:55 The Evolution of Investment Theses
38:41 Focusing on Proprietary Data and Instant Utility
39:48 Interoperability: The Future of Business Models
44:09 Expert Founders and Founder Future Fit
48:28 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friend Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed talks with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, to cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape. 💬

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

In today’s episode of our CVC series, Andreas and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the corporate venture arm of Volvo Cars. Founded in 2018, the fund invests directly from Volvo’s balance sheet, backing startups in mobility, sustainability, and digitalization. While prioritizing strategic relevance, the fund maintains a disciplined investment approach, engaging with startups at various stages—predominantly Series A and B, with some selective seed investments.

Under Ann-Sofie’s leadership, the Tech Fund has developed a structured approach to ensure investments align with Volvo’s readiness to adopt new technologies. She emphasizes the importance of startups having diverse customer bases beyond Volvo to avoid over-reliance. In this conversation, Ann-Sofie also shares insights into balancing strategic and financial priorities, how Volvo collaborates with competitors in CVC, and why she believes platform-based vehicle architectures will unlock faster innovation and startup adoption in the automotive industry.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Chapters:

02:28 Understanding Volvo Cars and Volvo Group
03:25 Corporate Venture at Volvo Cars
03:50 Volvo Cars Technology Fund: History and Mission
05:14 Investment Decisions and Internal Sponsors 
07:06 Seed Investments and Strategic Disruptions
08:05 Strategic vs. Financial Investments
10:07 Portfolio Modeling and Investment Criteria
12:33 Mandate and Budget Flexibility
14:08 Challenges in the Automotive Industry
17:40 The Role of Technology and Platforms
20:04 Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
22:59 Investment in Battery Technology
26:17 Collaboration and Scaling Challenges
33:41 Corporate Venturing and Competition
39:47 Boardroom Dynamics and Ownership
44:23 Success Stories and Additional Opportunities
45:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to a new episode of our special series, At The Cap Table Series, where Sarah Finegan, Senior Investor at Antler, talks with Emma Phillips, Investment Partner at LocalGlobe. Local Globe is one of Europe’s most respected early-stage venture firms. Founded by Robin and Saul Klein, Local Globe has backed nearly 300 companies, including 17 unicorns and five IPOs, focusing on B2B software, applied AI, and the future of work.

With deep entrepreneurial DNA and a commitment to investing in founders at the earliest stages, the firm plays a crucial role in shaping Europe's startup ecosystem. Since joining Local Globe nearly a decade ago, Emma has transitioned from an operating partner to a leading investor, bringing hands-on experience in scaling companies and navigating operational challenges.

In this conversation, she shares her insights on what makes a great founder, the importance of first-principles thinking, and why exceptional talent can come from anywhere. We also dive into Local Globe’s unique approach to venture investing, the major trends shaping the future of work & AI, why founders should embrace unscalable solutions early on, and why Europe needs to build a more open and accessible venture ecosystem.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friend Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, and Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, to cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape. 💬

In today’s episode, Andreas Munk Holm speaks with Sune Stilling and Christy McCaig, General Partners at Nine Realms, a venture fund focused on transforming global supply chains. With a target size of €200 million, Nine Realms is raising its first fund, screening high-potential Series A investments across Europe and North America.

Notably, their portfolio and previous investments include innovative companies like Clearly, Forto, and Loadsmart, which drive change in logistics and sustainable operations. Sune and Christy bring their extensive experience from corporate ventures and logistics, including Maersk Growth, to identify startup opportunities that address today’s global supply chain challenges.

In this conversation, they discuss the fund’s strategy of building a concentrated, operator-led portfolio to generate steady returns from trade sales, not just unicorn exits. They explore how evolving trends like AI optimization and sustainability open new market opportunities.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Chapters:

02:20 Nine Realms Fund Overview
03:05 Team Background and Expertise
03:46 Christy's Professional Journey
04:54 Sune's Professional Journey
07:54 Building Nine Realms
09:45 Collaboration Between CVCs and VCs
10:46 Corporate VC Strategies
12:04 Investment Structure and Decision Making
15:18 European Supply Chain Innovation
17:03 Investment Strategy and Allocation
18:24 Portfolio Management and Value Creation
28:09 Two-Sided Value Creation Model
29:45 Strategic Investors and Partnerships
35:43 Industry Trends and Themes for 2025
42:51 Resilience in Supply Chains

In today’s episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas talks with Stephen Millard, Operating Partner & Chief Platform Officer at Notion Capital, a London-based fund exclusively investing in B2B SaaS. With roots dating back to early SaaS pioneers like Message Labs, Stephen brings deep operational know-how and a data-driven approach to venture investing. Notion Capital’s Cloud Champions latest report unpacks European SaaS companies' unique challenges, from navigating fragmented markets to scaling revenue rapidly, emphasizing the need for constant reinvention.

Using extensive experience and real-world case studies, Stephen explains how today’s well-informed buyers reshape the traditional seller-buyer dynamic. He outlines the critical transition for founders: from a hands-on, experimental phase to a disciplined, outcome-focused strategy, ensuring that teams align across sales, marketing, and product development. Stephen also shares practical insights on adapting go-to-market strategy and building enduring, high-growth businesses in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed in a discussion with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures and Karin Nielsen, Product & Growth Advisor at Unruly Labs, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Carlos Moreira da Silva brings a rare blend of insight: a deep B2B operator, a specialist investor at 33N, and a leading force behind Europe’s cybersecurity coordination efforts through ECSO. Together, we explore why cybersecurity is Europe’s opportunity to lead, not follow, in the new geopolitical tech stack.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:15 What is ECSO and Why It Matters for European Cyber

• 03:30 Mapping the Cybersecurity Investment Gap: US vs Israel vs Europe

• 05:20 The Tech Stack Power Shift: From Cloud to AI, and Why Security Must Catch Up

• 07:30 Europe’s Fragmentation Problem—Or Its Untapped Advantage?

• 09:45 The Role of ECSO in Building a Unified European Cyber Strategy

• 11:45 Why Europe Needs Specialist Cybersecurity VCs

• 15:30 What Other Movements Can Learn from the ECSO Playbook

• 20:00 Cybercrime vs Cyber Spending: The 10 Trillion Dollar Wake-Up Call

• 21:30 Building Global Champions in Cyber (Not Just Regional Winners)

• 25:00 What Startups Should Look for in a Cyber VC (Beyond the Check)

• 26:30 Invest for Cyber @ SuperVenture: Why the LP Community Should Pay Attention

• 28:00 Where Cyber Ends and Defense Begins—Drawing Ethical Boundaries at 33N

In today’s episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas talks with Ingrid Bonde Åkerlind, a seasoned investor at Oxx, a venture capital firm focusing on B2B SaaS companies that operate from London and Stockholm. Backed by a $190 million second fund and a boutique, high-conviction approach, Oxx targets late Series A and Series B companies that have not only passed the product-market fit gauntlet but are now ready to scale. Ingrid’s unique blend of hands-on operational experience and investment insight helps her spot startups that truly understand their market dynamics.

Drawing on her journey from building growth teams to steering venture investments, Ingrid explores the power of a well-defined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). She explains how transitioning from an experimental phase to a focused customer strategy can align sales, marketing, and product teams for sustained success. In this conversation, she shares practical insights on refining go-to-market strategies and leveraging data-driven customer segmentation to drive operational efficiency and venture-scale returns.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

In today’s episode of The European VC, Andreas talks with Shmuel Chafets, co-founder and Partner at Target Global, one of Europe’s leading venture firms with investments spanning software, fintech, mobility, logistics, healthcare, and consumer internet. With over 140 portfolio companies, including Revolut, Delivery Hero, and TravelPerk, Target Global operates across Europe, Israel, the Middle East, and Africa, backing founders from early-stage to growth. Known for its pragmatic approach to investing, the firm is increasingly focused on AI-native startups and frontier technologies shaping the next decade.

Since launching Target Global a decade ago, Shmuel has been at the forefront of European venture investing, navigating market cycles and shifting investment strategies in response to macro and technological trends. In this conversation, he shares his candid views on Europe's lagging position in AI, why Europe must shift from a risk-averse mindset to a creator-driven economy, and how AI is set to disrupt everything from public services to vertical SaaS. We also dive into why Target Global is moving earlier in its investment strategy, the growing relevance of Israel and the UAE in global tech, and why European bureaucracy remains one of the biggest obstacles to innovation.

Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed have a discussion with Ben Prade, Partner at GP Bullhound, to cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape. 💬