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In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Kasper Hulthin, co-founder of Kost Capital and Future Five, to unpack what it takes to build food startups that change the system. Kasper argues that creating better food is not about crafting the perfect health product for the elite, but about designing for impact, scale, and real-world distribution.They explore why traditional VC models often fail food startups, how founders can balance purpose with platform thinking, and what it means to move beyond “more alternatives” into a world of more and better.
Here’s what’s covered:

• 00:45 – Why “more” food options doesn’t always mean “better”
• 03:30 – Why optimizing for Whole Foods isn’t a scalable strategy
• 06:20 – The ketchup analogy: exclusive vs. inclusive innovation
• 10:15 – Scaling challenges: distribution, regulation, perception
• 14:05 – What founders miss about consumer routines
• 17:50 – Building platforms, not just products
• 21:10 – The role of storytelling in transforming food narratives
• 25:00 – What “better” really means: nutrition, access, equity

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna and Enrique Molina from Qi Impact Capital to explore how capital can be deployed with purpose to accelerate the circular economy. From personal stories to portfolio-level insight, this conversation shows how values-based investing can be compatible with venture returns.Guenther and Enrique unpack the urgency of systems change, how storytelling shapes capital flows, and why they believe Europe’s sustainability movement is at a critical inflection point, despite the headwinds.Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:18 Qi Impact Capital’s Holistic Investment Thesis
• 03:27 Guenther’s Journey: From PwC to Circularity Champion
• 05:34 Why Capital is the Catalyst for Circular Innovation
• 06:37 Narratives, Regulation & the Sustainability Backlash
• 08:50 Storytelling, Identity & Investment Decision-Making
• 13:30 What ‘Conscious Capital’ Really Means
• 17:17 Case Studies: OceanSafe, Vital & ID Genève
• 22:53 Designing Products for Reusability & Impact
• 25:41 The Financial Returns Behind Circular Success
• 29:45 Tensions in Consumer Behavior: Circular vs. Fast Fashion

Marcus Behrendt, Managing Partner at BMW iVentures, joins Andreas and Jeppe to explore how corporate venture capital can drive transformation in Europe’s most iconic industries. From autonomy to AI and natural-fiber composites, the episode dives deep into how BMW’s venture arm scans, invests, and hedges across global markets while staying rooted in strategy and sustainability.🎧 Here’s what’s covered:

• 04:11 Investment Focus: From Smart Supply Chains to Sustainability
• 09:56 The Auto Industry in Flux: Disruption, Legacy & Tesla’s Vertical Model
• 14:31 Integration vs. Modularity: What Will Define the Next Automotive Leaders
• 17:01 Avoiding the Kodak Trap: Why Culture Eats Strategy in Corporate Innovation
• 25:56 Leveraging the Core: Staying Close to BMW’s Strategic Heartbeat
• 28:04 Natural Fibers & Rare Earths: Investing for CO2 Impact and Supply Chain Resilience
• 34:42 Scaling Autonomy in the Real World: From Car Plants to Ports
• 37:33 Europe's Structural Weakness: Legal Complexity and Inconsistent ESOPs
• 44:11 Pensions, Politics & the Case for Venture Policy Engagement
• 47:04 Why BMW iVentures Remains a Single-LP Fund—and Proud of It

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Oliver Holle, Founding Partner at Speedinvest, to unpack Europe’s current position in the global venture landscape. Fresh off the EUVC Summit and gearing up for GITEX, Oliver brings the heat — calling out flawed narratives, making the case for political engagement by founders and VCs, and breaking down the strategic implications of geopolitical capital shifts.Oliver shares how Europe is better positioned than its reputation suggests, why AI represents a public narrative opportunity for tech, and how learning from private equity could help European VCs build durable winners. From silent fund shutdowns to the rise of solo GPs, this episode is a crash course in navigating the new European venture normal.Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:46 Key Relationships in the Founder-VC Dynamic
• 09:56 Navigating Power Dynamics in Founder-VC Relationships
• 22:03 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Startups
• 26:05 Building Effective Communication and Culture in Growing Teams
• 28:44 The Challenge of Team Dynamics in VC Firms
• 32:36 Addressing Ego Issues in Leadership
• 38:32 The Evolving Role of Founders
• 47:12 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
• 55:12 The Importance of Energy Management

In a new episode of “Path to Market”, our Director Natasha Lytton and her co-host Micah Smurthwaite, Partner at Pipeline Ventures are joined by Ryan Lieber, an experienced Go-to-Market Leader and one of Snowflake’s earliest employees and its first SDR.

Together they discuss Snowflake’s impressive growth trajectory, the challenges and strategies of category creation, key sales methodologies like MEDDPICC, the best approaches for scaling internationally, and cross-functional sales efforts. Ryan shares his experiences from joining Snowflake when it was an unknown startup in 2014 to its current status as a data giant with over 7,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $50 billion.

He also delves into when and how founders should hire their first SDRs and sales leaders, the metrics for measuring their success, and the role of marketing alignment in scaling sales. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of understanding regional cultural and communication nuances, and how to leverage partnerships in new markets.

Lastly, Ryan discusses his current role leading Snowflake’s startup program in Europe, aiming to help next-generation data-intensive startups succeed using Snowflake’s data cloud.

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Joe Seager-Dupuy and Mike Martin, General Partners at True, a £ 600 M+ consumer and retail-focused investment and innovation firm, to explore what it means to be a sector specialist in venture—and why that matters more than ever in today’s market.They unpack how True brings together deep operational experience, a robust corporate network, and full life-cycle investment—from pre-seed to public markets. This episode offers a masterclass in building durable advantage in venture through network effects, strategic LP engagement, and sector expertise.Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:14 Founders' Backgrounds and Experiences
• 05:50 Overview of True's Investment Strategy
• 09:02 Sector Specialization in Consumer and Retail
• 12:00 Leveraging Network and Expertise
• 15:09 Investment Decision-Making Process
• 17:59 Ecosystem and Corporate Partnerships
• 21:10 Consumer Market Opportunities
• 24:07 Investment Strategy and Focus Areas
• 27:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Christian Hernandez, co-founder and Partner at 2150, to challenge a common VC misconception—adaptation isn’t plan B, it’s a billion-dollar frontier. From heat-proofing megacities in the Global South to tackling the carbon cost of concrete, Christian breaks down why the climate crisis needs more than mitigation—and why adaptation is just as investable.Christian shares how 2150 is building its strategy around deployment readiness—bridging the chasm between early tech and infrastructure-scale solutions. This conversation lays out the economics, urgency, and capital flows reshaping climate tech today—and why adaptation is core to building a livable 2150.
Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:35 Scaling for the Switch: When Venture Hands Off to Infra
• 03:01 Cooling the Planet: Human Limits, Economic Drivers & Air Conditioning
• 05:06 De-risking for Deployment: The Role of IFC, World Bank & Public Finance
• 07:42 Software for Adaptation Risk: Interdependencies & Insurability
• 11:42 Concrete, Meat & Flying: Where Real Emissions Come From
• 16:50 Why 2150? Long-Termism and Climate Deployment Urgency
• 18:15 Lessons for Climate VCs: Investing with Impact and ROI in Mind
• 24:38 Case Study: Vammo's Electric Scooters & Battery Swapping in Brazil
• 26:15 Open Source Thinking: Sharing Climate Research Across the Ecosystem

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Sebastian Pollok to unpack the thesis behind Visionaries Tomorrow, a fund purpose-built to back industrial deep tech founders emerging from Europe’s labs and institutes.Sebastian explores why Europe's frontier innovation requires new LP-GP dynamics, portfolio construction models, and national ambition—and how family offices and sovereign industrial strategy can unlock a generational leap in European deep tech leadership.Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:30 Why Industrial Deep Tech Needs Purpose-Built Capital
• 06:45 Founders from Labs, Not MBAs: Rethinking Team Archetypes
• 10:10 Case Study: Proxima Fusion & Max Planck’s World-Leading Design
• 13:55 Balancing Moonshots and Pick-and-Shovel Businesses
• 18:20 Family Offices & Mittelstand: Europe’s Strategic LP Base
• 22:40 What It Means to Truly Love Your LPs
• 26:30 The New Portfolio Construction for Deep Tech VC
• 36:10 Why Capital Efficiency Still Matters in Deep Tech
• 40:25 Strategic Sovereignty & the Role of the West in Frontier Tech

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Dave Haynes at FOV Ventures to unpack how the evolution of multimodal AI, audio intelligence, and teleoperation are driving a new wave of human-computer interaction. From audio-enhancing models like AI Acoustics to video synthesis via 3D engines, and from VR-powered robot control to wearable AI glasses—you'll get a front-row seat to the technologies that are redefining the frontier of ambient computing.Dave shares how AR glasses are already unlocking new workflows, why multimodal models are changing the way we use AI daily, and what this means for investors eyeing the next trillion-dollar opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after mobile and SaaS, this is it.Here’s what’s covered:

• 02:30 From Text to Multimodal: How AI Has Leveled Up
• 06:00 Voice is the Interface: Audio Models Like 11 Labs and AI Acoustics
• 08:45 The Rise of Ambient AI: Talking to Your Computer Like a Human
• 12:10 The Future Is Synthetic: Training Video Models in 3D Engines
• 15:55 Robotics in the Wild: Why Teleoperation Still Matters
• 19:40 The Role of VR in Human-Robot Collaboration
• 23:20 AR Glasses and Continuous Context Capture
• 26:50 Using AI to Wrap Your Day: Follow-Up Summaries from Lifelogging
• 30:10 Beyond SaaS: Why Frontier Tech Is Where Alpha Lives
• 33:00 Convincing LPs to Bet on the Future
• 36:25 Venture in the Age of Disruption: The 10-Year Thesis

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed, in discussion with Lomax Ward from Outsized Ventures and Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape.Behind the headlines—wind implosions, deep tech dead ends, exit deserts, secondaries, and AI drama—lie seismic shifts that will define the trajectory of European startups and the capital that fuels them.Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:30 Europe’s Wind Sector in Crisis
• 05:12 Hornsea 4 Fallout & Government Accountability
• 10:24 The Collapse of Deep Tech Momentum in the UK
• 15:36 Public Sector Catastrophes: Fujitsu’s £12B Flop
• 20:48 UK-EU Youth Mobility Deal & Trade Strategy
• 26:00 Trump, IP Tariffs & Global Trade Disruption
• 31:12 RIA Funds & the Evolving VC Model
• 41:36 Secondary Markets in Venture
• 46:48 The AI Arms Race: OpenAI vs. Google
• 52:00 European Drone Unicorns & GovTech

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Jon Coker, co-founder and GP at Eka Ventures, to unpack the strategy behind their conviction-led investment model and its outsized outcomes. Jon shares why Eka’s focus on consumer health and sustainable consumption is redefining what it means to deliver impact from venture, not just within it.Jon challenges the traditional index-style logic of venture capital, arguing instead for deep diligence, founder-first frameworks, and high-bar decision-making shaped by firsthand experience with outlier success. This episode is a masterclass in aligning fund design, sourcing strategy, and conviction-building to deliver both impact and performance.
Here’s what’s covered:

• 03:25 Why Eka Doubled Down on Concentrated Portfolios
• 05:44 Structural Drivers Behind the Portfolio Strategy
• 07:18 Challenging the Index Logic of Venture
• 14:05 How Eka's Style Shapes Decision-Making Processes
• 16:34 Consumer Tech: Eka's Favorite Layer Cake
• 21:05 Bias for Action: A Key Founder Trait
• 28:35 Building Conviction: The Founder's Role at Eka
• 29:12 Eka's Deep Founder Diligence Model
• 44:57 Impact From Venture vs. Impact In Venture
• 50:57 Scaling Impact: Why Depth and Scale Matter

In this episode, Andreas sits down with Exit of The Year Finalist Fergal Mullen, Founding Partner at Highland Europe, to explore the firm’s growth-only investment strategy and what it really takes to scale durable, capital-efficient European champions.Fergal shares why Highland’s equal partnership model is more than just internal structure—it’s a reflection of how trust, alignment, and founder collaboration drive outcomes. From turning operational efficiency into alpha to navigating U.S. expansion and cap table cleanups, this episode lays out a blueprint for growth with discipline in a market still shaped by cycles, hype, and hard-earned fundamentals.

🎧 Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:15 Spinning Out from Highland Capital & Building a Growth-Only Fund
• 02:30 Why Equal Partnership Structure Matters—for GPs and Founders
• 04:20 Sensible Growth > Blitzscaling: Highland’s Core Investment Philosophy
• 09:10 Founder Coachability, No-Frills Marketing & Building Trust Post-Investment
• 11:50 Exiting and Re-Investing: When and Why to Consult LPs
• 13:45 US Expansion: Why Founders Must Move to Make It Work
• 16:00 Europe’s Best Exit Year? Why Fundamentals (Still) Win
• 17:55 Tourist Capital: How Cycles Distort Venture Discipline
• 19:20 Founders’ Liquidity and Cap Table Cleanups—Done Right
• 24:30 Closing Reflections from Fergal: Growth with Discipline, Always

Exit of The Year Sponsor: Ace Alternatives
At ACE Alternatives, we’re honoured to sponsor the Exit of the Year Award at the EUVC Summit. This award celebrates not only the incredible achievements of founders and their teams but also the vital roles played by the GPs who champion them and the LPs who believe in their vision. Together, these efforts create success stories that drive innovation, growth, and long-term impact in the venture ecosystem. We’re thrilled to recognise and celebrate these collective milestones.

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm sits down with Andreas Klinger—founding team at Product Hunt, ex-CTO at On Deck, and now GP at Prototype Capital—to dive into the work behind EU Inc., a grassroots initiative to fix Europe’s fragmented startup ecosystem by rewriting its regulatory plumbing.Klinger shares how his experience as a founder and investor on both sides of the Atlantic led to a mission to standardize how we do business in Europe. They unpack how EU Inc. is working with the ecosystem—associations, communities, and top GPs—to propose a concrete policy blueprint aimed at simplifying scaling across borders.But the conversation goes much deeper: into the role of media as a self-selecting tool for ambition, how to build conviction and access as a micro-VC, and why VCs must engage with both macro-level systems change and micro-level founder support to make a lasting impact.Here’s what’s covered:

• 01:15 From Product Hunt & AngelList to Fixing European Venture
• 02:30 Why Klinger Made VC a Full-Time Play
• 06:10 Vlogging Hyper-Ambition: Behind-the-Scenes of Europe's Top Startups
• 09:30 The Cultural Gap: Work Ethic, Values & Systemic Signals
• 12:00 The Hidden Power of Performative Culture (and Its Risks)
• 14:22 What EU Inc. Actually Is: A Business-Led Policy Blueprint
• 18:30 Industry-Wide Buy-In: Why Everyone's Signing the EU Inc. Manifesto
• 24:15 Can VCs Stay Apolitical While Driving Change?
• 34:00 Reports Don’t Build Economies—People with Bias for Action Do
• 37:10 Action, Not Words: What Europe Really Needs Next

In this short but insightful episode of the EUVC Podcast, we’re joined by George Robson of Sequoia and Benjamin, our trusted ambassador from Tech Barbecue, for a candid conversation on the transformative impact of AI—especially through the lens of content creation.The group touches on the disconnect between innovators and the mainstream when it comes to AI adoption. George and Benjamin reflect on the massive potential of AI, the surprisingly slow uptake among everyday users, and how those on the cutting edge are already rethinking workflows, communication, and strategy.
Here’s what’s covered:

• 05:46 Reconciling European Optimism with U.S. Skepticism
• 17:22 U.S. Views on Europe: Misconceptions & Missed Nuance
• 21:00 The Return of Real Venture: Deep Tech vs. SaaS
• 24:00 Evaluating Deep Tech Founders: What Sequoia Looks For
• 26:59 Adapting Sequoia’s Platform to Serve Technical Founders
• 29:57 Scale-Up Capital in Europe: Reality vs. Perception
• 32:11 AI Company Metrics: Changing Signals & Due Diligence
• 34:56 Explosion of Founders in the AI Era: A Double-Edged Sword
• 36:59 Why Some European Companies Don’t Scale Big Enough
• 42:54 Foundational Principles for Building in the AI Era

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, Daniel Dippold unpacks the radical vision behind EWOR — a venture platform designed not as a fund, but as a self-reinforcing ecosystem where LPs become builders, 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 from Kinnevik shares how the firm's evergreen investment model supports long-term, sustainable growth for portfolio companies. 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 scaleups. Founded in 2011, Huma is headquartered in London and has grown to approximately 500 employees and has raised 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.

Chapters:

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

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 friend Dan Bowyer from SuperSeed meets with Andrew J. Scott, Founding Partner at 7percent Ventures, Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, and Dilek Dayınlarlı, General Partner at ScaleX Venture,s to 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 Oleg Bibergan, co-founder of S16VC, 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.

She emphasizes the importance of starting with customer needs rather than product ideas, advocating for qualitative user research and pain mapping to identify and validate ideal customer profiles (ICP). She also shares her best strategies for conducting effective customer interviews, iterating quickly based on market feedback, and leveraging practical tools and methodologies for market research.

Elaborating on her experiences at Deliveroo, she explains how she managed to segment and prioritize different types of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, and used iterative testing to refine go-to-market strategies.

Chapters:

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 Gorkem 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

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

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 👀