Axel Ahlström sits at the intersection of manufacturing and technology. After working with major industrial companies in private equity, he co-founded Kvanted, a new 70M€ industrial deep tech VC fund.
We talk about the future of manufacturing in Europe, what it’s like to start a new VC fund, robotics hype vs reality, deep tech investing, green and red flags in startups, and more.
(0:00) Introduction
(0:30) Axel’s background: engineering, consulting and private equity
(3:25) The idea behind Kvanted
(8:17) European innovation and why Zurich became a focus
(12:45) Starting a new VC fund
(22:15) Robotics hype vs reality
(28:05) Industrial manufacturing and the role of startups
(38:17) Why Europe needs manufacturing
(42:00) What Axel looks for in startups: green flags and red flags
(51:37) Contrarian beliefs, lessons learned, and career advice
Learn more:
https://generogrowth.com
https://www.kvanted.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-ahlstr%C3%B6m-22b9372b
