EUVC

David Clark, Chief Investment Officer at Vencap, dives deep into the complexities of venture economics. He engages in a high-stakes debate about fund performance, stressing that drawing conclusions from current data is fraught with challenges. Topics like the new $20B benchmark for greatness, the hard math behind Seed-to-Series A attrition, and the ongoing debate about emerging managers’ true performance take center stage. The conversation uncovers the messy nature of current data, revealing that for many, early-stage investing remains a mix of art and science.

Jeremy Uzan, co-founder and GP at Singular, discusses his insights on empowering European founders. He delves into the strategic value of generalist VCs and the importance of agility in investment practices. Uzan highlights the emerging trend of 'sciencepreneurs' blending scientific expertise with entrepreneurship. He also shares thoughts on talent evolution in Europe, the rise of Paris as a startup hub, and how recent shifts are unlocking the continent's economic potential. Discover why the future looks bright for Europe's tech scene!

Finn Murphy, General Partner at Nebular, shares his journey of launching a venture fund from the ground up after the collapse of FTX. He discusses backing innovative ideas, from AI to space data centers and fossil startups. Murphy emphasizes the importance of curiosity-led investing with no strict themes, highlights the unique challenges and advantages of being a solo GP, and contrasts the entrepreneurial landscapes of Europe and the U.S. He also advocates for the vital role of tech in political discourse, urging VCs to engage actively.

Kasper Hulthin, co-founder of Kost Capital and Future Five, focuses on transforming the food industry for the greater good. He discusses the misconception that 'more' food options equate to 'better' and argues for designing inclusive, impactful food solutions. The conversation highlights the limitations of traditional VC models in supporting food startups, the significance of storytelling in shifting food narratives, and the importance of developing platforms rather than just products. Kasper emphasizes addressing nutrition, access, and equity as essential elements of a better food system.

Günther Dobrauz-Saldapenna, a pioneering thought leader in circularity, and Enrique Molina, an advocate for holistic, impactful investing, dive into the transformative potential of capital in advancing the circular economy. They discuss the urgency of systemic change in Europe and how storytelling influences investment decisions. Personal journeys highlight the challenges of fostering a sustainable mindset. The duo also tackles the tension between consumer behavior, fast fashion, and sustainable practices, advocating for a balanced approach to conscious capital.

Marcus Behrendt, Managing Partner at BMW iVentures, discusses how corporate venture capital is reshaping Europe's automotive landscape. He highlights the importance of sustaining innovation amidst disruptions like electric vehicles and Tesla's model. The conversation delves into the balance between integration and modularity in future automotive leaders. Behrendt also underscores the significance of culture in corporate innovation and the necessity for regulatory reform to foster a thriving tech ecosystem. He shares insights on strategic investments that prioritize sustainability and carbon impact.

Oliver Holle, Founding Partner at Speedinvest, dives into Europe's unique position in the global venture capital scene. He emphasizes the need for political engagement to reshape perceptions about European startups. Holle highlights the potential of AI to drive entrepreneurial narratives and calls for a stronger collaboration within the VC community. He also discusses challenges like funding disparities and the shifting dynamics in VC relationships, all while advocating for learning from private equity practices to build sustainable winners.

Ryan Lieber, a veteran Go-to-Market Leader and Snowflake’s first SDR, shares insights from his journey with the company since its startup days. He discusses the impressive growth of Snowflake and stresses the importance of the MEDDPICC sales methodology. Lieber highlights the key role of hiring the right SDRs and the significance of cultural nuances in international sales expansion. He also emphasizes collaboration within sales teams and unveils how his current work empowers data-driven startups across Europe to thrive using Snowflake's data cloud.

Mike Martin and Joe Seager-Dupuy, General Partners at True, tackle the importance of sector specialization in venture capital. They share their journeys from corporate venturing to focusing on consumer and retail technology. The duo elaborates on True's investment strategy, emphasizing the balance between operational experience and network engagement. They discuss emerging opportunities in the consumer market and the significant role technology plays in reshaping consumer behavior. Their insights offer a deep dive into building a successful VC ecosystem.

Christian Hernandez, co-founder and partner at 2150, dives into the urgent need for climate adaptation as a major investment frontier. He critiques the common misconception that adaptation is secondary, emphasizing its critical role alongside mitigation. The conversation explores innovative technologies tackling real emissions, like concrete and air conditioning, and discusses how funders can bridge the gap between nascent tech and large-scale solutions. Hernandez also provides insights into the balancing act of consumption and sustainability necessary for meaningful climate action.