VC | 462 | George Robson on Scaling Global Ambitions, Deep Tech, and the European VC Landscape

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. Skepticism17:22 U.S. Views on Europe: Misconceptions & Missed Nuance21:00 The Return of Real Venture: Deep Tech vs. SaaS24:00 Evaluating Deep Tech Founders: What Sequoia Looks For26:59 Adapting Sequoia’s Platform to Serve Technical Founders29:57 Scale-Up Capital in Europe: Reality vs. Perception32:11 AI Company Metrics: Changing Signals & Due Diligence34:56 Explosion of Founders in the AI Era: A Double-Edged Sword36:59 Why Some European Companies Don’t Scale Big Enough42:54 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 Fragmentation18:20 Trump’s Tariffs: Recession Risk & Global Trade Realignments22:33 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 Grids1:03:00 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 Momentum07:12 Understanding the LP Journey11:25 The European LP Landscape vs. the U.S.15:33 Structuring EWOR as a Flywheel, Not a Fund21:10 Solving for LP Education and Community26:45 Why Now: The Timing Behind EWOR’s Launch30:30 LPs as Builders: Shifting the Narrative35:18 How EWOR Aims to Serve GPs42:14 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 Innovation08:56 The Importance of Operational Talent13:16 Spotting Outlier Talent and Venture Insights25:22 Evaluating Founders: Experience vs. Potential39:02 The Importance of People in Venture Capital44:53 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 Capital06:04 The Excitement in Brussels: Tech and Policy12:27 The Role of Norkin House in Brussels16:55 Engaging in Policy as a Small VC Firm or Startup20:26 The Importance of Sustainability in Tech26:07 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 Huma09:56 Challenges and Future Vision22:16 The Challenges of Starting a Digital Health Company22:40 Geographical Focus and Strategy29:57 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Digital Health36:12 Partnerships and Organizational Growth41:26 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 VC10:15 The Concept of Alignment in Impact VC28:17 Reinventing the VC Model for a Sustainable Future33:17 Rethinking the VC Model: Extending Time Horizons37:14 Evergreen Model: Diversifying Risk and Liquidity39:53 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 Management10:58 Key Legal Considerations for Fund Managers26:31 Navigating LP Negotiations35:57 Effective Communication with LPs40:48 Compensation Strategies for Key Employees45:00 Hiring from Competitors: Best Practices47:11 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 Validation16:54 Governance and Structure of Pink Ventures24:00 Lessons in Structuring a Corporate Venture Fund26:34 Understanding the Role of a CVC27:03 Misconceptions About CVCs28:49 Flexibility and Patience in CVC Investments31:29 The Importance of Founder-Friendly A