The Innovation Conversation

Innovation Conversation: FinTech Investment, Market Insights, and Fundraising Challenges with Nathalie Schwarzkopf


Listen Later

Innovation Conversation: FinTech Investment, Market Insights, and Fundraising Challenges with Nathalie Schwarzkopf

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Nathalie Schwarzkopf, a German investor focused on FinTech, to discuss the realities of startup investing in today's changing market. Nathalie shares her perspective on spotting real potential, navigating Europe’s investment climate, and building trust with investors and institutions.

They dive into:

  • What investors in FinTech look for: strong product-market fit, traction, and a clear go-to-market strategy.
  • Key differences between the investment climates of Europe and the US.
  • How investment landscapes vary across European countries — with hotspots like the UK and France.
  • Best practices for founders: building investor relationships early and maintaining consistent updates.
  • Why raising Series A, B, and C rounds has become tougher and how to navigate the new environment.
  • Differentiating hype from real potential in industries like AI and climate tech.
  • The importance of preparing for fundraising long before capital is urgently needed.

Tune in for investor insights, practical advice for founders, and an honest take on what it takes to raise successfully in today's market.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 01:17 — Getting Started as an Investor 05:26 — Differentiating Hype from Potential 08:26 — Differences in Investment Climate: Europe vs. US 10:42 — Investment Landscape in Different European Countries 13:08 — Size of Investment Rounds in Different Countries 14:07 — Investor Risk Aversion and Focus on AI and Climate Tech 16:06 — Best Practices for Reaching Out to Investors 21:02 — Building Trust with Large Institutions 23:04 — Disruption Potential in the FinTech Space 25:44 — Challenges in Raising Series A, B, and C Rounds 28:19 — Process of Reviewing Pitch Decks 31:03 — Advice for Founders 38:29 — Market Slowdown in Raising Series A, B, and C Rounds 42:17 — Opportunities in Challenging Times 42:52 — Contact Information

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Innovation ConversationBy Ricardo Pascual