Nothing Ventured

Nothing Ventured

By Aarish Shah - EmergeONEBusinessEntrepreneurship
Download on the App Store

Nothing Ventured episodes

  • Angela McKane: BP to Micro VC - Unravelling the Energy Mix
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Angela McKane, a former BP executive turned venture capitalist, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the future of energy innovation.
    With over 15 years of experience in the energy technology sector, Angela shares her journey from the corporate world of BP to launching her own fund — Energy Mix Ventures — which focuses on resilient, affordable, and scalable energy solutions.
    The discussion covers key themes including:
    00:00 - Introduction to Energy Mix Ventures
    00:02:21 - Transitioning from BP to VC life
    00:05:57 - Information vs. belief arbitrage in venture
    00:16:36 - Why the energy debate is broken
    00:19:39 - The case for hydrocarbons and renewables
    00:26:01 - The realities of EV production and energy recycling
    00:32:01 - The energy-defense nexus and government’s role
    00:39:15 - The future of nuclear and regulatory reform
    00:44:39 - Wind power, data centers, and off-grid innovation
    🎧 Tune in for a candid, insight-rich discussion that goes beyond buzzwords and digs into what real progress in energy looks like.
    #NothingVentured #EnergyMixVentures #VentureCapital #EnergyTech #ClimateTech #StartupPodcast #Innovation #FutureOfEnergy #EnergyTransition #NuclearEnergy #AI #Sustainability
    Find Angela McKane online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamckane/
    Twitter: https://x.com/AngieVJ
    Energy Mix Ventures: https://energymixventures.com
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    1 hr 10 min
  • Leyla Kunimoto: Private Markets from the LP Seat
    💥 Are We in a Venture Capital Bubble? LP Insider Reveals the Truth! 💥
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Leyla Kunimoto, Seattle-based LP voice and co-founder of Accredited Investor Insights, for a brutally honest look inside the private markets.
    Leila pulls back the curtain on what most investors get wrong about venture capital — why it’s not about quick cash flow, but about betting on bold ideas and world-changing stories.
    🔥 What you’ll hear:
    The real risks behind private equity and continuation vehicles
    Why the U.S. still lacks regulatory standards for asset valuations
    How to spot when the market’s in a bubble — or quietly deflating
    The one thing that makes LPs actually pay attention: surgical precision in your thesis
    If you want to understand where venture capital is headed — and how LPs really think — this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
    00:00:31 - Overview of Today's Episode
    00:01:28 - The Bubble in Private Markets
    00:02:05 - Podcast Engagement Request
    00:02:27 - Guest Welcome and Clarification
    00:03:42 - Insights from an LP's Perspective
    00:04:33 - Mispricing Risk in Private Markets
    00:05:45 - VC's Unique Position in Private Markets
    00:07:08 - The Push for DPI and Cash Flow
    00:09:10 - Challenges for Smaller Investors in VC
    00:11:09 - The Middle Market Squeeze
    00:13:45 - Advantages of Larger VC Funds
    00:15:09 - The Dilemma of Fund Size and Stage Focus
    00:17:02 - Potential Solutions for Liquidity
    00:19:02 - Continuation Vehicles and Their Impact
    00:21:04 - LP Checklist for Continuation Vehicles
    00:24:24 - Lack of Regulation in Asset Valuation
    00:27:03 - Concerns with Continuation Vehicles
    00:29:37 - The Future of the Bubble
    00:33:01 - The Role of Private Credit
    00:35:36 - The Impact of Interest Rates
    00:37:19 - Potential for a Market Correction
    00:39:39 - Differences from the 2008 Financial Crisis
    00:41:45 - Lack of Transparency in Private Markets
    00:44:19 - Default Rates in Private Equity and Credit
    00:45:18 - What Gets Funded in 2025
    00:47:08 - Importance of a Surgical Thesis
    00:49:01 - Fund Manager and Thesis Fit
    00:50:03 - Importance of Access in VC
    Find Leyla Kunimoto online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkunimoto/
    Twitter: https://x.com/LeylaKuni
    Accredited Investor Insights: https://www.accreditedinsight.com/
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    1 hr 1 min
  • Francois Mazoudier: Process beats charisma - fundraising in 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, I’m joined by Francois Mazoudier, serial entrepreneur and seasoned investor, to tackle one of the biggest myths in fundraising: that charisma alone wins capital. As we enter 2025, the truth is clearer than ever — process beats charisma.
    François shares candid insights on:
    Why founders must master process-driven fundraising (and how to build one)
    The common mistakes startups still make when pitching to VCs
    How investors are thinking differently in 2025
    The future of fundraising in a world that’s more competitive than ever
    Whether you’re raising your first round or scaling globally, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you secure the capital you need — without relying on charm alone.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Intro & guest: Francois Mazoudier, Fundraising Bootcamp
    00:45 – Preview: why 94% of pitches fail & myths around decks
    02:02 – About the host Ari Shah & Nothing Ventured
    03:27 – The hard truths about fundraising today
    04:09 – Stop following bad online advice (6% of pitches work)
    07:11 – The Sequoia pitch deck trap (250k founders copy-pasting)
    08:33 – Finding “perfect match” investors & cold email success
    10:42 – Fundraising as a repeatable process, not a performance
    13:18 – 3 signs founders get funded vs. 3 signs they won’t
    15:38 – Traction vs. revenue: what really matters early stage
    18:44 – Numbers or story — which wins a pitch?
    23:36 – VC money vs. corporate VC money (pros & cons)
    27:10 – Why even Series A/B founders need a clear process
    31:21 – European founder mistakes: humility, tone & pace
    37:00 – Contrarian view: bigger isn’t always better for founders
    41:18 – What moves François: piano & seeing mindset shifts
    44:48 – Closing: where to find François online
    Find Francois Mazoudier online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoismazoudier/
    Twitter: https://x.com/franco1s
    Fundraising Bootcamp: https://fundraising-bootcamp.com/
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    46 min
  • Biotech vs. AI: Why Venture Capital is Shifting Focus
    Welcome to this month's episode of Nothing Ventured! Join Aarish as we explore the most revealing developments in the world of venture capital and AI investment for September 2025.
    In this episode, we dive deep into NVIDIA's staggering £2 billion commitment to UK startups and what it really means for the future of AI. We discuss the implications of NVIDIA's investment strategy, including its recent $100 billion deal with OpenAI, and how it signals a shift towards vertical integration in the tech industry.
    We also analyse the controversial funding round of Mistral AI, which raised €2 billion at a €12 billion valuation, and why its open-source business model may be fundamentally flawed.
    As we shift our focus to biotech, we highlight the stealth boom in the sector, featuring Treeline Biosciences and other companies that are quietly outperforming AI in terms of risk-adjusted returns.
    Finally, we examine the changing landscape of global venture capital, with the UK and Europe emerging as competitive hubs against the backdrop of Silicon Valley's stagnation.
    Key Insights:
    1. Hardware companies are becoming venture capitalists due to market saturation.
    2. Open-source AI business models face significant challenges at scale.
    3. Biotech is delivering better risk-adjusted returns than AI.
    4. Foundation model funding is approaching unsustainability.
    5. Geographic arbitrage is becoming the next competitive advantage in venture capital.
    What does October hold for the venture capital landscape? Tune in to find out!
    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights on the future of venture capital! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    17 min
  • Enis Hulli: Emerging Europe builds US native unicorns
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Enis Hulli, a general partner at E2VC, an early-stage venture fund focused on supporting founders from emerging Europe. Enis shares insights from his journey in venture capital, detailing how his experience with 500 Startups helped him navigate the complexities of fund management, from legalities to fundraising. The discussion emphasises the importance of building a strong network and mapping talent early in the investment process. Enis also explores how emerging Europe is cultivating US-native unicorns and the challenges of remote-first operations in achieving significant growth. Tune in for valuable perspectives on venture capital strategies and the evolving landscape of tech entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Enis Hulli and E2VC
    00:00:31 - E2VC's Investment Thesis and Strategy
    00:01:02 - Importance of Network and Talent in Early-Stage VC
    00:01:40 - Building Unicorns in Emerging Europe
    00:02:05 - Expertise in Gaming and Deep Tech in Emerging Europe
    00:02:30 - Trust and Relationship Building in VC
    00:02:51 - Host Introduction and Podcast Overview
    00:03:32 - Transition from 500 Startups to E2VC
    00:04:09 - Benefits of Independence from 500 Startups
    00:05:01 - Evolution of Fund Size and Investment Strategy
    00:05:44 - Brand Control and New Initiatives at E2VC
    00:07:08 - Launching a San Francisco Office
    00:07:31 - Initiative to Fund High School Students
    00:08:20 - Talent Mapping and Early Engagement
    00:09:12 - Identifying Entrepreneurial Traits Early
    00:10:09 - Long-Term Thinking in VC
    00:11:08 - Word of Mouth and Reputational Branding
    00:11:45 - Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point and Talent Strategy
    00:12:09 - Changes in Emerging Europe Over the Last Five Years
    00:13:09 - Consolidation and Global Focus in Emerging Europe
    00:14:09 - Importance of Proximity to Talent and Capital
    00:15:08 - Shift in Founder Mindset Post-COVID
    00:16:11 - Building Unicorns from Emerging Europe
    00:17:00 - Importance of Being in Major Hubs
    00:18:16 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Emerging Europe
    00:19:08 - Founders' Mindset and Continuous Improvement
    00:20:09 - Migrant Hustle and Proving Oneself
    00:21:03 - Learning from Experienced Entrepreneurs
    00:22:27 - E2VC's Edge in the Market
    00:23:00 - High Conviction and Talent Mapping
    00:24:11 - Signalling Value and Reputation in VC
    00:25:14 - Engaging LPs and Their Expertise
    00:25:42 - Investing in Ukrainian Founders
    00:26:15 - Framework for Investing in Conflict Regions
    00:27:08 - Technical Talent and Mobile Gaming in Emerging Europe
    00:28:07 - Resilience and Anti-Fragility in Emerging Markets
    00:29:05 - Cyclicality and Anti-Fragility in VC
    00:30:09 - Benefits of Operating in Emerging Jurisdictions
    00:31:03 - Writing Larger Checks at Pre-Seed and Seed Stages
    00:32:22 - Capital Efficiency and Product-Market Fit
    00:33:05 - Balancing Capital Constraints and Strategic Bets
    00:34:13 - Differences in US and European VC Mentalities
    00:35:09 - Iteration and Finding Product-Market Fit
    00:36:14 - Underwriting Teams and Execution Speed
    00:37:25 - Founder-Driven Investment Decisions
    00:38:26 - Unlimited Runway and Iteration
    00:39:01 - Short-Term Thinking vs. Long-Term Vision
    00:40:07 - Unexpected Product-Market Fit
    00:41:24 - Case Study: Unicorn Growth Story
    00:42:13 - Understanding Customer Base and Market Potential
    Find Enis Hulli online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enishulli/
    Twitter: https://x.com/EnisHulli
    E2 VC: https://e2.vc
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    1 hr
  • Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Joe Knowles, a partner at Smedvig Capital. Joe shares insights from his diverse background as an Airbus engineer, investment banker, and startup founder. He discusses Smedvik's unique approach to venture capital, emphasizing patient capital and a focus on integrity and founder trust rather than chasing hype cycles. The conversation explores the reality of the power law in venture capital, highlighting that while there are thousands of VC-backed companies in Europe, a small number account for a significant portion of exit value. Joe also addresses the advantages of being a single LP fund, the importance of execution in the commoditized tech landscape, and the need for improved physical infrastructure in Europe to support ambitious growth. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the venture capital landscape and the future of value creation.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Joe Knowles and Smedvig Capital.
    00:00:42 - The Reality of the Power Law in Venture Capital
    00:01:24 - The Golden Age for Value Creation and Commoditisation of Code
    00:01:50 - Aarish Shah's Background and Podcast Introduction
    00:02:33 - Joe Knowles' Background and Recommendations
    00:03:11 - The Power Law Myth and Its Impact on Venture Returns
    00:05:44 - The Symbiotic Relationship Between Outliers and Middle-Tier Companies
    00:07:23 - The Importance of Good Outcomes for the Ecosystem and Economy
    00:08:56 - Venture-Backed Companies in Europe: Key Statistics
    00:10:25 - The Overlap Between Power Law Strategies and Middle-Tier Strategies
    00:11:18 - Can VCs Pursue Both Power Law and Middle-Tier Strategies?
    00:13:24 - The Impact of AI and Software Costs on Venture Capital
    00:17:06 - The Reckoning in AI and Its Impact on Venture Capital
    00:19:58 - The Shift in Venture Capital Strategies Due to AI and Market Dynamics
    00:21:50 - The Role of Single LP Funds and Family Offices in Venture Capital
    00:23:37 - The History and Structure of Smedvig Ventures
    00:25:18 - Dependence on a Single LP and Fund Size Discipline
    00:27:09 - The Branding and Messaging Challenge of Single LP Funds
    00:28:41 - The Trend of Family Offices Entering Venture Capital
    00:31:09 - The Flexibility of Single LP Funds in Exits and Returns
    00:33:02 - The Importance of IRR and Flexibility in Single LP Funds
    00:35:12 - Understanding Venture Capital from a Founder's Perspective
    00:37:19 - The Opacity and Decision-Making in Venture Capital
    00:38:07 - The Commoditisation of Code and Its Impact on Venture Capital
    00:41:01 - The Importance of Speed and Non-Code Moats in Venture Capital
    00:45:09 - The Role of Domain Expertise and Market Niches in Venture Capital
    00:47:05 - The Augmentation of Coders and the Contextual Nature of Expertise
    FindJoe Knowles online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-196a896b/
    Twitter: https://x.com/joeknowlesuk / https://x.com/smedvigventures
    Smedvig Capital: https://smedvig.vc/
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    1 hr 12 min
  • Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders
    On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish is joined by leading voices in venture capital — each bringing their own unique story, perspective, and vision for the future of investing.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast
    00:00:10 - Quick Fire with Irena Spatzapan
    00:01:15 - Systemic Capital Overview
    00:01:44 - Exciting Companies in Systemic Capital's Portfolio
    00:02:25 - Quick Fire with Dan Pandeni-Iwenga
    00:03:48 - Building the London Venture Capital Network (LVCN)
    00:04:44 - Overview of LVCN
    00:05:58 - Quick Fire with Ollie Harris
    00:06:50 - Building Dream Ventures
    00:07:23 - Overview of Dream Ventures
    00:08:09 - Exciting Companies in Dream Ventures' Portfolio
    00:09:28 - Quick Fire with Harry Morgan
    00:10:29 - Overview of 7% Ventures
    00:11:15 - Exciting Companies in 7% Ventures' Portfolio
    00:11:38 - Quick Fire with Marcus Clover
    00:12:11 - Building Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV)
    00:12:39 - Overview of ERV
    00:13:19 - Exciting Companies in ERV's Portfolio
    00:13:46 - Quick Fire with Dr. Andrea Issoni
    00:14:41 - Building AI Technologies
    00:15:37 - Overview of AI Technologies
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    17 min
  • Aarish: What moves them most
    In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish shares deep concerns about the future of humanity, expressing fears over influential figures like Donald Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, whom they view as emblematic of our darker animal instincts. The discussion emphasises the ongoing battle between our primal nature and our humanity. Drawing inspiration from iconic leaders like Gandhi and Mandela, the host advocates for a collective embrace of compassion and understanding, urging listeners to set aside differences and prejudices in favor of recognising the beauty of our planet and each other. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on the choice between perceiving the world as hostile or friendly, echoing Einstein's poignant final words. With a personal touch, the host also reveals their background as an engineer and their journey from a reluctant relationship with literature to embracing the power of human connection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to prioritise our humanity.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction and Emotional Concerns
    00:00:11 - Fears About World Leaders
    00:00:45 - Humanity vs. Animal Instincts
    00:01:08 - The Importance of Humanity
    00:01:29 - Choosing Between a Hostile and Friendly World
    00:01:59 - Personal Reflections on Emotions
    00:02:09 - The Role of Poetry in Bridging Thoughts and Feelings
    00:03:32 - Family and Emotional Connections
    00:04:21 - Value of Human Interaction
    00:04:53 - Emotional Impact of Family Moments
    00:05:38 - Desire for Recognition and Impact
    00:06:23 - Cultural and Religious Influences on Giving Back
    00:07:06 - Aspirations for Success and Generosity
    00:07:59 - Family as a Driving Force and Legacy
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    9 min
  • Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions
    In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish explores the concept of self-determinism and the chemistry of decision-making. They question the common narrative that attributes success solely to tenacity and drive, examining the role of luck and external circumstances in shaping our lives. Through insightful reflections, the discussion delves into how factors like family background, gender, and race significantly impact one's opportunities and successes. Aarish challenges listeners to consider the extent of their control over decisions and the differences between self-determinism, free will, and agency. Join us for a deep dive into the complexities of personal agency and the forces that influence our paths in life.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Contrarian Convictions: Self-Determinism vs. Luck
    00:02:10 - The Importance of Free Speech
    00:03:38 - Making Conscious Choices in Decision-Making
    00:04:49 - Cynicism as a Tool for Optimism
    00:05:52 - The Balance of Leadership: Empowerment vs. Direction
    00:07:25 - The State of the US and Global Dynamics
    00:10:01 - American Exceptionalism: A Diminishing Belief
    00:11:44 - Migration Trends: US to Europe
    00:12:31 - The Case Against Human Colonisation of Mars
    00:14:13 - Robotics vs. Human Labor in Manufacturing
    00:16:00 - Learning Through Experience: The Value of Menial Tasks
    00:19:04 - The Role of Hardship in Building Resilience
    00:20:34 - Consciousness vs. Intelligence in Society
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    22 min
  • Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Harry Morgan, principal at 7% Ventures, to explore the complexities of investing in climate and deep tech startups. Harry, a former founder turned investor, discusses the challenges of tackling world-shaping problems and the often uncomfortable realities of venture capital, including its tendency to amplify privilege over opportunity. The conversation delves into the unique dynamics of climate investing, highlighting the longer time frames and smaller exits compared to software ventures. Harry emphasises the crucial role of government in determining national priorities and de-risking scientific advancements. He also shares insights on the necessity of bias in venture capital, advocating for a trained approach to backing exceptional founders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of investment, innovation, and social impact.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast
    00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Harry Morgan from 7% Ventures
    00:00:42 - Overview of Today's Episode Topics
    00:01:28 - State-Educated Founders and Funding Stages
    00:02:26 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Purpose
    00:02:36 - Harry Morgan's Journey from Founder to Investor
    00:03:02 - Lessons from Founding a Startup
    00:04:31 - Transition from Journalism to Investing
    00:05:04 - Balancing Science and Commercial Aspects in Deep Tech
    00:05:58 - Importance of Founder Ambition in Deep Tech Investments
    00:06:44 - Indexing on Technological Step Change and Founder Execution
    00:07:28 - Early Stage Financial Models and Product-Market Fit
    00:08:39 - Building a Business vs. Building Revenue
    00:09:52 - Specialization vs. Generalization in Founding Teams
    00:10:55 - Adaptability and Generalization in Founding Teams
    00:11:13 - Importance of Commercial Knowledge in Founding Teams
    00:12:02 - Venture Capital's Role in Solving Multi-Decade Challenges
    00:13:17 - Market Timing and Structural Challenges in Climate Tech
    00:14:39 - Hedging Against Market Timing Risks in Deep Tech
    00:15:19 - Execution Risks in Deep Tech Investments
    00:16:45 - Government Regulation and Market Timing Risks
    00:17:52 - Technology Success vs. Company Failure
    00:18:39 - Differentiation Beyond Climate Impact
    00:19:26 - Viewing Climate as a Horizontal Rather than a Vertical
    00:20:32 - Government's Role in Supporting Innovation
    00:21:12 - Economic Benefits of Climate Innovations
    00:22:23 - Challenges with Government Grants and Procurement
    00:23:28 - Importance of Government Contracts Over Grants
    00:24:08 - Issues with Innovate UK and Grant Flywheels
    00:25:35 - Government's Role in De-Risking Science
    00:26:25 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in the UK
    00:27:29 - Zombie Businesses and the Fear of Failure
    00:28:45 - Social Mobility and Venture Capital
    00:29:55 - Diversity in Venture Capital: Performative or Real?
    00:30:54 - Checking Biases in Venture Capital
    00:31:39 - Social Mobility Ventures: Creating an Alternative Flywheel
    00:33:20 - Redefining Terminology Around Social Mobility
    00:34:24 - Levelling Privilege and Access to Opportunities
    00:35:17 - Supporting Underprivileged Founders to Take Risks
    00:36:32 - Levelling the Playing Field in Access to Resources
    00:37:03 - Systemic Problems in Social Mobility
    00:38:41 - Education System and Entrepreneurship
    00:39:35 - Celebrating Big Successes and Failures
    00:40:34 - Social Mobility Ventures: Goals and Timescale
    00:41:39 - Inclusivity in Social Mobility Ventures
    00:42:49 - Celebrating Self-Made Success Stories
    00:44:06 - Changing the Problems Entrepreneurs Solve
    00:44:48 - Focus on Inclusion in Angel Investing
    FindHarry Morgan online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryemorgan/
    Twitter: https://x.com/7pcventures / https://x.com/harryemorgan
    7percent Ventures: https://7pc.vc
    This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
    Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/
    Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    1 hr 5 min

About Nothing Ventured

From the publisher's feed

In conversation with the people who make the start-up world go round. Join Aarish Shah as he talks to founders, investors, and operators across the tech and venture ecosystem exploring some of the…

More shows like Nothing Ventured

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch by Harry Stebbings

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

542 Listeners