Nothing Ventured

Nothing Ventured

By Aarish Shah - EmergeONEBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Nothing Ventured episodes

  • Piotr Bukanski: Tips on becoming a specialist generalist in VC
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes investment manager Piotr Bukanski from Beringea. Piotr shares insights from his extensive background in finance, including his time at Merrill Lynch and his current focus as a generalist investor in B2B data, climate tech, and fintech. The conversation delves into the transferable skills from investment banking to growth investing, the importance of risk-taking and accepting failure in venture capital, and the dynamics of transitioning between consumer and B2B investments. Piotr emphasises the value of having a broad funnel of companies as a generalist while also becoming a specialist in specific sectors. He discusses the significance of understanding board dynamics and the necessity of vulnerability in investor-founder relationships. Additionally, Piotr addresses the challenges of climate tech infrastructure projects in relation to cash profiles and the current negative narrative surrounding the European IPO market. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of venture capital and investment strategies.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Piotr Bukanski
    00:01:06 - Transitioning from Investment Banking to Venture Capital
    00:03:02 - Unlearning and Learning in Venture Capital
    00:05:01 - Dealing with Imperfect Information
    00:07:07 - Long-Term Thinking vs. Short-Term Metrics
    00:08:34 - Comfort with Uncertainty in Early-Stage Investing
    00:10:34 - Finding Reasons to Say Yes in Investments
    00:11:44 - Identifying Risks vs. Upsides
    00:12:54 - Decision-Making in Venture Capital
    00:14:07 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in Venture
    00:19:45 - Shifting Focus from Consumer to B2B Investments
    00:20:51 - Generalist vs. Specialist Investors
    00:22:05 - The Value of Generalist Investors
    00:24:05 - Specialisation in Different Stages of Investment
    00:30:00 - Developing Skills as a Board Member
    00:32:21 - The Importance of Listening on Boards
    00:34:37 - Navigating Conflicts of Interest on Boards
    00:38:24 - Challenges in Climate Tech Investment
    00:39:35 - Capital Requirements in Climate Tech
    00:41:08 - Finding Opportunities in Climate Tech
    00:45:02 - The Role of Venture Capital in Large-Scale Projects
    Find Piotr Bukanski online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotr-bukanski/
    Twitter: https://x.com/Beringea
    Beringea: https://beringea.co.uk
    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.
    57 min
  • Gillian Davis: There's a time and a place for tyranny
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes leadership development expert Gillian Davis. They dive into her impressive journey, from her early beginnings in her family's executive recruitment business in Canada to co-authoring the book "First Time Leader" at just 28. Gillian shares her insights on practical leadership strategies, particularly in the tech industry, having worked with companies like WeTransfer, MessageBird, and Spotify.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Gillian Davis
    00:00:31 - Key Topics Overview
    00:01:17 - Importance of Company Culture
    00:01:27 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Purpose
    00:02:19 - Transition from Fampany to Company
    00:03:09 - Challenges in Scaling Owner-Led Businesses
    00:04:02 - Succession Planning and Leadership Evolution
    00:05:08 - Founder Time as Currency
    00:06:01 - Right People for Different Stages
    00:07:01 - Normalising Business Evolution
    00:08:14 - Emotional Attachment to Business
    00:09:03 - Employee Lifecycle in Startups
    00:10:18 - Importance of Processes in Scaling
    00:11:21 - Founders' Self-Awareness and Coach ability
    00:12:36 - Three Types of Founders
    00:13:29 - Timing for Preparing for Scale
    00:14:19 - Early Stage Focus: Product Market Fit
    00:15:02 - Roadmap and Mind Mapping for Future
    00:16:04 - Emotional Attachment to Office Space
    00:17:07 - Red Flags in Company Culture
    00:18:08 - Importance of Making Hard Decisions
    00:19:22 - Communication During Restructuring
    00:20:22 - Building Culture from Ground Up
    00:21:46 - Crisis Management and Internal Communication
    00:22:46 - Family Business Dynamics
    00:23:39 - Reality of Building a Business
    00:24:23 - Balancing Employee Happiness and Business Results
    00:26:05 - Defining Leadership in Tech-Driven Environments
    00:27:01 - Balancing Directive and Facilitative Leadership
    00:28:43 - Authentic Leadership During Pandemic
    00:29:59 - Accountability in Leadership
    00:31:14 - Leadership in Scaling Startups
    00:32:06 - Processing Failure as a Leader
    00:33:52 - Hands-On Leadership in Startups
    00:34:19 - Linking Leadership to Strategy
    00:35:24 - Taking Accountability and Earning Respect
    00:36:10 - Bringing People Along the Journey
    00:37:06 - Building Playbooks That Work for You
    00:38:52 - Cultural Differences in Leadership Styles
    00:40:11 - Media Influence on Founder Narratives
    00:41:20 - Celebrating Founders and Entrepreneurship
    00:43:13 - Creating an Inspiring Narrative for the UK
    Find Gillian Davis online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisgillian/
    Twitter: https://x.com/GillianDavis07
    OverTime Leader: https://overtimeleader.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 31 min
  • Zoltan Vardy: Releasing The Launch Code
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Zoltan Vardy, a seasoned B2B sales advisor and author of "The Launch Code." With nearly four decades of experience and over $2 billion in sales closed for major companies like CBS and NBCUniversal, Zoltan shares invaluable insights on mastering founder-led sales. The discussion focuses on transforming chaos into structure, overcoming the fear of selling, and understanding that sales is about solving problems rather than pushing products. Zoltan emphasises the importance of benefits over features, the iterative nature of sales, and how the journey from 0 to 1 differs significantly from scaling to 100. He also advocates for the significance of formal education in developing critical thinking skills. Tune in to discover how to accelerate your startup's revenue growth through effective sales strategies.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Zoltan Vardy and His Achievements
    00:00:30 - Overview of Today's Episode Topics
    00:01:35 - Call to Action: Rate, Subscribe, and Connect
    00:02:22 - Zoltan's Journey to Writing "The Launch Code"
    00:03:09 - The Impact of Zoltan's Work on Founders
    00:03:38 - Zoltan's Family Background and Influence
    00:06:10 - Transitioning from Corporate Sales to Startup Sales
    00:07:41 - Zoltan's Entrepreneurial Experience During the Dot-Com Era
    00:09:54 - Combining Corporate Structure with Startup Dynamism
    00:11:04 - Founders' Fear of Sales and How to Overcome It
    00:13:42 - The Importance of Problem-Solution Connection in Sales
    00:15:36 - The Pain of Sales and Iterative Process
    00:17:02 - Founder-Led Sales and the Importance of Direct Feedback
    00:19:15 - Hiring the Right Salesperson at the Right Time
    00:21:21 - Difference Between Business Development and Sales
    00:22:29 - Selling Solutions, Not Products
    00:24:04 - Case Study: Aleksander Niemczyk and Action Audit
    00:26:32 - The Need to Have vs. Nice to Have Products
    00:28:11 - Communicating Solutions in Simple Terms
    00:30:15 - Creating a Clear Value Proposition
    00:32:19 - The Role of Procurement in Sales
    00:33:56 - Scaling Sales and Letting Go as a Founder
    00:35:10 - Structure Enables Innovation
    00:36:04 - Setting Clear Goals and Tracking Performance
    00:37:07 - Case Study: Dexery's Growth Journey
    00:39:18 - Building the Book vs. Building the Business
    00:42:21 - The Risk of Founders Resisting Growth
    Find Zoltan Vardy online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltanvardy/
    Twitter: https://x.com/zvardy
    The Launch Code: http://www.thelaunchcode.net/
    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.
    49 min
  • Tanja Emmerling: Europe needs to hurry up to be attractive to founders
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Dr. Tanja Emmerling, a partner at High Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and head of the Berlin team. With over a decade of experience in venture capital, Tanja shares her insights into the European tech landscape, highlighting HTGF's role as the most active seed investor in Europe. The discussion covers critical topics such as the impact of tax harmonisation on early-stage investments, the urgency for Europe to enhance its appeal to founders, and the unique decentralised tech hubs in Germany. Tanja also delves into the strengths of Germany's B2B sector in identifying AI use cases, the ongoing pressure for traditional companies to innovate, and the challenge of securing large investment checks, which often still come from the US. Finally, she explains why launching a startup in Europe remains a viable option compared to starting in the US, and how HTGF's innovative public-private fund structure emerged in response to the dot-com bubble collapse.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
    00:01:50 - Overview of Venture Capital in Germany
    00:02:41 - Challenges in the German Investment Process
    00:06:07 - Potential Changes to Streamline Investment
    00:07:07 - The Need for a Harmonised European Startup Ecosystem
    00:11:09 - Decentralised Tech Hubs in Germany
    00:12:10 - Germany's Competitive Advantages in Tech
    00:15:01 - Emerging Technology Themes in Germany
    00:18:25 - The Pressure for Traditional Companies to Innovate
    00:19:14 - Challenges in the Exit Landscape for Startups
    00:23:04 - Why Founders Might Choose the US Over Europe
    00:25:57 - Talent and Wage Disparities Between Europe and the US
    00:29:06 - The Role of HTGF and Its Unique Structure
    00:33:38 - Corporate LPs and Their Influence on Fund Strategy
    00:37:49 - The Value of Corporate Partnerships for Startups
    00:39:20 - Contrarian Conviction: Respecting Time
    00:41:00 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Tanja Online
    Find Tanja Emmerling online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tanja-emmerling-84593b20/
    Twitter: https://x.com/EmmerlingTanja
    HTGF: https://htgf.de
    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.
    42 min
  • Ozan Unlu: Navigating the Shift: From Technical Founder to Commercial Leader | Episode 62
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah speaks with Ozan Unlu, co-founder and CEO of EdgeDelta, a pioneering company in the telemetry pipeline space focusing on observability and security. Ozan shares insights from his unique journey through engineering, sales, and entrepreneurship, delving into the nuances of transitioning from technical roles to commercial leadership. The discussion covers the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of fundraising in a shifting economic landscape, and the distinction between selling high-tech solutions versus consumer products. Ozan emphasizes the significance of continuous data curation in solving complex problems related to observability and security. Tune in to explore these themes and more as Ozan provides valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech industry.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to EdgeDelta and Ozan Unlu
    00:01:00 - The Transition from Technical to Commercial Roles
    00:03:00 - Understanding Your Customer
    00:06:00 - Sales Strategies: Spaceships vs. T-Shirts
    00:09:00 - Navigating Enterprise Sales Cycles
    00:10:30 - The Importance of Product-Led Growth
    00:12:00 - Fundraising Dynamics: Seed vs. Later Stages
    00:14:00 - Valuation Expectations in Different Market Conditions
    00:16:30 - The Impact of Growth vs. Efficiency
    00:19:00 - Balancing Growth and Profitability
    00:22:00 - The Role of Continuous Curation and Inference
    00:25:00 - The Challenge of Processing Large Data Volumes
    00:28:00 - The Future of AI and Quantum Computing
    00:30:00 - The Importance of Data Tiering
    00:32:00 - Contrarian Conviction: Self-Awareness in Career Choices
    00:45:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    Find Ozan Unlu online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozanu/
    Twitter: https://x.com/Ozannlu
    Company: https://edgedelta.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.
    50 min
  • Ioto Iotov: Learning the foundations and the language of business | Episode 61
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Ioto Iotov, founder of Mainset, a venture capital firm focused on fintech and SaaS ventures. Ioto shares his unique journey from South Africa, detailing his background as a chartered accountant and competitive swimmer, and his path to earning an MBA from Columbia Business School. The discussion covers the importance of understanding the foundations and language of business, as well as the long-term relationships that venture capitalists cultivate with businesses. Ioto highlights the rapid growth of the fintech sector, accounting for 3% of financial services revenue and growing at 15% year-on-year, and addresses the challenges financial institutions face in servicing SMEs and SMBs. He also emphasises the importance of empathy in connecting with founders and the value of observation and experience in the venture capital landscape. Tune in to gain insights into the evolving world of fintech and the mindset required for successful investing.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
    00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Ioto Iotov
    00:00:31 - Ioto's Career Background
    00:00:41 - Mainset Venture Capital Overview
    00:00:53 - Importance of Financial Literacy
    00:01:04 - Long-term Relationships in Business
    00:01:51 - Empathy and Experience in Venture Capital
    00:02:01 - Host Introduction and Podcast Overview
    00:02:23 - Encouragement to Engage with the Podcast
    00:02:38 - Diving into Financial Literacy
    00:03:03 - The Value of Financial Literacy for Founders and VCs
    00:03:22 - Financial Literacy Beyond Venture Capital
    00:03:53 - Profitability vs. Growth in Venture Capital
    00:04:38 - Long-term Investment Perspective
    00:05:00 - Valuation and Financial Sophistication
    00:05:22 - Frameworks for Business Assessment
    00:05:50 - Competitive Positioning and Pricing Power
    00:06:33 - Financial Literacy as a Foundational Skill
    00:07:06 - The Role of Unit Economics
    00:08:25 - Importance of Understanding Business Metrics
    00:09:00 - ROI on Business Decisions
    00:10:02 - Market Trends: Profitability and Sustainable Growth
    00:11:08 - The Shift from Growth at All Costs to Profitable Growth
    00:12:07 - Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital
    00:13:00 - The Reality of Fundraising and Capital Availability
    00:14:02 - Founders' Responsibility in Capital Management
    00:15:09 - Efficient Growth and Return on Investment
    00:15:21 - The Impact of Interest Rates and Market Conditions
    00:16:07 - Managing Large Capital for the First Time
    00:17:28 - Different Capital Needs for Different Businesses
    00:17:48 - Pathways to Profitability
    00:18:15 - Valuation Methods in Venture Capital
    00:18:36 - Mainset's Investment Thesis in Fintech
    00:19:21 - The Enduring Nature of Financial Services
    00:20:05 - The Role of Financial Services in the Economy
    00:21:09 - The Growth of Fintech
    00:21:53 - Trends and Excitement in Fintech
    00:22:59 - Collaboration vs. Competition in Fintech
    00:23:22 - Challenges of Innovating in Large Financial Institutions
    00:24:08 - Outsourcing Innovation to Startups
    00:25:32 - Banks' Product Offerings for SMEs
    00:26:16 - The Rise of Treasury Management Tools
    00:27:02 - Banks' Retreat from Servicing SMEs
    00:28:01 - Office of the CFO and SME Market Challenges
    00:29:09 - The Difficulty of Scaling SME-focused Solutions
    00:30:50 - The Challenge of Building a Better Excel
    00:32:17 - The Role of ERP Systems in SMEs
    00:33:07 - Venture Capital and Market Size Considerations
    00:34:04 - The Consequences of Taking VC Funding
    00:35:24 - The Importance of Joy in Business Partnerships
    00:36:32 - Transparency and Alignment in Venture Capital
    00:37:07 - The Importance of Exit Strategy Conversations
    00:38:08 - The Time Sensitivity of Investment Returns
    00:38:44 - Dual Responsibility of Emerging VCs and Founders
    00:39:13 - Empathy Towards Founders
    00:40:07 - The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship
    00:41:10 - The Value of Experience in Venture Capital
    00:42:10 - The Debate: Operators vs. Investors
    00:43:22 - The Importance of Understanding Business Operations
    00:44:24 - Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Breaking into VC
    00:45:21 - Improving Diversity at the GP Level
    00:46:08 - The Challenge of Building a Track Record in VC
    00:47:02 - Finding Ingenious Ways to Overcome Lack of Means
    Find Ioto Iotov online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iotoiotov/
    Twitter: https://x.com/IotoIotov
    Company: https://mainset.co.uk
    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.
    59 min
  • Henry Joseph-Grant: Does VC stand for Venture Colonialism? | Episode 60
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews entrepreneur and mentor Henry Joseph Grant, who shares insights from his extensive experience in scaling startups and driving innovation. The discussion delves into the transformative impact of the iPhone on business, particularly in launching Just Eat, a brand that grew from startup to a $2.44 billion IPO. Henry emphasises the importance of comfort, convenience, and choice in technology, while also highlighting the delicate balance of asking for money versus advice. The conversation explores themes of product-led growth, strategic decision-making in times of cuts, and the unique cross-pollination opportunities at the Web Summit, connecting startups with Fortune 500 companies and investors. Additionally, Henry reflects on the challenges faced by the West in venture capital and economic growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion filled with practical advice for entrepreneurs and innovators alike.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Henry Joseph Grant
    00:00:32 - Leveraging the iPhone for Just Eat's Success
    00:01:36 - The Cost of Comfort, Convenience, and Choice in Tech
    00:02:01 - Host Introduction and Podcast Promotion
    00:02:50 - Henry's Return to Podcasting
    00:03:43 - Early Days at Just Eat
    00:05:17 - Funding Just Eat Through Restaurant Fees
    00:05:57 - Guerrilla Marketing at Freshers' Fairs
    00:08:22 - The Importance of Doing Things That Don't Scale
    00:09:57 - Educating the Market and Overcoming Challenges
    00:12:07 - Internal Politics and Leadership at Just Eat
    00:14:02 - Owning the Marketplace and Handling Competitors
    00:16:42 - Evolution of the Food Delivery Industry
    00:18:41 - The Future of Food Delivery: Dark Kitchens and Innovation
    00:19:47 - Henry's Diverse Career and Industry Adaptability
    00:21:21 - The Impact of Marketplaces and Adding Value
    00:23:32 - Legacy and Impact Beyond Monetary Value
    00:26:11 - Joining Talixo and Relocating to Berlin
    00:28:57 - Overhauling Sales and Partnerships at Talixo
    00:30:24 - Achieving Near Profitability and the Impact of COVID-19
    00:33:11 - The Importance of Making Cuts the Right Way
    00:35:05 - Different Approaches to Handling Cuts During the Pandemic
    00:37:43 - Founding Sendoff After a Personal Tragedy
    Find Henry Joseph Grant online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjosephgrant/
    Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjosephgrant/
    Company: https://www.henryjosephgrant.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 19 min
  • Jefff Crusey: When Mythology Breaks Reality in Venture | Episode 59
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Jeff Crusey, a partner at 7% Ventures and seasoned VC with extensive experience in deep tech and startups. The discussion explores the limits of software functionality and usability, the implications of the UK’s approach to de-risking venture investments, and whether US VCs are fostering monopolies. Jeff shares insights on the impact of SEIS and EIS on UK VC numbers and contrasts rent-seeking behaviours with genuine value production in the business landscape. They also debate the necessity of new neobanks and question the concentrated power within the US VC industry. Finally, Jeff expresses his contrarian view on space exploration, arguing against sending people to Mars. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the current state and future of venture capital.
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeff Crusey
    Welcome to the episode featuring Jeff Crusey, partner at 7% Ventures, discussing his background and expertise in deep tech.
    00:02:01 - The Evolution of Deep Tech
    Exploring why deep tech is gaining popularity now and comparing investment approaches in the UK and US.
    00:05:36 - Mindset Differences in VC
    Discussing the abundance versus scarcity mindset in US and UK venture capital.
    00:08:18 - Challenges for UK Founders
    Examining the risk aversion in the UK VC landscape and its impact on founders.
    00:10:21 - The Flight of Talent
    Concerns about UK founders leaving for the US and the implications for the local ecosystem.
    00:12:13 - First Principles Thinking in VC
    Jeff's frustrations with the lack of first principles thinking in the US VC ecosystem.
    00:14:06 - FOMO and Market Dynamics
    The influence of FOMO on investment decisions and the implications for startups.
    00:15:51 - Capital as a Moat in Deep Tech
    Discussing the importance of capital in deep tech and the challenges in the UK and Europe.
    00:19:11 - The Role of Government Funding
    Analysing the impact of SEIS and EIS on the UK VC landscape and the need for a clearer picture.
    00:20:05 - Comparing Sovereign Wealth Funds
    The differences between government-backed funds in the UK and Europe versus the US.
    00:22:00 - Rent-Seeking vs. Value Production
    Differentiating between rent-seeking companies and those that produce real value.
    00:24:30 - The Neobank Phenomenon
    Critiquing the proliferation of neobanks and their actual value proposition.
    00:27:10 - US vs. UK Banking Systems
    Comparing the banking landscape in the US and UK, and questioning the need for more neobanks.
    00:29:18 - Concerns About VC Consolidation
    Discussing the implications of VC consolidation and the potential for cartel-like behaviour.
    00:31:12 - The Mythology of VC
    Exploring how the narrative around VCs can distort reality and impact investment decisions.
    00:34:31 - The Role of Founders in Value Creation
    Highlighting the importance of founders in creating value, rather than VCs taking centre stage.
    00:36:11 - Contrarian Conviction: Mars Exploration
    Jeff's belief that sending humans to Mars is not sensible and the case for robotic exploration instead.
    00:40:07 - The Future of Automation
    Discussing the potential for fully automated manufacturing and the implications for human labor.
    00:45:39 - Conclusion and Where to Find Jeff
    Wrapping up the conversation and sharing where to connect with Jeff Crusey online.
    Find Jeff online at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcrusey/
    Twitter: http://www.x.com/@JeffCrusey
    Web: https://www.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.
    47 min
  • Kristina Barger: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Founder Mental Health | Episode 58
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes cognitive and behavioural scientist Kristina Barger . With a diverse background in clinical psychology, tech innovation, and entrepreneurship, Christina shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by founders. The discussion delves into the traits of overachievers, the fine line between ambition and perfectionism, and the common misconception that confidence equates to competence. Christina emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced life outside of business, highlighting the necessity of social connections and hobbies. Additionally, she discusses her work on ethical AI initiatives in mental health and the significance of decision-making in high-stakes environments. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the entrepreneurial journey. 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
  • Uzma Choudry: Building a Unique European BioTech Ecosystem | Episode 57
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Dr. Uzma Choudry, an expert in deep tech and biotech investing. Uzma shares her extensive experience in developing the European tech bio ecosystem, including her role in managing a portfolio of over one and a half billion pounds at one of Europe's largest funds. The conversation delves into the current state of the life sciences venture market, highlighting the recent debloating of the venture bubble and the withdrawal of generous capital. Uzma explains the unique challenges in biotech, where the focus is primarily on de-risking technology and science rather than immediate revenue scaling. She emphasises the necessity for deep pools of capital in biotech investments and discusses how platform companies can showcase their value through their assets. Tune in for insights on sustainable growth and commercialization in the life sciences sector. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
    for information about our collection and use of personal data for
    advertising.
    53 min

About Nothing Ventured

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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…

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