Episodios

  • Biotech vs. AI: Why Venture Capital is Shifting Focus

    Biotech vs. AI: Why Venture Capital is Shifting Focus
    Oct 2 2025
    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.
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    17 m
  • Enis Hulli: Emerging Europe builds US native unicorns

    Enis Hulli: Emerging Europe builds US native unicorns
    Sep 25 2025
    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.
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    59 m
  • Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions

    Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions
    Sep 18 2025
    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.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders

    Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders
    Sep 11 2025
    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.
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    17 m
  • Aarish: What moves them most

    Aarish: What moves them most
    Sep 4 2025
    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.
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    9 m
  • Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions

    Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions
    Aug 28 2025
    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.
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    22 m
  • Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture

    Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture
    Aug 14 2025
    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.
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    1 h y 5 m
  • Andrea Isoni: CFOs - You're Safe from AI - For Now

    Andrea Isoni: CFOs - You're Safe from AI - For Now
    Aug 7 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Dr. Andrea Isoni, Chief AI Officer at AI Technologies and lead author of the influential State of AI report. Together, they dive into the often misunderstood world of artificial intelligence, exploring its practical applications and the potential pitfalls that accompany its use. Andrea discusses the financial implications of implementing AI, particularly the necessity of investing in cybersecurity. He emphasises that while AI may change the landscape of employment, it is unlikely to lead to mass unemployment, prompting a need to rethink job roles rather than entire jobs. The conversation also touches on the emerging hacker economy and the importance of maintaining skepticism towards AI systems, which are not 100% trustworthy. Andrea reassures CFOs that their positions are secure for now, as AI is more about enhancing tasks than replacing entire jobs. Tune in for a candid discussion that cuts through the hype surrounding AI and addresses its real-world implications. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:51 - AI and Cybersecurity Spending 00:01:12 - Employment and the Hacker Economy 00:01:44 - Trustworthiness of AI Systems 00:01:58 - Human vs. Synthetically Generated Data 00:02:09 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Information 00:02:53 - AI Delusion and Marginal Improvements 00:03:44 - Beneficiaries of AI Hype 00:05:00 - AI Sentience and Job Loss Concerns 00:07:08 - Future Job Market and Employment Concerns 00:08:20 - Investment in AI and Startup Hype 00:10:12 - High-Risk, High-Return in AI Investments 00:12:06 - Competitive Landscape in AI Development 00:13:04 - Practical Challenges with AI Tools 00:14:17 - Future of Work and Hacker Economy 00:16:07 - Shift to Fractional Consultancy Model 00:17:31 - Specialisation and Knowledge-Intensive Work 00:18:45 - Assurance and Human Role in AI Systems 00:19:55 - UK Employment and Up-skilling Opportunities 00:20:23 - Nationwide AI Up-skill Programs 00:22:14 - Emotional Reactions to AI Adoption 00:23:16 - Augmentation vs. Replacement by AI 00:25:00 - Effort and Long-Term Benefits in AI Era 00:28:49 - Misconceptions About AI Sentience 00:29:45 - Ethical Concerns in AI Deployments 00:32:33 - AGI and ASI Definitions and Implications 00:34:50 - Science and Error in AI Systems 00:35:01 - Human Role Behind AI Systems 00:37:17 - Regulation and Control in AI Development 00:40:13 - Democratisation of AI Access 00:43:07 - Practical Example: AI in Legal Judgments Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaisoni20/ Twitter: https://x.com/theandreaisoni AI Technologies: aitechnologies.co 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.
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    1 h y 19 m