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  • 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
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    1 Std. und 19 Min.
  • Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture

    Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture
    Jul 31 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Arish Shah sits down with DDan Pandeni Idhenga, co-founder of the London Venture Capital Network, one of the fastest-growing venture communities in the UK. Dan shares his diverse journey from Namibia to New York and London, with experiences at J.P. Morgan, AIG, and successful startups like Confirm. The conversation delves into the challenges of accessing the venture capital ecosystem, the intricacies of scaling an events business while maintaining its unique charm, and the importance of educating the next generation of venture professionals. Dan discusses the reality check many face when entering VC, delineating three archetypes within the industry: the researcher or analyst, the community builder, and the investor. He also addresses the perceived flaws in the UK's venture model and emphasises the positive culture he aims to foster within the London Venture Capital Network. Tune in for insights on building connections between aspiring VCs, seasoned investors, and ambitious founders. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured and Dan Pandeni Idhenga 00:01:04 - The Opaque VC Ecosystem and Access 00:03:05 - Transitioning to Community-Based Business 00:04:57 - Vision for the London Venture Capital Network 00:07:37 - Scaling While Preserving Quality 00:09:07 - Identifying the Secret Sauce of Events 00:10:40 - Differentiating LVCN from Other Events 00:12:47 - Building a High-Quality Community 00:15:05 - Lessons from the Namibia Startup Investor Forum 00:18:08 - The Importance of Experimentation in Community Building 00:21:41 - Engaging Students and Young Professionals in VC 00:22:37 - Tools for Breaking into Venture Capital 00:24:16 - Understanding the Three Archetypes in VC 00:27:08 - The Importance of Networking and Writing 00:30:19 - Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital 00:34:19 - Startup Experience vs. Direct Entry into VC 00:40:19 - Adjusting LVCN's Approach to Industry Changes 00:44:57 - The Value of Startup Experience for Aspiring Investors Find Dan Pandeni Idhenga online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danidhenga/ Twitter: https://x.com/DanIdhenga London Venture Capital Network: https://www.londonvcnetwork.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
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    1 Std.
  • Aarish: Risk, Resilience & Reinvention

    Aarish: Risk, Resilience & Reinvention
    Jul 24 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish dives into the theme of Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention—three forces shaping the future of tech right now. Over the past month, we’ve witnessed a sharp divergence across the industry: while crypto infrastructure is quietly being rebuilt behind the scenes, the creator-platform playbook is showing signs of collapse. Join us as we unpack what’s working, what’s faltering, and how founders and investors can navigate the tension between long-term vision and short-term volatility. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention in Tech 00:00:17 - Crypto's Resilience: Infrastructure vs. Hype 00:01:32 - Defense Tech Surge: National Security Ventures 00:03:09 - Biotech Drought: Refinement Under Pressure 00:04:34 - Emerging Markets: Strategic Investments and Impact 00:05:50 - Final Thoughts: The New Venture Frontier
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    6 Min.
  • Marcus Clover: From Fuel Cell Technology to a VC Fund

    Marcus Clover: From Fuel Cell Technology to a VC Fund
    Jul 17 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Marcus Clover, co-founder of Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV). They delve into ERV's mission to accelerate the transition from carbon-heavy energy systems to renewable electrochemical solutions. With a team boasting seven PhDs and three professors, ERV combines deep technical expertise with a venture builder arm, ProSemino, to transform research into viable companies. The conversation covers key topics such as the two winning strategies for hardware companies—cost and functionality—the two megatrends in energy beyond decarbonisation, and the significant reduction in the price of solar and wind energy over the past decade. Marcus discusses the potential for homes and cities to evolve into power stations and highlights that 50% of the technologies needed for the energy transition already exist. The episode also touches on the rapid commercialisation of technology and the future convergence of compute costs with energy prices. Tune in to explore how innovation is shaping a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Marcus Clover of ERV 00:00:21 - ERV's Mission and Expertise 00:00:32 - ERV's Core Belief and Approach 00:00:53 - Topics for Today's Episode 00:01:25 - Energy Transition Technologies 00:02:00 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Information 00:02:43 - Marcus Clover's Background and Origin Story 00:03:17 - Early Career and Fuel Cell Technology 00:04:01 - Efficiency of Fuel Cells vs. Fossil Fuels 00:05:06 - Cost Reduction in EVs and Renewable Energy 00:06:00 - Formation of ERV and Partnership with ProSemino 00:07:16 - Economics of Electrons and Deep Tech Investment 00:08:12 - Capital Intensity in Deep Tech and Hardware 00:09:04 - Cost vs. Functionality in Hardware Companies 00:10:10 - Capital and Business Models in Energy Tech 00:11:20 - Challenges in Energy Tech Adoption 00:12:03 - Energy Transition and Efficiency 00:13:15 - Megatrends in Global Energy Demand 00:14:01 - Price Reduction in Renewable Energy 00:15:07 - Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption 00:17:03 - Narrative and Storytelling in Energy Transition 00:18:00 - Historical Context of Cleantech Investment 00:19:11 - Focus on Fundamentals and Economics 00:20:03 - Rapid Deployment of Solar and EVs 00:21:12 - Future of Energy Tech in the Next Decade 00:22:01 - Homes and Cities as Power Stations 00:23:02 - UK Energy Infrastructure and Policy 00:24:04 - Battery Technology and Energy Storage 00:25:11 - Impact of Energy Tech on Daily Life 00:25:41 - Integrated Energy Solutions for Consumers 00:26:45 - Analogy to Early Internet and Energy Solutions 00:27:42 - Aggregators and Resellers in Energy Tech 00:28:24 - Consumer Behavior and Energy Solutions 00:29:48 - Climate Angle in Energy Investment 00:30:30 - Matching Capital to Energy Models 00:31:12 - Existing vs. Emerging Energy Technologies 00:32:07 - Role of Philanthropy in Frontier Technologies 00:33:03 - Venture Studio and Incubator for Energy Tech 00:34:45 - Challenges in Lab Space for Energy Tech 00:36:34 - Research and Innovation in Energy Tech 00:37:12 - Ecosystem for Cleantech Spinouts 00:38:25 - UK Ambition in Energy Tech 00:39:18 - Energy for Future of Compute 00:40:11 - Cost of Compute and Energy Demand 00:41:40 - Venture Perspective on Data Centers 00:42:21 - Technology Needs for Data Centers 00:43:38 - Energy Demand Spikes in Data Centers 00:44:19 - Stability of Power in Emerging Markets 00:45:01 - Global Energy Distribution and Security 00:46:35 - Collaboration in the Global South 00:48:08 - Sovereign Energy Security and Dependence 00:49:02 - Electrification and Renewable Energy as Solutions Find Marcus Clover online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-clover-47b463a7/ Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-revolution-ventures/ Energy Revolution Ventures: https://erv.io 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
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    58 Min.
  • Irena Spazzapan: Is VC still hiding behind the power law?

    Irena Spazzapan: Is VC still hiding behind the power law?
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Ari Shah welcomes Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner at Systemic Capital, a venture capital fund focused on addressing planet-scale challenges through technology. Irena shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to venture building, emphasising the importance of software-first, asset-light models in tackling climate issues like decarbonisation and electrification. The conversation delves into the regulatory landscape surrounding physical technologies, the necessity of proactive investment strategies in a power law-driven industry, and the potential implications of shifting funds from money markets as interest rates change. Irena also discusses the dynamics of specialised funds in Europe and their impact on local investment landscapes. Tune in for insights on navigating the intersection of technology and climate solutions. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:00:10 - Irena Spazzapan's Background and Systemic Capital 00:00:31 - Climate Solutions and Investment Strategies 00:00:43 - The Role of Regulation in Venture Capital 00:01:00 - Power Law in Venture Capital 00:01:22 - Money Markets and Interest Rates 00:01:41 - Local Strong Funds in Europe 00:02:12 - VC as a Boys' Club 00:02:23 - Call to Action for Podcast Engagement 00:02:46 - Importance of Macroeconomics in Venture Capital 00:03:18 - Interaction Between Physical World and Software 00:05:13 - Examples of Electrification and Physical AI 00:06:19 - AI and Automation in Manufacturing 00:07:22 - Space and Planet-Scale Solutions 00:07:41 - Team Experience in Power and Commodities 00:08:12 - Impact of Macroeconomics on Venture Capital 00:09:13 - Importance of Short-Term Fundraising 00:09:35 - Potential Future Macro Trends 00:10:44 - Impact of War and Defense Tech on Venture Capital 00:11:05 - Avoiding Government Sales and Defense Investments 00:11:26 - The Fourth Turning and Societal Shifts 00:12:15 - Future of AI and Automation 00:12:37 - Societal Acceptance of Technological Shifts 00:13:41 - China's Advancements in Technology 00:14:16 - Robotic Football Teams and AI Progress 00:14:57 - Regulatory Differences Between China and the West 00:15:21 - Observations from Visiting China 00:16:01 - Misconceptions About China's Technological Capabilities 00:16:41 - Europe's Position Between the US and China 00:17:22 - Fragmentation of European Markets 00:18:09 - Power Law vs. Discipline in Exits 00:18:38 - Importance of Planning for the Worst 00:19:03 - Identifying Rocket Ships and Middle Ground Companies 00:20:39 - Creating DPI with Middle Pack Companies 00:21:06 - Explanation of DPI and IRR 00:22:02 - IRR vs. Multiples in Venture Capital 00:23:03 - Impact of Interest Rates on Venture Capital 00:24:34 - IPOs and Market Opportunities 00:25:18 - Public Investors' Attitude Towards Tech in Europe 00:26:18 - Challenges of Expanding Fund Size 00:27:00 - Building Value-Generative Portfolios 00:28:28 - Helping Companies Find Better Homes 00:29:25 - Transatlantic Strategy and Avoiding Continental Europe 00:30:11 - Challenges of Competing with US Tier 1 Funds 00:31:14 - Efficiency and Productivity in Investment Strategy 00:32:01 - Publicly Funded Specialist Funds in Europe 00:32:32 - Penetrating Local Ecosystems 00:33:17 - Deal Flow and Focus in the UK 00:34:01 - Inbound Opportunities from Europe 00:34:23 - Impact of US Firms Entering Europe 00:34:48 - Collaboration with Generalist Funds 00:35:10 - Challenges of Diluting Focus with a Small Team 00:35:46 - Importance of Maintaining a Consistent Strategy 00:36:36 - Barriers to Entry in Asset Management 00:37:32 - Women in Venture Capital and Herd Mentality 00:38:24 - Impact of Downturns on Women in VC 00:39:00 - VC as a Boys' Club 00:39:42 - Building a Different Culture in VC Firms 00:41:11 - Fitting In vs. Bringing Your Own Dynamic 00:42:03 - Managing Sharks in the Industry FindIrena Spazzapan online at: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-spazzapan-741a53/ Twitter: https://x.com/ISpazzapan Systemiq Capital: https://systemiqcapital.earth 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
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    49 Min.
  • Aarish Shah: News Episode

    Aarish Shah: News Episode
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish dives into the latest trends and insights from the venture capital landscape as of June 2025. He reflects on the significant developments in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, highlighting Nvidia's remarkable performance, which saw revenue soar to $39 billion and $44 billion in consecutive quarters. Despite facing challenges like export controls and the US-China chip war, Nvidia rebounded to become the world’s most valuable company, underscoring the fundamentals driving current AI euphoria in the venture space. Aarish also critiques the emergence of pre-planned AI ventures, exemplified by the $2 billion funding for Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab, which lacks a clear product or mission, raising questions about the sustainability of such hype-driven investments. Tune in for a concise, no-fluff analysis of the current state of venture capital, exploring the intersection of hype, hope, and hard truths in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured in the News 00:00:17 - Overview of June 2025 in Venture Capital 00:00:49 - Nvidia's Explosive Growth and AI Euphoria 00:01:45 - The Rise of Pre-Planned AI and Faith-Based Investing 00:02:37 - Startup Failures and the Need for Diligence 00:03:49 - Europe's Big VC Play and Structural Challenges 00:05:03 - AI's Impact on San Francisco Real Estate 00:05:55 - Momentum in India and Spain's Tech Markets 00:07:10 - The Split in U.S. Venture Capital 00:08:03 - Norsken VC's Commitment to AI for Good 00:08:46 - Failure Files: Coros and Builder.ai 00:09:29 - Conclusion: Investing in Substance Over Hype 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
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    11 Min.
  • Oli Harris: From poker chips to portfolio cos

    Oli Harris: From poker chips to portfolio cos
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Venture, host Aarish Shah sits down with Oli Harris, a partner at Dream Ventures, to explore the intriguing parallels between poker and venture capital. Oli shares his background as an entrepreneur and discusses the unique approach Dream Ventures takes in investing, leveraging a gambler's instinct to identify elite technology and consumer companies. The conversation delves into the challenges founders face when transitioning to CEO roles, emphasising the importance of adaptability and delegation. Oli highlights the significance of being a great fiduciary, building trust with both founders and limited partners (LPs), and the impact of larger funds on investment strategies. Tune in to gain insights on what makes a successful founder and the evolving landscape of venture capital. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured 00:00:10 - Oli Harris: Entrepreneur to VC 00:00:57 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO 00:01:37 - The Role of a Fiduciary in Venture Capital 00:01:57 - Investment Strategies and Founder Characteristics 00:02:49 - The Poker Mindset in Investing 00:03:15 - Networking and Understanding Human Behavior 00:04:53 - The Importance of Adaptability in Founders 00:05:59 - The Challenges of Scaling a Business 00:08:09 - The Difference Between Building Revenue and Building a Business 00:10:58 - Self-Awareness in Founders and CEOs 00:12:07 - The Unusual Journey of Founders 00:13:44 - The Anti-VC Approach of Dream Ventures 00:16:05 - Pragmatic Money Management in Venture Capital 00:17:51 - Understanding DPI and Trust with LPs 00:20:10 - The Three Tiers of Investment Portfolio 00:21:07 - The Importance of Early Exits 00:22:14 - The Reality of Venture Capital Returns 00:24:10 - The Shift in Venture Capital Attitudes 00:25:19 - The Velocity of Money and LP Relationships 00:30:10 - The Challenges of Fund Size and Investment Strategy 00:31:56 - Evaluating Founders: Process and Intuition 00:35:10 - The Human Element in Venture Capital 00:38:07 - The Mental and Emotional Toll on Founders 00:40:01 - The Dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome 00:42:05 - The Importance of Focus in Startups 00:44:58 - Normalising Cashing Out for Founders 00:46:08 - The Future of Secondary Investments in Europe Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliharris/ Twitter: https://x.com/ohchopper Dream Ventures: https://www.dreamventures.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
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    1 Std. und 5 Min.
  • Varun Rekhi: The Roaring 20s Mentality: How Europe Can Celebrate Success in Tech

    Varun Rekhi: The Roaring 20s Mentality: How Europe Can Celebrate Success in Tech
    Jun 19 2025
    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Varun Rekhi:, a growth investor at Speed invest, to discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital in Europe. Varun shares insights on why he believes Europe's flywheel is broken, highlighting that the continent faces an output problem rather than an input problem. He emphasises the need for a "roaring 20s mentality" in Europe, akin to the celebratory spirit seen in the U.S. Varun delves into the four Ts of early-stage investing—team, total addressable market (TAM), timing, and traction—while contrasting them with the focus on commercial, financial, and legal aspects in growth-stage investments. He also discusses the importance of developing creative exit strategies and the value of engaging in messy real-world environments to foster first principles thinking. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of venture investing across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Varun Rekhi and the Podcast 00:01:04 - Europe's Venture Ecosystem: A Broken Flywheel 00:02:44 - Macro Context of Venture Capital in Europe 00:03:46 - Understanding Europe's Output Problem 00:05:53 - The Mindset of Public Market Investors 00:08:07 - Celebrating Wealth Creation in Europe 00:10:07 - The Impact of Capital Markets on Growth 00:12:07 - The Role of Talent and Infrastructure in Europe 00:14:13 - Opportunities for Founders in the Current Climate 00:15:51 - The Importance of Distribution and Voice for Founders 00:18:00 - Navigating Early-Stage vs. Growth-Stage Investing 00:22:08 - Key Metrics for Growth-Stage Startups 00:25:19 - The Shift in Investment Focus and Trends 00:29:34 - Advice for Founders on Fundraising 00:30:44 - The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital 00:32:13 - The Rise of Capital Efficiency in Startups 00:37:05 - Future Trends in Direct Listings and Secondaries 00:42:23 - Adapting the Venture Capital Model for Europe Find Varun Rekhi online at: LinkedIn: https: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunrekhi/ Twitter: https: https://x.com/RekhiVarun Speedinvest: https://www.speedinvest.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
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    1 Std. und 2 Min.