#70: From founder to investor with Tom Even Mortensen

Tom took his first startup public as CEO, later held exec and board roles in PE-backed companies, and now invests in early-stage companies through Sandwater, the VC firm he founded and raised a 125M€ first fund for.

We talk about what it takes to build a successful startup, the future of AI and robotics, mental health, and why climate investing isn't dead.

Learn more:

https://generogrowth.com

https://www.sandwater.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-even-mortensen-27b7453

(0:00) Introduction

(1:15) From startup to IPO

(7:10) Putting yourself in position to succeed

(10:32) From operator to investor

(15:44) Energy demand and the future of climate investing

(23:55) How robotics will transform society

(32:47) Finding new investments

(38:44) Innovation and tech in Europe

(47:38) Investment criteria, mental health, advice for founders