Capital Conversations: Insights into the World of Venture Capital

In the second part of Fergal Mullen's interview, the co-founder and Partner of Highland Europe provides a pragmatic take on venture capital practices, addressing key industry dogmas.Mullen questions the bias against first-time entrepreneurs and talks about the importance of getting feedback from founders. He delves into the significance of geographical proximity, critiques the "Unicorn or Bust" mentality, and offers a practical approach to board meetings.In closing, he emphasizes the importance of aligning fund size with strategy, considering diverse market sizes, and recognizing the potential in hardware investments. *****Through our research, thought leadership, and annual program, IMD’s Venture Asset Management Initiative aims to demystify venture asset management in Switzerland and across Europe.To find out more about IMD visit imd.orgFor more information about our Venture Asset Management Initiative click hereThis podcast was editorialized by Raphael Grieco, VC Researcher at IMD

16 Feb 202417min

Fergal Mullen is a co-founder and Partner of Highland Europe focused on enterprise SaaS and consumer internet companies. He represents Highland Europe on the boards of GetYourGuide.com, AMCS, Nexthink, Bitmovin, Meditopia, Unibuddy, and Podimo. Highland Europe is currently investing from its 5th Fund which is just over €1B. In total, the firm manages approximately €3B. Until the formation of Highland Europe, Fergal was a General Partner with Highland Capital Partners. He launched the firm in Europe in 2007 and Co-Founded Highland Europe in 2011.*****Through our research, thought leadership, and annual program, IMD’s Venture Asset Management Initiative aims to demystify venture asset management in Switzerland and across Europe.To find out more about IMD visit imd.orgFor more information about our Venture Asset Management Initiative click hereThis podcast was editorialized by Raphael Grieco, VC Researcher at IMD

26 Jan 202419min

In episode one of Capital Conversations, Olivier Laplace, Managing Partner at VI Partners, discusses the evolving landscape of the technology investment market. Olivier Laplace explores the nature of the current crisis, drawing parallels to previous downturns and highlighting the unique features of the current situation. His advice to founders centers on building a robust business, conducting thorough due diligence on investors, and navigating the changing dynamics of talent acquisition and fundraising.Key points include the impact of a 2020 bubble on startup valuations, the transitional phase in 2021 marked by a decline in IPOs, and the influence of long-term interest rates on venture capital dynamics. *****Through our research, thought leadership, and annual program, IMD’s Venture Asset Management Initiative aims to demystify venture asset management in Switzerland and across Europe. To find out more about IMD visit imd.orgFor more information about our Venture Asset Management Initiative click hereThis podcast was editorialized by Raphael Grieco, VC Researcher at IMD

12 Des 202317min

Capital Conversations: Insights into the World of Venture Capital, is a podcast series produced by IMD and its Venture Asset Management Initiative. Subscribe for future episodes.To find out more about IMD visit imd.org For more information on IMD's Venture Asset Management Initiative click here

31 Okt 20239min