Davor Hebel: Making VC more empathetic & the future of European Startups

Davor Hebel: Making VC more empathetic & the future of European Startups

Author: JBM, James Mitra February 28, 2024 Duration: 44:16
“Team sports are a great proxy for working in companies, where often the power of the collective is way stronger than any individual.” This week’s 40 Minute Mentor is Davor Hebel, Managing Partner at Eight Roads Ventures, the global VC firm backed by Fidelity.     Eight Roads backs and partners with game-changing tech and healthcare companies across Europe, Asia, Israel and the US. The platform has 50+ years of venture investing experience, $11bn in AUM, over 300 portfolio companies and they’ve had 60+ IPOs. Reflecting on 18+ years in venture capital, Davor shares tonnes of insights in today’s episode, including…  Episode Chapters: ➡️ His proudest deal to date [1:51] ➡️ A realistic view on how many companies raise VC funding [3:25] ➡️ Growing up in Croatia with athletes turned educators [6:02] ➡️ Making the move from consulting to VC [10:37] ➡️ The challenges of a multi-faceted role [12:27] ➡️ Expecting things to go wrong in the Startup world [14:13] ➡️ Characteristics of a great Investor [16:19] ➡️ The history of Eight Roads Ventures [21:58] ➡️ Successful portfolio companies & exits [24:06] ➡️ How to really impress a VC [26:10] ➡️ Entrepreneurs at the heart of company culture [29:27] ➡️ Evolution as a leader and investor [31:22] ➡️ Predictions for the Tech ecosystem in 2024 [32:49]  ➡️ Young Generation in Tech survey findings [34:34] ➡️ The impact & future of AI [37:24] ➡️ Opportunities in VC [38:40] ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Davor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davorhebel/  ➡️ Find out more about Eight Roads Ventures: https://eightroads.com/en/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

40 Minute Mentor
Podcast Episodes
Fundraising Advice from Seed to Unicorn Founders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:20
“When a VC gives you a low valuation, it isn’t the fact that your company is worth that much, it might just be because you didn’t pitch it in the right way.” Fundraising can be a lonely process at times. And an endless e…
A VC Roundup - Raising from VCs & getting into the industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
“This is a long partnership. We’re here to return money to our investors, but we are also here to experience a very unique journey together. So, trust is very important, on both sides.” We’ve been so lucky to have some o…
Gideon Valkin: From ClearScore & Monzo to building a $12m solo GP fund [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
“Founders deserve Investors that have relevant operating experience, time to help them and can be impartial and objective in the advice they give.” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Gideon Valkin, former Monzo and ClearScore C…
The Do’s & Don’ts of Public Relations for Startups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
“It very often feels uncomfortable for Founders to put themselves out there in that way. But the more you do it, the easier it will get.” In this 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re covering a topic critical for every early-…
Scarlett McCabe & Lewis Iwu: The power of debating & disagreeing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:41
“[Debating] teaches you to listen, to challenge well, and it teaches you all the skills that you need to be able to be in any room at any time, with anyone.” The world seems more divided than ever before. But is it actua…
Amy Gallo: Conflict Management & How to get along with your colleagues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:04
“If you’re in a situation where you’re dealing with [a difficult boss], I think the question is - am I actually getting something from this? And if the answer is ‘no, I’m getting nothing’, then it’s time to really think…