Erin Platts on SVB collapse and new role at Octopus Ventures: ‘There will always be churn’

Erin Platts on SVB collapse and new role at Octopus Ventures: ‘There will always be churn’

Author: Sifted October 30, 2025 Duration: 44:01
This week host Amy Lewin sits down with Erin Platts, CEO of Octopus Ventures. Erin joined Octopus at the beginning of this year after a two decade stint at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), where she oversaw UK operations throughout its dramatic collapse in 2023. Erin walks Amy through the climactic weekend that SVB went under, revealing what really happened behind the scenes as industry partners scrambled to keep startups’ cash safe. The pair also dig into the state of venture in the UK, including ...

Each week on Startup Europe-The Sifted Podcast, host Amy Lewin sits down with the people actually shaping the continent's technology landscape. This isn't about abstract theories or distant analysis; it's built from direct conversations with the founders rolling up their sleeves, the operators scaling teams, and the investors backing the next big ideas. Alongside Sifted's own journalists, Amy delves into the specifics of building a business, examining the strategies, setbacks, and successes that define the journey. The discussions go beyond the headlines to explore the real mechanics and human stories behind the companies causing a stir. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at innovation as it happens, grounded in the reporting and network that Sifted brings. It’s for anyone curious about the practical realities of European tech, from seasoned investors to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to hear how it’s really done. You’ll find a focus on tangible lessons and candid insights, making each episode a detailed snapshot of a dynamic and fast-moving ecosystem.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hopin: how a $7bn startup fell down in a heap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
This week we discuss: 01:07 Johnny Boufarhat steps down as CEO of Hopin 04:55 Prima Materia makes third startup investment — into longevity 08:31 European VCs see exodus of women investors 11:58 The ‘crazy’ £20bn subsea…
Why did VCs' favourite e-bike go bankrupt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:44
This week we discuss: Getir calls on staff to go door-to-door with goodie bags as cashflow problems persist (1:36) Eurazeo's growth team quits to start new fund (5:31) VanMoof: What happened to VCs' favourite bike? (8:42…
Inside Paris's booming AI scene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
This week we discuss: 02:00 UK government unveils plan to direct £75bn from pension funds to startups 05:30 5 key questions that the Mansion House Compact doesn’t answer 07:34 The startup creating AI jobs for humans: Pro…
Millions in shareholder value wiped out as Babylon delists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:55
Our competition to win a ticket for the Sifted Summit has now closed, thanks for entering if you took part! We're still keen to learn more about who listens to the podcast, please take this five-question survey if you ha…
Tony Blair on his vision for an AI-powered Britain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
Our competition to win a ticket for the Sifted Summit has now closed, thanks for entering if you took part! We're still keen to learn more about who listens to the podcast, please take this five-question survey if you ha…
Why has Checkout.com slashed its own valuation again? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:47
This week we discuss: Infarm quits Europe as vertical farming withers on the vine Checkout.com cuts internal valuation by another 15% EIF to set up a €200m fund for European defence tech Can e-fuel make flying green? Sta…
Why is Typeform losing market share? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
This week we discuss: 01:06 Monzo narrows losses slightly as lending book triples 04:06 Inside GetYourGuide: Germany’s $2bn travel experiences platform 07:41 US giant NEA backs Stockholm AI company Sana Labs 09:45 Did US…