Is Europe’s AI infrastructure build-out heading for a gigafactory-style bust?

Is Europe’s AI infrastructure build-out heading for a gigafactory-style bust?

Author: Sifted January 15, 2026 Duration: 28:33
If you’ve been following the recent wave of data centre announcements across Europe, you’ll have noticed one thing: governments are suddenly obsessed with compute. Why is that — and how will France, the UK and others fare in the AI infrastructure arms race? Can startups really compete with Big Tech and is this a sector VCs can play in? This week, host Amy Lewin is joined by senior reporters Daphné Leprince-Ringuet and Freya Pratty to dig into the fast-moving — and expensive — world of AI inf...

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
Can French AI startup Mistral ever compete with Big Tech? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
This week we discuss: 02:07 — Improbable’s refocus on the metaverse sees big reduction in losses 04:46 — ‘The economics of trading equity for compute are not great’ — Mistral releases its first model 07:15 — Dutch arm of…
European valuations tumble as the great startup fire sale begins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:13
This week we discuss: 01:24 Getir valuation reduced 4x in new $500m funding round 02:14 The big French fire sale: record numbers of startups are selling at big discounts 05:51 German HR tech Personio opens New York offic…
Klarna is back in black after a tough 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:31
This week we discuss: 02:55 US AI startup Poolside raises $126m seed round and relocates to France 05:50 Klarna cuts losses and sees “huge opportunity” in generative AI 08:10 N26 CPO Gilles BianRosa steps down, becomes s…
Getir is laying off 2,500 employees to try and survive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:39
This week we discuss: 02:25 Weight-loss drug mania reaches Europe: Denmark’s Embla raises €10m 06:47 Getir cuts 10% of staff in latest sign of speedy grocery industry's struggles 08:30 Northvolt raises $1.2bn convertible…
Founder of a top European VC firm accused of sexual harassment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:31
This week we're talking about a single story that Sifted reported this week: serious allegations of workplace misconduct at one of Europe’s leading VC firms. Seven people who worked at DN Capital — an investor in Shazam,…
Which buyer can save Babylon from bankruptcy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
This week we discuss: 01:10 How much RingCentral paid for those Hopin assets Was Hopin really such a failure? 03:41 Dutch startup Meatable raises $35m to scale cultivated pork products 07:58 Build-a-bot workshop: deepset…