Episode 116: Christian Noske: Partner at NGP Capital - Europe's Wake Up Moment
This week on the EU Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sat down with Christian Noske, Partner at NGP Capital. NGP is a global VC investing in technology companies across Europe and the US. For two decades, NGP has invested in more than 120 companies, of which 19 became unicorns and 11 went on to IPO. Some of the companies NGP has backed include Lime, GetYourGuide, The Exploration Company, and ANYbotics.
In this episode, they discuss the longevity of NGP Capital, the shifts in investment focus from B2C to deep tech, and the importance of founders in the success of startups. Christian shares inspiring founder stories, including resilience during challenging times, and reflects on unsexy deals that turned out to be blockbusters. He also discusses lessons learned from missed opportunities and offers insights into the future of venture capital, particularly in Europe, emphasizing the need for a supportive political ecosystem. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on advice and life.
Takeaways
1. The founder's unique DNA is what makes startups succeed.
2. Grit and resilience are key in overcoming challenges.
3. Unsexy businesses can yield great returns.
4. The future of VC will favor small, specialized firms.
5. Europe has great talent and strong potential for innovation.
6. Bureaucracy hinders entrepreneurial growth in Europe.
7. Best advice you've ever received: Be present and engaged
#startup #entrepreneurship #venturecapital
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