Nothing Ventured

Aarish Shah - EmergeONE
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In conversation with the people who make the start-up world go round. Join Aarish Shah as he talks to founders, investors, and operators across the tech and venture ecosystem exploring some of the lesser-heard stories and challenges they've faced as they try to build the future.https://nothingventured.tech/Follow Nothing Ventured on socialTwitter https://twitter.com/NVPodFacbook https://www.facebook.com/NothingVenturedPodTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingventuredpodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nothingventuredpod/

  1. 8 HR AGO

    Deeptech Demystified | Felix Neubeck

    In this episode, Felix Neubeck (Playfair) breaks down why most VCs get deep tech wrong, how commoditisation curves kill “breakthrough” startups, and why policy not venture decides industrial winners. From quantum and fusion to defence and manufacturing, this is a sharp, no-BS look at where the West is heading next. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – Why Deep Tech Is Back 02:45 Generalists vs Specialists: Who Wins in Deep Tech? 06:30 The Myth: “There Isn’t Enough Capital” 10:15 Why Technology Picking Is So Hard 14:20 One Shot at Goal: Selling to Concentrated Markets 17:05 The Danger of Ignoring Commoditisation Curves 20:10 How to Actually Diligence Deep Tech 24:00 Backing Teams vs Backing Technology 27:50 Venture vs Policy: Who Should Fund Sovereignty? 31:30 Defence, Government & VC Alignment 34:00 Europe’s Manufacturing Identity Crisis 38:45 Has China Overtaken the West? 46:20 Contrarian Conviction: Life Is Endless Struggles 49:15 What Truly Moves Felix Emotionally Find Felix Neubeck online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fneubeck/ Twitter: https://x.com/FelixNeubeck Playfair: http://www.playfair.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  2. 26 FEB

    AI Money Isn’t Slowing Down

    AI is still vacuuming up capital but investors aren’t clapping for demos anymore. Public markets are questioning AI ROI. Mega-rounds are clustering into fewer “category kings.” Exit volume is rising, but valuations are shrinking. And secondaries are becoming the pressure valve for LP liquidity. In this episode we break down: • Why mega AI rounds are still happening but scrutiny is intense • The “Great Unlocking” in exits (more deals, smaller values) • Why secondaries are exploding • Where capital is actually landing: robotics, autonomy, logistics, cyber • The UK & Europe infrastructure software export story • EU & UK regulatory changes that could reshape VC fundraising The shift isn’t about less money. It’s about higher standards. This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min

  3. 19 FEB

    Intelligence is not a predictor of success | Amrit Sami

    People obsess over IQ scores and dominance tests. But success especially in venture it is about understanding people. I believe anyone can achieve greatness. With the right skills, even the NBA isn’t impossible. The limit is mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 – We Tested My Dominance & IQ 01:12 – 172 IQ… What Does That Actually Mean? 02:45 – Why IQ Is Overrated in Venture 04:10 – Emotional Intelligence or Raw Intelligence 06:30 – Reading Founders & Managing Ego 08:05 – Skill Stacking: How Anyone Can Compete 10:20 – “I Could Play in the NBA Next Year” (Mindset Explained) 12:00 – The Real Limit: Belief vs Capability 14:15 – Final Takeaway: Anything Is Learnable Find Amrit Sami online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-sami-4a1baaa4/ Twitter: https://x.com/amrit_sami Mercia: http://www.mercia.co.uk This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 24m

  4. 12 FEB

    On finding 100 rabid fans the Hustle Fund way | Elizabeth Yin

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, we’re joined by Elizabeth Yin, Co-Founder & GP at Hustle Fund, to break down what actually matters at pre-seed. We talk about why finding 100 rabid fans beats chasing TAM, why distribution is the last real moat, and how founders should think about product-market fit in 2026. Elizabeth shares: – Why most founders misunderstand PMF – The fastest way to validate demand at pre-seed – How to build distribution before product is perfect – Why niche markets win early – The biggest VC advice that hurts founders If you’re an early-stage founder, operator, or angel, this is a must-watch. Timestamps: 00:00 Why pre-seed is about speed, not polish 03:45 Finding your first 100 rabid fans 07:50 Why distribution is the real moat 14:30 PMF is not a moment 22:10 Bad VC advice founders should ignore Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dunkhippo33 Hustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min

  5. 5 FEB

    What's With Web3?

    Web3 didn’t disappear — it just stopped shouting. In this live anniversary episode of Nothing Ventured, we go inside Web3 Demo Day in London, where founders, investors, and operators come together to pitch, debate, and build what’s next — without the hype. You’ll hear directly from: - Early-stage Web3 and blockchain founders - Angel investors and VCs backing the next wave - Ecosystem leaders working across crypto, AI, and emerging tech We talk fundraising realities, why Web3 lost the narrative, how blockchain is quietly powering real use cases, and what founders actually need to focus on in 2026. This isn’t a studio podcast it’s live conversations, real energy, and honest insights from the floor. Timestamps: 00:00 Live at Web3 Demo Day (Intro) 01:48 Why Web3 Demo Day exists 06:26 Solana & Superteam UK 13:19 Is crypto back? Investor perspective 20:44 Investing in Africa & global scale 30:01 Founder failures, timing & sales 38:04 Building a Web3 operating system 42:26 On-chain savings & the future of DeFi Guests: Lorae Knight Cap Solana Superteam UK Samir Ceric Ceric & Co. Afzaal Mauthoor BridgCapital Dan Ballin Ideas Crucible Kristian Poliszczuk Volta Ravi Shah Blueprint Arsim Shillov Libraro Ronald Loh Wirex This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  6. 29 JAN

    Venture Isn’t Back It’s Adjusted

    January 2026 didn’t bring a reset it brought confirmation. Venture feels calmer. Capital is deploying. Deals are getting done. IPOs and exits are being discussed out loud again. But calm doesn’t mean normal and it definitely doesn’t mean safe. In this 20-minute Nothing Ventured monthly review, we break down what January actually revealed about how venture will behave in 2026 — not how people hope it will. We cover: -Why this calm feels more like resignation than relief -How capital has adapted after 2022–25 — and where the scars still show --AI’s real January story: violent concentration at the top, pressure everywhere else -What xAI, Humans& and Emergent tell us about where value is really forming -Why the Brex–Capital One deal is one of the most honest exits we’ve seen in years -What early-stage funding looks like now that the market is functional again -Europe’s ambition problem and the question no one wants to answer January didn’t restart the venture flywheel. But it did make one thing clear: this is a narrower market, with bigger rewards at the top and far less tolerance everywhere else. I’m Aarish. This is Nothing Ventured News. And as always stay liquid. This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    13 min

  7. 22 JAN

    The Decision That Made DocuSign Inevitable | Court Lorenzini

    There are fewer than 400 public tech companies worth over $10 billion. DocuSign is one of them — but its success wasn’t driven by flashy tech or perfect timing. In this episode, DocuSign founder Court Lorenzini breaks down the non-obvious decisions that actually bent the curve: • Why pricing and packaging mattered more than product features • How competing with FedEx and fax machines shaped DocuSign’s business model • The legal roadblock that almost stopped adoption — and the unconventional solution • Why focus beats scale in the early days • The real reason most venture-scale companies fail (hint: it’s the founders) We also dive into Founder Nexus — Tom’s answer to repeat founder failure modes — and why shared experience, not advice, is the real unlock for building enduring companies. This is a masterclass in decision-making, positioning, and surviving the brutal realities of venture-scale entrepreneurship. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why DocuSign Matters 05:20 – The Decision That Bent the Curve 11:00 – Competing With Fax & FedEx 17:40 – The Legal Problem That Almost Killed Adoption 24:30 – The Microsoft Moment 29:10 – Why Real Estate Was the Beachhead 35:45 – Why Most Startups Actually Fail 41:50 – The Success Equation 48:30 – Founder Nexus & Shared Scar Tissue 54:40 – The Contrarian Take on Education & AI Find Court Lorenzini online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/court-lorenzini-333447/ Twitter: https://x.com/FounderNexus FounderNexus: https://foundernexus.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr

  8. 15 JAN

    We Need More Mafias in European Tech | Florian Gottschaller

    One of the biggest mistakes in investing isn’t bad judgment — it’s outdated thinking. Early on, many didn’t understand platform businesses. They underestimated how fast they scale, how powerful networks become, and how value compounds. From passing on Facebook… to becoming Uber’s biggest investor. The lesson? Before you invest in the future, you have to unlearn the past. Don’t underestimate platform business models — they change everything. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & episode overview 02:27 – How Super Angels thinks about quality control 03:48 – Why great early-stage decisions still fail 05:06 – Escaping your own investment “bubble” 06:22 – Power laws, probability & why volume matters in VC 09:22 – Handling competing deals & replacing angels 11:12 – Why there are fewer than 100 real super angels in Germany 15:37 – How tax incentives distort investment decisions 19:37 – What “top 10%” really means for Fund II 22:25 – Why doubling down on winners beats diversification dogma 25:31 – Timing follow-on investments & conviction building 30:21 – Europe’s real bottleneck isn’t regulation — it’s culture 33:15 – Why Europe loses its best companies to the US 35:42 – Risk aversion, civil servants & economic stagnation 45:49 – Contrarian opinion: why “more is more” 49:54 – What moves Florian emotionally 53:24 – Where to find Florian & Super Angels Find Florian Gottschaller online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-gottschaller/ Twitter: https://x.com/MetroF Superangels: https://super-angels.eu This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min
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About

In conversation with the people who make the start-up world go round. Join Aarish Shah as he talks to founders, investors, and operators across the tech and venture ecosystem exploring some of the lesser-heard stories and challenges they've faced as they try to build the future.https://nothingventured.tech/Follow Nothing Ventured on socialTwitter https://twitter.com/NVPodFacbook https://www.facebook.com/NothingVenturedPodTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingventuredpodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nothingventuredpod/

Information

  • Creator
    Aarish Shah - EmergeONE
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aarish Shah - EmergeONE
  • Show Website
    Nothing Ventured