This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Ferdinand Reynolds, and Lomax Ward

Posted by Admin January 27, 2025 Tech

Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where our good friends Dan Bowyer and Ferdinand Reynolds from SuperSeed, in a discussion with Lomax Ward, General Partner at Outsized Ventures, cover recent news and movements in the European tech landscape 💬

Watch it here or add it to your episodes on Apple or Spotify 🎧 chapters for easy navigation available on the Spotify/Apple episode.

Join us for a partners retreat packed with awe-inspiring treks, thrilling canyoning and river rafting, and inspiring sessions balanced with moments of reflection and exceptional dining. Be inspired by world record-breaking polar explorer Ben Saunders, challenged by our ex-SAS commander, and discover how to connect in an introductory deep work session with GOAT-investor Fred Destin.

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OpenAI has unveiled “Operator,” a groundbreaking AI agent that represents the first of its kind, offering users full control and access to an AI-powered browser within a browser. Here’s what you need to know:

Browser-within-a-Browser: Operator introduces a revolutionary concept of an embedded browser controlled entirely by the AI. This creates opportunities for seamless interaction and task execution online.
Pro-Only Access: Currently, Operator is exclusive to Pro subscribers, priced at $200/month. OpenAI plans to expand availability to more countries, with Europe facing delays, as mentioned by CEO Sam Altman.
First True AI Agent: Operator marks a significant leap in AI capabilities, being labeled the “first true agent” for its ability to act independently and interact dynamically with online platforms.

Meta has announced the layoff of 3,600 employees, approximately 5% of its workforce. This decision has sparked debates about the broader implications for the company and the tech industry.

Scale of Impact: Meta employs 72,000 people globally, making this layoff a significant move but still a fraction of its workforce.
Contentious Reactions: The layoffs have divided opinions: some view it as necessary to streamline operations (“culling the dead wood”), while others see it as a warning sign for deeper challenges.
AI-Driven Restructuring: Speculation suggests these cuts may signal a shift toward greater reliance on AI, reducing roles traditionally held by humans.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announces a leadership transition, with Marcus Bokkerink stepping down and former Amazon executive Doug Gurr taking over as chair. Here’s what this could mean for the UK’s competition landscape:

New Leadership: Doug Gurr, with a commercial background at Amazon, signals a potential pivot in focus for the CMA under his leadership.
Shift in Priorities: Speculation arises that consumer protection may take a back seat, with an emphasis on driving commerce and boosting business-friendly policies.
Supercharging the UK Economy: The CMA’s stated goal under Gurr is to stimulate the UK economy, aligning regulatory practices with growth-focused strategies.

The UK government appears poised to back plans for a long-debated third runway at Heathrow, sparking renewed discussions about its economic benefits and environmental costs.

Government Support: Ministers are expected to signal public backing for the expansion, positioning it as a critical growth initiative.
Economic Impact: Research projects the runway could add £47 billion to £143 billion to the UK economy by 2060, creating 27,000 jobs—though primarily benefiting the South of England.
Critics Question the Cost: While the expansion promises economic growth, opponents argue it comes at a significant environmental and social cost, calling it a “shameless push for growth.”

The European M&A market is showing signs of revival, fueled by increased deal values and growing activity in VC-backed startups. Here’s what’s driving the shift:

Undersupported Ecosystem: The resurgence highlights gaps in the growth investment and retail markets, pushing activity among PE-to-PE, VC-to-PE, and VC-to-VC consolidations.
Positive Signals for 2025: Increased DPI (Distributions to Paid-In Capital) to LPs signals better capital recycling, and reduced regulatory hurdles could further boost VC-backed M&A activity.
Impact of IPOs: If IPO markets regain traction, questions arise about how secondaries and M&A activity will be affected. Will the tide lift all ships, or will companies delay M&A for potential exits?

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has been marked by a flurry of executive actions, stirring global reactions and setting a tone of urgency and confrontation.

Euphoric Start: Trump signed 26 executive orders on Day 1, compared to 220 across his first term. Rescinded 78 Biden-era policies, including the EV mandate.
Impact on the UK and EU: Trump’s policies are expected to generate insecurity, with global markets reacting to his confrontational “mood music.”
World Economic Forum: Trump’s presence at WEF sparked both laughs and gasps, reinforcing his image as a bully who means business.

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✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | VC Fund Performance Benchmarking

Benchmarking is more than just numbers – it’s a critical tool for GPs and LPs to measure performance, position funds effectively, and align with market expectations.

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✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Marketing Foundations for Fund Managers

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✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Setting up and Structuring a VC Fund

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This masterclass is a side-event taking place during SuperVenture & SuperReturn.

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💬 EUVC Community | LP AMA with AQVC’s Marius Weber

Join us for an exclusive AMA session with Marius Weber, Founding Partner at AQVC.

After a history as a co-founder of startups and a manager of several VC funds over the last 15 years, in 2021 Marius Weber partnered with his long time friends Marcus and Oliver and co-founded AQVC, a tech enabled asset manager for Venture Capital which is divided in two departments.

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💬 EUVC Community | LP AMA with Christian Hjort Pedersen

Join us for an exclusive AMA session with Christian Hjort Pedersen, formerly VC Fund Investor at IIP Denmark.

Having allocated more than 600 M USD to top decile early-stage VC funds in US and Europe within tech and life sciences, Christian brings an understanding of the global venture markets and what it takes to build a true franchise better than most others.

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