TLDR:
– Fergal Mullen challenges dogmatic narratives in venture capital in a pragmatic approach
– He questions biases against first-time entrepreneurs, emphasizes feedback from founders, and critiques the “Unicorn or Bust” mentality
In the second part of Fergal Mullen’s interview, the co-founder and Partner of Highland Europe challenges entrenched dogmas in venture capital, urging a more thoughtful and individualized approach. Mullen questions the bias against first-time entrepreneurs and talks about the importance of getting feedback from founders. He delves into the significance of geographical proximity, critiques the “Unicorn or Bust” mentality, and offers a practical approach to board meetings. In closing, he emphasizes the importance of aligning fund size with strategy, considering diverse market sizes, and recognizing the potential in hardware investments.
IMD’s Venture Asset Management Initiative aims to demystify venture asset management in Switzerland and across Europe through research, thought leadership, and programs. Zhike Lei discusses topics such as managing emotions when facing defeat and understanding failure in various podcasts.