GP/CVC Roundtable on AI in the Physical World

This episodes features an exciting conversation that will separate the real impact of AI from the sci-fi myths, offering insights into the current state of AI and what lies ahead.

Aug 27, 2024

Transcript

AI is not just a buzzword; it's a force transforming industries across the board.

This is why we have brought together Europe’s top tech minds for a roundtable discussion that will provide an inside look at the most significant trends and investment strategies, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

Our guests:

Sam Cash, Founding Partner, Entropy Industrial Capital
Eric Truebenbach, Managing Director, Teradyne Robotics Ventures
Claude Ritter, Managing Partner, Cavalry Ventures

The discussion begins with an overview of what AI in this context actually means, followed by a deep dive into whether the buzz around AI’s impact on both white-collar and blue-collar jobs is more hype or genuine reality. With insights from leading VCs, the conversation will also show how investors approach AI in these industries, showcasing notable companies and the strategic interests driving their investment decisions.

Additionally, the event will discuss the European investment landscape for AI, weighing the strengths, opportunities, and challenges unique to this region, offering a clear picture of where the continent stands in the global AI race.

Watch it here or add it to your episodes on Apple or Spotify 🎧

Today’s episode is brought to you in partnership with… Odense Seed & Venture

In Odense, we work actively to establish connections between the right investors and the right investment opportunities. We focus on the fields of robotics, drones, and automation.

Particularly notable is that these sectors in Odense are surrounded by a very strong community which has reached a global position that attracts high-potential entrepreneurs, industrial players, and investors.

You can experience the community and the investment landscape in Odense, at our annual events – The Odense Investor Summits.

Join the investor conference

HOW WE WORK

We work hard to ensure quality investment cases, so we screen and train companies before introducing you to them. Whether you are an investor or a company seeking capital, need assistance setting up your business in Odense, or want to learn more about the industry, we would be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact us at any time via the below!

Explore the Odense Robotics Ecosystem

Chapters:

06:23 Defining AI in the Physical World
08:20 Applications and Impact of AI in the Physical World
12:48 Challenges in AI Deployment
22:26 Transitioning to AI-Enabled Robotics
29:13 Overcoming Obstacles in AI and Robotics
33:27 Investor Landscape in Europe
34:08 AI's Impact on the Physical World
36:34 Challenges for Generalist Investors
38:55 The Future of AI and Robotics
43:13 Investment Strategies and Risks
45:35 Emerging Trends in AI
57:26 Europe's Position in Robotics
01:04:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

✍️ Key Takeaways

AI in the physical world involves the application of AI to manipulate and influence the physical environment.
The potential of AI in robotics lies in automation, sustainability, and enhancing sovereignty.
Founders face challenges in deploying AI in the physical world, including technical, market, and financial obstacles.
Investors can add value by providing expertise, connections, and financial support to founders in the AI and robotics space. There is a need for more investors who understand the complexities of building hardware companies and are willing to underwrite the risk.
AI in the physical world has significant potential in areas such as energy and climate, supply chain and manufacturing, and defense.
Advancements in collaborative robots and the use of synthetic data and simulation are exciting areas of development in robotics.
London and Odense are emerging as hubs for robotics in Europe, with a concentration of talent and innovative companies.

🧠 Upcoming advanced EUVC masterclasses

Advanced small-group sessions that take you from good to great. Lectured by leading GPs, LPs & Experts.

VC Portfolio Management: Capital Deployment and Reserve Planning
📅 Tue, September 24 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CET | Lecturer: Anubhav Srivastava, Tactyc

Venture Debt: Structuring & Deal Terms
📅 Tue, October 8 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CET | Lecturer: Hemal Fraser‑Rawal, General Partner at White Star Capital

Benchmarking Session for GPs & LPs
📅 TBD - preregistration open now | Lecturer: To be announced 🤫

Got ideas or requests for future topics to cover? Let us know here.

📺 Virtual events coming up

Mastering the sell-side of secondaries | VC Masterclass | 📆 Tue, Sep 3, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CET) | Register here

This session will delve into the fundamentals of the secondaries market, distinguishing between direct and fund secondaries, and identifying key stakeholders such as employees, founders, LPs, GPs, and intermediaries. Alberto will share his sophisticated buyer process, including his quantitative scorecard approach and detailed due diligence. Learn how to prepare assets for sale, understand valuation techniques, navigate legal and regulatory considerations, and stay ahead of market trends.

Investing and scaling in Portugal and beyond | 📆 Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CET) | Register here

Delve into key topics such as navigating the Portuguese investment landscape, empowering women-led startups, and scaling businesses beyond borders with global best practices. Learn about pioneering innovation in tech companies and be inspired by real-life success stories of Portuguese scale-ups. Engage directly with industry leaders, gain cutting-edge strategies, and understand how global trends intersect with local opportunities.

GP Roundtable: Leveraging AI in Portfolio Monitoring & Management | 📆 Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CET) | Register here

This roundtable is a must for GPs looking to get an edge using AI. By tapping into AI-driven analytics and predictive modeling, VCs can unlock hidden trends and streamline their operations. Plus, tackling early risk assessment can save portfolios from tanking 💥. It's about staying ahead in a cutthroat world.