Analyst Insights: A Fresh Take on VC

Hi Nick, thanks for taking the time for this little interview, say: What has surprised you the most about working in VC so far?

I’ve been surprised by how much emphasis is placed on the people behind the startups rather than just the business idea itself. A strong, resilient, and complementary team is one of the most valuable things in a startup and can even be more valuable than an amazing product or concept.
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What has been your biggest takeaway from your first month?

The biggest takeaway so far has been the importance of networking and building relationships within the ecosystem. So much of the work in VC is about connecting with and getting to know people, whether that’s other investors, founders, or industry experts. They all make up the ecosystem and they all share interesting perspectives and a drive for the development of the future.

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What’s one thing you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to be so important?

I didn’t expect how crucial market research and understanding the founder’s vision would be when evaluating startups. It's not just about the numbers, as there aren’t that many up to the seed stage, but also about how well the startup fits within its market and its long-term potential there.

I’ve been surprised by how much emphasis is placed on the people behind the startups rather than just the business idea itself.

What kind of startups have caught your attention the most?

Startups that focus on sustainability and tech-driven solutions to climate change have really caught my attention. They align with both my personal interest and a growing trend in the industry toward responsible innovation.

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How has your perspective on startups and founders evolved since joining?

I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the immense challenges that founders face. It’s easy to romanticize entrepreneurship, but I’ve realized that building a startup requires incredible perseverance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. If they want, founders should be supported on their way!

The biggest takeaway so far has been the importance of networking and building relationships within the ecosystem.

What trends or sectors are you becoming more interested in?


I was very interested in the energy and sustainability sectors before. Now with more insights and the possibilities I see every week, that interest has developed into an even strong one. Thats particularly the case for clean energy technologies. The potential for impactful solutions in reducing environmental footprints and driving energy efficiency is growing rapidly, and I’m really confident about the possibilities for startups in these areas to make a difference and help us on our way to climate neutrality.

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How did you manage working on your exams next to your work as an Analyst?


Balancing both was definitely challenging, as I started during my exam phase. But blocking out time for work and keeping a clear schedule was definitely important. I also leaned on my colleagues for support when needed, and luckily, the flexible nature of the role allowed me to manage both.

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What are you looking forward to next / what is your next milestone?


Now that I’ve gained a solid overview of the entire investment process, I’m eager to dive deeper into the due diligence phase and the search for new startups. I’m excited to focus more on evaluating opportunities, contributing to identifying high-potential companies to invest in and meeting many more founders standing behind their ideas.

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Many thanks, Nick - great to have you on the team!

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