The Growth Pod · 2025-10-23 · 1h 5m
Tom took his first startup public as CEO, later held exec and board roles in PE-backed companies, and now invests in early-stage companies through Sandwater, the VC firm he founded and raised a 125M€ first fund for. We talk about what it takes to build a successful startup, the future of AI and robotics, mental health, and why climate investing isn't dead. Learn more: (0:00) Introduction (1:15) From startup to IPO (7:10) Putting yourself in position to succeed (10:32) From operator to investor (15:44) Energy demand and the future of climate investing (23:55) How robotics will transform society (32:47) Finding new investments (38:44) Innovation and tech in Europe (47:38) Investment criteria, mental health, advice for founders
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