OVNI's

REDIFFUSION - Adam Lasri - Yellow : un fonds pre-seed fondé par des entrepreneurs pour des entrepreneurs

Dans cet épisode d’OVNIs, Matthieu Stefani reçoit Adam Lasri, partner chez Yellow, le fonds qui veut redéfinir le pré-seed. Dans un marché saturé d’argent mais pauvre en vrai support, Yellow mise sur l’accompagnement ultra-opérationnel : structurer la vision equity, préparer la série A, et ouvrir les bons carnets d’adresses dès le jour 1. Leur secret ? Une team hybride d’ex-investisseurs et de fondateurs, des tickets de 400 k€ qui font la différence, et une approche « founder-first » à la vitesse d’un startup sprint. Adam partage aussi sa vision du jeu : en pré-seed, tout repose sur l’équipe, le “why” et la vitesse d’exécution. Le reste — produit, marché, traction — vient après. Yellow scanne 2 000 projets par an pour n’en creuser qu’une poignée, avec un seul but : être le premier à dire “oui” aux entrepreneurs les plus ambitieux. Un épisode qui mêle clairvoyance, énergie et méthode, parfait pour ceux qui veulent lever mieux, plus vite et plus intelligemment. [00:00:00] Définition du pré-seed et philosophie d’investissement de Yellow [00:02:30] ADN du fonds : ex-Atomico + ex-Glovo, approche opérateur-investisseur [00:04:25] Post-bulle VC : moins de Série A/B, focus 0→1 et vitesse d’exécution [00:06:30] Agnosticisme sectoriel, cas concrets Paladin & Wordsmith.ai [http://Wordsmith.ai] [00:09:30] L’avantage d’un founder-led fund : empathie, réseau, playbooks [00:12:30] Process Yellow : 2 000 founders/an, décisions en 48 h [00:20:00] Ce que l’équipe cherche : intentionnalité, storytelling, ambition [00:34:00] Atomico vs Yellow : capital power vs accompagnement terrain [00:40:00] Le rôle du “first believer” et la relation long terme avec les founders [00:43:00] Focus Europe continentale : France, Sud, DACH, potentiel post-2017 [00:46:00] Les red flags : manque d’énergie, absence de grit ou d’ambition [00:51:00] Anti-portfolio & leçons d’humilité : Back Market, Conto [00:57:00] Culture de l’exécution : comment détecter les “warriors” sans track-record [01:02:00] Les offsites Yellow : communauté, partage, ROI humain [01:12:00] Monter un fonds = monter une boîte : patience, karma et brand building Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite [https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite] pour plus d'informations.

OVNIs Ep. #112 - Adam Draper - Build the Future, Not the Consensus: Inside Boost VC

In this episode of the OVNIs Podcast, hosted by Augustin Sayer, Adam Draper of Boost VC dives into the art of storytelling as a core skill in venture capital - explaining how strong narratives shape brands, attract founders, and ultimately define a fund’s identity. Drawing from his journey from early angel investing to building Boost VC, he shares how intuition, fast decision-making, and consistency have been central to backing category-defining companies like Coinbase, while emphasizing the importance of building conviction early - even before markets fully understand the opportunity.  The conversation also explores deeper themes such as liquidity in venture capital, unconventional strategies like leveraging crypto assets, and the evolution of investment theses in a rapidly changing ecosystem. Adam highlights his long-term belief in “sovereign technology” and founder-driven innovation, while offering a candid look at how experimentation, bold bets, and differentiated thinking can unlock outsized returns. Looking ahead to 2026, the episode captures a forward-thinking perspective on where innovation is heading—and what it takes to stay ahead in the venture game. [00:00:00] Intro & Adam Draper joins the podcast [00:00:49] Why storytelling is a VC superpower [00:01:56] From first startup to early angel investing wins [00:02:54] The origin story of Boost VC [00:06:07] Building a brand: consistency, identity & narrative [00:07:06] Growing up with Tim Draper & shaping an investor mindset [00:09:22] Why media, blogging & podcasting matter for investors [00:10:48] The Coinbase bet before understanding Bitcoin [00:13:48] Going all-in on crypto & building a fund thesis [00:15:10] Contrarian investing & embracing controversy [00:17:22] Personal branding & the power of consistency (the orange pants) [00:19:09] From comics to crypto: investing in rebellion & systems change [00:21:26] What makes a great VC partner [00:23:04] Liquidity in venture: myths vs reality [00:27:01] How venture capital is evolving (20 → 20,000 deals) [00:30:03] The Bitcoin strategy inside a VC fund [00:33:05] Returning capital using crypto liquidity [00:35:03] Building a high-performing fund & DPI insights [00:37:03] Evolving thesis: from crypto to deep tech & beyond [00:39:49] Conviction investing: leading a $300M round [00:46:01] Why bold bets define great investors [00:46:26] The future of venture & secondary markets [00:47:06] Why top funds sell before IPOs [00:47:48] Managing risk vs maximizing long-term upside [00:48:32] How great investors think about timing exits [00:49:15] The evolution of venture as an asset class [00:50:02] Early-stage vs late-stage: two different games [00:50:44] Access vs luck in venture capital [00:51:28] What truly defines a “great” investment [00:52:10] Building companies that matter for humanity [00:52:54] Patterns Adam looks for in founders [00:53:36] Why conviction beats consensus every time [00:54:18] Lessons from 15+ years in venture [00:55:02] What excites Adam Draper about 2026 [00:56:10] Future trends: deep tech, bio & frontier innovation [00:57:12] Final thoughts: building, betting & staying curious [00:58:10] Outro & closing remarks 📌 Disclaimer – Financial Information & Investment The content shared in this podcast (including episodes, excerpts, descriptions, associated posts, and YouTube videos) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute: * investment advice, * a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments, * portfolio management advisory services, * an offer of financial securities or a solicitation to acquire any financial instrument, * banking or financial solicitation within the meaning of Articles L.341-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code. This podcast is not an investment services provider (ISP) nor a financial investment advisor (FIA) within the meaning of French and European regulations (AMF / MiFID II). 📘 No Guarantee – Financial Risks The information discussed reflects the personal opinions of the speakers, based on their professional experience. It may be incomplete, subject to change, or not applicable to your personal situation. All investments involve risks of partial or total loss, particularly in the case of private investments, technology assets, or venture capital transactions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 👤 Listener Responsibility Each listener / viewer remains solely responsible for their investment decisions. Before making any decision, it is strongly recommended to consult: * a licensed professional financial advisor, * an investment services provider, or * a financial investment advisor (FIA) registered with ORIAS. 🔒 Potential Conflicts of Interest The speakers may be involved in companies, investment funds, or transactions mentioned. No statement should be interpreted as a commitment or a guarantee of performance. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite [https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite] pour plus d'informations.

OVNIs Ep. #111 - Philip Stehlik - Creating The New: Why Builders Follow Their Own Path

In this episode of OVNIs, Rebecca Miller welcomes Philip Stehlik, entrepreneur and long-time builder in the tech ecosystem. Originally from Germany, Philip moved to San Francisco at just 21, discovering Silicon Valley in the early 2000s and immersing himself in the culture of building companies from the ground up. From engineering and project management to entrepreneurship, he shares how that early exposure shaped his mindset and opened a world of possibilities around creating and scaling ideas. Rebecca and Philip explore the realities behind building startups and investment vehicles, including their own collaboration on launching a fund. The conversation dives into the founder journey, the dynamics of Silicon Valley, and the mindset required to turn ideas into real companies. A thoughtful discussion for founders, operators, and anyone curious about what it truly means to be a builder in the tech world. [00:00:00] Introduction — Meet Philip Stehlik [00:02:24] From Germany to Silicon Valley at 21 [00:04:53] Discovering the “Builder” Culture in Silicon Valley [00:07:36] Early Startup Experiences in the 2000s Tech Scene [00:10:10] Learning Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Education [00:12:29] Escaping the System to Build Your Own Path [00:15:00] The Founder Mindset: Creating Things from Scratch [00:17:20] When Startups Are Too Early for the Market [00:19:59] Building in Enterprise Fintech [00:22:20] The Reality of Startup Iteration and Failure [00:24:55] Becoming an Angel Investor — Backing 175+ Startups [00:27:32] What Philip Looks for in Founders [00:30:09] Silicon Valley vs the European Startup Ecosystem [00:32:36] The Importance of Timing in Startups [00:34:58] Lessons from Building and Scaling Companies [00:37:42] The Evolution of Venture Capital and Angel Investing [00:39:57] Building Communities and Founder Networks [00:42:36] The Future of Startups in the AI Era [00:45:05] Advice for Founders Starting Today [00:47:24] Final Thoughts — Staying Curious and Building the Future 📌 Disclaimer – Financial Information & Investment The content shared in this podcast (including episodes, excerpts, descriptions, associated posts, and YouTube videos) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute: * investment advice, * a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments, * portfolio management advisory services, * an offer of financial securities or a solicitation to acquire any financial instrument, * banking or financial solicitation within the meaning of Articles L.341-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code. This podcast is not an investment services provider (ISP) nor a financial investment advisor (FIA) within the meaning of French and European regulations (AMF / MiFID II). 📘 No Guarantee – Financial Risks The information discussed reflects the personal opinions of the speakers, based on their professional experience. It may be incomplete, subject to change, or not applicable to your personal situation. All investments involve risks of partial or total loss, particularly in the case of private investments, technology assets, or venture capital transactions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 👤 Listener Responsibility Each listener / viewer remains solely responsible for their investment decisions. Before making any decision, it is strongly recommended to consult: * a licensed professional financial advisor, * an investment services provider, or * a financial investment advisor (FIA) registered with ORIAS. 🔒 Potential Conflicts of Interest The speakers may be involved in companies, investment funds, or transactions mentioned. No statement should be interpreted as a commitment or a guarantee of performance. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite [https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite] pour plus d'informations.

OVNIs Ep. #110 - Emily Eisenblätter - From Paris to Berlin: How OVNI Is Going Pan-European

In this episode of OVNIs Podcast, Matthieu Stefani sits down with Emily Eisenblätter to explore how OVNI is expanding beyond France and building a truly pan-European investment strategy. From opening their first office in Berlin to navigating cultural nuances across ecosystems, Emily shares why being “on the ground” is essential to source the best deals, build trust with founders, and create meaningful relationships with co-investors across Europe.  The conversation dives deeper into what makes OVNI different: a hands-on, value-first approach, strong operator DNA, and a growing international presence—from Germany to San Francisco. Emily also reflects on her background in deep tech, the evolution of European startup hubs, and the opportunities (and challenges) of scaling across fragmented markets. A sharp, insightful exchange on ambition, ecosystem dynamics, and what it takes to win the best deals in today’s venture landscape. 00:00 – Introduction 00:46 – Opening OVNI’s first office in Berlin 02:01 – Why being “on the ground” matters for investing 03:00 – Do you need local talent to win in a market? 04:24 – Emily’s role at OVNI: covering all non-French deals 05:38 – OVNI’s unfair advantage in France 🇫🇷 06:27 – Expanding OVNI’s brand across Europe 07:45 – How do you recruit the best people in VC? 08:49 – Building a pan-European presence (events, network, deals) 10:04 – Why having a US office changes everything 🇺🇸 11:24 – How OVNI wins deals against bigger funds 12:08 – “Give first” strategy: creating value before investing 13:12 – The power of operator VCs vs traditional investors 15:30 – SaaS boom, bust & investment lessons 16:48 – Emily’s background in deep tech & machine learning 19:46 – Missed deals & anti-portfolio regrets 20:24 – The craziest startups: from lab-grown meat to space tech 🚀 23:06 – How deal flow really works at early stage 24:28 – Where are the hidden startup hubs in Germany? 🇩🇪 26:09 – Berlin vs Munich: where the real action is 27:27 – Is Europe too fragmented for startups? 28:16 – How Germans see the French tech ecosystem 🇫🇷 29:23 – Europe vs US: where should startups scale? 31:51 – Underrated startup ecosystems in Europe 33:43 – Why industry still matters for deep tech 35:36 – Working with corporates: opportunity or trap? 36:31 – Germany’s strengths & weaknesses (talent vs bureaucracy) 38:00 – Do corporates move fast enough for startups? 39:10 – Venture clienting: how big companies work with startups 40:15 – France vs Germany: cultural differences in business 🇫🇷🇩🇪 41:30 – Why Europe struggles with risk-taking 42:45 – Can Europe compete with the US in venture? 44:00 – Building conviction at early-stage investing 45:10 – How to evaluate founders with little data 46:20 – The importance of founder-market fit 47:30 – What makes a “great” founder today 48:40 – Speed vs depth: how VCs make decisions 49:50 – Portfolio strategy: why one winner changes everything 51:00 – Lessons from failed investments (“cadavers”) 52:10 – How to think about risk in venture capital 53:15 – Deep tech vs SaaS: where the future is going 54:20 – Europe’s biggest opportunity in tech right now 55:30 – What founders should expect from investors 56:40 – Emily’s personal motivations & long-term vision 57:30 – Final thoughts on building a pan-European VC 58:30 – Closing words & wrap-up 📌 Disclaimer – Financial Information & Investment The content shared in this podcast (including episodes, excerpts, descriptions, associated posts, and YouTube videos) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute: * investment advice, * a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments, * portfolio management advisory services, * an offer of financial securities or a solicitation to acquire any financial instrument, * banking or financial solicitation within the meaning of Articles L.341-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code. This podcast is not an investment services provider (ISP) nor a financial investment advisor (FIA) within the meaning of French and European regulations (AMF / MiFID II). 📘 No Guarantee – Financial Risks The information discussed reflects the personal opinions of the speakers, based on their professional experience. It may be incomplete, subject to change, or not applicable to your personal situation. All investments involve risks of partial or total loss, particularly in the case of private investments, technology assets, or venture capital transactions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 👤 Listener Responsibility Each listener / viewer remains solely responsible for their investment decisions. Before making any decision, it is strongly recommended to consult: * a licensed professional financial advisor, * an investment services provider, or * a financial investment advisor (FIA) registered with ORIAS. 🔒 Potential Conflicts of Interest The speakers may be involved in companies, investment funds, or transactions mentioned. No statement should be interpreted as a commitment or a guarantee of performance. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite [https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite] pour plus d'informations.

OVNIs Ep. #109 - Viktoria Beck - Deep Tech en Europe : la nouvelle frontière du capital-risque ?

Dans cet épisode du OVNIs Podcast, enregistré à Berlin lors d’un off-site de l’équipe d’OVNI Capital, Thomas Renaudin reçoit Victoria Beck, investisseuse spécialisée en deep tech. Ensemble, ils explorent l’évolution récente de cet écosystème en Europe, en particulier les dynamiques entre la France et l’Allemagne, deux marchés proches mais aux cultures entrepreneuriales distinctes. Victoria partage son regard sur la montée en puissance de la deep tech depuis 2021 et sur la convergence progressive des fonds et des talents entre ces deux hubs technologiques majeurs. Au fil de la conversation, Victoria revient également sur son parcours international — entre l’Allemagne, la France, Israël et Berlin — et sur son expérience chez Earlybird, où elle s’est concentrée sur les investissements deep tech et le marché français. L’épisode offre ainsi un éclairage précieux sur les différences culturelles dans l’investissement, la construction des écosystèmes technologiques européens et les opportunités émergentes pour les fondateurs et les investisseurs. [00:00:00] Introduction et enregistrement à Berlin avec l’équipe OVNI [00:01:18] Le parcours international de Victoria Beck [00:03:05] Pourquoi la Deep Tech est devenue un sujet majeur depuis 2021 [00:06:12] Différences entre les écosystèmes français et allemand [00:09:48] Comment les fonds européens évaluent les startups Deep Tech [00:13:27] Les qualités que Victoria recherche chez les fondateurs [00:17:02] La convergence des écosystèmes tech en Europe [00:20:41] Berlin comme hub pour startups et investisseurs [00:24:08] Les grandes opportunités pour la Deep Tech européenne [00:27:43] Conseils aux fondateurs et conclusion 📌 Disclaimer – Financial Information & Investment The content shared in this podcast (including episodes, excerpts, descriptions, associated posts, and YouTube videos) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute: * investment advice, * a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments, * portfolio management advisory services, * an offer of financial securities or a solicitation to acquire any financial instrument, * banking or financial solicitation within the meaning of Articles L.341-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code. This podcast is not an investment services provider (ISP) nor a financial investment advisor (FIA) within the meaning of French and European regulations (AMF / MiFID II). 📘 No Guarantee – Financial Risks The information discussed reflects the personal opinions of the speakers, based on their professional experience. It may be incomplete, subject to change, or not applicable to your personal situation. All investments involve risks of partial or total loss, particularly in the case of private investments, technology assets, or venture capital transactions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 👤 Listener Responsibility Each listener / viewer remains solely responsible for their investment decisions. Before making any decision, it is strongly recommended to consult: * a licensed professional financial advisor, * an investment services provider, or * a financial investment advisor (FIA) registered with ORIAS. 🔒 Potential Conflicts of Interest The speakers may be involved in companies, investment funds, or transactions mentioned. No statement should be interpreted as a commitment or a guarantee of performance. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite [https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite] pour plus d'informations.