It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Luminova Ventures: “Where Innovation Meets Power”

20 April 2026

Summary:

Olga Chabr Grillova, General Partner at Luminova Ventures, shares her journey into venture capital, focusing on deep tech investments in Europe and the US. She discusses fund strategies, sourcing deals, and the importance of understanding defence procurement and technology ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Introduction and Olga’s background
  • Olga’s journey into venture capital and fund strategy
  • Team composition and partner roles
  • Fund size, ticket range, and investment focus
  • Geographical focus and deal sourcing strategies
  • Deep tech domains: space, cyber, and resilience
  • Deal criteria: stage, team, revenue, and validation
  • Vetting startups: technology, references, and testing
  • Building a fund profile and sourcing network
  • Why Texas and US hubs matter for defence startups
  • European tech ecosystems: Czech Republic and beyond