It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Europipe: Infrastructure Done Right

27 February 2026

Summary:

In this episode of PEP Colin Brown goes deep in conversation with Carsten Schmickler, Managing Director of Europipe 

This conversation delves into the intricacies of pipe production, emphasizing the rigorous quality control measures in place to ensure safety and reliability, particularly in critical infrastructure like the North Stream gas supply. The discussion highlights the importance of minimizing production steps while maximizing inspection checks to prevent catastrophic failures.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • The pipes that Europipe are producing are among the best controlled goods in the world.
  • The production process has many inspection checks for quality assurance.
  • A problem with a pipe could lead to significant financial losses for a company.
  • Ensuring no gas flow interruptions is critical for operational success.
  • The transformation of steel is a key aspect of the production process.
  • Quality control is essential in the manufacturing of pipes for infrastructure.
  • Inspection checks are vital for maintaining safety and reliability in production.
  • Minimizing production steps can lead to greater efficiency.
  • The financial implications of production failures are enormous in this industry.
  • Security measures are prioritized throughout the production process.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Why Europe’s needs Sovereign Compute

16 January 2026

Summary

Colin Brown is joined by Jonatan Luther-Bergquist (Inflection) to discuss the concept of Sovereign Compute and the evolving landscape of venture capital in Europe. Jonatan emphasises the importance of cryptography, the challenges in the defence technology sector, and the opportunities presented by space tech. They dive deep on the difficulties in cybersecurity investments and the challenge of building in these highly technical fields.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Sovereign Compute is a critical technology shift in human history.

  • Investment in cryptography is expected to grow due to increasing data security needs.

  • The defense technology sector is evolving but faces bureaucratic challenges.

  • Space technology presents unique investment opportunities, especially with lower launch costs.

  • Cybersecurity remains a challenging market for venture investments.

  • European startups have the talent and potential to compete globally.

  • Hackathons are a valuable tool for connecting tech innovators with defense needs.

  • The fragmented European market can be an advantage for solving specific problems.

  • Founders with conviction and vision are essential for driving innovation.