It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

TYR: “Technology, Yielding, Resilience”

21 July 2026

Summary:

Jesper Harthansen shares insights on Defense industry investments, the impact of conferences, and the parallels between telecom and AI business models.

He discusses his fund TYR, co-development agreements, and the strategic importance of dual-use technologies for resilience and defence.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Conference Landscape: Too Much or Just Right?
  • Jesper’s Journey: From Telecom to Defense
  • The Importance of Compounding Value in Business
  • Understanding T|Y|R.vc: The Philosophy Behind the Fund
  • The Role of AI in Shaping Investment Strategies
  • Case Study: Occam Industries and Its Unique Value Proposition
  • The Value Proposition of Co-Development Agreements
  • Dual Use Companies and Cultural Challenges
  • Lessons from Telecommunications and AI
  • Entering the Defense Technology Space
  • Denmark’s Role in Supporting Ukraine
  • Investment Focus Areas for NATO Allies

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

MITS Capital: “Wall Street to Warzone”

30 June 2026

Summary:

Perry Boyle shares his inspiring journey from Wall Street to actively supporting Ukraine’s defence industry through innovative investments and strategic initiatives with MITS Capital.

Discover how Ukraine is building a cutting-edge ecosystem of defence technology, the role of international collaboration, and the potential for sustainable peace and security.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Cultural Significance of Vyshyvanka Day
  • Personal Journey to Ukraine
  • The Call to Action
  • Building Ukraine’s Defence Industry
  • Innovations in Drone Technology
  • Investment Challenges and Opportunities
  • The Reality of War and Safety in Ukraine
  • The Future of Ukraine’s Defence Ecosystem
  • Ukraine’s Technological Advantage in Warfare
  • Building MITS Industries for Defence

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Angel One Venture Fund: “We Fund Ukrainian Defence Founders”

25 June 2026

Summary:

Ivan Petrenko shares the inspiring story of Angel One, a Ukrainian university-backed venture fund that pivoted from civil start-ups to defence tech during the Ukraine war. Discover how rapid innovation, university support, and strategic investments are shaping Ukraine’s defence industry and evolving ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Introduction to Angel One and Ivan’s Journey
  • Transition to Defence Tech Investment
  • Intellectual Property and Investment Challenges
  • Types of Founders in the Defence Tech Space
  • Emerging Technologies and Market Dynamics
  • Investment Strategy and Future Focus

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Codena Tech: “See what others can’t and Act when others won’t”

23 June 2026

Summary:

Christian Bucholt shares his journey from tractor driving in East Germany to developing capital structures for defence tech innovation. In this Protect Europe Podcast, we explore how Ukraine’s ecosystem is transforming military technology and its potential global impact. Discover insights on building federated defence systems, attracting institutional capital, and the future of defence technology post-war.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Career Path and Pivotal Decisions
  • Building an Ecosystem in Defence Tech
  • The Impact of War on Innovation
  • The Future of Ukraine’s Defence Ecosystem
  • Bridging Capital and Technology: The Federated Fund Concept
  • Exits and Future Growth
     

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Movens Capital: “Generalist Before Industry”

18 June 2026

Summary:

In this episode, we go deep with Radoslaw Rejman, a founding partner at Movens Capital, explores the evolution of venture capital in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the role of government support, and the strategic positioning of funds in a competitive landscape.

Gain insights into regional investment trends, fund strategies, and the future of tech startups in CEE.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Evolution of VC in Poland
  • The Role of Government in VC Development
  • Current Trends in CEE Venture Capital
  • Positioning in a Competitive Market
  • The Importance of the Network in Determining Outcomes

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Nordic Science Capital: “Biotech is My Family History”

11 June 2026

Summary:

Huge thanks to Vincent Weir and Christopher Lyrhem for joining this wide-ranging but absolutely fascinating Protect Europe Podcast (EPS 42).

This one covers everything from Biotech, Materials, AI, Galaxy Empires, Technological Leadership, Co-operative Societies, Shareholder value vs Green Religions! Oh, and we talk about Nordic Science Capital as well!

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Nordic Science Capital and Family Legacy in Biotech
  • The Current State of Biotechnology and Innovation
  • Texas vs. China: Business Opportunities and Challenges
  • Tools for Biotech Innovation and Investment Strategies
  • The Evolution of Western Civilisation!!
  • Innovation and Technological Leadership in Europe
  • The Next Renaissance in Science
  • The Future of Scientific Inquiry and Cloud Labs

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Forward One: “Investing in 3CVs and a Powerpoint”

2 June 2026

Summary:

In this episode, Cailin Greiner from Forward One Ventures shares insights into investing in hardware startups and innovative technologies such as nuclear fusion and perception sensors.

Discover how a Dutch venture fund is transforming tech investment and supporting groundbreaking companies.

PS: Also find out how she was instrumental in moving her family from her native South Africa to Germany and now to a career in the Netherlands!

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Why the Team matters more on the first call than the Technology.

  • What she needs to believe in Act 1 and perhaps Act 2.

  • What stage they invest and at what pace.

  • What she saw in Sapient Perception which is the very definition of “3 CVs and a Powerpoint”.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Danske Bank: “The Future of Defense Money.”

28 May 2026

Summary:

This episode features a deep discussion with Teppo Havo and Catharina Candolin on the evolving landscape of Defense industry investments, the role of sustainability, and the impact of geopolitical events like the Ukraine conflict.

Teppo and Catharina share their insights on market signals, investment strategies, and the future of Defense tech in Europe.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Sustainable Investing in the Defense Industry
  • Shifts in Investment Policies Post-Ukraine War
  • Danske Bank’s Role in Financing Defense Startups
  • Market Dynamics and Investment Trends in Defense
  • Challenges in the European Defense Investment Landscape
  • The Growth of Defense Companies and Market Valuations
  • The Evolving Landscape of Defense Venture Capital
  • Market Signals and Investment Trends in Europe
  • Identifying Promising Companies in the Defense Sector
  • The Role of Historical Data in Investment Decisions
  • Challenges in Scaling Defense Production
  • Spotlight on Innovative Companies and Initiatives

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Impact Builders: “Impact isn’t soft”

21 May 2026

Summary:

In this conversation, Colin Brown and Jan Lagast discuss the concept of Impact Builders, a public benefit foundation aimed at creating a human-centric capitalism in Europe.

They explore the importance of mission-driven businesses, the need for de-risking supply chains, and the opportunities for investment in Eastern Europe. Jan shares insights on the challenges and strategies for turning around classic industries and emphasises the importance of building new businesses that align with societal impact. The discussion also highlights the role of capital in fostering growth and the significance of strong leadership in shaping a better future for Europe.

Not investment advice! Purely for educational and entertainment purposes.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Impact Builders aims to use businesses for societal good.
  • Public benefit foundations differ from traditional business models and offer long-term benefits.
  • Human-centric capitalism is essential for European growth.
  • Mission-driven companies attract talent and foster engagement.
  • Impact Builders focuses on creating new businesses for Europe.
  • De-risking supply chains is crucial for European industries.
  • Investment opportunities exist for turning around classic industries.
  • Supply changes to get shorter! 

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Cloudberry VC: “Most VCs won’t understand you”

3 May 2026

Summary:

Rene Kromhof, General Partner at Cloudberry VC is the sort of investor we love. Deeply immersed in the industry in which he is investing and channels his Netherlands directness into every great conversation.

Cloudberry VC is Europe’s first dedicated semiconductor fund. Backing the founders building the future of computing from Europe.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Introduction to CloudBerry VC and René’s Background
  • Investment Thesis of CloudBerry VC
  • Key Investment Criteria: IP and Design For Manufacturing
  • Navigating the Challenges of Hardware Development
  • The Finnish Semiconductor Ecosystem
  • Identifying Opportunities in Semiconductor Startups
  • Leveraging Strategic Partnerships of LPs for Success
  • The Five S’s of Venture Capital