Haakon Overli on European VC: Steering Dawn to Global Impact

Haakon Overli Answers Interpersonal Questions:

1.  Haakon, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you share a bit about your journey from entrepreneurship to venture capital?

    Absolutely! It’s a pleasure to be here. My journey from entrepreneurship to venture capital has been quite the ride, to say the least. Picture this: from sailing the ups and downs of running my own successful venture, Self Trade, to diving headfirst into venture capital. It’s been like going from driving a sports car to piloting a rocket ship, both exhilarating and full of surprises.

2.  You’ve had remarkable success with Self Trade. What motivated you to transition from entrepreneurship to venture capital?

    Ah, Self Trade, the little engine that could! After tasting the sweet nectar of entrepreneurial success, I found myself craving something more—a chance to support and invest in the next wave of brilliant minds. Venture capital seemed like the perfect avenue to channel my passion for innovation and help others achieve their dreams.

3.  As a co-founder of Dawn Capital, what inspired you to focus on European founders and B2B software companies?

    Well, let me tell you, Europe is a goldmine of untapped potential! My co-founders and I saw an opportunity to champion local talent and disrupt the status quo. We wanted to prove that you don’t need to pack your bags and head to Silicon Valley to make waves. Plus, B2B software? It’s like the secret sauce of the tech world—essential, versatile, and oh-so-delicious!

4.  Your approach to venture capital emphasises backing exceptional founders. Could you elaborate on what qualities you look for in founders?

    Oh, where do I begin? It’s like trying to choose your favorite flavour of ice cream—impossible! But if I had to narrow it down, I’d say I look for visionaries with grit, resilience, and a dash of charisma. Someone who’s not afraid to dream big and roll up their sleeves to make it happen. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient: a sprinkle of humility and a dollop of humour!

5.  You’ve spoken about the importance of neurodiversity in problem-solving. How has your own experience shaped your approach to investing?

    Ah, neurodiversity—the spice of life! As someone who’s wired a bit differently myself, I’ve learned to embrace the quirks and harness the power of unconventional thinking. It’s like having a superpower—able to see problems from a different angle and connect the dots in unexpected ways. Plus, it makes for some awesome brainstorming sessions!

6.  Mental health in the startup world is gaining more attention. How do you prioritise founder’s well-being at Dawn Capital?

    Oh, you’re preaching to the choir! Startup life can be a rollercoaster of emotions, like riding the world’s craziest rollercoaster while juggling flaming torches. At Dawn Capital, we’re all about keeping the flames burning bright—supporting founders with resources, guidance, and maybe a friendly shoulder to cry on when things get tough. After all, a happy founder is a productive founder!

7.  What advice would you offer to aspiring venture capitalists who are looking to enter the industry?

    Buckle up, buttercup! Venture capital is like a high-speed roller derby—fast-paced, exhilarating, and occasionally prone to collisions. My advice? Strap on your helmet, sharpen your skates, and be ready to hustle! Oh, and never underestimate the power of an awesome spreadsheet and a well-timed dad joke. Trust me, it’s a winning combo!

8.  Dawn Capital places importance on philanthropy. Could you tell us about some of the initiatives or causes you support?

    Ah, philanthropy—the heart and soul of Dawn Capital! We’re all about giving back, whether it’s supporting STEM education, championing diversity in tech, or lending a helping hand to those in need. Think of us as the Robin Hood of venture capital—robbing from the rich (tech unicorns) and giving to the…well, everyone else!

9.  How do you see the role of venture capital evolving in the next decade, especially in light of emerging technologies and market trends?

    Oh, the crystal ball question! Venture capital is like a fine wine—it only gets better with age. In the next decade, I see VC firms continuing to fuel innovation, drive economic growth, and maybe even solve world hunger (okay, maybe not that last part). With emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing on the horizon, the sky’s the limit!

10.  Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave in the venture capital space?

     Ah, the million-dollar question! My dream? To leave behind a legacy of innovation, inspiration, and maybe a few cheesy catchphrases. Whether it’s backing the next big thing or inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, I want to make a dent in the universe—a really big dent, with sparkles and confetti on top!

Professional Questions:

1.  Haakon, could you share your insights into the current state of the European tech ecosystem, particularly in the B2B software sector?

    Picture this: Europe, the land of opportunity! The tech scene is booming, especially in the B2B software sector. We’re talking about a veritable smorgasbord of innovation—like a buffet of tech delights, just waiting to be devoured. From London to Lisbon, Berlin to Barcelona, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking, fueled by a potent cocktail of talent, ambition, and really good coffee!

2.  Dawn Capital has successfully raised substantial funds. What factors do you attribute to this success?

    Ah, the secret sauce of fundraising! It’s like baking the perfect soufflé—requires equal parts skill, timing, and a pinch of luck. At Dawn Capital, we’ve mastered the recipe by delivering stellar returns, building rock-solid relationships, and maybe flashing a charming smile or two. Oh, and let’s not forget the power of a killer PowerPoint presentation—works like a charm, every time!

3.  Diversity and inclusion are key priorities for Dawn Capital. How do you actively promote these values within your investment portfolio?

    Ah, diversity—the spice of startup life! At Dawn Capital, we’re all about celebrating differences and embracing the unique flavors of our portfolio companies. Whether it’s championing underrepresented founders, fostering inclusive cultures, or hosting epic karaoke nights, we’re on a mission to make the tech world a more colorful, vibrant, and inclusive place for all!

4.  What is Dawn Capital’s investment strategy, particularly regarding the sectors you focus on?

    Ah, the million-dollar question! Dawn Capital’s investment strategy is like a finely tuned orchestra—precision, harmony, and a touch of drama. We specialize in backing category-leading B2B software companies with the potential to shake up industries, disrupt markets, and maybe even change the world (no pressure, right?). From data analytics to fintech, we’re all about backing the best and brightest in the biz!

5.  For founders seeking investment from Dawn Capital, what advice would you offer to stand out in a competitive landscape?

    Ah, the age-old question! Picture this: you’re a startup founder standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, armed with nothing but a slingshot and a dream. How do you stand out? Simple—be bold, be brilliant, and be ready to knock our socks off! Show us what makes your company tick, why you’re the next big thing, and maybe throw in a magic trick or two. Trust me, it works wonders!

6.  How does Dawn Capital mitigate risks when evaluating potential investments?

    Ah, risk—the spice of venture capital life! At Dawn Capital, we’re all about playing it smart, playing it safe, and maybe taking a few calculated gambles along the way. We mitigate risks through rigorous due diligence, strategic foresight, and a healthy dose of gut instinct (never underestimate the power of a good gut feeling!). After all, fortune favors the bold—or at least the well-prepared!

7.  What sets Dawn Capital apart from other venture capital firms, in terms of your value proposition to portfolio companies?

    Ah, the million-dollar question! Dawn Capital’s value proposition is like a Swiss army knife—versatile, indispensable, and oh-so-practical. We offer more than just capital; we offer strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a rolodex of rockstar contacts. Think of us as the fairy godmother of startups—granting wishes, sprinkling fairy dust, and maybe even turning pumpkins into unicorns (metaphorically speaking, of course)!

8.  How do you stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in the fast-paced world of venture capital?

    Ah, the eternal quest for knowledge! At Dawn Capital, we’re all about staying one step ahead of the curve—like a ninja in a sea of samurais. We devour industry reports, attend conferences, and maybe even dabble in a bit of fortune-telling (crystal balls, anyone?). After all, in the fast-paced world of venture capital, you snooze, you lose!

9.  Governance is crucial for company success. How does Dawn Capital ensure strong governance practices within its portfolio companies?

    Ah, governance—the backbone of startup success! At Dawn Capital, we take governance seriously—like, board-meeting-in-a-suit-seriously. We have independent board members, clear governance structures, and enough paperwork to fill a small library. But hey, it’s all in the name of success, right? Because when it comes to startups, a solid foundation is worth its weight in gold!

10.  Looking ahead, what opportunities and challenges do European startups face in the coming years?

     Ah, the crystal ball question! European startups are like adventurers setting sail on the high seas—full of hope, ambition, and maybe a touch of seasickness. The opportunities are endless, from harnessing emerging technologies to tapping into new markets. But let’s not forget the challenges—regulatory hurdles, talent shortages, and the occasional kraken lurking in the depths. It’s like a never-ending quest for treasure—exciting, exhilarating, and occasionally terrifying!

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