Investor Day 2024: Navigating the Future of Technology and Investment

Last Tuesday, we held our Investor Day for 2024, an annual event that promises to bring together the brightest minds from our portfolio companies and the wider tech and investment community. What followed throughout the day were insightful presentations from both our portfolio and Molten’s Executive and Investment Teams, each shedding light on different aspects of the current and future landscape of European technology and investment.

Here's a summary of the key takeaways from our team's presentations and, if you’ve got time to settle in, the full videos are also available to watch below.

Our CEO Martin Davis opened the event with a comprehensive overview of the European technology and venture capital market, emphasising the importance of understanding the private markets amidst various macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. Reflecting on the past cycles, including the impacts of COVID-19, the cost-of-living crisis and heightening geopolitical tensions, Martin highlighted the resilience of the tech sector. He underscored Molten Ventures' commitment to investing in tomorrow's tech winners across Europe.

Martin spoke about the importance of focusing on people when navigating through cycles to continue delivering value to investors, noting that the core of business is about the decision-making process, stability, professionalism, and the commitment of individuals. Molten is guided by a clear purpose; benefitting from strong team alignment and diversity of thought within the organisation.

Ben Wilkinson provided an update on Molten's valuation methodologies, explaining the adherence to international accounting and regulatory standards while emphasising the importance of transparent, fair valuations. He detailed the governance structures in place to ensure accuracy and trust in the valuation process, including internal assessments, external audits, and independent reviews. Ben also discussed how Molten reflects methodology changes including public market comparables, ensuring investors have a clear understanding of the portfolio's value. He closed the presentation with a case study from the portfolio of how these aspects of valuation come together and contribute to the Molten valuation of its portfolio companies over time.

Nicola McClafferty offered insights into Molten's AI investment thesis, emphasising the evolution and impact of AI technologies, particularly generative AI. She highlighted the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, from healthcare to fintech, and discussed the ethical considerations, regulation, and societal impacts of AI deployment. Nicola's presentation painted a picture of a future where AI is a fundamental component of technological progress and innovation. If you were fascinated by the Balenciaga Pope phenomenon, this is the talk for you.

Jonathan Sibilia updated attendees on the progress of Molten's Fund of Funds programme, which has become a crucial ecosystem for early-stage venture capital in Europe. Changing the focus from previous years, Jonathan discussed how Molten’s depth of analysis across the Funds of Funds portfolio now allows us to share data-driven insights on market trends, including valuation adjustments and deal cadence, reflecting on the resilience and adaptability of startups and fund managers amidst challenging times. Jonathan's overview underscored the programme's success in identifying promising investment opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for emerging tech companies, and now the ability to share data-driven insights with Molten’s ecosystem.

Molten’s Investor Days are of course a prime opportunity to showcase of the best and brightest of our portfolio but these incredible founders and companies are also a demonstration of our Investment Team’s understanding of and appetite for the trends and fortunes of the technology and investment landscape.

Looking toward the new financial year, as we navigate through evolving markets, our focus remains on identifying and supporting the next generation of tech innovators, ensuring we stay at the forefront of delivering value to our investors and contributing to the broader tech ecosystem's growth.