E314 | EUVC | David Dana, Head of VC Investments at EIF on how emerging managers can show performance
Today, we are joined by David Dana.David is the Head of VC Investments at the European Investment Fund, leading the Disruptive Tech & Innovation VC Team with 10 investment professionals. He contributed to developing the new #InvestEU financing program of the EU, aiming at ensuring the technological sovereignty of Europe.Previously, he has been in charge of EIF investments in VC funds in France, Israel, and of the Luxembourg Future Fund. David was also overviewing EIF activities with Accelerators. Over 15 years, invested +€3.5B of capital in over 120 VC funds, mainly following deeptech strategies. Previously, spent 6 years as investment professional at SGAM AI Funds of Funds and senior advisor Corporate Finance at PWC.David is also a regular contributor to podcasts and speaker at industry events, expert in deeptech fields such as AI, Space, Web 3.0, Blockchain, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, Tech Transfer.Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀Chapters:04:03 Initial Thoughts on Emerging Managers04:35 Evaluating Added Value and Differentiation07:28 Challenges with Deep Tech Investments07:50 Assessing Company Performance and KPIs09:52 Co-Investors and Market Feedback10:29 First Meeting and Initial Questions11:29 Track Record and Full Cycle Experience12:43 Challenges with Exits in Europe14:38 Diligence and Replicability of Exits16:13 VC Management Experience17:47 Fund Models and Financial Theory20:20 Importance of a Strong Fund Model22:31 Submitting Proposals to EIF24:10 Combining Skills Within a Team27:42 Due Diligence for Second and Third Time Funds33:20 Advice for Emerging Managers