Fault Lines

About Fault Lines

Fault Lines is OVNI Capital's deep tech podcast for the ideas too ambitious for conventional investors. We broadcast from San Francisco (a city literally built on a fault line), Berlin, Paris and London. We go wherever the controversy is: the inflection points, the counterintuitive theses, the technical realities that separate today's skeptics from tomorrow's visionaries. Nuclear fusion. Quantum computing. Space manufacturing. These aren't moonshots, they're bets being placed right now by the people building the next 30 years of civilization. New episodes every week. Subscribe to stay at the frontier. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite (https://www.audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite) for more information.

Publisher

Fault Lines Podcast

Category

business · education · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Fault Lines #18 - Lotti Siniscalco - From Milan to Silicon Valley: Betting on the Impossible

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner at Emergence Capital, to trace an unconventional journey from growing up in Milan to building a career in Silicon Valley. Lotti reflects on leaving Italy as a teenager, finding her footing in the US, and navigating Wharton, Goldman Sachs and private equity before discovering the world of venture capital. The conversation explores what drew Lotti to venture, the shift in mindset required to move from private equity to backing ambitious founders, and her rise from Senior Associate to General Partner at Emergence. Along the way, she opens up about ambition, identity, being an immigrant and a woman in finance and tech, and ultimately finding an environment where curiosity, risk-taking and bringing your full self to work can become an advantage. [00:00:00] Introduction: Lotti Siniscalco and the immigrant journey[00:00:47] Growing up in Milan and challenging the status quo[00:03:36] Leaving Italy for an American high school[00:08:10] From Milan to Wharton[00:12:45] Starting a career at Goldman Sachs[00:17:52] Being a woman and an outsider on Wall Street[00:21:22] From Carlotta to Lotti: merging personal and professional identities[00:23:15] Private equity, ambition and the “gold star” path[00:26:01] Discovering Silicon Valley and finding a place to belong[00:29:02] Stanford, startups and choosing venture capital[00:32:56] Private equity vs. venture: rewiring the investor mindset[00:33:59] Joining Emergence Capital and becoming a General Partner[00:36:05] Being a woman in VC and the realities of motherhood[00:40:48] The Emergence Capital investment thesis[00:42:39] From SaaS to AI, agents and robotics[00:44:16] How Lotti builds investment conviction[00:46:40] Competing for the best venture deals[00:49:17] Why great investments require non-consensus thinking[00:50:56] Advice for European founders moving to Silicon Valley[00:53:10] Closing thoughts Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Fault Lines #17 - Matt Logan - From Ore to AI: Investing in the New Intelligence Economy

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Matt Logan, co-founder and General Partner at Earthshot Ventures, to trace his journey from climate policy and early cleantech startups to venture capital. Matt shares how years spent across operating roles, corporate venture and Elemental Impact ultimately led to the creation of Earthshot Ventures, a fund built around the conviction that climate solutions need to be not only impactful, but economically compelling and capable of scaling. The conversation dives into Earthshot’s evolving investment thesis and its “clean intelligence stack”: from critical minerals and clean energy to efficient computing, AI infrastructure and climate-positive applications. Augustin and Matt explore what the AI boom means for energy and resources, why critical minerals are becoming increasingly strategic, and how startups can build the infrastructure needed to power a cleaner, more intelligent economy. [00:00:00] Introducing Matt Logan and Earthshot Ventures[00:01:18] From Climate Policy to Climate Tech[00:04:44] The Cleantech “Nuclear Winter”[00:06:31] Breaking Into Venture Capital[00:07:27] Building the Future of Energy Storage[00:12:51] Joining Elemental Impact[00:16:54] How Earthshot Ventures Was Born[00:18:43] Climate Impact Meets Financial Returns[00:21:52] Raising Earthshot’s First Fund[00:29:18] Finding the Best Climate Tech Founders[00:34:34] Why Ownership Percentage Isn’t Everything[00:39:00] The “Clean Intelligence Stack”[00:39:37] The AI Supply Chain and Its Climate Impact[00:49:22] Making Data Centers More Flexible[00:49:25] Emerald AI and the Future of Clean Compute Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Fault Lines #16 - Arnaud Auger - Unlocking Longevity: Biohacking and Venture Capital

   Arnaud Auger, a seasoned venture capitalist at Cathay Innovation, has carved a unique niche in the realm of longevity and human optimization. Residing in San Francisco, he has transformed his life through a dedication to health and longevity, inspired by personal challenges and a Silicon Valley ethos. After grappling with obesity and health concerns upon his arrival in the city, Arnaud embraced the principle that "you can only change what you measure," undergoing comprehensive tests to understand his body better. In addition to his personal journey, Arnaud is a co-founder of the San Francisco chapter of "Don't Die," a movement initiated by Brian Johnson. This initiative focuses on promoting health and longevity, underscoring the importance of not just living but thriving. As a VC, Arnaud is at the forefront of investing in innovative longevity startups, seeking to transform healthcare from reactive to preventative. His work involves bridging the gap between Europe and the U.S. in the VC landscape, fostering global partnerships to advance the cause of longevity. [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:00:10]: Arnaud's first experience in San Francisco [00:01:04]: Introducing Arnaud, VC at Cathé Innovation [00:02:05]: Arnaud's journey to becoming a longevity athlete [00:04:06]: Using technology and wearables for health tracking [00:05:42]: Arnaud's progress and biological age improvement [00:06:09]: Using Superpower and Shape Scale for health metrics [00:06:26]: Longevity tech and biohacking explained [00:07:26]: Identity and habits in health transformation [00:08:09]: The Don't Die Movement and its philosophy [00:15:26]: Incentives for healthier lifestyles in the US [00:16:23]: Arnaud's venture capital focus on longevity startups [00:17:25]: Types of longevity startups and investment interest [00:18:24]: Cathay Innovation's global investment strategy [00:20:16]: The future of health: prevention and precision [00:24:28]: San Francisco as a hub for AI and longevity [00:25:32]: Global VC insights and the importance of Silicon Valley [00:27:36]: Rapid-fire questions – wearables and wellness [00:28:21]: Overrated wellness trends [00:29:04]: Dream startup investment criteria [00:29:31]: Inspiring advice for living a better, longer life [00:30:28]: Importance of social health and community [00:31:24]: The concept of blue zones and social connectivity [00:31:49]: San Francisco's culture and personal growth [00:32:52]: Conclusion Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

4. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Fault Lines #15 - Cristian Pinto - Pluto House: A New Blueprint for European Tech

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Thomas Renaudin sits down with Cristian Pinto from Pluto House and daphni to explore where ambition comes from, and whether it can be engineered. From growing up on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and moving to the US to pursue American football, to working construction in Portugal and eventually entering European venture capital, Cristian shares the unconventional journey that shaped his conviction that ambition needs both role models and a certain dose of naivety. The conversation turns to Pluto House and its mission to bring together Europe’s most ambitious hard-tech founders around the industries that underpin society. Cristian and Thomas discuss Europe’s fragmented startup ecosystem, the importance of role models and “social permission,” and why Europe shouldn’t try to recreate Silicon Valley but instead turn its fragmentation into an advantage. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: surround talented people with ambition, give them permission to dream bigger, and get Europe excited about building hard things again. [00:00:00] Ambition: Where Does It Come From?[00:01:30] From the Outskirts of Rio to the American Dream[00:04:50] Chasing an Impossible American Football Career[00:08:03] Entrepreneurship, Survival and Hustle[00:09:55] From Football to Construction in Europe[00:12:49] Why Cristian Built Pluto House[00:16:34] Why Founders Need Role Models[00:19:36] Can Ambition Be Engineered?[00:21:38] What Happens Inside a Pluto House[00:24:09] Role Models and the Social Permission to Dream Big[00:25:55] Why Europe Struggles With Ambition[00:30:28] Does Europe Need Its Own Silicon Valley?[00:31:23] Turning Europe’s Fragmentation Into an Advantage[00:34:03] What Would Success Look Like for Pluto?[00:35:47] Building Hard Things Again in Europe[00:37:27] Closing Thoughts Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

5. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Fault Lines #14 - Dr. Tobias Brune - Neutralizing Drones with Light, Building Europe's Defense Shield

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Emily Eisenblätter sits down with Dr. Tobias Brune, founder of Ground A, to explore how the German defense-tech startup is building laser-based systems to detect, track, and intercept drones. After raising €9 million in just eight months and rapidly moving from prototype to field validation, Tobias explains why the growing drone threat requires a new generation of mobile, scalable, and cost-effective defense systems, and why speed and real-world testing matter more than impressive theoretical specifications.Tobias also shares his unconventional path from materials engineer and corporate technology leader to defense-tech founder, the challenges of building a deep-tech company in Germany, and how Ground A grew from three founders to a team of 25 in a matter of months. He and Emily discuss working with governments and military partners, navigating Europe’s defense ecosystem, choosing the right investors, and why understanding a problem at a deep technical level should come before fundraising. They also look beyond Ukraine at the broader implications of drone technology for critical infrastructure, security, and Europe’s technological sovereignty. [00:00:00] From Engineer to Defense Tech Founder[00:01:51] Why Ground A Was Founded[00:04:04] How Laser-Based Drone Interception Works[00:06:13] What Really Matters in Drone Defense[00:09:56] Building for Real-World Military Needs[00:11:32] Testing Fast and Moving from Prototype to Product[00:12:39] Lasers and the Layered Defense Approach[00:14:48] Ground A’s Customers and Commercial Strategy[00:17:56] The Reality of Becoming a Founder[00:20:32] Building a Defense Startup in Europe[00:23:47] Advice for Deep Tech Founders[00:25:48] What Happens to Defense Tech After the War?[00:27:33] Europe’s Next Deep Tech Opportunities[00:29:35] Expanding Ground A Beyond Germany Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

6. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Fault Lines #13 - Irene Selvanathan - From Berlin to the Moon: Building NeuroSpace

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Emily Eisenblätter sits down with Irene Selvanathan, founder and CEO of NeuroSpace, to explore the journey from dreaming about starships as a child to building technology designed for the Moon. Irene shares how NeuroSpace is developing small, modular and autonomous lunar rovers capable of operating in extreme environments, and how the company’s satellite missions (including collaborations with NASA and the German Aerospace Center) are helping prove the technology needed for future exploration. The conversation ventures beyond robotics into what the next era of space exploration could actually look like: mining oxygen, hydrogen and other resources on the Moon, using it as a potential launchpad toward Mars, and building an infrastructure where autonomous machines support humans in environments too dangerous for them to operate alone. Part entrepreneurship story, part deep-tech exploration and part science fiction becoming reality, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into NeuroSpace’s ambition to build a robotic ecosystem stretching from Earth to the Moon, and eventually Mars. [00:00:00] Introduction: Irene Selvanathan & NeuroSpace[00:00:59] From Dreaming About Space to Building Spacecraft[00:03:40] Building Modular Rovers for the Moon[00:09:25] Sending NeuroSpace Technology Into Space[00:15:35] How Lunar Rovers Could Be Used on the Moon[00:21:05] Mining Water, Oxygen and Hydrogen on the Moon[00:25:30] Moon vs. Mars: Where Could Humans Live?[00:30:25] Helium-3, Fusion Energy & the Economics of Lunar Mining[00:34:53] Who Owns the Moon? Resources, Regulation & Lunar Bases[00:39:39] The New Space Race: USA, China, Russia & Europe[00:41:52] NeuroSpace’s Vision for the Next 10 Years[00:43:23] Closing Thoughts Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

7. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Fault Lines #12 - Christian Nagel - Inside San Francisco’s Most Ambitious Tech Community

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Christian Nagel, co-founder of Frontier Tower, to trace an unconventional entrepreneurial journey—from moving to France as a teenager and studying literature in Berlin to buying a run-down building in Leipzig and turning it into a thriving community complete with its own techno club. That early experiment taught Christian a lesson that would shape everything that followed: a relatively small group of aligned people can transform not only a building, but an entire neighborhood. Years later, that same idea has been reinvented in the heart of San Francisco. Christian explains how Frontier Tower became a “vertical village” for frontier technologies, art and music, with independently curated floors bringing together founders, investors, researchers and creators around specialized communities. From the collapse of WeWork and San Francisco’s empty offices to community-driven real estate, deep tech, new living models and Frontier Tower’s ambitions for the future, the conversation explores what happens when physical space becomes an infrastructure for ideas, collaboration and innovation. [00:00:00] Meet Christian Nagel[00:01:03] Falling in Love With France at 14[00:03:19] The First Sign of an Entrepreneurial Mindset[00:06:35] From Literature Student to Real Estate[00:11:34] Discovering an Opportunity in Leipzig[00:13:19] Buying a Building in a Ghost Town[00:14:36] Building a Community — and a Techno Club[00:16:28] Discovering the Power of Community[00:19:35] Why Christian Left Real Estate for Tech[00:22:48] Realizing They Had Product-Market Fit All Along[00:23:56] From Leipzig to a 16-Story Tower in San Francisco[00:26:22] How They Acquired the Former WeWork Building[00:28:06] The Idea Behind Frontier Tower[00:30:54] What Is Frontier Tower?[00:33:44] Why San Francisco Is Still the Place for Tech[00:35:17] Expanding the “Vertical Village” With a Hotel[00:39:11] Running Frontier Tower and Its Growing Community[00:40:26] Who Is Frontier Tower For?[00:42:23] A “Technical Kibbutz” for Builders and Founders[00:43:31] Creating Value Without Ruining the Community[00:44:56] Inside Christian’s Life at Frontier Tower[00:45:56] What’s Next for Frontier Tower?[00:47:36] The Story Behind the Leipzig Techno Club[00:48:37] How to Join the Frontier Tower Community Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

8. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Fault Lines #11 - Jeson Lee - Why Robotics Is the Next Venture Gold Rush

   In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Jeson Lee, founder and Managing Partner of Savant Ventures, to trace an unconventional journey from launching his first startup as a teenager in Malaysia to becoming a physical AI investor in San Francisco. Jeson explains why he believes AI is rapidly commoditizing traditional software—and why the next generation of outsized companies will instead be built at the intersection of AI, robotics, hardware, and the physical world. They also dive into the unusual model behind Savant Ventures: a venture firm built around a physical lab where prospective founders can experiment, prototype, and work alongside other engineers before they even start fundraising. Jeson shares how this approach lets Savant get to know founders far earlier and more deeply than a traditional VC, where he sees the biggest opportunities in physical AI today, and why some of the most overlooked and “unsexy” industries could become ideal markets for robotics. [00:00:00] Meet Jeson Lee: The Entrepreneur Turned VC[00:01:09] From Malaysia to His First Startup at 17[00:04:16] Jeson’s First Exit[00:07:02] Moving to Silicon Valley[00:09:50] Discovering AI and Autonomous Vehicles[00:12:32] From Physical AI Operator to Investor[00:13:04] Why AI Is Commoditizing Software[00:17:04] Why Physical AI Could Be the Next Massive Wave[00:18:46] OpenAI, Anthropic and the Future of Robotics[00:21:01] The Origins of Savant Ventures[00:23:16] Building a VC Fund for Physical AI[00:24:49] Inside Savant’s Hardware Lab[00:28:36] Investing in Founders Before They Fundraise[00:31:07] Why the Traditional Accelerator Model Doesn’t Work for Hardware[00:34:45] Would Jeson Invest in a Solo Founder?[00:35:33] Jeson’s Superpower: Relentlessness[00:39:36] Where Is the Alpha in Physical AI?[00:41:36] The Biggest Opportunity: Deploying Robots in the Real World[00:43:31] Investing in Overlooked Robotics Markets[00:44:51] Robotics in Construction and Dangerous Jobs[00:46:14] Why “Unsexy” Industries Could Be the Biggest Opportunity[00:46:58] What Keeps Jeson Up at Night? Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

9. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Fault Lines #10 - Bilal Zuberi - Deep Tech Ventures and the Future of AI

   Bilal Zuberi, a renowned deep tech investor, recently shared insights during a visit to Paris. With over 16 years of experience in deep tech investing, Bilal has been at the forefront of backing innovations across various sectors, including semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, and defense technologies. During the conversation, he highlighted the importance of moving fast in the tech industry, emphasizing that speed and agility are crucial for startups to outpace incumbents and achieve success. His passion for supporting companies that are harnessing AI to disrupt traditional industries is evident, as he aims to invest in early-stage companies at the intersection of AI and the physical world. In addition to his investment strategy, Bilal discussed his approach to building a new venture fund, Red Glass Capital, which focuses on providing substantial support to founders beyond just financial backing. He emphasized the importance of integrity, humility, and curiosity as core values that guide his investment philosophy. Bilal's global perspective is reflected in his diverse network of limited partners (LPs) from various parts of the world, which he leverages to help his portfolio companies expand internationally. His commitment to fostering innovation and building meaningful partnerships in the tech ecosystem positions him as a key player in shaping the future of deep tech investments. [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:00:31]: Investing in Deep Tech and French Ventures [00:02:00]: Evolution of Deep Tech and Economic Impact [00:03:03]: Cleantech Movement and Tesla's Success [00:05:15]: Lessons Learned from Early Investments [00:07:29]: Importance of Founder DNA in Startups [00:09:30]: Speed and Innovation in Startups [00:10:33]: Moving Fast in Deep Tech Industries [00:13:00]: Tesla's Software Advantage [00:15:00]: The Importance of Speed for Investors [00:17:04]: Balancing Intensity and Humanity [00:19:18]: Elon Musk's Values and Risks [00:22:08]: The Role of Investors in Supporting Founders [00:23:13]: Creating a New Venture Capital Firm [00:24:10]: Fundraising Challenges and Global LPs [00:25:08]: Strategy and Experience in Venture Funds [00:26:35]: Risks of Bias in Experienced Investors [00:27:55]: Investment Focus and Early Stage Strategy [00:29:47]: Changing Dynamics of Series A Funding [00:30:45]: Infrastructure Investments and Economic Impact [00:32:58]: Risks of Raising Excessive Early Funding [00:34:37]: Impact of Large Funding on Startup Behavior [00:36:13]: Importance of Pressure and Global Partnerships [00:36:35]: AI and the Physical World Investment Thesis [00:38:10]: AI's Impact on Cost of Intelligence [00:40:35]: AI's Role in Venture Capital and Services [00:42:47]: AI to Transform Traditional Industries [00:44:15]: Addressing Engineering Shortages with AI [00:46:05]: Empowering Individuals with AI Tools [00:48:23]: Defining AI's Role in the Physical World [00:49:32]: AI in Healthcare and Accessibility [00:51:01]: Evolution of Communication and AI [00:52:47]: AI's Potential in Traditional Industries [00:54:16]: AI as Powerful Tools in Everyday Life [00:55:29]: First Investment in Industrial Cybersecurity [00:57:11]: Security Risks of Internet-Connected Devices [00:58:01]: Building a Business from a Startup Idea [01:00:29]: Founders' Passion and Mission Alignment [01:02:05]: Importance of Execution and Building Big Ideas [01:03:41]: Balancing Innovation and Execution in Startups [01:06:02]: Finding Companies and Building a Network [01:08:23]: Leveraging Unique Branding for Recognition [01:10:15]: Building a Brand and Personal Image [01:12:55]: Partnering with Global Investors for Growth [01:14:07]: Global Market Opportunities in Physical Industries [01:16:25]: Importance of Collaboration and Networking [01:18:30]: Challenges of Large Investment Rounds [01:20:36]: The Missing Middle in Venture Capital [01:22:16]: Value of Collaborative Investment Approaches [01:23:09]: Recommended Reading on AI and Ethics [01:24:42]: Future of Intelligent Systems and Environments [01:25:36]: Closing Remarks Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

10. 

    6 Aug 2026

    Fault Lines #9 - Raj Singh - Inside JLL Spark: Investing Beyond Real Estate

    In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Raj Singh, Managing Partner of JLL Spark, to explore an unconventional career spanning IBM, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and corporate venture investing. Raj shares how Silicon Valley has evolved over the past three decades, why being embedded in an ecosystem matters, and the lessons he learned from both backing founders and becoming one himself. The conversation then dives into the world of corporate venture capital, unpacking what separates the best CVCs from “dumb money,” how large organizations can successfully innovate through startups, and why the future of real estate, AI, and infrastructure will be defined by those who capture, not just create value. A thoughtful discussion on long-term investing, technology adoption, and the evolving role of corporate innovation. [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:35] Discovering Silicon Valley in the 1990s [00:03:43] From IBM Consultant to Venture Capital [00:06:31] Building a VC Career from Europe [00:10:29] Moving to New York to Get Closer to Silicon Valley [00:12:23] Becoming an Entrepreneur [00:14:48] Launching JetBlue Ventures [00:16:30] Why Corporate Venture Capital Matters [00:20:14] How to Build a Successful CVC [00:23:44] From JetBlue to JLL Spark [00:29:09] Why Real Estate Will Capture AI's Value [00:35:33] Inside JLL Spark's Investment Model [00:41:37] How Far Can a CVC Stretch Its Thesis? [00:44:21] Expanding Beyond Commercial Real Estate [00:47:59] Is Silicon Valley Becoming Mission-Driven Again? [00:51:45] Raj Singh's Advice for Founders and Investors Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

11. 

    30 Jul 2026

    Fault Lines #8 - David Thompson - Inside Silicon Valley’s Greatest Era

    David Thompson has spent nearly four decades at the heart of Silicon Valley, helping shape some of the most influential technology companies of the internet era. In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with the former Webex executive and founder of reMARCable GTM to retrace a remarkable career spanning Genentech, the birth of the web, the SaaS revolution, startup successes, painful failures, and category-defining marketing. From naming Webex and launching one of the most memorable Super Bowl campaigns in tech history to reflecting on entrepreneurship, leadership, and what truly makes great go-to-market strategy, David shares the stories behind the milestones that shaped modern enterprise software. A candid conversation about innovation, storytelling, resilience, and why building categories—not just products—is what leaves a lasting legacy. [00:00:00] Introducing David Thompson [00:00:25] From Chicago to San Francisco [00:02:35] Discovering Silicon Valley Before the Dot-Com Boom [00:03:42] The Genentech Years & The Birth of Modern IT [00:05:00] Meeting Steve Jobs Before His Apple Comeback [00:09:45] Joining the Internet Revolution [00:11:37] The Birth of Webex [00:12:27] Why Marketing Is Like Theater [00:15:02] Building the First SaaS Collaboration Platform [00:18:25] Creating Demand Before Customers Know They Need It [00:22:12] The RuPaul Super Bowl Campaign That Changed Webex [00:27:23] Launching Genius.com & Marketing Automation [00:29:12] Surviving the 2008 Crash [00:31:00] Scaling Companies from Startup to IPO [00:34:15] Freshworks, India & A New Era of Innovation [00:39:10] The Rise of AI & The Future of Go-to-Market [00:44:20] Why David Returned to the Stage [00:47:26] What's Next for David Thompson Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

12. 

    23 Jul 2026

    Fault Lines #7 - Adam Draper - Build the Future, Not the Consensus: Inside Boost VC

    In this episode, hosted by Augustin Sayer, Adam Draper of Boost VC dives into the art of storytelling as a core skill in venture capital - explaining how strong narratives shape brands, attract founders, and ultimately define a fund’s identity. Drawing from his journey from early angel investing to building Boost VC, he shares how intuition, fast decision-making, and consistency have been central to backing category-defining companies like Coinbase, while emphasizing the importance of building conviction early - even before markets fully understand the opportunity. The conversation also explores deeper themes such as liquidity in venture capital, unconventional strategies like leveraging crypto assets, and the evolution of investment theses in a rapidly changing ecosystem. Adam highlights his long-term belief in “sovereign technology” and founder-driven innovation, while offering a candid look at how experimentation, bold bets, and differentiated thinking can unlock outsized returns. Looking ahead to 2026, the episode captures a forward-thinking perspective on where innovation is heading and what it takes to stay ahead in the venture game. [00:00:00] Intro & Adam Draper joins the podcast [00:00:49] Why storytelling is a VC superpower [00:01:56] From first startup to early angel investing wins [00:02:54] The origin story of Boost VC [00:06:07] Building a brand: consistency, identity & narrative [00:07:06] Growing up with Tim Draper & shaping an investor mindset [00:09:22] Why media, blogging & podcasting matter for investors [00:10:48] The Coinbase bet before understanding Bitcoin [00:13:48] Going all-in on crypto & building a fund thesis [00:15:10] Contrarian investing & embracing controversy [00:17:22] Personal branding & the power of consistency (the orange pants) [00:19:09] From comics to crypto: investing in rebellion & systems change [00:21:26] What makes a great VC partner [00:23:04] Liquidity in venture: myths vs reality [00:27:01] How venture capital is evolving (20 → 20,000 deals) [00:30:03] The Bitcoin strategy inside a VC fund [00:33:05] Returning capital using crypto liquidity [00:35:03] Building a high-performing fund & DPI insights [00:37:03] Evolving thesis: from crypto to deep tech & beyond [00:39:49] Conviction investing: leading a $300M round [00:46:01] Why bold bets define great investors [00:46:26] The future of venture & secondary markets [00:47:06] Why top funds sell before IPOs [00:47:48] Managing risk vs maximizing long-term upside [00:48:32] How great investors think about timing exits [00:49:15] The evolution of venture as an asset class [00:50:02] Early-stage vs late-stage: two different games [00:50:44] Access vs luck in venture capital [00:51:28] What truly defines a “great” investment [00:52:10] Building companies that matter for humanity [00:52:54] Patterns Adam looks for in founders [00:53:36] Why conviction beats consensus every time [00:54:18] Lessons from 15+ years in venture [00:55:02] What excites Adam Draper about 2026 [00:56:10] Future trends: deep tech, bio & frontier innovation [00:57:12] Final thoughts: building, betting & staying curious [00:58:10] Outro & closing remarks Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

13. 

    16 Jul 2026

    Fault Lines #6 - Benjamin Wolba - The Future of Defense Is Being Built by Startups

    Fault Lines welcomes Emily Eisenblätter in conversation with Benjamin Wolba from the European Defense Tech Hub for a wide-ranging discussion on why Europe’s security ecosystem is being reshaped by founders, engineers, and deep-tech innovation. Benjamin retraces his journey from theoretical physics and venture capital to building one of Europe’s fastest-growing defense innovation networks, sharing lessons on entrepreneurship, frontier technologies, and why there is “no box” when it comes to building ambitious projects. The conversation then dives into the technologies and ideas defining the future of defense: AI hardware, photonic and analog computing, drone warfare, startup ecosystems, and the role of hackathons in bringing new talent into European security. Emily and Benjamin explore how startups can respond to rapidly evolving battlefield challenges, why Ukraine has become a catalyst for defense innovation, and what it will take for Europe to achieve technological superiority in an increasingly uncertain world. [00:00:00] Intro – From Quantum Physics to Defense Tech [00:00:43] Leaving Academia for Startups and Venture Capital [00:03:02] Studying Physics While Still in High School [00:06:16] Building a Publishing House from Scratch [00:10:46] Why Academia Wasn't the Right Path [00:14:44] Future of Computing: Building a Deep Tech Community [00:18:20] The Future of Computing: AI, Analog & Photonic Chips [00:21:09] Analog Computing Explained [00:22:42] Where Would You Invest €10 Million Today? [00:25:47] Building the European Defense Tech Hub [00:28:56] Scaling Europe's Largest Defense Tech Network [00:31:28] Security, Espionage & Running Defense Hackathons [00:34:35] Drone Warfare and the Future of Modern Defense [00:37:28] The Technologies Shaping Europe's Defense Startups [00:40:11] What Makes a Great Defense Tech Founder? Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

14. 

    9 Jul 2026

    Fault Lines #5 - Cameron Porter - VC’s Next Big Frontier

    In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Cameron Porter, co-founder and General Partner at Steel Atlas, whose unconventional path runs from studying computer science at Princeton and playing professional soccer in Major League Soccer to building a career in venture capital. Cameron reflects on the highs and lows of elite sport, the injuries and turning points that reshaped his trajectory, and the lessons in resilience, risk-taking and conviction that ultimately led him into investing. The conversation then turns to Steel Atlas and its distinctive approach to backing the next generation of industrial technologies. Cameron explains why the firm focuses on the overlooked infrastructure that “holds the world up,” from manufacturing and supply chains to energy and nuclear technologies, and why a concentrated, deeply researched portfolio can challenge traditional venture capital dogma. A wide-ranging discussion about industrial renewal, asymmetric insight, and what it takes to invest in the technologies shaping the next American industrial revolution. [00:00:00] From Princeton to professional soccer[00:05:41] Getting drafted into Major League Soccer[00:11:15] The game that changed everything[00:15:38] Scoring Montreal’s legendary 94th-minute goal[00:17:03] Career-changing injuries and leaving professional soccer[00:19:23] Discovering crypto and transitioning into tech[00:20:41] Breaking into venture capital with Kevin Ryan[00:23:51] What elite sports teaches you about investing[00:27:02] Founding Steel Atlas[00:29:24] The investment thesis behind industrial technology[00:31:12] Challenging traditional venture capital dogma[00:35:22] How Steel Atlas de-risks early-stage investments[00:40:47] When great technologies fail to get adopted[00:46:00] The next American industrial revolution Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

15. 

    2 Jul 2026

    Fault Lines #4 - Helena Gagern - The Founder Embassy: Where Europe’s Top Founders Meet Silicon Valley

    In this episode of the Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer welcomes Helena Gagern, co-founder of The Founder Embassy, for a deep dive into her unconventional path from Europe to Silicon Valley. Helena retraces her journey from working in hypergrowth at FlixBus in the U.S., to self-teaching coding during COVID, breaking into product management, and eventually launching (and shutting down) a crypto startup backed by top-tier investors . Through candid reflections on failure, ambition, and serendipity, she shares what it truly means to build in tech today. The conversation then explores the founding thesis behind The Founder Embassy: helping European founders plug directly into San Francisco’s unique ecosystem from day one. Helena explains why she believes building globally requires a real presence in SF - where customer velocity, risk appetite, and belief in bold ideas are unmatched. A sharp discussion unfolds around Europe vs. the U.S., New York vs. San Francisco, and why proximity to the right network can dramatically accelerate a startup’s trajectory. [00:00:00] Introduction – Helena Gagern & The Founder Embassy [00:01:00] From Austria to LA – Joining FlixBus During U.S. Expansion [00:03:40] Learning to Code During COVID – Building the First Product [00:06:30] Google APM Interviews – Hustling Without a CS Degree [00:08:50] Product Management at Anaplan (B2B SaaS) [00:10:00] Entrepreneur First – Entering the Startup World [00:12:10] Serendipity – Meeting a Co-Founder at a Miami Hackathon [00:14:30] 10-Day Founder Sprint in Austria [00:15:25] Building a Crypto Messaging Startup (Salsa) [00:16:15] NFTs, Wallet Messaging & Market Timing [00:17:50] Raising from Tier-1 Crypto Investors [00:18:40] Shutting Down the Startup – Tough Founder Decisions [00:19:20] Discovering San Francisco’s Unique Tech Culture [00:21:30] The Moment SF “Clicked” – Quality of Ideas Over Credentials [00:22:50] Founding Thesis of The Founder Embassy [00:23:40] European Founders Moving Earlier to SF [00:24:00] Why “Stay in Europe” Is a Flawed Narrative [00:25:00] Customer Velocity – U.S. vs Europe [00:26:50] New York vs San Francisco – Where Should Founders Move? [00:28:00] SF as an Industry Town – Why It’s Different [00:29:00] The Birth of The Founder Embassy Concept [00:30:10] Getting the House & Selecting High-Potential Founders [00:31:00] Not an Accelerator – Curated Access Over Structure [00:31:55] Making High-Leverage Introductions [00:33:00] Small Dinners That Change Founder Trajectories [00:34:30] Real Impact – Fundraising & Founder Success Stories [00:35:15] How Founders Discover The Embassy [00:36:00] The Minimalist Website & Underground Strategy [00:36:45] The “Paul Graham’s Uncle” Experience [00:38:00] Who Gets In? Different Founder Profiles [00:40:30] Where Should You Build? 2 Weeks in SF vs Europe [00:41:10] Building Global Companies – Europe + SF Hybrid Model [00:42:00] Opportunity for European Founders Today [00:43:00] Long-Term Vision & Mission [00:44:00] Closing Thoughts Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

16. 

    25 Jun 2026

    Fault Lines #3 - Juan Pablo Soulier - Inside Tesla, Waymo & Climate Investing

    In this episode of Fault Lines, host Augustin Sayer sits down with Juan Pablo Soulier, Partner at Prelude Ventures, whose career spans Renault, Tesla, Waymo, Rivian and entrepreneurship. Juan shares his journey from pioneering battery research and building Tesla’s Supercharger network to helping launch Waymo’s autonomous fleet infrastructure, revealing how mission-driven cultures and long-term thinking shaped his path. The conversation explores the future of mobility, climate technology and venture capital, as Juan explains why he joined Prelude Ventures to back the next generation of founders. From EV adoption and autonomous vehicles to energy infrastructure and deep tech investing, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on how some of the world’s most transformative technologies are built, and where the biggest opportunities lie ahead. [00:00:00] Introduction – Juan Pablo Soulier’s journey from Renault to Prelude Ventures[00:01:23] Betting on electric vehicles back in 2009[00:03:02] Battery chemistry and the economics of early EVs[00:06:00] Why charging infrastructure became the real opportunity[00:07:26] Joining Tesla and moving to California[00:10:15] Tesla’s culture: talent, ownership and extreme commitment[00:14:44] The pros and cons of hiring young go-getters[00:18:02] Building Tesla’s Supercharger network from scratch[00:21:02] How customer behavior shaped the charging network[00:23:18] Surviving Model 3 production hell[00:26:06] Leaving Tesla to join Waymo[00:28:13] The hidden infrastructure behind autonomous fleets[00:31:31] Why electricity capacity is a bottleneck for robotaxis[00:33:41] Witnessing Waymo become truly driverless[00:34:24] Tesla, BYD and the global EV race[00:36:34] Will our children still need driver’s licenses?[00:38:38] Becoming an entrepreneur with Vammo in Brazil[00:40:29] Returning to EVs and AI at Rivian[00:41:04] Joining Prelude Ventures to back climate technologies[00:42:46] Growing up in Colombia and discovering a mission[00:44:37] What Juan looks for as an investor today[00:45:00] Climate investing, deep tech and the next frontier of innovation Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

17. 

    18 Jun 2026

    Fault Lines #2 - Andrew Côté - The Making of a Deep Tech Founder

    In this episode of the Fault Lines Podcast, Augustin Sayer sits down with Andrew Côté - engineering physicist, deep tech thinker, and founder of Hyperstition - for a wide-ranging conversation at the frontier of science and entrepreneurship. From his unconventional path from anthropology to engineering physics, Andrew retraces his journey through particle accelerators, nuclear fusion startups, infectious disease research during COVID, and early experiments with large language models - long before ChatGPT became mainstream. The discussion dives deep into energy abundance, nuclear power, superconductors, venture capital, and the cultural rise of deep tech in the U.S. Andrew shares his philosophy on building technology that meaningfully advances civilization - arguing that energy, physics, and fundamental engineering breakthroughs form the true foundation of economic prosperity. A bold and intellectually electric episode about ambition, failure, resilience, and the pursuit of technologies indistinguishable from magic. [00:00:00] Introduction — Who is Andrew Côté? [00:00:22] From Anthropology to Engineering Physics [00:01:54] Falling in Love with Cosmology & Particle Physics [00:02:15] Choosing Engineering Physics Over the Safe Path [00:03:05] Deep Tech Before It Was Trendy (2014 Context) [00:04:28] Turning Down Academia to Start a Company [00:05:33] First Startup Attempt — Computational Imaging & Light Field Displays [00:07:26] Tech Risk & Hardware Fundraising Challenges [00:08:44] Pivoting & Early Entrepreneurial Experiments [00:09:31] The Move to San Francisco [00:09:50] Chan Zuckerberg Biohub & Bioengineering During COVID [00:11:04] Spinning Out an Early LLM Startup (Pre-ChatGPT) [00:12:23] Philosophy: Doing What Only You Can Do [00:15:00] Intrapreneurship Inside a Nonprofit [00:17:07] LLMs for Drug Discovery — Too Early? [00:18:50] Startup Failure & Moving Back to Canada [00:19:36] Returning to Fusion Engineering [00:20:19] Fusion vs Quantum Computing — What Matters Most? [00:21:26] Why Energy Abundance Changes Civilization [00:22:45] Nuclear Energy, France vs Germany [00:25:15] Energy Policy & Industrial Competitiveness [00:26:26] Back to Fusion — The Dream Job at Princeton [00:27:33] Writing Online & Building a Deep Tech Audience [00:27:51] The LK99 Superconductor Saga [00:28:32] Going Viral on Tech Twitter [00:29:04] Venture Capital Interest & New Opportunities [00:32:43] What Is Deep Tech Really? [00:33:05] Underwriting Technical Risk [00:34:00] Founders vs Investors in Deep Tech [00:36:30] The Origin of Deep Tech Week [00:39:00] Building a Cultural Movement Around Engineering [00:42:30] Hyperstition — Technology Indistinguishable from Magic [00:45:00] Are We Entering a U.S. Deep Tech Renaissance? Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

18. 

    11 Jun 2026

    Fault Lines #1 - Alex Niehenke - The rise of vertical AI

    Hosted by Augustin Sayer, Fault Lines is a new podcast exploring the hidden tensions shaping technology, venture capital and the future of AI. In this first episode, Augustin welcomes Alex Niehenke, partner at Scale Venture Partners, for a deep dive into the evolution of Silicon Valley, the rise of vertical AI, and the realities of building category-defining companies. From boardroom dynamics to billion-dollar AI theses, the conversation blends sharp investor insight with candid reflections on startups, founders and the changing nature of venture capital. A thoughtful and unfiltered discussion on where the next wave of innovation will emerge, and why the most valuable opportunities often hide inside “unsexy” industries. [00:00:00] Introduction & Alex Niehenke’s journey into venture capital[00:02:41] From MySpace to Silicon Valley: the evolution of startup ecosystems[00:06:14] Why San Francisco became the capital of the AI era[00:07:33] Scale Venture Partners’ biggest bets: DocuSign, Box, Motive & AI startups[00:09:20] Why the future of AI is vertical, not horizontal[00:12:59] Proprietary data, regulation & the defensibility of Vertical AI[00:16:19] Why lawyers became one of AI’s fastest-growing markets[00:18:28] Why AI wrappers may matter more than people think[00:20:27] Is venture capital running out of money again?[00:21:58] Lessons from the boardroom: scaling companies from seed to IPO[00:24:03] The hidden reality of board work & founder relationships[00:27:02] Building trust between founders and investors[00:28:14] How great board members actually operate [00:30:02] The discipline, pressure & emotional weight of board governance[00:32:11] What founders misunderstand about venture capital[00:34:07] Why “unsexy chaos” creates the biggest startup opportunities[00:36:18] The hidden industries AI is about to transform[00:38:42] How Alex evaluates founders beyond the pitch[00:41:03] Spotting massive markets before everyone else[00:43:11] Why the best startups solve painful operational problems[00:45:02] Closing thoughts: AI, vertical software & the future of venture investing Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions. Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

19. 

    2 Jun 2026

    Trailer Fault Lines

    Fault Lines Opening Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

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