Sandro Stark is Co-Founder and General Partner at Vanagon Ventures, backing digital solutions that confront the climate and biodiversity crisis head-on. Previously, he was the Global Innovation Lead at Allianz and Industry Executive at Microsoft. Takeaways ✨ 1. Vanagon’s approach to startup evaluation Distribution capability is now the key differentiator, not just technical innovationCustomer "stickiness" and deep industry understandingThe solution must demonstrate both climate impact and profit potential 2. Why is Munich's ecosystem strategic? Part of DACH region - third-largest market globally after China and USRich concentration of technical talent and corporate headquartersUntapped potential in Mittelstand venture engagement 3. What's the philosophy behind sustainable success? Don't postpone happiness for future achievementsTrue leadership creates more leaders, not followersConsistent effort matters more than breakthrough moments Now listen in for more insights! ❤ Outline 😎 🎬 00:00 Introduction and Tough Timing 💡 00:55 Early Signs of Entrepreneurship 💻 02:05 Career at Microsoft and Transition to Venture Capital 🚀 03:45 Defining Frontier Tech and Investment Focus 🏢 05:03 Founding Vanagon VC 💪 08:58 Challenges and Resilience in Fundraising 📈 11:19 Investment Strategies and Success Stories ⚖️ 19:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life 🧠 30:03 Reflections and Philosophical Insights 🎤 34:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links 🔗 PODCAST LINKS: Podcast Website: https://www.whyyouvc.comApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3V4FyQNSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4hYSvpgRSS: https://bit.ly/whyyouvcrssPodcast Playlist: https://bit.ly/whyyouvc SOCIAL LINKS: X: https://x.com/whyyouvcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whyyouvcRED: https://bit.ly/whyyouvcredBilibili: https://bit.ly/whyyouvcbiliEmail: whyyouvc@gmail.com GUEST LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrostark/Vanagon: https://www.vanagon.vc/Vanagon on X: https://x.com/vanagon_vcVanagon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanagon/