E335 | EUVC | Mikhail Taver, Taver Capital on a deep dive into robotics and AI in the industrial sector

EUVC

In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas discusses with - Mikhail Taver, Founder and Managing Partner of Taver Capital II, with a target fund size of $20M.
Taver Capital is a fund based on Delaware, US, focused on early-stage global AI startups from the industrial sector. They have already invested in companies like Earth AI, MSQRD (acquired by Facebook), ID R&D (acquired by Mitek), and Sayana (acquired by Headspace).
In this conversation, Andreas discusses with Mikhail his experience in robotics and AI investing, the potential of AI in various industries, the challenges of communication between startups and corporations, the impact of regulation on technological progress, and the importance of education and networking in fundraising. They also touch on the topic of mentors and the need for founders to find their own path.
Go to eu.vc for our core learnings and the full video interview 👀
Chapters:
00:12 Tavar Capital II: Focus and Investments
03:34 Passion for Robotics and AI
03:53 Mikhail's Journey into Robotics and AI
06:36 AI in Industry: Early Examples
08:11 Earth AI: A Success Story
08:47 Predictive Maintenance and More
09:28 VC Metrics of Success
11:07 Challenges in Industry Disruption
12:09 Communication Gaps Between Startups and Corporations
15:07 GP-LP Dynamics in Venture Capital
18:24 Communication Gaps Between Startups and VCs
21:19 Working with Generalist VCs
23:04 Regulation and Technological Progress
31:45 Advice for Emerging VCs and Founders