Beginner's Mind
Blueprints for Builders and Investors
Hosted by Christian Soschner
From pre-seed to post-IPO, every company—especially in deep tech, biotech, AI, and climate tech—lives or dies by the frameworks it follows.
On Beginner’s Mind, Christian Soschner uncovers the leadership principles behind the world’s most impactful companies—through deep-dive interviews, strategic book reviews, and patterns drawn from history’s greatest business, military, and political minds.
With over 200 interviews, panels, and livestreams, the show ranks in the Top 10% globally—and is recognized as the #1 deep tech podcast.
With 35+ years across M&A, company building, board roles, business schools, ultrarunning, and martial arts, Christian brings a rare lens:
What it really takes to turn breakthrough science into business—how to grow it, lead it, and shape the world around it.
🎙 Expect each episode to deliver:
- Founder & Investor Blueprints: How breakthrough technologies scale from lab to IPO
- Historical & Biographical Frameworks: Timeless playbooks from the world's great builders
- Leadership & Communication Mastery: Tools to inspire, persuade, and lead at scale
Whether you're building the next biotech success, investing in AI, or leading a climate tech company through hypergrowth—this podcast gives you the edge.
Listen in. Apply what matters. Build companies that last.
📬 Join the newsletter & community: https://lsg2g.substack.com/
Beginner's Mind
EP 126: Owen Reynolds is Changing the Game: Risk, Returns, & the Future of Tech
🚀 Navigating the Future: Owen Reynolds' Blueprint for Venture Capital Success!
Join us in this riveting episode as we explore the visionary mind of Owen Reynolds, a leading figure at Teklas Ventures, renowned for his strategic foresight in the venture capital arena. Delve into how Owen's innovative approach is not just navigating, but pioneering new pathways for startups to scale from groundbreaking ideas to global phenomena.
🎙️ What's in the Episode:
1️⃣ The Hardware Revolution: Owen discusses the critical role of hardware in catapulting technological advancements beyond current limitations.
2️⃣ Sustainable Energy for an Addicted World: Insights into the quest for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources to fuel our future.
3️⃣ Europe's Hidden Gems: Unveiling the untapped potential within Europe's tech landscape and the unique opportunities it presents.
👨💼 About Owen Reynolds:
With a profound background in venture capital and a keen eye on industrial and energy sectors, Owen Reynolds stands at the helm of Teklas Ventures, steering investments towards automation, robotics, and sustainable energy solutions. His passion for marrying innovation with sustainability drives his mission to foster startups that not only succeed financially but also contribute positively to society. Owen's philosophy revolves around embracing risk for monumental returns, setting a new benchmark in venture capital.
🎥 Immerse yourself in this enlightening episode to journey into the future of venture capital with Owen Reynolds. Discover the strategies shaping the next wave of startup success and innovation with Teklas Ventures.
💡 LINKS TO MORE CONTENT
Host: Christian Soschner
📌 Quotes:
(00:07:45) "If I could do this for the rest of my life, it would be incredible."
(00:17:11) "I invest in people that scare me a little bit."
(00:43:03) "We can't get big capital flows without doing above market returns."
(00:52:06) "Expecting market returns demands a mature set of founders and asset managers."
(01:10:03) "Creative destruction is part of a healthy ecosystem, revitalizing it for future cycles."
(01:24:33) "Every investment opportunity has its own risks and return profile, requiring a calculated approach."
⏰ Timestamps:
(00:07:45) The Genesis of a Venture Capitalist's Passion
(00:11:50) Envisioning the Future of Startups
(00:17:11) Owen Reynolds on Seeking Founders Who Challenge Him
(00:25:15) Discussing Modern Portfolio Theory in Venture Capital
(00:42:04) Measuring Success in Venture Investment: Returns, Impact, Technology
(00:43:03) Prioritizing Returns in Venture Capital for Sustainable Impact
(00:43:49) Navigating ESG: Beyond Compliance to Genuine Impact
(00:50:24) Investing in Down Markets: Overcoming Fear with Strategic Capital Allocation
(00:59:16) Navigating Investment Strategies
(01:10:03) Creative Destruction in the Venture Ecosystem
(01:13:27) Navigating Venture Capital in a Shifting Market: Strategies for the Future
(01:22:21) Envisioning the Venture Landscape: A Mature, Grounded Future for Startups
(01:24:33) "Every investment opportunity has its own risks and return profile, requiring a calculated approach."
(01:25:45) Exploring the Limits of Software in Technological Advancements
(01:27:57) Envisioning a Future Shaped by Diverse Energy Sources and Sustainable Innovation
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