In this episode of the OVNIs podcast, the host introduces Zoe Mohl, a French-American who has taken an unconventional path from investment banking to venture capital. Zoe shares her journey from New York to Paris, detailing her experiences working in the technology sector at JPMorgan in San Francisco, where she developed a keen interest in the burgeoning tech industry despite her initial lack of knowledge in the field. Her story highlights her transition from a student of economics at Yale to a professional navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions in the tech world.

Zoe's career trajectory also includes a stint in strategy consulting, where she deepened her understanding of business infrastructure and market dynamics. Her eventual move to France was driven by a combination of personal and professional motivations, leading her to explore the venture capital landscape. At New Fund, she focused on facilitating successful exits for investments, before transitioning to Balderton Capital, where she currently works as an investor with a special emphasis on Series A funding. Throughout the podcast, Zoe discusses the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and the value of building strong relationships within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:01:00]: Zoe's Background

[00:01:48]: Transition from Yale to JPMorgan in Tech

[00:04:13]: Experience at JPMorgan: Tech Sector Insights

[00:06:36]: Challenges in Valuing Tech Companies

[00:08:24]: Transition to Strategy Consulting

[00:10:22]: Discovering Tech Infrastructure

[00:13:25]: Consulting Experience and Moving to France

[00:17:16]: Return to France and Personal Motivations

[00:18:46]: Exploring the VC Ecosystem in France

[00:20:13]: Joining New Fund as an Operating Partner

[00:22:38]: The Role of Exits in Venture Capital

[00:25:32]: From Pre-seed to Series A Investing

[00:28:30]: Joining Balderton Capital and Role Description

[00:31:16]: Balderton's Investment Strategy and Geography

[00:31:58]: Zoe's Investment Interests and Recent Deals

[00:32:23]: Skills Required in Venture Capital

[00:34:54]: The Importance of Relationships in VC

[00:37:22]: Adaptability in Investment Approaches

[00:40:08]: Understanding Different Investment Stages

[00:41:15]: The Myth of VCs Being Unhelpful

[00:42:17]: Importance of Support and Relationships in VC

[00:43:06]: Conclusion and Farewell