The youth backlash: Can business afford to ignore it?
Young people are losing faith in the future. IMD's Vanina Farber explains why business leaders must rethink their role – and act before it's too late....
March 26, 2024 • by Raphaël Grieco, Karl Schmedders in Capital Conversations • Podcast available
The founder of Ahoy Capital talks concentrated portfolios and the value of right-sized investments...
Apple Google SpotifyIn this new episode of Capital Conversations, we speak with Chris Douvos about how the emerging managers segment in venture capital has evolved since 2010.
Chris Douvos founded Ahoy Capital in 2018, focusing on backing emerging venture capital fund managers. With nearly two decades in venture capital, he pioneered the micro-VC movement. The firm is focused on finding intentionally right-sized investment vehicles, believing that size can hinder performance. It prioritizes concentrated portfolios, anchored by top-performing VC managers, alongside dynamic emerging managers and co-investments.
With experience catalyzing leading managers since the early micro-VC days, Ahoy pursues a conviction-based strategy, backing dynamic nascent managers and companies with sustainable competitive advantages or leveraging innovation ecosystems.
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Through our research, thought leadership, and annual program, IMD’s Venture Asset Management Initiative aims to demystify venture asset management in Switzerland and across Europe.
For more information about our Venture Asset Management Initiative, click here
Research Associate at the IMD Venture Asset Management Initiative
Raphaël Grieco is a former Research Associate at IMD for the Venture Asset Management Initiative, drawing on over 15 years of leadership experience at the intersection of cross-asset wealth management and technology. Raphael specializes in early-stage venture investing, multi-support educational content creation spanning written and audio formats, as well as building entrepreneurial ecosystems focusing on technology (including crypto and web3).
Professor of Finance and Strategy
Karl Schmedders is a Professor of Finance and Strategy, with research and teaching centered on sustainability and the economics of climate change. He directs the Strategic Finance (SF) program and teaches in the Executive MBA programs. Passionate about sustainable finance, Schmedders believes that more attention needs to be paid to on the social (S) and governance (G) aspects of ESG to ensure a fair transition and tackle inequality.
November 3, 2026 • by Hana Milanov in Podcasts
Young people are losing faith in the future. IMD's Vanina Farber explains why business leaders must rethink their role – and act before it's too late....
October 27, 2026 • by Tim Quigley in Podcasts
Companies are spending billions on artificial intelligence. But are they making any money from it? IMD's Karl Schmedders on hidden costs, vibe coding and how companies can turn AI into business value....
October 20, 2026 • by Tim Quigley in Podcasts
Living longer is changing business. Carlos Cordon, Professor of Strategy and Supply Chain Management at IMD, explores longevity, retirement, workforce health – and what leaders need to rethink....
August 20, 2026 • by David Bach in Podcasts
IEA chief Fatih Birol on the age of electricity, Europe’s strategic energy mistakes, the Hormuz shock – and why trust is now an energy asset....
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