In the latest episode of the EU-Startups Podcast we’re thrilled to welcome a true legend in the venture capital world: Tim Draper. Hosted by Marcin Lewandowski, this episode is packed with bold predictions, entrepreneurial wisdom, and some truly jaw-dropping stories from one of the most influential investors in tech history.
Tim Draper is the Founder of Draper Associates, DFJ, and the Draper Venture Network. Over the past few decades, he’s backed iconic companies including Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Robinhood, Coinbase, and many more – often at the Seed stage. He’s also a pioneering voice in Bitcoin and blockchain, having won the U.S. Marshals’ auction of Bitcoin back in 2014 and invested in over 50 crypto companies to date.
In this wide-ranging and energising conversation, Draper shares insights on:
- The future of Bitcoin and decentralised governance
- Common traits of successful founders (hint: it’s all about the customer)
- Missed opportunities like Facebook, LinkedIn and Netflix – and the lessons they taught him
- How Draper University is training the next generation of fearless entrepreneurs
- His vision of virtual nations, space-based weather control, and walking on the moon
One of our favourite quotes from the episode involved the one unifying factor that Draper could connect between the bold entrepreneurs he helped fund: “They’re all very different from each other, but one thing that they all had was a love for their customer […] They figure out who their customer is, and they just build that love – and great things happen.”
From creating viral marketing and pushing the boundaries of venture capital to launching schools for startup heroes and virtual countries, Draper’s worldview is anything but ordinary.
If you’re building something bold – or dreaming of the moon – this episode is for you.
Video version of episode 110:
Audio version of episode 110:
Key takeaways:
- The future belongs to the bold – If you’re not taking risks, you’re already behind.
- Skepticism is a sign you’re onto something big – If everyone agrees with your idea, it’s probably too late.
- Decentralisation will change everything – Money, governance, and business will never be the same.
- Your craziest idea might be your best one – If it excites you and scares others, keep going.
- Life’s too short to play it safe – Whether it’s investing in Bitcoin or walking on the moon, dream bigger.
Don’t miss this unforgettable episode with one of the most visionary minds in tech and venture capital. And if you enjoy it, make sure to subscribe, like and share the EU-Startups Podcast with your friends and colleagues!
Listen to Episode 110 now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
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