E506 | Andre de Haes, Backed VC: Building the Davos for Founders, Redefining VC Edge & Embracing Authenticity

In this episode, sits down with , founder of , live from SuperVenture 2025 in Berlin.Backed is one of Europe’s boldest early-stage funds, known not just for investing in frontier tech but for pioneering a new model of VC community. In this conversation, Andre unpacks the philosophical and practical foundations of their work—from turning a value-add into a moat to why “edge” in venture is mostly a myth—unless you build your own rules.Who should listen:Emerging managers figuring out how to build true differentiationLPs trying to evaluate durable edge in a saturated VC marketFounders deciding what kind of capital partner they want long-termHere what’s covered:00:00 Who is Andre de Haes & What is Backed VC?00:32 Frontier Tech Focus: Fintech, Bio, and Manufacturing Software01:30 Why Community is a Core Offering—Not a Side Show02:15 Behind the Scenes: The SuperVenture Speaker Dinner & Rooftop Surprise04:00 Playing the Long Game: Trust Built Over 20-Year Cycles05:08 Stage Preview: What it Means to Build VC Edge07:50 Advice for LPs on Identifying Real Differentiation10:50 Biggest Learnings: Humility, Leverage & Contrarian Courage15:00 Investing at the Frontier: Computational Bio, Optics & Non-Invasive Brain Tech16:00 What Munger & Buffett Teach Us About Capital Efficiency in VC