E88 [AI-Translated] Shapers | Deep Tech | Vitamin C | Kickfund | Rivr Exit | RIVR | Kandou | PAVE Space

In this episode of Burn Rate – The VC Insider Podcast, Max Meister and Guy Giuffredi discuss new dynamics in the Swiss and global venture capital landscape. In the news segment, they cover the Digital Shapers 2026, break down the latest European Deep Tech Report by Dealroom and Lakestar, and discuss the first closing of the new climate-tech VC Vitamin C. The focus is on Europe’s deep tech opportunity, Switzerland’s role as a bridge between research and capital, and how selective climate-tech investing is shaping the next industrial wave. In the featured segment, they are joined by Wanja Humanes, CEO and Managing Partner of Kickfund. The discussion explores Kickfund’s unconventional VC model, building a portfolio of over 100 startups in less than two years, deliberately avoiding board seats, and positioning itself as an index-style fund for Swiss deep tech. In the listener question, they analyze the acquisition of Rivr by Amazon and the broader question of whether European startups are being sold too early. Topics include growth capital, IPO pathways, scaling dynamics, and the mindset required to build global market leaders. The episode concludes with four transactions of the week: RIVR (robotics exit to Amazon) Kandou AI (AI interconnect chips, Series A) PAVE Space (orbital transfer vehicles, Seed) An episode about deep-tech ambition, new VC models, early exits, climate-tech investing, and how Europe can not only build but also scale global technology leaders.