OVNIs Ep. #116 - Bettine Schmitz - Inside Europe’s Female-Founder VC Movement

In this episode of the OVNIs Podcast, host Rebecca Miller welcomes Bettine Schmitz, General Partner at Auxxo, a German venture capital fund focused on backing startups with at least one significant female co-founder. Bettine shares the story behind Auxxo’s creation, the fund’s mission to address structural imbalances in venture capital, and the importance of meaningful female representation in startup leadership. She also discusses the journey of raising Auxxo’s funds and the challenges of building a thesis-driven investment vehicle in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Throughout the conversation, Bettine reflects on her personal path—from mathematics and consulting to angel investing and ultimately venture capital—and how her relationship with money and risk evolved along the way. The episode dives into how investors build conviction, the differences between investing personal capital versus managing a fund, and the broader cultural shifts needed to support diverse founders. With candid insights and practical perspectives, Bettine offers a thoughtful look at the future of inclusive venture investing in Europe.[00:00:00] Introduction  [00:01:04] Tina’s journey to becoming GP of Auxxo  [00:04:30] From mathematics and consulting to venture capital  [00:07:32] Discovering angel investing and learning to invest  [00:11:08] Creating Auxxo: a VC fund for female founders  [00:15:34] Raising Auxxo’s funds and the realities of fundraising  [00:19:27] The structural gap for female founders in venture capital  [00:23:18] Building conviction as an investor  [00:26:42] What Tina looks for in founders and startups  [00:29:30] Final thoughts and closing📌 Disclaimer – Financial Information & InvestmentThe content shared in this podcast (including episodes, excerpts, descriptions, associated posts, and YouTube videos) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute:investment advice,a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments,portfolio management advisory services,an offer of financial securities or a solicitation to acquire any financial instrument,banking or financial solicitation within the meaning of Articles L.341-1 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code.This podcast is not an investment services provider (ISP) nor a financial investment advisor (FIA) within the meaning of French and European regulations (AMF / MiFID II).📘 No Guarantee – Financial RisksThe information discussed reflects the personal opinions of the speakers, based on their professional experience.It may be incomplete, subject to change, or not applicable to your personal situation.All investments involve risks of partial or total loss, particularly in the case of private investments, technology assets, or venture capital transactions.Past performance is not indicative of future results.👤 Listener ResponsibilityEach listener / viewer remains solely responsible for their investment decisions.Before making any decision, it is strongly recommended to consult:a licensed professional financial advisor,an investment services provider, ora financial investment advisor (FIA) registered with ORIAS.🔒 Potential Conflicts of InterestThe speakers may be involved in companies, investment funds, or transactions mentioned.No statement should be interpreted as a commitment or a guarantee of performance.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.