
Zhike Lei & Marcus Schindler on exploration and purpose at Novo Nordisk
IMD’s Zhike Lei talks with Marcus Schindler on driving innovation at Novo Nordisk, balancing delivery and discovery, and preparing R&D teams for AI....
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 at IMD
Karl Schmedders is a Professor of Finance, with research and teaching centered on sustainability and the economics of climate change. He is Director of IMD’s online certification course for structured investment and also teaches in the Executive MBA programs and serves as an advisor for International Consulting Projects within the MBA program. 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.

December 8, 2025 • by Zhike Lei in Podcasts
IMD’s Zhike Lei talks with Marcus Schindler on driving innovation at Novo Nordisk, balancing delivery and discovery, and preparing R&D teams for AI....

December 1, 2025 • by Julia Binder, Knut Haanaes in Podcasts
In the second episode of IMD’s sustainability series, IMD's Julia Binder and Knut Haanaes welcome Kunal Chandra of RWE to discuss the energy transition....

November 17, 2025 • by Alyson Meister, David Bach in Podcasts
Walmex CEO Guilherme “Gui” Loureiro on reinventing Walmart Mexico into a purpose-driven digital powerhouse – by overcoming his own ego. ...

November 17, 2025 • by Didier Bonnet in Podcasts
AI has leapt from obscurity to ubiquity, reshaping work and society. But its flaws run deep, forcing leaders to balance its promise with its dangerous limitations. ...
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