Jos White on Building Startups and Investing in Europe

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-02

What does it take to build a startup from scratch, scale it, and then invest in the next generation of founders? That's the journey Jos White, co-founder of Notion Capital, shares in this episode of the EU-Startups podcast. We sat down with him to talk about his path from building companies like Star and MessageLabs to backing some of Europe's most promising B2B SaaS and cloud startups. ### The Early Conversations That Matter Jos traces his entrepreneurial spark back to conversations around his family's dining table. Those early discussions shaped his mindset and ambition. It's a reminder that the seeds of success are often planted long before you ever write a business plan. ### When an Idea Gains Real Traction One of the key moments Jos highlights is recognizing when a business idea shifts from a nice concept to something with real traction. It's not just about metrics. It's about that gut feeling when you know you're onto something scalable. ### Why Firsthand Experience Gives VCs an Edge Jos believes that having been a founder yourself gives you a unique edge as an investor. You've lived the late nights, the pivots, and the tough decisions. That empathy helps you advise founders in ways that pure financiers just can't. ### The Intangible Traits of Exceptional Founders Beyond the pitch decks and revenue numbers, Jos looks for something else. It's about resilience, curiosity, and the ability to adapt. Those intangible traits often separate the good from the great. ### How the Founder Landscape Has Evolved Since 2009, the European startup scene has changed dramatically. Jos notes the rise of AI and how it's creating new blind spots. Founders today are more ambitious, but they also face challenges that didn't exist a decade ago. ### European vs. American Founders There's a fascinating difference in approach. European founders tend to be more cautious and methodical, while American founders often swing for the fences. Jos shares his thoughts on what each side can learn from the other. ### Key Takeaways from the Conversation - Early conversations can shape your entire entrepreneurial journey. - Traction is about more than numbers; it's about momentum. - Founder experience makes you a better investor. - Resilience and adaptability are the real markers of potential. - The startup landscape has shifted, and AI brings both opportunities and blind spots. - European and American founders have distinct styles, but both can succeed. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone interested in the European tech ecosystem. Jos White's insights are practical, honest, and rooted in decades of experience. Whether you're a founder or an investor, there's something here for you.