xG-Afterwork: VC Edition – Three Lessons for Deep Tech Founders

"Venture Capital is a tool. It doesn’t create value by itself."

This was one of the key messages Florian Heinemann, Founder & General Partner at Project A, shared with Berlin’s telecommunications community at our last xG-Afterwork before the summer break.

In a candid discussion, Florian challenged some common assumptions about venture capital and offered practical advice on the decisions founders face when building and financing their startups.

Here are three key takeaways from the evening.

1. Not Every Great Startup Should Raise Venture Capital

Venture capital is often seen as the logical next step for ambitious startups. But as Florian emphasized, it is not the right financing model for every company.

VC comes with a specific set of expectations: rapid growth, large outcomes, and a willingness to “swing for the fences.”

For founders, this means thinking carefully about the kind of company they want to build before deciding to pursue VC funding. Raising capital is not an end in itself. It is a strategic decision that should align with the company's ambitions and long-term direction.

2. Early Decisions Matter More Than You Think

The choices founders make in the earliest stages can have a lasting impact on their company's future.

From the cap table and the selection of investors to IP agreements and the first hires, these decisions shape the foundation of a startup. They also send important signals to potential investors down the road.

Florian's message was clear: Excellence has to start early. Getting the fundamentals right from the beginning can make a significant difference when approaching future funding rounds.

3. Great Technology Alone Is Not Enough

Even the most promising technology needs more than technical excellence to attract attention.

Florian highlighted two factors that founders should not underestimate: momentum and storytelling.

Being able to explain what you are building, why it matters now, and why your team is the right one to make it happen is essential. If founders cannot communicate these points clearly and convincingly in just a few minutes, even strong technology may struggle to attract attention.

For Deep Tech startups in particular, this is an important reminder that communicating the value of an innovation is part of building a company around it.

Beyond VC: Connecting People and Ideas

But xG-Afterwork is about more than the insights shared on stage. It is also about what happens afterwards: people connecting, exchanging ideas, and exploring opportunities for collaboration.

Bringing together founders, experts, and people from across the ecosystem to learn from one another and move ideas forward is exactly why we organize these events.

A big thank you to all attendees! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. Until then, enjoy the gallery below!