From Automation to Independence: Robotics, AI, and Industrial Resilience
European manufacturing is at a critical inflection point as maturing robotics, AI-native software, and falling compute costs converge with policy pressure for industrial resilience and energy efficiency. Momentum is accelerating, with venture capital flowing into AI and robotics startups, signaling a clear shift from experimentation to scalable deployment. This roundtable brings together early-stage investors, founders, industry leaders and shapers to identify where defensible advantages can be built and Europe’s next industrial champions are emerging.
Discussion Questions:
Where can early-stage founders build lasting moats in robotics and industrial AI - IP, data, or deep integration?
What helps an industrial startup cross the credibility gap from pilot to trusted production partner?
Which sectors are most ready to scale now, and what’s driving faster adoption?
How are smart factories redefining ROI, beyond cost savings to resilience and energy efficiency?
Big Bet Question: If you were placing one bold early-stage bet today, what part of the industrial stack would you back? Why now?
Host: Maria Wasastjerna, Founding Partner (Kvanted Ventures).
About the host:
Maria Wasastjerna (PhD) is co-founder and managing partner of Kvanted, a Nordic venture capital firm focused on industrial technology. Maria’s background is in law and commercial strategy, working with M&A, digital markets and start-ups. She is passionate about emerging technologies such as robotics, quantum, and AI, and brings visionary thinking and strategic focus on growth and innovation. Maria is also co-founder and host of a leading business podcast.
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