Spotting Trends in AI, Robotics, and Space – Finn Murphy's Investment Playbook as Solo GP at Nebular

About this episode

As Solo General Partner at Nebular, Finn Murphy has a clear mission: invest in future trends 12-18 months ahead of the market. In conversation with Mike Mahlkow, he explains how he identifies emerging areas like AI, robotics, space-based data centers, and quantum computing, and why curiosity is the key to his success.

The Nebular Philosophy: Investing Before the Hype

Finn Murphy follows a distinctive approach at Nebular: he deliberately invests 12-18 months before trends become mainstream. The fund focuses on early-stage startups in pre-seed and seed phases. "It's about finding founders who are working on truly forward-thinking ideas before everyone else catches on," Murphy explains.

The focus lies on technological breakthroughs in areas like AI applications, edge computing, robotics, and even futuristic concepts like space-based data centers. What matters isn't just the technology itself, but especially the founders driving these innovations forward.

Recognizing Trends Through Intellectual Curiosity

How does an investor spot trends before they become obvious? For Murphy, intellectual curiosity is the key. He dives deep into new technologies and tries to understand which use cases might become relevant in 18 months.

"You have to be willing to dive into niche areas that are still largely unexplored today," Murphy emphasizes. This isn't just about understanding the technology itself, but also about evaluating founders working in these uncharted territories.

The Challenges of Being a Solo GP

As a Solo General Partner, Murphy faces unique challenges. He must manage both fundraising for his fund and supporting his portfolio companies. "The hardest part is balancing the strategic work on the fund with operational support for founders," he explains.

Despite the challenges, Murphy sees clear advantages in his solo approach: faster decisions, more direct relationships with founders, and the ability to consistently implement his own investment style. Building trust with founders is central to this approach – both for winning deals and creating long-term partnerships.

Europe vs. USA: Different Startup Ecosystems

A significant part of the conversation revolves around differences between European and American startup ecosystems. Murphy observes clear distinctions in funding, risk-taking, and founder mentality.

"American investors tend to back founders earlier and take bigger risks compared to their European counterparts," Murphy notes. These differences directly impact which founders should stay in Europe and which should make the leap to the USA.

The decision often depends on the type of company, the market, and the founder's personal goals. While Europe offers advantages for certain B2B models and regulated markets, the USA is often essential for companies wanting to scale globally quickly.

Partnership Rather Than Prescription

Murphy's philosophy in working with founders is clear: he sees himself as a partner, not someone who imposes solutions. "The best founders usually know best what their company needs. My role is to support them and ask the right questions."

Founder accountability is crucial in this approach. Murphy believes successful founders must hold themselves accountable and actively build trust with their investors.

Talent and Company Culture as Success Factors

Another important point is the significance of ownership and equity in attracting and retaining top talent. Murphy emphasizes that creating a high-performance culture is essential for startup success.

"It's not just about salary, but about real participation in the company's success," he explains. The right balance between salary and equity participation can be decisive in whether a startup attracts the best talent and keeps them motivated long-term.

Finn Murphy's approach at Nebular demonstrates that successful venture capital is more than just investing money. It requires deep technical understanding, the ability to spot trends early, and above all, building genuine partnerships with the founders of the future.