Will Data Create a New Tier of VC Firms?

Philipp Spenger is a finance professional with over a decade of experience across investment banking, corporate finance, and venture capital. As an early member of the EIB team advising the EIC Fund, he helped shape the strategy of one of Europe’s largest deep-tech investment funds. He now leads the team advancing a data-driven venture capital model, leveraging data, analytics, and AI to scale investment operations and portfolio intelligence. Philipp is passionate about the transformative potential of emerging technologies and their ability to unlock better decisions and outcomes.

Iohan is the CFO and Compliance Officer at Contrarian Ventures, where he leads the firm’s financial strategy and regulatory operations. Since joining in 2022, he has been responsible for scaling the firm’s internal controls, overseeing fund administration, and ensuring the highest standards of transparency across accounting, taxation, and reporting. With over nine years of experience in the Venture Capital and Private Equity sectors, Iohan previously served as an Audit Manager in the Private Equity department at EY Luxembourg. There, he managed a portfolio of global fund managers, specialising in VC audits, valuation modelling (IPEV/IFRS), and complex fund structures. A native of Belgium with a global professional footprint spanning five countries, Iohan holds an MSc in International Business Economics & Management from KU Leuven and a Bachelor’s in European Studies from Maastricht University.

Morten leads operations at Sandwater, ensuring a solid foundation for scaling Sandwater’s portfolio companies. Morten’s background is in finance, first in investment banking and later playing a key role in the restructuring of Norwegian Air Shuttle, navigating financial and operational challenges during a critical period for the company. His experience in high-stakes financial environments has shaped his expertise in capital allocation, governance, and prudent financial management. Morten puts enhanced focus into integrating data-driven methodologies and leveraging data and AI to improve decision-making and identify promising investment opportunities.

Ryan is Head of Portfolio at IQ Capital, where he leads the firm's portfolio strategy and corporate finance function - shaping how IQ Capital supports, scales, and exits its deeptech investments. He works closely with companies across the portfolio on growth, governance, and value creation, while overseeing investment execution and portfolio risk management.