Joe
Knowles
Partner
A surfing enthusiast, mainly surfing the web trying to uncover the hidden gems of European tech.
I’ve been investing in B2B software, data platforms and applied AI for 10 years. Having trained as an engineer, I am curious about technology and the science of building businesses, but it is the human side of things which fascinates me these days. Building businesses is hard, and it is a privilege to partner with inspirational founders to help them solve this puzzle without going mad.
“Joe is well read, with strong market knowledge, a passion for the latest technology and analytics stats, and always willing to share his learnings and offer encouragement. “WarrenCEO, Infinity
A conversation with Joe
Why VC?
I love the variety. I learn about different technologies, markets, and businesses every day. We grapple with deep analytical and intellectual questions but also human ones. Over the course of the day we are board members, researchers, investment decision makers, salespeople, and founder support crew.
What's your favourite challenge to solve in a scaling business?
Working out what the challenge is. I see my role as helping founders with essentialism; ruthlessly prioritizing the most important thing and ignoring everything else.
Book or podcast recommendation
Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss. On the face of it a book about negotiation (by an FBI hostage negotiator) but beneath that a much deeper book about active listening.
What do you do when you're not supporting great companies?
I love exercise and the outdoors. I do a few hikes, bike rides, ski and surf trips each year. I like to run, gym, swim and do yoga and have recently taken up padel. So, I do lots of things with enthusiasm but limited finesse. Outside of the “day job” I do some earlier stage angel investing and I am an advisor to the charity Sustainability First.