We sure the best connections happen outside of boardrooms. In the fast-paced world of venture capital, where every decision carries high stakes, investors often forget one key principle: success is not just about making deals, but about sustaining the people who make them.
High-impact investors understand that their most valuable asset is their network and community. And building powerful relationships requires more than Zoom calls and conferences. From sailing the Mediterranean to attending exclusive investor retreats, the best partnerships are forged in environments where real trust can flourish. So how do you balance networking, investing, and personal resilience to stay ahead of the game?
What separates unicorn founders from those who burn out? And why does networking play a bigger role than most investors think? On the latest VNTR Podcast, legendary entrepreneur and investor Oskar Hartmann shares raw, hard-earned insights from launching and investing in 150+ ventures, backing 14 unicorns, and surviving 43 bankruptcies. His journey proves that startup success is not just about timing and business models—it’s about endurance, mentorship, and strategic networking.
🔹 The #1 mistake founders make when choosing a business model
🔹 Why staying in the game matters more than initial success
🔹 How top-tier networks and mentors transform an investor’s career
🔹 Why traditional education is failing founders, and what replaces it
Oscar’s experience confirms what every investor should know: your network isn’t just your safety net, it’s your superpower. But to leverage it effectively, you need to be in the right rooms, at the right events, and surrounded by the right people
📌 Beyond boardrooms and term sheets: why the best deals happen on the water
What if the secret to landing your next billion-dollar deal wasn’t another conference, but a week on a yacht with like-minded investors?
The VNTR Regatta in Sardinia (May 26-30, 2025) is designed for investors who understand that real connections are built through shared experiences. This exclusive event blends high-level networking with adventure, providing a stress-free environment where top investors, founders, and VCs can collaborate, discuss deals, and forge lasting relationships
In an era where the venture market is more competitive than ever, the best opportunities come from the strongest networks. And the strongest networks aren’t built in meeting rooms — they’re built in moments of genuine connection: join VNTR Regatta
Investing demands both data and instincts — a deep understanding of the market, pattern recognition and the ability to anticipate shifts before they happen. But making consistently strong investment decisions requires more than just analytical thinking. Mental clarity, resilience and strategic foresight are foundational pillars that enable investors to approach the market with fresh perspectives and sound judgment.
Studies show that overworking leads to poor decision-making, higher stress, and lower long-term returns. According to Harvard Business Review, investors who prioritize work-life balance make 17% better long-term investment decisions, highlighting the tangible benefits of maintaining both professional and personal equilibrium.
Similarly, research from Stanford GSB indicates that high-performing CEOs and investors tend to take more vacations and participate in exclusive retreats, using these settings not just for relaxation, but for building relationships and exchanging strategic insights. Meanwhile, data from MIT Sloan Research suggests that deals initiated in informal settings — such as private gatherings or off-site retreats — are 40% more likely to close compared to those originating in traditional meeting environments.
These findings reinforce a crucial reality: successful investing is not just about relentless deal-making, but about creating an environment where the best decisions can be made. Whether through structured downtime, high-trust networking, or strategic retreats, top investors understand that stepping back often leads to stronger long-term performance and better opportunities.
