For this episode of StrictlyVC Download, we’re bringing you a conversation from the StrictlyVC Athens event. Connie Loizos sat down with Niko Bonatsos: Founder & General Partner, Verdict Capital; Ben Blume: Partner, Atomico; and Andreas Stavropoulos: Partner, Threshold Ventures to break down the state of venture capital, the hunt for white space, and what it actually takes to back a breakout company in 2026.

Maggie Nye
Sr. Audio Producer
Maggie Nye is a Podcast Producer for TechCrunch based in Denver, Colorado. Previously, she worked as the Brand and Content Manager for BUILT BY GIRLS where she developed an interest in tech and a passion for creating equitable and welcoming professional tech spaces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in English from Hofstra University in New York.
You can contact or verify outreach from Maggie by emailing maggie@techcrunch.com.

June 18
Los Angeles
Get an inside look at what it takes to scale and succeed from leaders at Mach Industries, Founders Fund, and Shinkei Systems. Through candid fireside chats and high-impact networking, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and new connections.



