Going Deep into Venture Capital Fundamentals: A Conversation with Hampus Jakobsson of Pale Blue Dot

In this episode of 0100 Impact Talks, Hampus Jakobsson, General Partner at the Sweden-based VC firm Pale Blue Dot, shares his perspective on building a climate-focused fund and rethinking how venture capital operates. Pale Blue Dot, which invests in the macro shifts of climate change, raised its second $100M fund in just three months — a record pace — thanks to a lean, conviction-driven team and radical transparency with LPs, even listing reasons not to invest.

Jakobsson emphasizes that pre-seed investing is about people, not spreadsheets, describing his approach of direct, long-term relationships with founders through WhatsApp, voice notes, and constant engagement. He also reflects on Europe’s innovation landscape, pointing to world-class talent but structural and cultural barriers that hold founders back compared to the U.S.

Ultimately, his advice to other GPs is simple: stick to your strategy, be transparent, and back companies that matter — because true returns come from creating both money and meaning.