In an engaging meeting hosted by Cartography VC, investors gathered to discuss the current state of the global investment landscape, particularly in light of ongoing economic uncertainties. The dialogue highlighted several key trends and provided valuable insights into effective investment strategies.

Current Investment Trends

1. Volatility and Uncertainty. Investors are cautious because of political tensions, market swings, and economic instability. Some are holding cash, others are staying in public markets, while a few are pursuing overlooked opportunities. Werner Schuenemann, Managing Partner at Xandance & Partners explained:
   
   “I undertake very careful, liquid investments. Purely technology-driven, in very specific areas like AI and new energy. And I’ve always been food and agricultural focused. That continues, including Germany’s first land-based salmon aquaculture.”
    
2. Focus on Technology and Innovation. Technology remains a priority, especially artificial intelligence, renewable energy, health tech, and defense-related applications. Carl Jones, Founder at Inhite Ventures said:
   
   “Diversification is vital. Military dual-use applications are big, and so is health tech, particularly longevity and fitness. As a material scientist, I look at how materials are reinvented, reused, or avoided altogether. Microplastics are a major issue, and I’m looking closely at how to improve materials in today’s economy.”
    
3. Opportunities in Adversity. Nagaraja Prakasam, Partner at Acumen pointed out that restrictions often lead to innovation:
   
   “Whenever there is pressure, people innovate. Decades ago, India was denied cryogenic rockets, so it built its own space program. Today, I see the same dynamic. Startups can turn global tensions into opportunities, and investors should back that creativity.”
    
4. Managing Risk Through Funds. Craig Astill Managing Director & CEO at Caason Group noted the importance of using trusted managers to handle risk:
   
   “We mitigate sovereign risk by investing through managed funds with sector expertise. That gives us exposure in areas we don’t directly know and opens doors for co-investment opportunities.”
    
5. Long-Term Shifts. Ron D’Vari, Managing Partner/Founder at NewOak Capital/ Asset listed several global changes that will shape the next decades:
   
   “The AI race is real and will define the next 10 to 30 years. Space is next. Nuclear energy is back. Quantum computing will reshape blockchain. Logistics will be redefined by who controls global supply chains. Don’t insulate yourself. These changes will impact everyone.”
    
6. Moving to Safety. Some participants are focusing on safer investments. Hoay Beng Ooi, Managing Director at Falconcrest Limited said:
   
   “We are more conservative now, focusing on fixed income, private credit, and established companies through PE funds. We are not taking risks on startups in this environment.”
    
7. Finding Gaps in Policy. John Sinclair, Partner at Bellus Ventures, shared how his group looks for opportunity in changing policies:
   
   “We see opportunities in Australia because U.S. funding cuts to NIH research are driving demand for clinical trials abroad. We created a fund backed by Australian tax credits to finance these trials. This is how we turn policy failures into investment opportunities.”
    
8. People Over Policy. David Chen, Founder and Director at AngelVest Fund, stressed the importance of founders:
   
   “At the early stage, it’s always about the people. We’re supporting founders through consciousness and meditation practices to build resilience. Despite macro uncertainty, innovative teams will always find opportunities.”

Tips for Investors

1. Diversify. Spread investments across different sectors and strategies to manage risk. Isaac Levy Managing Partner at Lava Root Ventures pointed to the search fund model as an example of built-in diversification that has a proven track record.
    
2. Stay Flexible. Global events can change quickly. Cross-border investments require flexibility and trust in the people managing capital.
    
3. Look for Structural Growth. Instead of chasing the latest trend, focus on industries with long-term demand such as AI, energy, healthcare, and logistics. Liza, Leader of the GILC summed it up:
   
   “Just as smart investors during the gold rush backed shovels instead of gold mines, today it is smarter to bet on the essential tools that power entire industries.”
    
4. Invest in People. Strong founders matter as much as the business idea. Supporting them with networks and guidance can increase the chances of success.

Conclusion

The discussion showed that while uncertainty is everywhere, it also creates opportunities. Staying liquid, spreading risk, and focusing on long-term growth areas are key. Supporting strong founders and building trusted relationships are just as important.

As Chen reminded the group:

“Innovators and entrepreneurs will always find opportunities despite macro challenges. Our role as investors is to support them with clarity, resilience, and long-term vision.