Laura Möller is a seasoned expert in venture capital and entrepreneurship, with a focus on artificial intelligence and technology transfer. She holds leadership roles as Director of the Künstliche Intelligenz Entrepreneurship Zentrum (K.I.E.Z.) and UNITE in Berlin, and is the founder of Paola Ventures. With over a decade of experience, she has built expertise in supporting start-ups and fostering innovation in AI-driven ventures. She holds a Master’s degree in European Studies from Humboldt-Universität. Laura’s broad network and hands-on experience make her a vital asset in connecting entrepreneurs and investors, advancing Berlin’s tech ecosystem.

In this episode of Machines and Molecules, Laura Möller, Director of KIEZ Accelerator, discusses supporting AI-driven startups, particularly those rooted in scientific research. She highlights KIEZ’s individualized approach, offering startups access to a strong network of venture capitalists, grants, and expert guidance. Laura emphasizes the challenge for AI and science-based startups in turning cutting-edge technology into practical business solutions.She also shares KIEZ’s vision of uniting accelerators and networks to create interdisciplinary teams of AI and domain experts and bridge gaps between research and commercialization. Laura stresses the need to open the funnel and fully utilize the potential of all researchers in academia, not just those who choose the entrepreneurial path. Laura believes fostering entrepreneurial education early, would be a gamechanger to the European startup ecosystem.

00:00 - 03:40 Introduction to Laura Möller and KIEZ Accelerator

03:40 - 05:45 Individualized Support Offered by KIEZ to Startups

05:45 - 07:40 Long-term Vision of KIEZ

07:40 - 10:45 Common Challenges Faced by AI and Science-Based Startups

10:45 - 15:22 Strategies for Securing Funding After the KIEZ Accelerator

15:22 - 19:50 Enhancing Access to Government Funding in the EU

19:50 - 28:50 Comparison of EU and US Funding and other Factors for Startup Success

28:50 - 32:50 3rd M-Word and Laura’s Mission