General Catalyst's New President Eyes European Defense Startups
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg takes the reins at GC, betting big on Europe's geopolitically critical tech scene.
General Catalyst just handed its top job to someone with a castle. Literally.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg got promoted to president in January. Her focus? Pouring capital into European tech and defense startups—the kind building stuff that actually matters when geopolitics gets messy.
The VC firm is clearly doubling down on Europe at a moment when the continent is scrambling to beef up its tech independence and military capabilities. Defense tech has become the hot new category as governments open their wallets.
Fürstenberg brings a unique angle to the role. She's known for hosting legendary parties at her family's castle while simultaneously backing some of Europe's most strategically significant companies.
It's an interesting play: mix old-world European aristocracy with Silicon Valley venture capital. General Catalyst is betting that combination unlocks deal flow nobody else can touch.