Mike Volpi brings an unusual combination of large-scale operating experience from running Cisco's $10+ billion routing business and leading over 70 acquisitions, plus a multicultural background spanning Italy, Japan, and the U.S. that shapes his global approach to working with founders. He co-founded Index Ventures' San Francisco office in 2009 and specializes in infrastructure, open-source, and AI investments, serving as a long-term board partner with companies like Aurora, Confluent, and Sonos for 15 years.

• Enthusiasm for applied artificial intelligence, specifically in simulation and voice interfaces. He views creating digital likenesses of humans as a key to unlocking economic value and productivity. Additionally, he actively promotes advancements in real-time conversational audio technology, highlighting tools that make building voice agents easier.
• A strong conviction in the safety and necessity of autonomous vehicles. He frequently champions self-driving technology for both trucking and passenger transport, notably arguing that autonomous vehicles are safer than human ride-share drivers on freeways.
• Focus on high-performance company culture and operational discipline. He distinguishes between appearing busy versus being truly productive, advising founders that culture is defined by the lowest standard of behavior tolerated in the hallways rather than what is written on the walls.
• Appreciation for data infrastructure and technical backend solutions. He consistently tracks the progress of database and data streaming companies, celebrating technical milestones and leadership styles that may differ from typical industry norms but yield extraordinary trajectories.
• Valuation of long-term professional relationships and investing in known networks. He views venture backing as a decade-long partnership and takes pride in funding founders he has known for years or worked with previously, seeing prior shared experiences as a strong signal for future success.
• A relentless mindset toward sales and rejection. Drawing from his own operational experience, he encourages founders to view a rejection not as a final failure but as the initial step on a path toward getting a deal done, emphasizing persistence in the face of setbacks.