Ugo Vollmer

Venture Partner
Backstory

I’m a Partner at Hexa with a deep passion for all things tech, especially AI, dev-tools, cybersecurity, and open-source. I’m a software engineer by training, but I embrace a variety of challenges, not just tech-related ones. I spent over seven years in Silicon Valley working on cutting-edge projects like self-driving cars before founding Shone (YC W18, 30u30) to make cargo ships autonomous. Since then, I’ve helped launch a cyber insurance startup backed by A16z, led product at Alan and built cyber defences against troll farms on social media.

I thrive in the 0-to-1 phase, finding innovative ways to achieve product-market fit. I enjoy working alongside founders as a co-founder during this pivotal stage and transitioning into a coach role once the foundation is set.

Outside of work, I like to travel for surfing, kitesurfing, and enjoy artistic activities like acrylic painting. I once spent months living on the road, traveling from California to Panama in a van to chase waves, and I’ve never been on Instagram!

What he looks for in founders

I’m not focused on where you come from—it’s where you want to go that truly matters. I spend significant time getting to know founders, often without discussing ideas initially. This helps figure out if we’re the right fit to embark on this journey together. Here’s what I typically look for:

  1. Clear why: founders who deeply understand why they want to build a company, and where they want to be in 5 years. Starting a business is a 5-to-10-year rollercoaster ride, and knowing your purpose is essential to weather the highs and lows.
  2. Big ambition: I’m drawn to founders who dream of building category-defining companies. This often means being willing to make bold moves, such as relocating to the US, if that’s what it takes to achieve their vision.
  3. Scrappy hackers: resourceful founders who can stretch a dollar, hack solutions to test ideas quickly, and focus on the critical 20% that drive 80% of results. They don’t wait for perfect conditions; they make things happen with what they have.
  4. Honest and transparent: integrity is non-negotiable. I value founders who are upfront about challenges, transparent, and comfortable addressing tough truths head-on.
  5. Humble fast learner: I admire founders who combine humility with a hunger to learn. Being humble doesn’t mean lacking confidence—it means being open to feedback, acknowledging what you don’t know, and constantly seeking growth.
Ugo Vollmer
Linkedin
Ugo Vollmer
TRACK
Start
CATEGORY
BtoB
Cybersecurity
Compliance
AI