Why GoCardless COO Carlos Gonzalez-Cadenas Is Transitioning to Venture Capital
Index Ventures, a leading venture capital firm with offices in London and San Francisco, recently announced the addition of Carlos Gonzalez-Cadenas as its newest partner. Currently the COO of GoCardless and former CPO of Skyscanner, Gonzalez-Cadenas will officially join Index in January, marking a significant shift from operator to full-time investor.
A Natural Transition from Operator to Investor
Gonzalez-Cadenas is no stranger to the startup ecosystem. Over the past three years, he has made more than 50 angel investments across the U.K. and Europe, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor among founders and co-investors. His deep operational experience—coupled with his passion for mentorship—makes this move into venture capital a logical next step.
In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Gonzalez-Cadenas shared insights into his decision, deal-sourcing strategies, and vision for Europe’s startup landscape.
Why Venture Capital? Curiosity and a Desire to Support Founders
TechCrunch: You’ve built a successful career as an operator. Why pivot to VC now?
Carlos Gonzalez-Cadenas: My journey into investing began organically. Over the past three years, angel investing grew from a side interest to a significant passion. Two key motivations drove this shift:
- Intellectual Curiosity: Investing allows me to explore diverse industries, business models, and founder journeys—something I deeply enjoy.
- Mentorship: Having learned from exceptional leaders like Skyscanner’s Gareth Williams and GoCardless’ Hiroki Takeuchi, I feel a responsibility to support the next generation of European entrepreneurs.
Managing Deal Flow: Quality Over Quantity
TechCrunch: How did you balance angel investing with your COO role at GoCardless?
Gonzalez-Cadenas: Deal flow came from three primary sources:
- My operator and founder network
- Fellow angel investors
- Venture capital referrals
While time-intensive, I prioritized high-quality, curated opportunities. Most engagements focused on critical “moments of truth”—pivotal decisions around fundraising, scaling, or executive hiring—rather than day-to-day operations.
Operational Expertise: A Strategic Advantage
Gonzalez-Cadenas emphasizes a “bimodal” approach to supporting founders:
- High-frequency, low-touch: Quick advice via Slack or email
- High-impact, low-frequency: Deep dives on strategic challenges (e.g., scaling teams, positioning for growth)
This model ensures scalability while maximizing founder value.
Joining Index Ventures: Conviction and Global Reach
TechCrunch: Why Index over other top-tier firms like Balderton?
Gonzalez-Cadenas: Index stood out for three reasons:
- Performance Culture: A proven track record backing breakout companies (Revolut, Robinhood, Deliveroo) at their earliest stages.
- Entrepreneurial DNA: Willingness to take bold, conviction-driven bets aligns with my investing philosophy.
- Global Partnership: Unlike regionally siloed firms, Index offers founders access to a unified international network.
The Future of European Tech: A Golden Era
Gonzalez-Cadenas is bullish on Europe’s startup ecosystem:
- Rising Ambition: Founders are building global category leaders, not just “European versions” of U.S. companies.
- Capital Influx: Increased investment reflects the region’s maturation, with potential for Europe’s first $100B company.
- Competitive Dynamics: The entry of U.S. firms like Sequoia validates Europe’s growth trajectory.
“The next 10-20 years will be transformative,” he predicts. “There’s room for multiple players to thrive.”
Final Thoughts: A Seamless Transition
With his operator mindset, extensive angel portfolio, and focus on founder success, Gonzalez-Cadenas is poised to make an immediate impact at Index. His hire signals the firm’s commitment to early-stage, high-conviction investing—a strategy that could shape Europe’s next wave of tech giants.
