About Nicolas Mendiharat

Entrepreneurship and Startup Leadership

Nicolas Mendiharat has launched and led five startups, including Skihorizon, Europe's most successful ski vacation booking site generating over $100M in revenue and serving 300K customers.[1][9] He describes himself as a serial founder of ventures like Winechain, Palate Club, Recommend, and Skihorizon, highlighting his affinity for freeride skiing and deep, smartphone-free conversations.[9] In reflections on startup dynamics, he notes that entrepreneurs are lucky to have investors who truly understand and support bold thinking.[10]

AI, Machine Learning, and Innovation

Mendiharat explores AI's intersections with creativity, failures, and practical applications, such as AI ski coaching apps amid discussions of humorous AI mishaps like a ski jumper hitting a chairlift.[4] He shares frameworks for GenAI leadership, referencing a recent blog on the topic.[5] In education, he discusses AI's role in enhancing experiential learning.[7] His investment focus includes AI as a core theme at Permanium Capital.[3]

Wine, Luxury Assets, and Fine Wine Investments

A wine enthusiast, Mendiharat comments on regulatory complexities like Utah's wine shipping bill, noting how a 100% import tariff could push a Burgundy bottle over $300.[2] He posts about wine cellars in the context of raising $100M across vehicles targeting luxury services, assets, private equity, blockchain, and AI.[3] Recent content promotes fine wine investments, private equity clubs, and 2025 global wine trends via blog links.[6] He connects golf ball engineering to broader luxury insights, akin to supercars.[8]

Finance, Investing, and Private Equity

As Managing Partner at Permanium Capital, Mendiharat is raising $100M across four vehicles focused on luxury services/assets, private equity, blockchain, and AI.[3][5][7] He critiques European startup charts, arguing they need 'revamping with talent' regarding developers and costs.[11] His investor perspective values deep understanding of entrepreneurial risks.[10]

Education and Talent Development

Mendiharat addresses AI's impact on education through experiential frameworks, linking to full blog posts.[7] He emphasizes talent as key to fixing startup ecosystem charts in Europe.[11]

Blockchain, Crypto, and Emerging Tech

Blockchain features in his investment vehicles alongside AI and luxury assets.[3] Past ventures like Winechain suggest early crypto/wine intersections, though specifics are limited.[9]