EUVC Newsletter | 03.02.2025
Welcome to our community-sourced newsletter featuring the most important news from the European venture ecosystem and the latest submissions to the EUVC insights platform — the platform that collects & amplifies the best long-form pieces from the EUVC community.
Click here to submit your own articles, events or projects 📥
🎙Podcast | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen, Lomax Ward and Andrew J. Scott
Why it matters: NATO’s push for 5% defense spending sparks debate on military investments versus alternative security strategies like cyber and AI. The Czech central bank considers a €7B Bitcoin reserve, signaling a shift in sovereign asset strategies. A16z exits the UK, drawn back to the US by Trump’s pro-crypto stance and deregulation. Rachel Reeves announces UK growth plans, but questions remain on execution and impact.
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc revival aims to drive innovation, but talent and risk culture are key challenges. Heathrow’s £60B expansion promises economic growth but faces cost inflation and infrastructure hurdles. Reeves also seeks to unlock £100B from pensions, but regulatory concerns could slow deployment into riskier assets. Meanwhile, DeepSeek shakes the AI race, challenging OpenAI and Nvidia with a radically efficient model that raises global competition stakes.
📝 Article | Biotech’s AI Gold Rush: What Smart Money needs to learn to invest on the Future of Medicine
Why it matters: AI is transforming biotech, making drug discovery faster, cheaper, and (hopefully) less of a VC money pit. AI-driven biotech investments have surged post-pandemic, with AI-designed drugs hitting clinical trials in record time.
Big Pharma is investing heavily in AI partnerships—over $770M in upfront deals, with potential future values exceeding $38B. However, regulatory uncertainty, talent shortages, and the ever-mysterious “black box” AI models remain challenges. For VCs, the key plays are betting on explainable AI (XAI), scalable platforms, and data-rich startups poised for pharma buyouts.
📝 Article | Announcing the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First UK
Why it matters: According to the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, the UK’s AI sector is rapidly expanding, with over 3,000 AI companies generating more than £10 billion in revenues, employing over 60,000 people, and contributing £5.8 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA).
“Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program” is a 12-week, equity-free accelerator designed to propel the growth of early-stage UK AI startups through expert mentorship, tailored workshops, and access to Google resources. This program is specifically designed to enable emerging AI startups with the comprehensive support they need to thrive and achieve long-term success.
Looking for a Ex-Sequoia Marketing Hire for just $3,250/month ?
With a finance background and over 2 years as a marketing executive at Sequoia, she’s driven rebrands, crafted everyday content, and delivered strategies that stick.
This is the caliber of talent we connect you with.
Interested in getting access? Ping us by replying to this message.
Why it matters: In this episode, we’re joined by Apostolos Apostolakis, Founding Partner at VentureFriends and one of the early backers of Blueground, a European unicorn in the prop-tech space. Blueground, founded in 2015, operates as a full-stack provider of fully furnished apartments for medium-and long-term stays, available in over 30 cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo.
Apostolos shares the journey from VentureFriends' initial investment to Blueground’s growth as a global leader, raising multiple rounds and overcoming challenges.
📝 Article | What We Think Will Happen in Terms of Sectors in Climate Tech in 2025
Why it matters: Despite regulatory setbacks, climate tech isn’t slowing down—if anything, it’s diversifying. AI is supercharging everything from mineral exploration to grid efficiency, while green energy solutions like geothermal and geologic hydrogen are finally getting serious attention.
Meanwhile, carbon valorization (turning CO2 into cash), waste heat recovery, and circular battery solutions are shifting from niche ideas to must-haves. And let’s not forget “dirty” industries like steel, cement, and aviation—still massive carbon offenders but now ripe for disruption. TL;DR: 2025 is all about scaling real-world impact while making sustainability financially irresistible. VCs, take note.
📝 Article | Living on record: my first ten days with an AI wearable
Why it matters: AI wearables like Bee Computer are turning real life into a permanent podcast—whether people want that or not. These devices can record, transcribe, and summarize daily conversations, unlocking potential in health, memory, and productivity. But let’s be real—privacy, consent, and who owns your life’s data are still massive question marks.
Most people aren’t ready for a world where every chat might be stored forever (Black Mirror vibes, anyone?). As AI wearables gain traction, VCs should track how regulations, consumer sentiment, and adoption patterns evolve. Once this tech becomes normalized, a whole new category of AI-powered consumer tools will emerge.
🎙Podcast | Fidelity’s Alokik Advani on thematic investing and strategic alignment to back FinTech innovators
Why it matters: In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Alokik Advani, Managing Partner at Fidelity’s Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm, a strategic investment group focused on early-stage FinTech.
He shares insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of combining venture capital expertise with the strategic goals of a global asset manager. The conversation explores Fidelity’s thematic investment framework, the evolving CVC landscape, and the pivotal role of AI and sustainability in shaping the future of financial services.
📝 Article | Thesis 2.0 - Sovereign Computation
Why it matters: As AI, energy, and geopolitics become deeply intertwined, VCs need to rethink what infrastructure actually means. Sovereign compute platforms will define global power structures, just like nukes did in the 20th century. The next frontier? Scaling compute beyond Moore’s Law, securing systems from mass failure, and unlocking new intelligence through sensing and encrypted data flows.
The real winners are founders who tackle hardware acceleration (Fabric), encrypted computation (Flashbots), and orbital AI (Aptos). If compute sovereignty dictates economic and political power, then backing the right bets here isn’t just venture investing—it’s empire-building.
Why it matters: Europe’s VC scene isn’t just catching up—it’s carving out its own fintech empire. Rana Yared, General Partner at Balderton, explains why global tech giants can emerge from Europe, citing Revolut as a prime example.
Balderton recently raised $1.3B across early and growth-stage funds, so LPs are betting big on European innovation. The conversation dives into fintech disruption, strategic investing vs. VC, and why US funds are aggressively expanding into Europe. For VCs and LPs eyeing the region, the takeaway is clear: Europe isn’t just a satellite market—it’s a launchpad.
📝 Article | How to be a Pathological Optimist with Speedinvest’s Daniel Keiper-Knorr
Why it matters: Speedinvest co-founder Daniel Keiper-Knorr breaks down how they’ve systematized DPI (Distributions to Paid-In Capital) and why having a dedicated “Head of DPI” is now a key differentiator for LPs. With Fund Four wrapping up and Fund Five (€300-350M) launching in 2026, Speedinvest is doubling down on early-stage bets in deep tech, health tech, and industrial SaaS.
His take? Europe’s ecosystem is consolidating, LP capital remains the biggest bottleneck, and while AI funding is booming, Europe risks regulating itself out of the game. The real trick to VC success? Pathological optimism—and getting your LPs to feel it too.
🎙Podcast | Maria Rotilu on building OpenseedVC: empathy, zero-to-one founders, and the art of saying No!
Why it matters: In this episode of the ACT series, Savitri Tan has a conversation with Maria Rotilu, Founding Partner at OpenseedVC. Maria Rotilu is the founder and general partner of OpenSeed VC, a £10M venture fund that invests in experienced operators transitioning into founders.
Together, they explore Maria’s approach to venture investing, her belief in the power of operator-led insights, and the challenges of building a solo GP fund in a volatile market. Maria also shares her thoughts on the importance of saying no with kindness and clarity, staying disciplined, and her vision for creating a long-lasting institution that partners with founders for decades to come.
Up next in the EUVC community, we’ve got exclusive AMAs, expert-led workshops, and insider discussions you won’t want to miss. If you are not a member already, join now to connect and learn!
💬 Community event | LP AMA with Christian Hjort Pedersen
Join us for an exclusive AMA session with Christian Hjort Pedersen, formerly VC Fund Investor at IIP Denmark.
Having allocated more than 600 M USD to top decile early-stage VC funds in US and Europe within tech and life sciences, Christian brings an understanding of the global venture markets and what it takes to build a true franchise better than most others.
This AMA is part of our ongoing series of small-group sessions designed to foster deep, meaningful discussions within the VC community. Reserve your spot now to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity.
⏰ Feb. 18 | 💻 Online | THIS EVENT IS FOR EUVC COMMUNITY MEMBERS ONLY.
✍🏻 Masterclass | VC Fund Finance: Essential Tools, Strategies and Applications
Join us for an in-depth session on VC Fund Finance: Essential Tools, Strategies and Applications. Fund finance has become an essential consideration for fund managers navigating the complexities of venture capital. Offering tools such as Subscription Lines (also called Capital Call lines), NAV financing, and GP Support/Co-invest financing, fund finance provides structured solutions to manage liquidity, bridge capital needs, and align investment strategies with long-term goals.
This masterclass provides a comprehensive overview of fund finance, its origins, and its application across the lifecycle of a fund. Designed for fund managers at varying stages, the session balances conceptual frameworks with actionable insights, making it particularly valuable for second-time or larger fund GPs, while also addressing the needs of emerging managers exploring fund finance for the first time.
⏰ Feb. 26 | 💻 Online | Trusted and praised by industry leaders and fund managers. Here’s what some of them had to say about working with James.
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Marketing Foundations for Fund Managers
Join us for an engaging workshop tailored for fund managers looking to institutionalise their marketing approach and craft a category-defining investment brand.
This masterclass is designed to go beyond traditional marketing advice on tactics to help you create lasting brand equity, ensuring your fund stands out in a competitive landscape.
This session will provide actionable insights into fund positioning, LP communications, and crafting compelling narratives - all while maximising time for Q&A to address your specific challenges.
⏰ March 13 | 💻 Online |
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Setting up and Structuring a VC Fund
Emerging fund managers face countless challenges when setting up and structuring their first VC fund. The process is complex, daunting, and full of pitfalls, from navigating legal frameworks to engaging with the right service providers, the foundations you lay now will shape your growth trajectory.
That’s why we’re planning an exclusive 3-hour masterclass designed to equip emerging managers with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to tackle these challenges head-on.
⏰ Jun. 02 | 🇩🇪 Berlin | This masterclass is a side-event taking place during SuperVenture & SuperReturn.
Our 2025 is already packed with events and unique experiences, and we want you to join us. Here is what’s coming next from EUVC! Exclusive retreats, adventure getaways, and deep-dive industry events designed to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Nominate your favorite people in venture for EUVC Awards
Nominations for the EUVC Awards 2025 are open! From today until March 1st, you have the chance to nominate the champions of European venture across six marquee categories.
Embark on a Journey of Deep Inner Work
Join us for a transformative experience of self-discovery and vulnerability, guided by Rupda and supported by a trusted group of peers. Through embodied practices and self-inquiry, we will build resilience, presence, and a supportive network of fellow investors and founders for meaningful growth. Let’s walk each other home.
Escape for an extended weekend of adventure
Join us for a partners retreat packed with awe-inspiring treks, thrilling canyoning and river rafting, and inspiring sessions balanced with moments of reflection and exceptional dining. Be inspired by world record-holding polar explorer Ben Saunders, challenged by our ex-commander, and discover how to deepen focus in an introductory deep work session with Fred Destin.
Push yourself to the limit alongside industry peers
We’ll trek the most breathtaking sections of the GR 221 trail, known as the Dry Stone Route. This will take us through a 1,000-meter ascent, revealing stunning landscapes set against refreshing ocean breezes. As night falls, a private chef will delight us with exquisite dinners, followed by evenings filled with relaxed activities, a selection of fine drinks, and an array of delights to cap off each day in true style.
