EUVC Newsletter | 11.11.2024
Welcome to our community-sourced newsletter featuring the latest submissions to the eu.vc insights platform — the platform that collects & amplifies the best long-form pieces from the EUVC community.
This week, we feature submissions from Index Ventures, Pale Blue Dot, Teklas Ventures and many more European firms.
Click here to submit your own articles, events or projects 📥
📝 Article | Europe’s Unfair Advantages
by Kjartan Rist, Founding Partner of Concentric VC. | Originally published on Forbes.
Why it matters: Europe is flipping the script on the startup landscape. While Silicon Valley gets the headlines, Europe’s unique advantages—lower talent costs, top-notch academic institutions, and government support—offer a new model for sustainable growth and resilience. In a fragmented market of 448M people, those who navigate Europe’s complexity can achieve massive scale. Founders here are often scrappier, building resilient companies with longer-term views. With less saturation in VC funding, there's untapped potential, making Europe a breeding ground for global tech players.
📝 Article | Monetary Premium & Investment: Europe & US Divergence. Part 3.
by Owen Reynolds from Teklas Ventures, the VC arm of a family office associated with Teklas. | Originally published on EUVC.
Why it matters: US retirement structures like 401(k)s and IRAs are not just savings plans—they’re massive capital engines. With over $20 trillion funneled into equities, these plans drive sustained market demand, pushing US stock valuations 87% above Europe’s mid-cap market on a price-to-earnings growth basis.
Beyond valuation, this institutionalized capital spurs innovation: the top 10 US firms invest three times more in R&D than their European counterparts. While criticized for their “forced savings” aspect, these structures have been crucial to maintaining US market strength, innovation, and global investment appeal.
💬 EUVC Community | Join our first EUVC Community Deep Dive!
Curious if the EUVC community is worth your hard-earned euros? Join our first deep dive event on why EUVC Community is the go-to space for venture capitalists who value depth over breadth.
This session is designed to offer insight into the unique benefits and exclusive content that make EUVC a valuable resource for VCs looking to elevate their practice and expand their networks. With a focus on meaningful engagement and providing actionable insights, this event is a must for those in venture committed to their professional growth.
📝 Article | Latitude59 Kenya Edition: A Premier Investor Experience Awaits
by Kai Isand, Program Manager & Kenya Investor Relations at Latitude59. | Originally published on Latitude59.
Why it matters: Latitude59 Kenya Edition is more than a conference—it’s the ultimate backstage pass to Africa’s booming startup scene. With Nairobi positioning itself as a hub, this three-day event offers investors curated access to top African founders, policy discussions, and unique networking, from tea plantations to safaris. As African markets continue to draw global interest, this immersive experience enables investors to spot opportunities early, build local partnerships, and gain insights into a rapidly growing ecosystem on the ground. Use code L59KENYAEUVC15 for 15% off—get your VC adventure on!
📝 Article | Building bridges between business and nature
by Cecile Bussy, Head of Brand and Communications at Pale Blue Dot. | Originally published on Pale Blue Dot.
Why it matters: With half of the global GDP directly tied to nature, businesses are at major risk if they overlook “nature intelligence.” Platforms like Nala are pioneering tools for companies to identify and mitigate nature-related risks, with backing from Pale Blue Dot and €1.7M in funding. As frameworks like TNFD and CSRD pressure companies to track nature impact, Nala’s insights offer a critical edge. Just ask Tesla, which had to adapt to water scarcity in Germany, risking billions in lost revenue. Tracking nature dependencies isn’t just green—it's smart risk management.
Why it matters: Mikael Johnsson, co-founder of Oxx, shares his insights into scaling B2B SaaS companies across Europe with their $190M fund. Positioned between Series A and Series B, Oxx fills a vital funding gap for startups needing growth capital but not yet ready for large-scale investment.
Mikael emphasizes the need for startups to hone their positioning and focus on unique, differentiated value beyond just product features. Predicting a shakeout in European VC, he foresees a decline in seed funds as the market returns to “smart money” investments. With many startups facing a tough road ahead, M&A will rise, but weaker players may disappear entirely.
Listen the podcast episode here
📝 Article | Monks and Managers (2): To The People Of The Desert
by Benedikt Langer, General Manager at The Sutton Firm. | Originally published on Embracing Emergence.
Why it matters: Langer explores the emerging manager journey as a “spiritual” craft—combining art, science, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Drawing parallels with monks, he argues that the best emerging managers don’t just chase funds; they create intentional communities and master the “art of interruption” through meaningful connections with founders and LPs.
Successful emerging managers, like monks, often endure being misunderstood and face their “inner demons” to refine their approach. For LPs, understanding this unique path can elevate due diligence from routine assessment to a deeper alignment with manager conviction and resilience.
🎙Podcast | Robin Capital's Robin Haak on the solo GP path and being a founder-led VC in Europe
Why it matters: Robin Haak’s journey as a solo GP with Robin Capital reveals a new approach in European VC—one focused on founder support, community-driven LP relationships, and boutique-scale flexibility. Drawing on his experiences from building a coffee shop in Bhutan to co-founding a €250M growth fund, Robin emphasizes staying small to prioritize deep, meaningful partnerships.
With 24 investments to date, Robin Capital targets B2B SaaS with a focus on mid-market and enterprise sales, aiming to be the kind of investor who brings sanity and support to founders beyond just funding. Europe needs more founder-led VCs, and Robin is answering the call.
Listen the podcast episode here
💬 EUVC Community | Exclusive AMA with KfW Capital’s Christian Stiebner
Curious about how one of Europe’s largest LPs, KfW Capital, navigates the venture scene? Join us on November 27th at 13:00 CET for an exclusive AMA with Christian Stiebner, Senior Investment Manager at KfW Capital.
Christian was the first hire at KfW Capital, setting up their operations to invest €500 million annually into the European VC ecosystem. With experience spanning fintech startups, consulting, and private equity, he’s the perfect person to discuss where the industry is heading and the opportunities that lie ahead.
This is a unique chance to ask your questions directly and gain insights that aren’t available elsewhere. Spots are limited, and they’re exclusive to our community members.
📝 Article | Deep dive: World Fund and Katapult VC on seaweed as an essential climate solution
by Craig Douglas, Partner at World Fund, Ross Brooks, General Partner at Katapult Ocean, and Alp Katalan, Fellow at World Fund. | Originally published on World Fund.
Why it matters: Seaweed, the “superhero” of nature, offers dual climate benefits: reducing emissions and capturing CO2. It can replace fossil-based products like plastics, cut methane in livestock, and even enhance biodiversity. As seaweed cultivation scales, startups face challenges from MRV (monitoring, reporting, and verification) to regulatory hurdles.
With global seaweed production up threefold since 2000, Europe’s nascent biostimulant and bio-packaging sectors could hit €3.1B by 2030. While seaweed CDR (carbon dioxide removal) still needs scientific validation, its potential to combat climate change while supporting ocean ecosystems makes it a promising climate investment frontier.
🔍 Survey | Take the Climate Mosaic survey
Are you working in the climate investment space? Climate Mosaic with support from HSBC Innovation Banking and Extantia want to hear from you.
This survey is aimed at people who work in or invest in climate tech and the research project's primary aim is to understand the demographics of the climate tech ecosystem. They want to explore how the sector can better meet its objectives around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Why it matters: This episode unpacks current global developments affecting the European tech landscape. Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen from SuperSeed discuss the U.S. election's impact on tech M&A, potential shifts in Big Tech policy, and the CHIPS Act’s lead in semiconductor dominance.
The team also analyzes Warren Buffett’s cash buildup, suggesting prep for a downturn, and Europe’s own semiconductor efforts to reduce dependence on U.S. suppliers. Additionally, Balderton Capital’s latest report sheds light on rising founder burnout, with VCs exploring new ways to support mental health amid tough market conditions. It’s a whirlwind tour of how today’s news shapes tomorrow’s European VC scene.
Listen the podcast episode here
🗓️ Event | 2024 Fund Performance Data: A European Perspective
As Europe’s venture capital landscape evolves, gaining insight into fund performance has been more crucial than ever for predicting where the market is heading. Tune in on November 12th for an exclusive data-driven session into Carta’s latest VC Fund Performance data through a European perspective.
You’ll discover key insights, including:
Capital deployment: Funds from the 2022 vintage have deployed just 43% of their committed capital at the 24-month mark—well below previous vintages, which ranged from 47% to 60%.
Graduation rates: Only 15.4% of companies that raised a seed round in Q1 2022 progressed to Series A within two years, compared to 30.6% for Q1 2018 seed startups.
Distributions back to LPs: Less than 10% of 2021 funds have returned any DPI after three years, raising concerns for LPs focused on returns.
📝 Article | 5 Keys to Scaling Your Climate Tech Hardware Startup
by Speedinvest. | Originally published on Speedinvest blog.
Why it matters: Climate tech hardware faces uphill battles: high costs, long timelines, and funding challenges. Speedinvest, alongside Norrsken and Planet A, offers a playbook to crack these hurdles, emphasizing business models with recurring revenue, techno-economic analysis, diversified financing, early scaling plans, and commercial hires.
With 50% of hardware founders citing fundraising as their top issue, this guide is crucial. Solutions include leveraging grants, de-risking tech, and optimizing cap tables. This approach not only reduces risk but aligns investors and founders to tackle climate change effectively, turning challenge into opportunity for real-world impact.
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | VC Fund Terms & KPIs: Mastering Metrics for Fund Success
Join us for an in-depth session on VC Fund Terms & KPIs: Mastering Metrics for Fund Success. This workshop will focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive VC fund performance and the critical timing for measuring these metrics. You’ll gain insights into what matters most to Limited Partners (LPs) and what General Partners (GPs) should focus on internally for effective fund management.
The session will also cover how to set up a comprehensive dashboard, including portfolio tracking, to streamline your reporting and ensure your fund’s success.
Special offer: Join the EUVC Community for 25€ per month and get 100€ off while enjoying access to on-demand masterclasses, tools & templates and monthly AMAs with leading GPs, LPs & experts.
📝 Article | Ada Ventures wants to help VC break free of pattern matching
by Martin SFP Bryant, Founder of PreSeed Now. | Originally published on PreSeed Now.
Why it matters: Ada Ventures stands out by prioritizing inclusivity over traditional VC “pattern matching.” Co-founded by Check Warner, the fund backs non-traditional, high-potential founders at pre-seed, tackling tough societal challenges in health, climate, and economic empowerment. Warner argues that “pattern breakers,” like Ada Lovelace, drive innovation by thinking beyond mainstream assumptions.
With a portfolio of 40+ companies and backing from top funds, Ada Ventures has shown that inclusivity isn’t just ethical—it’s profitable. Warner hopes to see other funds adopt similar inclusive practices to broaden VC’s scope and impact in 2025.
📝 Article | The Consumerisation of Climate (Part 1)
by Estia Ryan, Principal & Head of Research at Eka Ventures. | Originally published on Eka Ventures Newsletter.
Why it matters: Consumerism is going green, and platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Rent the Runway are paving the way. In the UK alone, consumer emissions top 750 million tonnes of CO2 annually, underscoring the impact of shifting to a circular model. This series dives into circular consumption as a critical climate solution, emphasizing resale, rental, and sustainable brands.
The goal? Extend product life, cut emissions, save water, and curb waste. With P2P marketplaces and innovative reverse logistics like UseAgain, mass adoption of circularity might be within reach—essential as consumer demand for sustainable options surges.
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Marketing & VC Fund Narrative
Your brand is everything. It’s what sets you apart, helps you win the best deals, attract LPs, and ultimately drive your growth. For emerging fund managers, building a credible brand and establishing the right marketing foundations early on are game-changers. Yet, many don’t know where to begin.
Your fund’s narrative is what makes the difference between an LP glancing at your deck or deciding they’re ready to write a check. It’s your brand that makes LPs feel confident they’re partnering with someone who knows how to make magic happen.
We’re planning a masterclass on building strong marketing foundations with a top industry leader. If enough people show interest, we’ll make it happen.
New Tools and Insights for Europe’s Investment Ecosystem
by The CO-INVESTIN project
Why it matters: The CO-INVESTIN Digital Tool aims to bridge Europe’s fragmented investment landscape by providing a cross-border platform for investors and scale-ups. Featuring a unique Interactive Map, Market Orientation Programs, and Investment Roadmaps, the tool enhances transparency and supports scale-ups entering new markets.
With Europe pushing for an inclusive innovation ecosystem, this tool offers VCs and LPs a structured way to uncover untapped markets and align on investment strategies—especially vital for connecting with emerging ecosystems in regions like Central and Eastern Europe.
A standardized pan-european ‘EU Inc' corporate structure is essential for European startups. We have 6 weeks until the new EU commissioners start working on their agenda for the coming years.
Please join the many who have already signed and shared the petition, including founders of Stripe, Alan, DeepL, Remote, Rohlik, Supercell, Wise, and investors from Index Ventures, Atomico, and Sequoia.
