EUVC newsletter - 17.03.2025
Welcome to our community-sourced newsletter, which features the most important news from the European venture ecosystem and the latest submissions to the EUVC insights platform—the platform that collects and amplifies the best long-form pieces from the EUVC community.
Click here to submit your articles, events, or projects 📥
📝 Article | SaaS Will Change in 2025: Here’s How
Why it matters: The SaaS landscape is shifting with AI-driven automation, expansion into under-digitized sectors like public services and veterinary clinics, and faster, leaner scaling—some startups are reaching $100M ARR in under two years. AI agents automate complex workflows in compliance, sales, and support, while security concerns grow as AI adoption increases.
In Europe, rising defense budgets drive supply chain and manufacturing tech interest. For investors, this means opportunities in highly efficient, AI-powered SaaS models and emerging verticals and increased scrutiny on retention and sustainability.
💬 Survey | Who do you think are the best early-stage VCs in Europe?
There are more than 4,000 VCs in Europe ... but are they all equal?
We want to know which early-stage VCs are the cream of the crop and why.
Take our short, anonymous survey and make your voice heard!
We’ll reveal the most interesting findings in the coming weeks.
🎙Podcast | This Week in European Tech with Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen, and Lomax Ward
Why it matters: The UK faces mounting public sector costs, with government spending at its highest since the 1950s and declining productivity. Meanwhile, in venture capital, Project Europe, led by Harry Stebbings, aims to nurture under-25 founders with €200K per startup to counter brain drain. While it may boost early-stage funding, questions remain about its ability to secure the scale-up capital needed to build lasting European tech giants.
In AI, Anthropic’s revenue jumped from $1B to $1.4B in three months, while Mistral pivoted toward financial applications, reflecting ongoing shifts in the sector. Nvidia’s recent market drop highlights the volatility in tech, compounded by broader economic uncertainty. US stocks are reeling from tariff-driven turmoil, with investors bracing for a potential recession, while European markets remain steadier. Despite a surge in IPO filings—up 90% year-over-year—political instability and shifting investor sentiment raise concerns about whether the 2025 IPO wave will deliver expected returns.
📝 Article | Why differentiation will help VCs buck the European dealmaking slump trend
Why it matters: With European VC activity down 30% since 2022, competition for top-tier deals is fierce, pushing valuations to record highs. As LPs demand returns despite fewer standout startups, VCs are looking beyond traditional tech—exploring material science, energy, and automation-driven sectors.
Funds must differentiate beyond capital to stay competitive, leveraging talent networks, industry ties, and global reach. Media-driven VC brands like 20VC and All In are gaining an edge, while reputation and speed remain critical factors for founders. Despite the slowdown, the UK’s Q4 2024 rebound signals optimism for those who adapt.
💬 Survey | Are you investing in European startups or scale-ups? Your voice matters!
Benoit Vandevivere from EU/acc is gathering investor insights on how to streamline corporate formalities (e.g., online filing, faster registrations, and optional notaries) and reduce bureaucracy across Europe. Your feedback will help shape policy discussions with the European Commission and institutions. Join the effort to modernize Europe’s business environment and improve its competitiveness!
Please take 2 minutes to complete the “Accelerating Europe” survey.
🎙Podcast | Local Globe’s Emma Phillips on backing unconventional founders and the future of AI-driven work
Why it matters: In this episode of our At The Cap Table Series, we have Sarah Finegan, Senior Investor at Antler, talking with Emma Phillips, Investment Partner at LocalGlobe. Local Globe is one of Europe’s most respected early-stage venture firms. Founded by Robin and Saul Klein, Local Globe has backed nearly 300 companies, including 17 unicorns and five IPOs, focusing on B2B software, applied AI, and the future of work.
In this conversation, she shares her insights on what makes a great founder, the importance of first-principles thinking, and why exceptional talent can come from anywhere. We also dive into Local Globe’s unique approach to venture investing, the major trends shaping the future of work & AI, why founders should embrace unscalable solutions early on, and why Europe needs to build a more open and accessible venture ecosystem.
📝 News | Project Europe - Supporting the Next Generation of European Founders
Why it matters: Led by 20VC’s Harry Stebbings, “Project Europe” is a €10M fund backed by 150 top European founders—including leaders from Klarna, Mistral, and Delivery Hero—to invest €200K per startup in 10-20 young entrepreneurs annually.
With backing from VCs like Point Nine and Adjacent, the initiative aims to cultivate Europe’s next €100B companies by pairing founders under 25 with experienced mentors. Against economic slowdown and geopolitical uncertainty, this project signals a bold push to re-energize European startup growth.
📝 Article | A minefield of opportunity for this biotech startup
Why it matters: RemePhy, a biotech startup spun out of Imperial College London, is developing bioengineered plants to extract heavy metals from polluted mining sites. Partnering with Cambridge Future Tech and engaging with mining firms, the team is moving toward commercial deployment.
With pilot studies underway and UK government funding applications in progress, RemePhy aims to reach TRL 6 within two years. As regulatory and environmental pressures on mining operations increase, their remediation-focused approach could gain strong industry traction.
🎙Podcast | Volvo Cars Tech Fund’s Ann-Sofie Ekberg on how to work with corporate stakeholders
Why it matters: In today’s episode of our CVC series, Andreas and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, talk with Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the corporate venture arm of Volvo Cars.
In this conversation, Ann-Sofie shares insights into balancing strategic and financial priorities, how Volvo collaborates with competitors in CVC, and why she believes platform-based vehicle architectures will unlock faster innovation and startup adoption in the automotive industry.
📝 Article | Sliding Down Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: The Coming Years of Civil Rage
Why it matters: Marvin Liao argues that Western societies are in decline, driven by poor economic policies, rising inequality, and geopolitical shifts favoring China and Russia. As living costs rise and social instability increases, many will slide down Maslow’s hierarchy into survival mode, fueling public unrest.
He predicts growing civil dissatisfaction, institutional distrust, and potential state crackdowns. For investors and entrepreneurs, Liao emphasizes resilience: diversify assets across stable jurisdictions, acquire adaptable skills, and prepare for economic and social volatility.
📝 Article | 1,000 first days of food
Why it matters: Nutrition in the first 1,000 days—conception to age two—shapes long-term health, cognitive function, and economic outcomes. Poor early nutrition is linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, with malnourished children 12x more likely to die before age five.
Governments are responding with interventions like Indonesia’s $28B free meals program and London’s universal school meals. Meanwhile, startups are innovating in breast milk alternatives, personalized formula, and microbiome research. With every $1 invested in early nutrition yielding an estimated $16 return, this sector presents both impact and opportunity for investors.
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 | GP AMA with Carlos Eduardo Espinal
Get ready for our first-ever exclusive GP AMA with Carlos Eduardo Espinal, Managing Partner at Seedcamp—the powerhouse behind over 300 startups, including Transferwise, UiPath, and Revolut.
Carlos is a leading voice in Europe’s early-stage scene, and the author of The Fundraising Field Guide.
Why attend?
Perfect for VCs on the fundraising journey
You can ask all the questions you’ve been afraid to ask
Build connections you can use in your continued fundraising efforts
⏰ March 25 | Tuesday | 💻 Online | Available for Members Only
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | The Secondaries Market: Key Insights, Strategies, and Applications
Get access to the full potential of the secondary markets. Join our exclusive 2-hour online masterclass and get expert insights on liquidity strategies, valuation techniques, and successful selling tactics.
Why attend?
Demystify the fundamentals of the secondary market
Understand the differences between direct and fund secondaries
Gain actionable insights on valuation, pricing, and sale preparation
⏰ April 8 | Tuesday | 💻 Online
💬 Community event | LP AMA with Herve Cuviliez
Ready to gain insider insights from a seasoned VC investor?
Join our exclusive AMA with Hervé Cuviliez, co-founder of ID4 Ventures, in a small-group, interactive setting where you can ask real questions and get real answers.
Why attend?
Get direct insights from a seasoned investor with 20 years of experience
Learn practical tips and strategies to elevate your fundraising game
Build connections with fellow VCs and LPs in a small-group setting
⏰ April 23 | Tuesday | 💻 Online | Available for Members Only
✍🏻 EUVC Masterclass | Setting up and Structuring a VC Fund
Are you looking to launch your VC fund but unsure where to start?
Join our exclusive 3-hour masterclass on June 2 in Berlin (side-event at SuperVenture & SuperReturn) and get the expert guidance you need. We’ll walk you through the legal frameworks, show you how to pick the right service providers, and help you build a rock-solid foundation for growth.
Why attend?
Demystify the complexities of setting up a VC fund
Avoid common pitfalls with step-by-step guidance
Gain strategies and tools for long-term success
⏰ June 02 | Monday | 🇩🇪 Berlin
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 are designed to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Roundtable on Choosing the Right Fund Admin
A solid fund admin partner isn’t just a back-office thing; it’s a compliance shield and time-saver if done right. This roundtable brings together Rebecca Roberts (7percent), Raoul Lehtonen (OpenOcean), Camille Hamon (Elaia), and Edwin Chan (Carta) to discuss key selection criteria, regulatory navigation, and tech innovations in fund admin.
Whether you’re launching Fund I or scaling Fund IV, outsourcing or keeping it in-house, this session will help you avoid admin nightmares and focus on investing. Don’t DIY your fund admin; learn from the pros.
⏰ March 26 | Wednesday | 💻 Online
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.
Early-Bird Tickets for EUVC Summit & Awards Show
Spend a day with the best VCs and LPs in European venture at a summit with just one purpose: Chart the path to European progress and crown the winners of this year's EUVC Awards 🏆.
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.
