EUVC Newsletter | 19.08.2024
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 Eka Ventures, Speedinvest, Broadhaven Ventures, and many more legendary European firms.
Click here to submit your own articles, events or projects 📥
Choose the bank made for the innovation economy.
HSBC Innovation Banking take a relationship-first approach, bringing passion, dedication & unparalleled international connections to enhance your prospects for success.
by Michael Sidgmore, Co-founder & Partner at Broadhaven Ventures. | Originally published on Alt Goes Mainstream.
Why it matters: Anne Valentine Andrews, Global Head of Private Markets at Manulife, shares insights on building a robust private markets investment platform. With a background at BlackRock and Morgan Stanley, Anne highlights the importance of culture in investment firms and strategies for consolidating alternative asset managers. Her expertise in infrastructure investing provides a roadmap for integrating private market opportunities into retirement accounts and educating investors.
As private markets grow, her focus on connecting real assets with real money is crucial for institutional and retail channels. Anne's insights offer valuable guidance for VCs and LPs navigating the evolving landscape of private market investments.
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Scientific climate VC investing, interview w. Benedikt Buchspies (Planet A) 👨🔬
by August Soliv, Author of Impact Supporters | Originally published on Impact Supporters.
Why it matters: Planet A, a climate VC fund, is shaking up the investment world by prioritizing science in its decision-making. Benedikt Buchspies, Planet A's Senior LCA Analyst, explains their unique approach: using scientific lifecycle assessments (LCAs) alongside financial due diligence to evaluate startups. This means that even if a startup seems financially promising, if it doesn't meet their sustainability criteria, it’s a hard pass.
With €160m in funding, Planet A aims to identify the most sustainable tech, betting that these companies will dominate their sectors. Their rigorous LCA process not only strengthens their brand but also gives their portfolio companies a competitive edge in sustainability-focused tenders.
What LPs AND GPs Want From Quarterly Updates
by Benedikt Langer, General Manager at The Sutton Firm. Originally published on Embracing Emergence.
Why it matters: Quarterly updates are essential but often miss the mark for both LPs and GPs. LPs seek more detailed insights—metrics like ARR and revenue growth—beyond just the basics like FMV and invested capital.
The lack of direct feedback means EMs could be out of sync with what LPs value most, which might influence their future investment decisions. By refining quarterly updates to align with LP expectations, EMs can strengthen relationships and stand out in a crowded market.
When climate goes beyond carbon
by Estia Ryan, Principal & Head of Research at Eka Ventures. | Originally published on Eka Ventures Newsletter.
Why it matters: The climate narrative is shifting from just carbon emissions to a broader focus on sustainability, tackling issues like water usage, biodiversity loss, and material consumption. While carbon targets remain crucial, this broader approach recognizes that industries like fashion and agriculture can cause significant environmental harm without high GHG emissions.
For VCs and LPs, this means investing in solutions that address these multifaceted challenges is key to driving systemic change and ensuring long-term impact.
The WC - Let's invest in the literal middle of nowhere
by Wyatt Cavalier, co-founder of Alts. | Originally published on Alts.
Why it matters: Investing in the Eurasian Pole of Inaccessibility (EPIA) might seem like a wild bet, but for those who can navigate China's complex regulations, the region offers untapped potential.
From vast opportunities in solar and wind energy to rich mineral resources and cultural tourism, this remote desert area near Ürümqi is brimming with possibilities. The Xinjiang Economic Development Zone adds tax incentives and support, making it a strategic spot for bold investors willing to venture into the unknown.
The Seed - Ep5 - all things EuroVC and startup ecosystem
by Dan Bowyer, Partner at SuperSeed VC. | Originally published on YouTube.
Why it matters: This episode dives into the global VC landscape, emphasizing the US economy's ripple effect on global markets and the unique challenges of raising capital across borders.
European VCs are encouraged to step up in tech policy and politics, leveraging their position to shape the future. For founders, the choice between bootstrapping or seeking VC hinges on ambition—whether they aim for a lifestyle business or a global powerhouse. The discussion underscores the need for more accessible venture capital avenues through fund of funds and platforms.
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Are the Americans eating our lunch?
by Daniel Keiper-Knorr, Founding Partner of Speedinvest
Speedinvest and INSEAD are conducting a survey among LPs to find out why they are not allocating more to European GPs despite recent evidence that European VC is doing at least as well as its American counterparts.
The survey consists of 21 questions and will take you a maximum of 5 minutes to complete. Let’s support each other in shaping the future of European venture!
Stock market crash, August be quiet - how's the economy responding?
by Mario Peshev, author of The Growth Blueprint. | Originally published on The Growth Blueprint.
Why it matters: The global stock market lost $2 trillion, sparked by Japan's worst crash since 1987, recession fears, and geopolitical instability. These factors, coupled with the decline in consumer attention due to seasonal distractions like the Olympics, have created a volatile environment for investors.
The impact is widespread—crypto took a major hit, and businesses are navigating through internal turbulence and budget exhaustion. VCs and entrepreneurs must stay vigilant of global macroeconomic forces to avoid unexpected pitfalls and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Making new Greek Entrepreneurs
by The Greek Analyst | Originally published on The Greek Analyst.
Why it matters: Greece is lagging in entrepreneurship, with only 6.7% of adults involved in starting or running a business—one of the lowest rates in Europe. Cultural, economic, and political barriers are holding back potential entrepreneurs, particularly women and other underrepresented groups.
Despite Greece's historical roots in trade and business, the current environment is stifling innovation. Addressing these challenges could unlock significant economic potential, especially by empowering women entrepreneurs and leveraging the diaspora's willingness to invest.
Choose the bank made for the innovation economy.
HSBC Innovation Banking take a relationship-first approach, bringing passion, dedication & unparalleled international connections to enhance your prospects for success.
