EUVC Newsletter | 24.02.2025
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 📥
EUVC | Last seats available for VC Fund Finance Masterclass ⏰
There is no straight line to go through fund financing. You need a process to choose the right type of financing for your fund and navigate the hundreds of players (all with different regulations). What works for a fund might not work for yours, and that’s why we invited one of the best in the industry to help you nail this topic.
With over 20 years of experience in Private Markets, James Rock Perring helped fund managers, PE firms, and investors secure financing exceeding €1.3B across subscription lines, portfolio financing, and GP financing. Now, he is bringing these insights to our next masterclass.
Here’s what Joe Schorge from Isomer Capital had to say about working with James.
💬 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.
Venture in Eastern Europe 2024 Report – Now Available!
Explore the latest trends shaping the startup and investment landscape across 22 Eastern European countries. The Venture in Eastern Europe 2024 Report by How to Web provides in-depth insights into the region’s top startups, key funding data, and emerging opportunities.
🎙Podcast | Atomico's Tom Wehmeier on the State of European Tech, regulations, and more
Why it matters: In this episode, Andreas talks with Tom Wehmeier, Head of Intelligence at Atomico, to discuss the State of European Tech and what’s shaping the ecosystem's future. For over a decade, Tom has been at the forefront of data-driven investment strategies, market education, and ecosystem analysis at Atomico. He leads the firm's intelligence efforts, sits on the investment committee, and shapes European venture capital policy discussions.
Tom shares insights into Europe’s confidence crisis, the impact of regulation, and the future of AI and deep tech. He unpacks key findings from the latest State of European Tech report, discussing capital gaps, liquidity challenges, and why Europe’s fragmented markets can be a strength. The discussion also covers public market dynamics, how Europe can compete in AI, and government collaboration's role in deep tech innovation.
📝 Article | Diary of an emerging manager - Part 1: The Decision
Why it matters: A raw, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a VC fund from scratch. This anonymous emerging manager calls out the industry’s sacred cows—public money distorting incentives, VC accelerators prioritizing themselves over fund managers, and the failure of “impact” capital to generate returns.
The takeaway? Raising a fund isn’t just about having a great thesis; it’s about navigating an outdated system while trying to fix its fundamental flaws. If 9 out of 10 startups fail, maybe the problem isn’t them—it’s us.
📝 Article | Italian Venture Capital is Growing and Strengthening: is there a European opportunity?
Why it matters: The Italian Venture Capital market is undergoing a period of rapid evolution, gaining an increasingly relevant position in the European landscape. According to the State of Italian VC 2024 report by P101 SGR, coming on February 25, the sector has made significant progress over the past decade.
EUVC has had exclusive access to key data from the report. Here’s why Italy is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international capital.
📝 Article | How to Web & Infobip Release "Venture in Eastern Europe 2024 Report”: Eastern Europe Attracts €3.89 Billion in Venture Capital
Why it matters: Eastern Europe isn’t just an emerging market anymore—it’s a full-fledged VC battleground. With €3.89B across 1,286 deals in 2024, the region is proving its resilience and growing appeal to investors. Late-stage funding dominated (90% of total capital), signaling confidence in scaling startups.
Romania held strong with €100M+ VC funding for the fourth year, while Poland, Turkey, and the Baltics led the charge. The takeaway? Smart money is flowing east, and if you're not looking at Eastern Europe, you're missing out.
🎙 Podcast | Software Fatigue, Working Capital, And The Power Of Knowledge
Why it matters: Construction tech is hitting pause on the SaaS spree—major contractors are prioritizing integration over new tools, signaling a slowdown in software adoption.
For AEC tech startups, this means shifting focus from aggressive sales to proving ROI through working capital efficiency. Meanwhile, VCs in this space are realizing that deep industry expertise, not just network clout, is the real edge. Translation? Spray-and-pray investing won’t cut it in AEC tech—only the nerds will survive.
📝 Article | Explore The Pain: Pain Leads to the Truth
Why it matters: Marvin Liao argues that anger and discomfort are signals, often pointing to inconvenient truths we need to face. For founders and investors, ignoring tough feedback (from customers, LPs, or even Twitter trolls) is just kicking the can down the road.
The best advisors? The ones who call out your BS. VCs, take note: if your founders aren’t pissed at you sometimes, you’re probably not pushing them hard enough.
Why it matters: In this episode of our CVC series, Andreas and our CVC in-house expert, Jeppe Høier, sit down with Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of TDK Corporation, a global leader in electronics and materials technology. With $350 million in AUM across three funds, TDK Ventures focuses on hard tech, deep tech, and energy transformation. It invests between $250K and $10 million per deal while balancing strategic alignment with venture-scale returns.
Nicolas shares how TDK Ventures bridges the gap between startups and a global corporate parent, the power of patience in CVC, and why he believes nuclear fusion will be the defining energy source of the future.
📝 Article | D5 Insights to Remember From Duolingo Handbook
Why it matters: Duolingo’s playbook is a masterclass in consumer app dominance—big problems = big business, speed wins, and customer obsession drives product evolution. With 4M+ App Store reviews and viral network effects (peer pressure in its purest form), it’s a case study in sticky, impact-driven products.
For VCs, the takeaway is clear: execution speed, cult-like user engagement, and creative marketing separate winners from the noise. Oh, and don’t challenge the green owl. He will find you.
🎙 Podcast | Roundtable discussion on The State of Venture in Eastern Europe and more
Why it matters: In this episode of the EUVC podcast, Andreas is joined by Bogdan Iordache, General Partner at Underline Ventures, and Jakob Stein, Vice President at Creandum, for a roundtable discussion on the latest insights from the Venture in Eastern Europe Report launched yesterday by How to Web Conference.
We explore why Eastern European founders have to work harder to prove themselves, how global investors are adapting their strategies for the region, and which startup hubs are leading the charge in gaming, SaaS, and AI. We’ll also unpack the findings from the latest Venture in Eastern Europe report, which highlights key investment trends, the role of local and international capital, and the biggest challenges still facing founders in the region.
📝 Article | Rocks Are Rocking the Venture Capital World
Why it matters: Climate tech is moving beyond software, and the new frontier? Rocks. Direct Air Capture and Carbon Storage (DACCS) is gaining traction as VCs bet big on negative emissions technologies to counter unavoidable CO₂ output. With the DACCS market expected to hit $37.5B by 2033, early-stage investors see major potential—especially in regions like Iceland, Kenya, and the U.S., where geological storage and renewable energy align.
The challenge? High energy costs and infrastructure hurdles. But with falling prices and increasing regulatory backing, betting on carbon-sucking rocks might just be the next deep tech gold rush.
📝 Article | Antibody-Drug Conjugates: A Hype or Opportunity
Why it matters: Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are biotech’s next big bet, with 60+ startups racing to optimize this cancer-killing tech. With Enhertu hitting $2.5B in 2023 sales and the ADC market expected to grow beyond $15.4B by 2029, VCs are piling in.
The big challenge? Safety and specificity—any off-target toxicity can tank an ADC’s chances. Meanwhile, pharma giants are snapping up ADC startups (Genmab’s $1.8B acquisition of ProfoundBio) in a multi-billion M&A spree. If you’re not watching ADCs, you’re missing one of biotech’s most lucrative exit paths.
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!
✍🏻 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 now for EUVC Awards
Nominate the champions of European venture across six marquee categories: Firm of The Year, Emerging Manager of The Year, Newcomer of The Year, Impact Leader of The Year, Achievement of The Year, and Exit of The Year.
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.
