EUVC Newsletter | 25.11.2024
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 Lunar Ventures, VU Venture Partners, Eka Ventures, Teklas Ventures and many more European firms.
Click here to submit your own articles, events or projects 📥
Tapping Private Wealth - One of the most common questions we get is how to efficiently raise capital from private wealth.
Our structuring team at EUVC has been a real game-changer for us in this space. We’ve managed to onboard private investors through a simple, streamlined feeder structure, and what used to take weeks now happens in minutes.
It’s been such a time-saver, allowing us to focus on the bigger picture without getting bogged down by admin. If you’re facing similar challenges, feel free to reach out - happy to share what worked for us.
✍🏻 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.
📝 Article | STRUCTURED FAILURE: EU & US Divergence. Part 5.
by Owen Reynolds from Teklas Ventures, the VC arm of a family office associated with Teklas. | Originally published on EUVC.
Why it matters: The cultural and legal divergences between Europe and the US around failure aren’t just philosophical; they shape the risk appetite of founders and investors. US case law enables flexible bankruptcy, encouraging entrepreneurial experimentation. In contrast, Napoleonic code law in Europe burdens founders with high personal risk, discouraging bold moves. This legal rigidity spills into board dynamics, making active board involvement risky across the Atlantic.
For VCs, this means fewer high-risk, high-reward startups in Europe and a stark difference in founder resilience when dealing with failure. Investors on both sides must navigate these systemic gaps, shaping how they allocate funds and engage with portfolios.
📝 Article | What are the real frustrations of Emerging Managers?
by Andreas Munk Holm, creator turned angel LP and the founder of EUVC.
Why it matters: Emerging Managers face systemic roadblocks that hinder innovation in venture capital. LPs often dismiss them for lacking traditional GP experience, prioritizing finance pedigrees over hands-on operational expertise. At the same time, service providers exploit their limited budgets with overpriced fees and shady practices, turning the ecosystem into a financial minefield.
Critical gaps in education—like fund structuring, compliance, and fundraising from international LPs—leave these trailblazers navigating blind. Without mentorship, affordable resources, and a supportive ecosystem, the barriers to entry are stifling. For an industry obsessed with disruption, failing to back its freshest talent risks stagnation.
🏔️ EUVC Couples’ Getaway on June 5 - 8, 2025
📝 Article | gener8tor Luxembourg Accelerator Unveils 2024 cohort at Luxembourg Venture Days
by Menachem Tabanpour, Managing Director at gener8tor Luxembourg
Why it matters: The 2024 gener8tor Luxembourg cohort showcases four startups—Äerd Lab, BIM-Y, Vestis Labs, and CyberSeQ—selected from over 200 applications. This highlights Luxembourg's commitment to fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem, backed by €100K in funding and €1M in perks.
With a focus on sustainability and market transformation, these startups signal Europe's push to compete globally in tech and entrepreneurship. Programs like this equip startups not just with cash but with crucial mentorship and network access—essential ingredients for scaling. For VCs, these accelerators are fertile grounds for discovering high-potential, mission-driven startups ready to shape future industries.
🎥 Webinar recording | 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. Funds from the 2022 vintage have deployed just 43% of their capital at the two-year mark, lagging previous vintages’ 47-60% deployment rates—a cautious approach reflecting market uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the graduation rate from Seed to Series A has dropped to 15.4% for Q1 2022 startups, half of what it was for the 2018 cohort. Even more concerning for LPs: less than 10% of 2021 funds have achieved any DPI after three years, raising questions about liquidity in the ecosystem. Watch this recording for an exclusive data-driven session into Carta’s latest VC Fund Performance data through a European perspective.
🎙Podcast | Prosus Ventures' Sandeep Bakshi on the evolution of the European marketplace landscape
Andreas and Sandeep discuss the evolving dynamics of early-stage investing across Europe and beyond, sharing insights into how Prosus Ventures identifies opportunities in a global landscape.
Sandeep offers his perspective on navigating the European VC scene, reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities facing founders today. The conversation also covers the role of strategic capital in scaling startups, with a focus on the sectors and trends shaping the next decade.
💬 EUVC Community | LP AMA with Vinthera’s Rodrigo Ferreira
Join us for an exclusive AMA session with Rodrigo Ferreira Investment Director at Vinthera.
Prior to joining Vinthera, Rodrigo Ferreira gained 5 years of experience backing VC fund managers across the globe as Principal and Investment Team lead at boutique fund of funds firm BFP. There he played a key role in over 20 fund investments and managed a portfolio of more than 50 funds with top decile aggregate returns.
This AMA is part of our ongoing series of small-group sessions designed to foster deep, meaningful discussions within the VC community. Participation is free for members of our community, but spots are limited.
📝 Article | Market acceleration, ongoing staff cuts - and gen Z needs to level up
by Mario Peshev, author of The Growth Blueprint. | Originally published on The Growth Blueprint.
Why it matters: Markets are rallying post-election with budget thawing, S&P gains, and crypto buzz. Yet, despite the optimism, businesses remain cautious—reluctant to hire and pushing AI and automation to cut costs. This is driving a shift toward "inverse SaaS" (service-as-a-software), a $4.6T opportunity reshaping industries by replacing repetitive roles with AI solutions.
Meanwhile, Gen Z’s workplace expectations—high pay, low effort, and emphasis on flexibility—are clashing with the growing demand for AI-savvy and adaptable talent. For startups and VCs, this signals a dual challenge: navigating a tight talent market while betting on companies primed to thrive in an AI-first world. Adaptability and efficiency are the new gold standards.
The State of European Tech by Atomico
The State of European Tech launched its annual report alongside the first ever documentary about the European technology ecosystem. Together with Atomico, we’re delighted to present the story of Europe’s journey so far, the challenges we face today and what’s to come in future.
📝 Article | The Consumerisation of Climate (Part 3)
by Estia Ryan, Principal & Head of Research at Eka Ventures. | Originally published on Eka Ventures Newsletter.
Why it matters: Enabling technologies in supply chains, logistics, and recycling are revolutionizing the green economy. Companies like Sourceful, Hived, and UseAgain are proving critical in tackling inefficiencies, carbon emissions, and waste.
AI-driven supply chain tools like Sourceful optimize decisions on materials and emissions, while Hived’s electric fleets decarbonize last-mile deliveries. Reverse logistics and AI recycling tech from players like Recycleye are closing the loop, paving the way for a circular economy.
🗓️ Event | Conscious Family Business - a blueprint for the presentation of your legacy
Family businesses face unique challenges in preserving both legacy and growth. Join Alex Felman, founder of Exponential U and family business expert, for a discussion on ‘Conscious Family Business’—a model that creates lasting impact.
The event will explore how families can tackle behavioral risks, build alignment, and foster entrepreneurial spirit across generations. Gain insights into our tailored program, offering tools and strategies to help family-owned businesses lead through conscious, values-driven decision-making.
🎙Podcast | Giano Capital's Alberto Chalon on a deep dive in how to master the sell-side of secondaries
Andreas and Alberto dive deep into the sell-side of venture secondaries, exploring the fundamentals that drive the market, the motivations of key players, and the nuances of preparing for a sale. Alberto shares his sophisticated approach to buyer processes, using a quantitative scorecard, and provides a practical guide for sellers navigating valuation, pricing, and legal challenges. Their conversation also addresses the current dynamics and trends shaping the secondaries market, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to succeed.
📝 Article | Munich Becomes the European Hub for Venture Capital
by Remy Goldstein, Partner for Europe at Venture University & VU Venture Partners.
Why it matters: Venture University is bringing its globally acclaimed Investor Accelerator program to Europe, with a new HQ in Munich. This move aims to boost the quantity and quality of European investor talent, addressing the gap between available startup accelerators and the need for well-trained, "smart capital" providers.
VU Europe’s program combines academic rigor with hands-on experience, letting participants build a track record with up to 25 investments annually. With over 100 global investments and alumni already shaping the industry, this initiative positions Munich as a key player in advancing Europe’s VC and PE ecosystems. For VCs, LPs, and angel investors, this represents a unique opportunity to upskill and shape the next generation of European innovation leaders.
by Michael Sidgmore, Co-founder & Partner at Broadhaven Ventures. | Originally published on Alt Goes Mainstream.
Why it matters: Ben Carlson of Ritholtz Wealth Management unpacks the evolving role of asset allocation in wealth management, highlighting how private markets, alternatives, and even crypto reshape investor mindsets. His candid take: documenting investment decisions is critical, and content creation is a game-changer for advisors looking to build transparency and trust.
With $5B AUM under Ritholtz’s wing, Carlson also delves into private markets’ behavioral benefits, the importance of culture in manager selection, and why younger investors’ comfort with volatility might not be all good news. For VCs and LPs, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the intersection of traditional wealth management and innovative financial strategies.
📝 Article | State of the Future! Part Deux
by Lawrence Lundy, Partner, Research at Lunar Ventures. | Originally published on State of the Future.
Why it matters: AI isn’t just a tech revolution—it’s the largest capital allocation project in history, intertwining energy, semiconductors, geopolitics, and more. By 2030, scaling AI could demand $1 trillion and 100GW of power, equivalent to building an entirely new infrastructure around compute. Big names like Microsoft and Nvidia are already securing power contracts and pre-ordering chips to fuel this future. ⚡
Key focus areas: scaling AI infrastructure, deploying intelligence at near-zero cost, and securing AI for societal acceptance. For VCs, it’s a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity touching everything from advanced data centers to edge devices. If you’re in ClimateTech or Energy, this might just be your rebrand to “AI and Climate.”
Benoit is an advocate for innovation and technology in Europe, frequently speaking on the global stage for tech founders, policymakers, and institutions such as the NYSE and the European Commission.
We’ll dive into the origins and mission of the eu/acc movement—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s rallying founders and policymakers to create a unified European startup ecosystem. We’ll explore the root challenges facing Europe, from market fragmentation to scaling barriers, and the actionable solutions that the EU Accelerationism movement proposes to accelerate progress.
📝 Article | New Consumer markets with AI
by Joe Seager-Dupuy, Director at True. | Originally published on True blog.
Why it matters: AI is redefining consumer markets by making traditionally high-cost services—like legal advice—more accessible. This mirrors past tech revolutions, such as PCs and the gig economy, where innovation slashed costs and unlocked massive new demand.
The rapid pace of AI adoption, driven by major corporations, offers scalable solutions that enable market expansion. True highlights the potential for entirely new billion-dollar markets, from AI-powered “pocket lawyers” to broader applications transforming everyday life. For investors, the lesson is that history shows these disruptions often create winners far larger than anticipated.
📝 Article | How do technology and startup ecosystems come to life?
by Ander Lopez Delgado - Entrepreneurship Manager at the Basque Culinary Center. | Originally published on Linkedin.
Why it matters: Universities are the unsung heroes behind major startup ecosystems, acting as innovation hubs that spark knowledge sharing and entrepreneurship. Think Stanford for Silicon Valley or MIT for Boston—academic institutions are the launchpads for global tech success.
Even less traditional centers like the Basque Culinary Center demonstrate how targeted knowledge hubs can catalyze specialized ecosystems. For VCs, this reinforces the critical role of academic institutions as both a talent pipeline and a source of cutting-edge innovation to watch.
📝 Article | The challenge to attract private capital from other countries into Estonian funds
by The Estonian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EstVCA).
Why it matters: Estonia’s private equity and VC sector has scaled from €70M to over €3B in assets in just 15 years, becoming a critical driver of innovation in the Baltics and beyond. For VCs and LPs, Estonia offers a vibrant, ambitious ecosystem with untapped opportunities in the fast-growing New Nordic region.
Investments like the Baltic Innovation Fund have boosted the region’s competitiveness, but challenges remain in attracting international private capital to further expand Estonian funds’ global footprint. However, unlocking cross-border investment and fostering stronger regulatory cooperation are now key priorities.
🎙Podcast | The UrbanTech VC #37 | Katharina Wäschenbach: Follow Your Intuition
Why it matters: Katharina Wäschenbach’s journey with Dearest, a relationship app for millennials now acquired by PIMA Health Group, highlights the power of intuition in entrepreneurship and the value of resilience during uncertainty. 💡
Her insights on navigating startup life are gold for founders: trust your gut—if it’s not a clear yes, it’s a no. Katharina also emphasizes time management as a tool—letting go when needed and giving space for decisions to evolve. A must-hear for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
✍🏻 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.
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.