At this year’s EUVC Summit, the “Newcomer of the Year” award didn’t go to someone just making noise—it went to a team making real moves. A team built for the long game. A team proving that even when entering late, you can lead early.
Shapers VC took home the honor. And in the words of Phil himself:
“Being new is not easy. But this team makes it look easy.”
Why It Matters: Community, Conviction & Timing
What makes a great newcomer?
At EUVC, we looked for three things:
Performance — Are they picking winners or building platforms?
Perspective — Are they differentiated, or derivative?
Community & Conviction — Are they lifting the ecosystem around them?
Shapers VC showed up on all three.
Backed by over 60 FinTech founders and operators, they’re building the kind of platform that’s more than capital. It’s signal. It’s support. It’s sweat equity from people who’ve been in the trenches.
“Community is core to us. Most of our LPs are strategic—it’s what makes our model work.”
– Greg Brown, Shapers VC
The Power of Showing Up Late (and Ready)
Greg put it simply:
“When everyone else left the party, that’s when we showed up.”
Shapers wasn’t chasing a trend. They were responding to a gap—stepping in when others were stepping back. In FinTech, timing is everything. And they timed it with intent.
“It probably feels weird to receive an award just as we’re getting started. But shining a light on emerging managers matters—and we’re honored to be in that spotlight.”
Betting on the Next Generation
Phil’s closing message was one we believe in deeply:
“There are so many strong emerging managers striking out on their own right now. Some are in this room. Recognizing them isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.”
At EUVC, we don’t just celebrate the legends. We champion the next ones.
And if this year’s award is any sign—Shapers VC is one to watch.
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